CLC makes changes to career counseling program after staffer charged with grooming

In the wake of a now-former College of Lake County career counselor’s arrest on charges of grooming and solicitation of two female Wauconda High School students, changes are being made to the college’s College and Career navigation program.

The changes were announced at Tuesday’s CLC board meeting.

The college is pausing all in-person services at high schools, requiring a high school counselor or a child’s parents be present for virtual meetings and updating background checks for all employees involved in the program.

College officials noted the former career counselor, 42-year-old Adam C. Faulkner of Island Lake, went through a background check before being hired, but now the board wants to investigate if any gaps exist in that process.

Fingerprinting will now be required as part of that background check process.

Faulkner was arrested last week after authorities said a Wauconda High School student reported inappropriate conduct.

He is charged with grooming and solicitation of child sexual abuse materials, both felonies. He remains in jail awaiting trial. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14.