Above / The Naperville Municipal Center, aka City Hall, is located at 400 S. Eagle Street. At this time, public entry is through the main entrance, a short distance from Council Chambers.
KidsMatter and the Naperville Police Department are set to host a forum, “Protecting Our Children: Understanding and Monitoring Youth Mental Health,” beginning at 7PM on Thurs., Feb. 24, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. The public is invited.
The event presented in Council Chambers also will be available online via livestream at https://kidsmatter2us.org/programs/youth-mental-health-forum/.
“We are grateful to the DuPage Foundation for providing a grant to support this event,” noted Nina Menis, CEO-Executive Director for KidsMatter.
The Feb. 24 event will consist of a panel discussion with local experts explaining the types of stressors local teens are facing today, the warning signs that a child is struggling with depression or suicidal ideations, and practical ways parents can monitor for these signs.
Panel of professionals will present program
- Detective Theresa Stock is a 20-year veteran of the Naperville Police Department currently assigned to the department’s Investigations Divisions as the High-Tech Crimes Investigator.
- Ryan S. Lauterwasser, LCPC, CADC, is currently the manager of the Adolescent Inpatient Unit and Eating Disorder Service Line and co-chair for the Inpatient Suicide Prevention Committee at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health.
- Matthew Caston, MA, LCPC, is a mental health counselor with the Fox Valley Institute providing treatment for mental and emotional health issues including anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal impulses.
Q&A and Resource Fair will follow presentation
Attendees also will have the opportunity to speak individually with panelists and representatives from other area organizations and service providers during an on-site resource fair, hosted by the Collaborative Youth Team, immediately following the presentation.
A complete list of resource fair participants is available on the event webpage with a click here.
Why NPD and KidsMatter will host
“Our officers go to so many calls involving young people in crisis, and so often we hear from parents that they didn’t realize their child was struggling. We couldn’t just sit by and not do something to try to help,” said Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres. “The signs that indicate a youth is struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal ideations can be difficult to pick up on, but through this event, we hope to help parents begin to recognize those signs, know where to look for them and understand how to address them.”
According to the KidsMatter website, individuals are welcome to submit questions anonymously for the panel of experts to answer.
“We are really encouraging in-person attendance, to give attendees the opportunity to fully take advantage of the number of experts and resources that are going to be available at the resource fair,” said Menis. “This is going to be a phenomenal opportunity to ask questions and talk one-on-one with providers about their family’s specific situation or concerns.”
KidsMatter since 2001
Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth oriented human service organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities.
Established in 2001, KidsMatter has received the Naperville Chamber of Commerce 2014 “NFP of the Year” Award, 2015 “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award” and Illinois Principals Association 2016 “Building School Community Bridges Award” for its work helping young people build developmental assets including positive values, healthy relationships, and self-esteem.
With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start, KidsMatter equips Naperville area youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources, and youth recognition. A community leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnership with parents, educators, and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive.
For more information, visit kidsmatter2us.org.
Kindly note: Until Feb. 28, 2022, local protocols require a mask inside public buildings. The mask mandate will be followed. Thank you.
