Seminar addresses fears about working teens

Originally published Jan. 17, 1993

Tony Encarnacion's 16-year-old son wants to get a job, possibly at a fast-food restaurant. But the Hoffman Estates parent says he would feel a lot better if his son confined his job hunt to a local mall or library.

Like so many other parents in the Northwest suburb, Encarnacion cannot get the Jan. 8 slayings of seven people at the Palatine Brown's Chicken & Pasta off his mind.

"I am more concerned now I keep reminding him he should be more careful - that he should be more aware that anything can happen," Encarnacion said.

Encarnacion was one of a group of parents who attended a seminar Saturday organized by Palatine police for parents of teenagers who have jobs or are looking for one.

Earlier this week, police held sessions at Fremd and Palatine high schools for students with part-time jobs. The goal to discuss what precautions students can take to better protect themselves in the workplace.

Saturday's session at Cutting Hall on Wood Street was aimed at parents of those teens. While the seminar was heavily publicized, only 29 parents showed up.

"I fully expected a larger turnout," he said. "Maybe - it's an indication that we are starting to deal with people's fears," said Palatine Deputy Chief Walt Gasior.

Police suggested parents with teenagers who work nights should make more phone contact with their sons or daughters before they come home from work. That will give parents a better idea of their children's whereabouts.

Teenagers who have to take trash out at night just before closing up may want to ask their boss if they could take the trash out the following morning, said Palatine crime prevention officer Brad Grossman.