Adult Workshops & Services

Warren Township Youth Services provides a variety of parenting and adult groups. None of the programs provide certificates of completion and no one is mandated to receive services. Limited childcare is offered for some programs and must be requested at the time of the registration. If you have any questions about residency or the group material, please call 847-244-1101, ext. *401. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. +The fee allows a spouse or co-parent to attend the parenting group for the listed dates. Need-based scholarships available.
All groups are held at 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031 and virtually (unless otherwise noted).

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

CHADD is a national non-profit group dedicated to educating, advocating and supporting those dealing with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). CHADD of Northern Illinois holds monthly support and informational meetings for anyone living with ADHD, their caregivers, spouses/partners, educators, professionals, and anyone wanting to learn more about ADHD. The group is facilitated by Lisa Alexoff, LPC, NCC and Eric Tivers, LCSW. For topics and info, please visit the Northern Illinois CHADD Meetup page.
Group meets every First Monday of the month from 6:15-8:00pm at Youth Services.

QPR. Question. Persuade. Refer

Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide

QPR is an internationally recognized suicide intervention program designed to help you have a conversation with someone having thoughts of suicide. You will be trained to recognize suicide warning signs, approach someone who may be at risk, persuade the person to seek appropriate services, and connect the person to resources that will help.

Similar to CPR, QPR is intended to educate and empower all people to make a positive and effective difference in the life of someone in a mental health crisis, no matter your background or experience.

Attend a Warren Township QPR workshop and learn how to support your family, friends and colleagues in need by effectively employing the three steps of QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer. Workshops can discuss how to help adults or youth

Please email Becky De Rosa or call 847.244.1101 ext. *403 for more information.

No Worry Guide to Raising the Anxious Child

Dr. Cassiday’s workshop will help parents understand their child’s anxiety and how to ease it, while also showing parents how to reconcile their own fears and worries that come with raising an anxious child. Parent will learn tips and strategies from evidence-based therapies, such as CBT, ACT and exposure therapy, and the cultural pressures to be a ‘perfect parent’. Dr. Cassiday gives advice on how to build resilience, compassion and gratitude so that anxiety can take the back seat in your family. With a focus on acceptance and growth rather than ‘curing,’ this workshop will help you and your child to thrive and find joy even during the worst bouts of anxiety.

Day: Wednesday Date: 2/9/2022 Time: 6:30 - 7:45 pm Location: Via Zoom

Click here to watch recording

Understanding Special Education Law:

Be an active and informed partner in the IEP process

This workshop will address such issues as legal rights to services, participating as a member of the IEP Team, how to monitor your child’s success and more. This interactive workshop will review preparation, participation and follow-up to IEP meetings. Presented by attorney Neal Takiff at Whitted Takiff,, LLC.

Day: Wednesday Date: 3/9/2022 Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm Fee: Free Location: Via Zoom

Special Education Law Handout

Effective Limit Setting – It is Easy as A,B,C,D

Setting limits is one of the most critical aspects of child-rearing, and yet many parents find limit setting challenging or are uncertain of how set limits effectively. This workshop makes limit setting simple and easy. We will teach you the ABCD Plan for Limit Setting” that is guaranteed to make life smoother for years to come. When parents know how to effectively and consistently set clear limits, there is little or no push back. Explaining, lecturing, bribing, and power struggles diminish and life becomes more peaceful. In this workshop parents will learn:

•   Why limits are critical to healthy development.
•   Guidelines for making the ABCD Plan for Limit Setting” effective
•   How to remain calm and confident when setting rules and limits
•   To help their children resist peer pressure and stand up for themselves
•   How to communicate your values to children

Day: Thursday Date: 4/7/2022 Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm Fee: Free Location: Via Zoom

Click here to register Effective Limit Setting Handout

PARENTING THE ADHD CHILD

A positive approach to understanding your ADHD child.

This 4-week program presents information about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including embracing its strengths, understanding common challenges, and useful approaches to parenting. This program will also address the current challenges of virtual learning and physical distancing amidst the pandemic and will also provide useful strategies for these challenges. Parents will be encouraged to openly discuss their challenges and try new strategies in the home. Parents will not only develop a better understanding of the disorder, but will learn practical interventions by Lisa Alexoff, LCPC from Aspire Counseling, Consulting, and Creative Solutions, LLC in Gurnee.

Day: TBD Date: TBD Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Weeks: TBD Fee: $20 R / $50 NR Location: TBD

PARENTING THE ANXIOUS CHILD

How to better understand and help your child.

This 2-week group provides parents a better understanding of what anxiety is and how it uniquely impacts children, role of attachment, practical strategies for parenting and tips that can help their children. Parents are encouraged to openly discuss their challenges and try new strategies at home. This group is open to parents of children formally diagnosed with anxiety or whose worrying impacts their life. This group is presented by child and family therapist Alison Koehler, LCPC.

Day: TBD Date: TBD Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Fee: $20 R*/$40 NR Registration is per couple Location: TBD