Counseling services available in Steger to young sex abuse victims

Children victimized by sex abuse will be able to receive counseling services in eastern Will County, officials said.

The Children’s Advocacy Center earlier this month began offering trauma-focused counseling at a center in Steger to young victims of sexual abuse; making it easier for children and their families to access services, officials said.

Counseling is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the Louis Sherman Community Center, 3501 Hopkins St.

“The less travel the children have to do the better mindset they are in in their counseling sessions,” Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said. Glasgow’s office oversees the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in Joliet.

In January, the center worked with Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland to pilot the program at Frankfort’s village hall. But officials wanted something further east to help alleviate the drive time for residents in Steger and surrounding areas.

After contacting Will County Board member Laurie Summers, D-Crete, officials were able to secure office space at the Louis Sherman Community Center with the help of Summers and Steger Mayor Kenneth Peterson. A center counselor uses the space, at no cost to the county, for appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The new location helps cut what would be a longer commute to Frankfort or Joliet for those in the Steger area needing counseling services.

The services are available to children victimized in Will County, officials said.

“It’s important for our county to provide equitable healthcare services to all of our residents, especially children who have experienced trauma,” Summers said. “Regular counseling is crucial for these children to be able to move beyond their trauma and develop into healthy adults.”

Last year, the Children’s Advocacy Center provided services to more than 600 children from throughout Will County, Glasgow said. In the last 10 years, the advocacy center has handled 4,125 cases, of which 151 of those were from Steger, Crete, Peotone, Beecher, Monee and Park Forest, officials said.