B1 - “Clinical Considerations with Youth Who Have Experienced Trafficking"

Courtney Bunn, MSW, LCSW Human Trafficking Therapist, Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center

This training will focus on the clinical presentation and treatment needs with youth who have experienced trafficking/exploitation. A foundation will be set with an overview of human trafficking including definitions, key elements, and terminology- with special attention to distinctions in child populations and CSEC. This training will equip service providers with a thorough understanding of the critical considerations in child trafficking to be able to offer treatment that is ethical, trauma-informed and survivor-centered.

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B2 - “The SAFE Practice Model for DCFS-What is it and When is it Coming?"

Theresa Costello CEO, Action for Child Protection

The Department of Children and Family Services is adopting the SAFE Practice Model. The SAFE Model provides the framework to make a safety determination utilizing the interplay between the threats of danger and the things that might mitigate the threats of danger. The SAFE model provides structured, interrelated assessment processes with defined practice objectives and standardized decision-making criteria. This results in consistent, sound decision making to meet the needs of children and families.  The workshop will overview the model components, philosophy, history and plans for implementation in Illinois. SAFE will replace CERAP

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B3 - “Shattering the Silence: Empowering the Queer Community to Combat Domestic Violence and Support LGBTQ+ Youth"

Tor Crowder (they/them), MA Community Activist

Domestic violence affects individuals from all walks of life, including the queer community. However, reporting incidents of domestic violence within the queer community often faces additional barriers due to societal stigma and discrimination. This workshop will create a safe space for dialogue and learning. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by queer individuals experiencing domestic violence and the transformative power of breaking the cone of silence.

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◊◊ B4 - “Trauma-Informed Child Welfare Practices for  Parental Substance Use"

Megan Ragan, LSW Data Coordinator and Sustainability Planner, Stress and Trauma Treatment Center

This comprehensive session focuses on working with parents grappling with substance use disorders, equipping you with essential tools to support families through a trauma-informed lens. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the intersection between trauma and addiction, and learn effective strategies to promote resilience, strengthen parent-child relationships, and create a nurturing environment for healing and reunification.

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++ B5 - “Leveraging Parent and Provider Voice in Advocacy”

Kayla Goldfarb Policy Manager, Start Early

Engaging parent and providers in advocacy is essential for creating positive systems change on local, state, and federal home visiting policy issues. This session will share strategies to meaningful and equitably elevate family and home visiting provider voice including opportunities for families and home visiting professionals to participate in advocacy activities in Illinois. This session is ideal for home visiting participants and program leaders, including home visitors, supervisors, and program directors.

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++ B6 - “Voice and Choice Within the Work of Home Visiting”

Kimberly Hanes Training and TA Specialist, Baby TALK

Bridget Bosch T/TA Specialist and Quality, Baby TALK

This breakout session facilitates opportunities for participants to focus on the use of positive experiences and integration of adult learning principles in their program’s work with families. Together, we will reflect on how families’ “voice and choice” is represented in all aspects of home visiting and explore the impact on family well-being.