The Youth Interventionist Program:

Collaborative Crisis Intervention with Young Knuckleheads

(i.e., Youth involved in Gangs, Drugs and Violence)

John FS Williams, M.Ed., C.H.

Director, Youth Services

jwilliams@oakparktownship.org

Bert Patania, M.Ed.

bpatania@oakparktownship.org

Youth Interventionist Team Supervisor,

Youth Services, Oak Park and River Forest Townships

105 S, Oak Park Avenue

Oak Park, IL 60302

708 445-2727

ext 130 John ext 119 Bert

The mission of the Youth Intervention Program is to intervene in the lives of school age Youth who are suspected of involvement with gang activity, drug or alcohol abuse and/or violence. Youth clients may be involved directly or affected by any of the following targeted areas.

This session is focused on practical application of strategies and techniques developed and used to good effect within the structure. Presenters will describe the Collaborative Community Based Program Design, the skill set and training of the Staff, the Referral Process, and 3 Step Process of Intervention/Case Management. Will share data and knowledge gleaned from working with over 470 families.

Will describe and demonstrate a variety of proven strategies for engaging with high at risk/difficult toengage youth and families and techniques for diffusing crisis, reducing violence, and bringing together resources in a powerful and effective manner with clients whom are commonly referred to as "therapist slayers".
Presenters include the Designer/Administrator and the Team Supervisor of this intensive case management program. Both are certified gang specialists with extensive backgrounds in working with at-risk Youth and Families,crisis intervention, substance abuse, programming, and violence prevention in multiple settings.

This is a model program recognized by the National Mayors Conference, Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and the Department of Justice. The program is funded
via an Intergovernmental Agreement brokered and maintained since 1996between 11 local governing boards including 3 school districts, 2 Villages, 2 Townships, 2 Libraries, and 2 Park Districts.

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