B1 - “Addressing Sexual Abuse in a Faith Based Community”

Bracha Jakofsky, LCSW, Abuse Prevention Coordinator

Elizabeth Ury, MaJPS, Director of Jewish Community Engagement, JCFS Chicago

This workshop explores the unique challenges of addressing sexual abuse within faith-based settings. Participants will gain practical strategies for prevention, intervention, and support while considering the cultural and religious sensitivities involved. The session will also introduce "Safer Schools", a Chicago-based abuse prevention program, offering insights on creating safer

environments in educational settings.

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B2 - “Illinois Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program: Implementation and Evaluation Updates”

Dagene Z. Brown, DCFS Office of Racial Equity Practice

Dr. Tamara Fuller, Director, University of Illinois Children & Family Research Center

Black children in Illinois are over-represented at every decision during a CPS investigation compared to their percentage in the child population, including protective custodies and removals into foster care. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce this disproportionality, the

Illinois DCFS has implemented a Bias-Free Child Removal Program that is currently being piloted in three counties. This workshop will provide data on disproportionality, describe the new program, and give an overview of the evaluation of its effectiveness.

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B3 - “At-Risk Family Recruitment with Free Digital Tools”

Kelly Schneider, MSW, LSW, Parent Educator, Triad CUSD #2 Prenatal to 3 Program

This session will explore how to effectively recruit at-risk families using free digital tools like Canva, QR codes, Google Forms, and social media platforms. Attendees will learn how shifting

recruitment efforts online has led to increased family self-referrals and successful outcomes. By the end, participants will gain actionable insights to modernize their recruitment approach and

better engage with at-risk families through accessible and effective digital methods.

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◊◊ B4 - “Flipping the Script: Rewriting Trauma’s Genetic Impact”

Brittany Watson, BSW, Mobile Crisis Response Team, Egyptian Health Department

Designed specifically for social workers, this session connects complex

scientific insights from the groundbreaking world of epigenetics to practical applications in the field of Social Work. Attendees will explore the historical evolution of epigenetics, understand how trauma influences biological systems and mental health, and examine the ethical and cultural implications of integrating these findings into practice.

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++ B5 - “Elevating Maternal and Child Health Initiatives in the Community”

Liz Gonzalez, Coordinator, Maternal and Child Health Initiatives

Gabriella Sifuentes, Program Coordinator, Maternal and Child Health Initiatives

This presentation will inform participants about the benefits of Coordinated Intake (CI) and how it promotes the well-being of families to build stronger communities. We will share our holistic care coordination approach and lessons learned for impactful family and community engagement to address the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) inequities in Chicago's most at risk communities. Participants will learn how to cultivate relationships to empower families through health education, access to care, and local resources.

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++ B6 - “From Burnout to Balance: Caring for Ourselves”

Tracy Patton, MSCD, Founder, Once Upon Some Messy Fun LLC

From Burnout to Balance" is designed to help early childhood professionals and caregivers recognize the signs of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma and burnout while equipping them with practical self-care strategies, boundary-setting techniques, and reflective practices. Through discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, participants will leave with the tools to create a personalized action plan for maintaining well-being and professional fulfillment.