A1 - “The Impact of COVID on Children/Adolescents/
Families and Essential Workers”

Lisa Betz, LCSW, LCPC Deputy Director, Child and Adolescent Services

This session will focus on the impact of COVID on the mental wellbeing of children, adolescents, and their families. It will examine the survival responses individuals rely on while exploring ways to increase individual protective factors. Special attention will be given to the impact of COVID on essential workers and ways to reduce vicarious trauma.

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A2 - “Human Trafficking and Technology: Trends,
Challenges, and Opportunities”

Sara Sefried Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator, Illinois State Police

Research shows that technology plays a role in every aspect of child sex trafficking. The Internet is being used for recruitment and grooming, the advertising and sale of children, and the sharing of
child pornography. This session will help you understand the role of technology in child sex trafficking, as well as prevention efforts that can help keep children safe.

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A3 - “Community Collaboration for the Prevention of
Sexually Problematic Behaviors by Youth”

Melissa Box, LCSW, LSOE, LSOTP Clinical Director, ABC Counseling & Family Services

Research increasingly points to cross-sector community collaboration as having the greatest potential for effective public health prevention efforts in reducing violence, specifically violence
toward children. This presentation will address emerging research in the prevention of child sexual abuse and youth sexual behavior problems, and describe key recommendations for a comprehensive prevention program grounded in multiple levels of the ecological model nested in communities.

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++ A4 - “Infant and Toddler Sleep, Breastfeeding, and
Sleep Training Methods”

Glendean Burton, MPH, BSN, RN, CLC MCH Nurse Consultant, Illinois MIECHV

Information will be provided on current American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommendations for a safe sleep environment. Information regarding safe sleep and breastfeeding will be presented, as well as the latest reports on the impact of COVID-19 on sleep in adults and children. A brief overview of four commercial sleep training methods will also be discussed.

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A5 - “Interrupting Intergenerational Cycles of Trauma”

Alisha Foster, LCSW Arrowleaf

An individual’s personal trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) not only impacts themselves but also impacts future generations. This workshop will focus on developing a deeper understanding of ACEs and trauma and its impact on parental emotional regulation and possible disruption of the parent-child relationship. This workshop will also identify safeguards and interventions for building individual resiliency.