Alta to Counsel Youths for Domestic, Juvenile Courts

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Alta Behavioral Healthcare will provide new services to two Mahoning County courts, with the goal of supporting programs that benefit children and teens.

Alta currently conducts educational sessions through the Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court for parents who are in the process of divorcing. At the request of Domestic Relations Court Judge Beth Smith, Alta will also now offer support sessions to the children of divorcing parents as well.

“The goal of the new program is to help children understand divorce, manage anger and guilt, and to encourage kids to talk with their parents about their concerns,” Joe Shorokey, executive director of Alta Care Group, said in a statement. “Working with these children will also give us the opportunity to identify those who are struggling. We can show them and their parents how to seek assistance.”

Alta will also partner with the Mahoning County Juvenile Court to enhance its “early warning system.” This program identifies students who struggle with attendance, behavior and grades and attempts to provide early intervention to help them graduate high school.

Alta will provide a clinician to conduct screenings and emergency assessments of youth identified as high-risk. The program will be available in 14 schools throughout Mahoning County.

Alta, formerly D&E Counseling, was established in 1971. Its clinical services include counseling, intake/diagnostic assessments, psychiatric evaluations, community support, and crisis intervention.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.