Interventionist Agreement Renewed for 2020
Contact: Megan Traficano, Youth Services Director
708-445-2727; mtraficano@oakparktownship.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2020
YOUTH SERVICES INTERVENTIONIST AGREEMENT RENEWED FOR 2020
Oak Park and River Forest Township Youth Services is pleased to continue to partner with the following taxing bodies on the Youth Interventionist Program: Oak Park Township, River Forest Township, District 90, District 97, District 200, Oak Park Public Library, River Forest Public Library, Park District of Oak Park and River Forest Park District. The Youth Interventionist Program focuses on long term and short term interventions with youth around crisis and trauma, anxiety and depression, behavioral issues, school refusal and attendance issues, and gang involvement. The Youth Services staff wants to thank the above 9 taxing bodies for the continued collaboration and coordination with to help serve youth and provide a wrap around of community support.
During the Oak Park Township Board meeting on May 26th, a new intergovernmental agreement for the Oak Park Township Youth Interventionist Program was reached. Youth Services Director Megan Traficano stated that the agreement will be in effect from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.
“I really value and enjoy the partnership with the other 9 taxing bodies. It shows how dedicated we all are to making sure that youth needs are met, by working together and collaborating. It is important for youth to feel connected the community and I am thankful that our partners also see that importance.”- Megan Traficano
The Youth Interventionist Program is a free program for any youth ages 6-18 years old who reside in the Oak Park or River Forest community.
“The Interventionists have seen an increased need for mental health services along with behavioral issues and school related challenges. Many youth are experiencing an increase in mental health symptoms related to the uncertainty of COVID-19 from fear of the unknown to concerns related to school return and social interactions.”- Sara Marx, Youth Interventionist Supervisor
Who the team is:
The Interventionist Team is made up of three highly educated members. Sara Marx as a licensed clinical professional counselor and national board-certified counselor, Laura Devitt a master level social worker, and Raheem Young an experienced case manager with a doctorate in business administration. Each interventionist brings unique style and experience to the team that enables them to work with many different youth concerns.
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