Township Youth Services
We believe that young people thrive when they have a strong sense of belonging, independence, mastery and generosity.
That's why we've contracted with more that 20 local agencies to provide scores of educational, recreational and
vocational programs that touch the lives of more than 12,000 young people each year.
Our Youth Services Advisory Committee
selects and evaluates these youth programs to ensure a safe, healthy and enriching environment for
every young person in our community.
Youth Intervention Program Township Youth Services
The Youth Intervention Program employs highly trained, experienced youth workers and coordinates a broad spectrum of
services to help young people who are showing signs of involvement with gang activity, violence and/or substance abuse.
Our youth interventionists work closely with parents, schools and local government and social service agencies to engage
young people in positive activities and help them make better life choices. The Youth Intervention Program is cooperatively
funded by all of the governmental units of Oak Park and River Forest and operated by the
Oak Park Township.
Youth Advocacy Council
The Youth Advocacy council is comprised of young people (grades 7-12) who help plan, promote and implement local youth programs and activities.
Contracted Programs
The townships provide funding for a number of community-based programs that have been established to help prevent
youth-related problems in River Forest and Oak Park.
These programs include:
Police Explorers
Substance abuse assessment
Intramurals
Evening/weekend recreation activities
Clear Sky Festival (River Forest Only)
Youth volunteer opportunities
Summer work/study
Arts enrichment programs
Tutoring/mentoring
I-Search (River Forest Only)
We even offer scholarships
so that young people from low-income families can
participate in our fee-based youth programs.Brochures
on township
youth programs and resources
---including a
HelpCard
---are available at the Oak Park Township Office.
