Programs and Services

YSB offers the following services. Please click on a link for more information:

Crossroads
Restitution Assistance Program
Youth & Family Counseling
Runaway/Lockout Crisis Intervention
Alcohol & Drug Early Intervention
DeKalb County Youth Project
Tobacoo Intervention Program
Unified Delinquency Intervention Services
Active Parenting of Teens
TeenREACH
Girls Empowerment Group
YSB Speakers Bureau

Crossroads
The Crossroads Program, a special service of YFC, is designed for DeKalb County youth ages 10-17 who have never been arrested yet are at risk of juvenile justice system involvement. This program offers a free two-session assessment and individual and family counseling. Mentoring and financial assistance for psychological and/or psychiatric evaluation are available when deemed appropriate.

 

Restitution Assistance Program (RAP)
The Restitution Assistance Program (RAP) offers youth under the age of 16 who are involved with the juvenile justice system the opportunity to pay off their debts and learn job skills in the process. Youth in this program gain knowledge of their interests and skills and learn about additional skills needed for successful employment.

 

Youth & Family Counseling (YFC)
YSB offers counseling for youth ages 8-18 and their families. Referrals for this program may come from the youth, a family member, school, the police, DCFS, or Court Services. Youth can also be referred for a comprehensive three-session counseling assessment, which provides recommendations for further services.

 

Runaway/Lockout Crisis Intervention (CCBYS)
This program assists families through a runaway or lock-out crisis situation by providing immediate intervention as well as follow-up counseling. The goal for services through this program is to keep families together and to prevent DCFS and/or court involvement through counseling.

 

Drug & Alcohol Early Intervention (EIP)
EIPis designed to educate teens about tobacco, alcohol, and drug-related issues. A two-session screening assessment is used to gather drug/alcohol history and make recommendations for services. This program uses group education to provide accurate information regarding alcohol/drug use and exploration of the decision-making process involved in making healthy choices. It also offers process groups in our DeKalb County schools.

 

DeKalb County Youth Project (DCYP)
Youth Project is geared for youth between the ages of 13-17 who are displaying angry, aggressive and/or violent behaviors. Qualifying youth are referred to one of two psycho-educational groups. SYNC – Supporting Youth for Nonviolent Choices, assists youth who display at-risk behaviors for perpetrating violence towards others. META – Managing Emotions, Thoughts and Actions, is designed to help youth who display difficulty dealing with problems that arise from peer pressure and stress. A comprehensive assessment is conducted to determine program eligibility and group placement.

 

Tobacco Intervention Program (TIP)
TIP is designed to provide assessment, education, and guidance to youth who are using tobacco products. Qualifying youth are referred to a four-week psycho-educational group where youth identify smoking patterns and learn tobacco fact and strategies for making changes which promote a healthier lifestyle.

 

Unified Delinquency Intervention Services (UDIS)
UDIS is an intensive program for court-involved youth at risk of commitment to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Counseling, mentoring, employment, education and service coordination are offered. A team approach is used to prevent the youth from IDOC commitment and help them get out of the court system by making positive, life enhancing choices. Youth must be court-ordered by a judge into the program.

 

Active Parenting of Teens (APT)
APT is a six-session skills-building workshop for parents of teens. The video-based workshop is designed to help parents learn how to more effectively communicate with their teens in ways which foster responsibility, successful conflict resolution and self-esteem.

 

TeenREACH (SpartanREACH)
TeenREACH is an after-school program offered by the Sycamore School District for academic and life skill enrichment. The program is offered to Sycamore Junior High students as well as some Sycamore elementary school students. DCYSB contracts with the TeenREACH program to provide mentoring services, career exploration, volunteerism opportunities and experiential therapy. Youth are referred to the program by school district personnel.

 

Girls Empowerment Group (GEG)
The Girls Empowerment Group is based on the VOICES curriculum and encourages girls to see and celebrate their “true selves” by giving them a safe space, encouragement, structure and support to embrace their important journey of self discovery. A strength based approach helps girls identify and apply their power and voice as individuals and as a group focusing on issues that are important in the lives of adolescent girls. Topics include learning about self, connecting with others, exploring health living and planning the future. The aim of the program is to provide education, and supportive counseling geared toward the specific needs of adolescent girls. This program was developed in collaboration with The Family Center at Northern Illinois University.

 

YSB Speakers Bureau
YSB offers staff members as speakers to social service agencies, schools, community organizations and others as a way to increase knowledge about specific topics related to staff expertise. Topics include: Parenting issues, drug/alcohol issues, emotional management, working with adolescence, juvenile justice, bullying and many others. Most speaking engagements are conducted for free or at a minimal cost.