Each fall, my husband and I turn our thoughts to adoption. While adoption is on our minds all year long, we think about it even more at this time of year. In addition to National Adoption Month taking place every November and raising awareness of adoption, each September, our family also celebrates “Gotcha Day” – the unforgettable day our son, Jake, joined our family.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, the ideal time to talk with kids about the issues they may have with peers at school, along with identifying the signs of bullying, and what we can do to prevent it.   

What is the significance of the fall Jewish holidays?  They are times for reflection, renewal, and celebration.

If you ask parents what they wish for their child, the answer is usually “to make friends in school.”  Making friends is an important part of childhood, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy. Children are not born with social skills, so parents need to prepare them to interact successfully with other kids.

The swimming pool is not only a great place to have fun with your kids, but it is also a great environment to increase attention and build cognitive language skills and body strength.

Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS) is pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2018, JVS Chicago (JVS) will be joining the JCFS family of services.

We at JCFS Chicago cannot overstate our absolute condemnation of this practice. We are calling for confirmation that the cessation of any further separation is in place unconditionally, and for the immediate reunification of all children who have already been separated.

Without a doubt, graduating high school is a significant accomplishment for many youth with behavioral, emotional or intellectual challenges. There have been so many barriers and roadblocks that needed to be overcome, much of which wouldn't have happened without the care, concern and support of foster families. But that guidance cannot stop after graduation.

Warm temperatures and bright sunshine remind us that summer has arrived. With summer comes fun and relaxation and, often, more unstructured time. It’s important for parents to remind children about how to keep their bodies safe and ways of avoiding unhealthy interactions. Having these kinds of conversations help foster strong, open relationships with children that can last a lifetime.

With the help of JCFS’s pediatric therapists, the lazy days of summer can be transformed into a time to stretch the mind, explore new hobbies and build on skills learned during the school year.