Find out What Works from a Parent Who’s Been There

SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Office of Youth Services invites parents and professionals who work with children and families to a Collaborative Problem Solving workshop that will be presented twice in February.

One session will be held in the evening, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. Registration will start at 5:30 p.m.  Another workshop will be held on the morning of Friday, Feb. 28, from
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Morning registration will start at 8:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be available at both sessions.

The program, which features certified CPS mentor Alicia Stevenson, will be held in a first floor conference room at the Somerset County Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren Street. Parking is available in the adjacent parking deck, third level or higher.

To register, contact Andrea Clegg at clegg@co.somerset.nj.us or (908) 704-6333. The fee for the program is $20. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Somerset County Youth.  Professional development credits will be made available.

Challenging behavior, which is often attributed to avoidance, lack of motivation, attention-seeking or manipulation, can be indicative of developmental or learning disabilities. Traditional interventions such as punishing negative behaviors or rewarding positive behaviors don't solve the problems that cause challenging episodes.  Participants will find out why and learn a step-by-step approach to what does help.

A mother of a child with learning disabilities and mental health challenges, Alicia Stevenson has made it her life mission to help those who struggle with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. She has been a longtime advocate and continues to break down barriers regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

For more information about Somerset County Office of Youth Services’ workshops, contact Cindy Britt at (908) 704-6352 or britt@co.somerset.nj.us.