B1 - “A New Approach to Child Abuse Prevention: Public Health, Partnership, and Well-Being"

Melissa Box, LCSW, MPH, Family First Prevention Administrator, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

The state of Illinois has a long history of public and private partnerships to support community initiatives focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect. But how much of what we call “prevention” actually prevents child abuse and neglect? This presentation will outline current DCFS prevention programs, including community-based services and concrete supports. The implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act, its successes, challenges, and current data, will also be discussed. Plans, including how attendees can have a voice as stakeholders in statewide plans and implementation, will be presented. Collaboration across
sectors, across state agencies, and communities will be highlighted as central to all of these efforts.

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B2 - “Fatherhood Coalitions—a Game-Changer for Fatherhood Programming in Illinois?"

Earl L. Kloppmann, Program Manager Advancing Fathers Program, Brightpoint

After years of frustration about developing father support groups, The Parents Care & Share program attempted a new approach to fatherhood programming—getting the community involved and aligned around fatherhood first. The result was way beyond their expectations! They are convinced the model they are developing during an initial three-year pilot could be the game changer for greater effectiveness in fatherhood service delivery that Illinois needs.

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◊◊ B3 - “Advancing Health Equity in Sexual Violence Prevention"

Kasey Pryer (she/her), ICASA Prevention Coordinator, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Corrin McWhirter (she/her), ICASA Chief Operating Officer, Ilinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Health equity is the current buzzword in prevention, but it is not new. The core ideas are the roots of sexual violence prevention. Join Kasey and Corrin from the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault to strip down the jargon, deepen understanding, and develop tangible action to incorporate health equity into sexual violence prevention. This session is tailored for professionals, educators, and community leaders committed to creating safer, more inclusive environments.

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B4 - “Engaging Clients in Telehealth World"

Taylor Birch, LCSW, Centerstone

Karla Schulte, LPC, MA, Centerstone

Centerstone's Flourish program has experienced success with implementing a parenting program via telehealth which expands access for underserved and rural communities. This interactive presentation will include strategies for client engagement, program structure, and the benefits of wrap-around services. Attendees will leave feeling more confident about the value of telehealth services and the importance of access to these services in rural communities.

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++ B5 - “Community Collaboration: Serving our Waitlisted El Children”

Anni Reinking, Ed.D. , Vice President of Prevention Services, Children's  Home Association of Illinois

Sarah Ziemba, MA, CCC-SLP, CEO, Shine Therapy Services

A community partnership between a long-term home visiting agency and an EI Provider agency has proven successful in reaching children on the early intervention waitlist. Come hear about an innovative collaboration that has provided support to families, children, and home-visiting staff in Central Illinois. Learn about how the collaboration started, how it is going, and the plans for future success to serve children in our community who need it most – the children on the EI waitlists.

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++ B6 - “Empowering Glitter Brains”

Megan Ragan, LCSW, Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center

"Empowering Glitter Brains" highlights the benefits of neurodiversity, celebrating unique cognitive strengths in children. This presentation explores strategies for fostering inclusive environments, promoting resilience, and supporting neurodivergent children through tailored educational approaches. Attendees will gain insights into practical techniques to empower neurodiverse children, enhancing their growth and development in both academic and social settings.