Workshops for Parents (March 7) and Professionals (March 8)

SOMERVILLE – How do parents know when their child’s behavior is indicative of mental health issues? What challenges or obstacles will families face in getting help for their child?

To help answer these questions, the Somerset County Office of Youth Services will sponsor two mental health workshops, featuring Alicia Stevenson, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) certified mentor and Basics program trainer.

A workshop to help educate parents about mental illness will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, in a first-floor conference room at 40 North Bridge Street. The cost is $5 per person.

The second workshop, intended for professionals who serve children and families, will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 8, in a conference room at the Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren St. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration, networking and a continental breakfast.  The cost for this session is $20 per person. Professional development credits will be available.

Keynote speaker Alicia Stevenson has made it her life mission to help those who struggle with mental illness. She has been a longtime advocate and continues to break down barriers regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Stevenson is a certified National Trainer for NAMI's peer-education program for families of children with early-onset mental illness.

For more information or to register for either workshop, contact Cindy Britt, Somerset County Office of Youth Services, at (908) 704-6352 or britt@co.somerset.nj.us.