For Parents/Guardians of Minors

One of the hardest decisions you may ever have to make is deciding whether or not your child needs counseling. It is important to remember that seeking professional help indicates that:

• You want what’s best for your child and family.
• You are aware that problems exist.
• You are willing to take responsible action to solve the problem.

To help us treat your child, you (and possibly other family members) will need to participate in your child’s counseling. Due to children’s need for consistency, you and your child are encouraged to make every appointment with your therapist. If an emergency or change in school schedule prevents this, a phone call should be made as soon as possible the Center to cancel and reschedule the appointment. Your therapist can be reached at (309) 827-5351.

We also ask that you do not bring your child to appointments if he/she:

• Stayed home from school due to illness the day of the appointment, or left school early due to illness.
• Has had a temperature in the last 24 hours.
• Has head lice, impetigo, or any other contagious illness.

Once again, please call (309) 827-5351 to make your therapist aware of any problems listed above as soon as you can. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment. If you do bring a child who appears to be ill, your therapist may choose not to see your child that day and will reschedule. If you cancel an appointment due to medical illness, you will not be charged for a missed appointment.

Please discuss any problems interfering with your ability to fully participate in counseling with your therapist. If keeping appointments becomes problematic, your therapist will discuss this with you. Inconsistent attendance may be grounds for termination of services.

Your cooperation and participation is important. You are our “eyes” and “ears” into your home and without your insights and observations about what is occurring, we will be unable to determine either the severity of the problems or whether or not counseling is having a positive impact on your family. At times, we may also need your help in completing certain tasks between counseling sessions. Depending upon the individual needs of your family, these tasks may include:

• Reading certain articles
• Keeping records
• Attending classes
• Completing homework assignments

Please remember to remain committed to counseling. Inconsistent participation on the part of either you or your family can create more problems than it can solve.