Teens
We value the diversity of the Des Plaines community and our library. In recognition of our role in this community, we provide a welcoming and intentionally inclusive environment reflected in our collections, services, instruction, and physical and virtual spaces. We commit to continuing the work of celebrating diversity, providing equitable access to information, and creating an inclusive environment where all people are treated with respect and dignity.
DPPL Teen Services is determined to provide resources, materials, and programs that reflect these beliefs, and will work to continuously promote growth and healing within our services and our library.
Book recommendations, links to inclusive programming, and other resources can be found below.
Diverse Books & Libguides
Libguides are updated regularly and will include more information as the lists are worked on.
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Ability & Disability Representation Libguide (Updated 12/11/2024)
Gender & Sexuality Representation Libguide (Updated 12/11/2024)
Racial & Cultural Diversity Libguide (Updated 12/11/2024)
Resources
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth and Friends/Supporters from CDC.Gov
Advocates for Youth (AFY): LGBTQ Resources for Professionals
Lesson plans, tips and strategies, background information, and additional resources to help youth-serving professionals create safe spaces for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.American Psychological Association (APA) Resources:
- Just the Facts: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel Just the Facts provides information and resources for principals, educators and school personnel who confront sensitive issues involving gay, lesbian, and bisexual students.
- Safe and Supportive Schools Project The Safe and Supportive Schools Project promotes safe and supportive environments to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among adolescents.
Creating Safer Spaces in Schools for LGBTQ Youth | The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.Educator Resources | GLSEN
GLSEN educator guides and lessons to support your curriculum and practices.Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network
GSA clubs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities.Q Chat Space
Q Chat Space is a digital LGBTQ+ center where teens join live-chat, professionally facilitated, online support groups. Also available in Spanish (disponible en español).StopBullying.gov: Information for LGBTQ Youth
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and those perceived as LGBT are at an increased risk of being bullied. There are important and unique considerations for strategies to prevent and address bullying of LGBTQ youth.Supporting LGBTQ+ Students – Micro-credentials | National Education Foundation
This stack of six micro-credentials is designed to help educators understand how to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment for LGBTQ+ students.The Trevor Project: Education and Resources for Adults
The Trevor Project’s “Trainings for Professionals” include in-person Ally and CARE trainings designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LGBTQ-competent suicide prevention.
Youth with Disabilities Community Resources in Chicago
Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago
https://www.accessliving.org/our-services/youth-programs/
Services for teens with disabilities including a support and action group and participation in city–wide events. Family Resource Center on Disabilities
115 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
(800) 613-8549Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
Children with disabilities have special considerations when preventing, recognizing and responding to abuse. The advocacy Center helps with these challenges.
https://www.chicagocac.org/resources/sexual-abuse-resources/for-children-with-disabilities/
1240 S. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 492-3700
(1-800-252-2873)Chicago Parent - Special Needs
Ideas and parenting assistance for children of Chicago.
https://www.chicagoparent.com/category/parenting/special-needs/
332 S. Michigan Ave., 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 | 708.386.5555Family Resource Center on Disability
Information, family support, transition workshops, special education rights training, training for parent leaders and links to other resources.
https://frcd.org/
11 E. Adams St. Suite 1002
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-939-3513Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education
Residential program that prepares young people with severe physical disabilities for adult life through a comprehensive program of education and training; part of the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services.
http://icre-roosevelt.org/
1950 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(312) 433-3100National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
Links to resources, and a curriculum–based tool to help young adults plan for life after high school.
http://ncset.org/Mayor of Chicago - Job Shadow for High School Students with a Disability
Job Shadow Day is a national program that is coordinated on the local level by MOPD and Chicago Public Schools.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mopd/provdrs/youth/svcs/national_job_shadowweek.html
312.744.7050
Illinois Youth Resources
General
Illinois Youth Resources for Mental Health, Well-Being & Resilience A comprehensive guide to refer children, adolescents and others to behavioral health services.
Chicago Department of Public Health Teen support and care links from the city of Chicago
Help for Youth Who Are in Trouble with the Legal System
Redeploy Illinois - Reduced commitment to IDJJ; Improve outcomes for youth and families.
Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) - 11 to 17 year olds at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Runaways/Lock-outs/Homeless Youth
Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) - 11 to 17 year olds who have run away from home or have been kicked out of their home.
Homeless Youth - 14 to 23 year olds who lack safe and stable housing and cannot return home.
Youth Employment and Academic Assistance
Community Youth Employment (CYEP)
COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Teen Pregnancy, Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)
Office of Adolescent Health- Tier 1B Teen Pregnancy Prevention (OAH-TPP)
Substance Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP)
Illinois Prevention Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths
Community Initiatives
Community Youth Services (CYS)
Juvenile Justice Councils (JJC)
More Information & Resources
Office of Community and Positive Youth Development
Bureau of Youth Intervention Services
Bureau of Positive Youth Development
College Student Resources
Live Another Day - Live Another Day believes in equal access to life-saving mental health and substance use resources. This website provides extensive information on the best resources available for BIPOC students.
Resources for Latinx Students - Extensive resources for Latinx college students and their allies, but together by Tulip Hill Recovery
Resources for AAPI Students - 28 mental health and substance use resources for Asian American students, carefully curated by experts at Lexington Addiction Center