Section: 6.0 - Technical Assistance - Purpose
The Teen REACH program is under the auspices of the Bureau of Youth Services and Delinquency Prevention. A vital part of the IDHS mission is to work in partnership with communities. Thus, IDHS has designated key staff to offer technical assistance to
Teen REACH providers on an on-going basis:
6.1. Teen REACH Program Staff:
Teen REACH program staff create the design and fundamental principles of the program, establish program guidelines for operations and performance standards, develop specific training for program content, collect and analyze program performance and
participant outcome data. Program Staff serve as a resource to Community Services Support Consultants and providers in the planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of the program. (See Appendix)
6.2. Community Support Services Consultant:
Community Support Services Consultant works to maximize local resources, and service integration, and quality service delivery. Each Teen REACH provider is assigned a CSSC, who will work collaboratively with Teen REACH program staff, using their input
to optimize program implementation. (See Appendix)
6.3. Regional Meetings
Bureau of Youth Services and Delinquency Prevention Regional Meetings offer an additional forum for technical assistance. Each program is encouraged to send a representative to attend these meetings. Programs will be held responsible for information
disseminated at Bureau meetings.
6.4. Training Opportunities
Training and Technical Assistance - Programs must agree to receive consultation and technical assistance from authorized representatives of the Department. The program and collaborating partners will be required to be in attendance at site visits by
Department staff. Programs will be required to attend regular meetings and specific trainings as required by the Department and should Spending Plan accordingly. It is anticipated that this will include several regional meetings, approximately two
trainings, and one (overnight) statewide conference.
Training opportunities for Teen REACH program staff and program directors will be offered by the Department of Human Services, through the following entities:
6.4.A. Prevention First
Funded by IDHS, Prevention First provides prevention training, consultation and information services relative to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use. The trainings offered furthers professional development in the area of prevention, and
courses offer pre-approved continuing education units through the state's certification board. Prevention First's Lura Lynn Ryan Lending Library makes more than 10,000 prevention titles available to communities across Illinois. (www.prevention.org)
6.4.B. Youth Network Council (YNC)
From its inception in 1972, YNC has been supporting local youth serving organizations and enhancing their capacity through a multifaceted program of training; technical assistance; information dissemination; public education; state regional, national,
and international networking; service brokerage; policy development; legislative advocacy; exposure to myriad opportunities which are not otherwise available at the local level. (www.youthnetworkcouncil.org)
6.4.C. Illinois Center for Violence Prevention (ICVP)
ICVP was created to serve as a vehicle for individuals, organizations, and systems to work together for the prevention of violence. Working from a community-oriented public health and safety approach, ICVP initiates or supports: public education on
the causes and consequences of violence; networking and network coordination; advocacy; technical assistance/training; evaluation and research. Two of its program models are YouthPeace and SisterNet, peer educator programs for preventing violence among
teens. (www.violence-prevention.com)
6.4.D. eCornerstone Web Teen REACH
A link is provided on the eCornerstone website (www.ecstone.dhs.state.il.us) connecting providers to a web based training on use of eCornerstone for Teen REACH programs.
