During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential renewal of an intergovernmental agreement aimed at enhancing youth services in Oak Park. The Village of Oak Park is considering joining a collaborative program that has been in place for over two decades, previously established with Oak Park Township until 2019.

Megan Traficano, the director of youth and family services for Oak Park Township, presented the revamped program, which has shifted its focus from interventionist strategies to a more holistic youth engagement approach. This change, initiated in 2019, was driven by a growing recognition of mental health issues among local youth. The program now offers free mental health counseling for children aged 6 to 18, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, without charging families or their insurance providers.

Traficano highlighted the program's evolution, noting that it now employs licensed social workers and provides a range of services, including support groups, home visits, and bilingual therapy options. The program also engages in community crisis response, offering immediate support during critical incidents, such as the recent death of a faculty member at a local high school.

Laura Devitt, the youth engagement program manager, shared current statistics indicating that the program is experiencing growth, with 42 clients receiving regular services as of August 2024. The data reflects a diverse client base, with a significant number of participants from local school districts. Devitt emphasized the program's success in helping youth achieve personal goals, citing examples of students overcoming social anxiety.

The meeting concluded with a call for questions from the Village Trustees, as officials expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the renewed intergovernmental agreement for the community's youth services.