C1 - “Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation” (repeat session)

Alexandra “Ale” Levi, Senior Campaign Advisor for K2P & HSI Forensic Interview Specialist, Homeland Security Investigation

Join us for an engaging and informative session focusing on the DHS Know2Protect Campaign, a vital initiative aimed at preventing online child exploitation through public awareness and community collaboration. Attendees will learn about the campaign’s history, its strategic goals, and the critical role of Project iGuardian, the campaigns in person training to kids, teens and adults, as well as ways to collaborate and help spread awareness of the horrific crimes of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. This workshop will empower participants with actionable strategies, to foster partnerships for creating safer environments for children. Together we can build a united front against online child exploitation and make a meaningful difference in our communities.

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C2 - “Support Youth in Chaos: Circle of Care”

Nancy Phillips, M.S.Ed.-PSY, CAADC, CFPP, Illinois Family Resource Center/Circle of Care

Critina Banda, BA, Illinois Family Resource Center/Circle of Care

The Circle of Care (CoC) addresses trauma related to grief/loss resulting from SUDs which is more dramatic and mishandled due to a lack of understanding of the impact of stigma associated with SUDs. CoC created an in-depth variety of resources for helpers to support youth impacted by SUDs. We will share research regarding the unique trauma/impact of grief/loss associated with SUDs. We will share resources on the webpage. Join us. Create Comfort Bags. Meet the needs of your youth.

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C3 - “Equity-Driven Behavioral Health for Youth in Care”

Kelli Weber, LCSW, Director, Clinical Operations, YouthCare, Centene

This session highlights equity-driven strategies to strengthen behavioral health care for Youth in Care and Former Youth in Care. Participants will explore practical tools addressing first-episode psychosis, psychiatric hospitalization, suicide prevention, substance use, and adolescent-to-adult transitions. Using targeted initiative examples, the session demonstrates how applying a health equity lens can drive measurable improvements by promoting earlier identification, coordinated care pathways, and sustained support. 

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◊◊ C4 - “C-4  “Empowering Families and the Child Welfare System”

Angel Williams, Clinical Supervisor, Erikson/DCFS Early Childhood Project

Pfeffer Eisin, Director of Erikson Institute/DCFS Early Childhood Project, Erikson/DCFS Early Childhood Project

This session will describe how a program uses relationship-based clinical consultations to understand the needs of young children in care, advocate, broach hard conversations and link families to resources while offering a holding environment for professionals who play important roles and make decisions impacting young children.

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++ C5 - “Raising Illinois: Rooting Our Work in Family Voice"

Jesse Rojo, Field, Family and Community Engagement Lead, Raising Illinois 

Families are experts in their own experiences, yet their voices are often absent from decisions that affect them. Designed for professionals serving expecting families, infants, toddlers, and young children, this session explores practical strategies for building authentic partnerships with parents, elevating lived experience, and supporting family leadership. Participants will learn how to anchor programs in parent voice, strengthen prevention efforts, improve systems and services, and create meaningful systems change.

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++ C6 - “Introduction to Perinatal Mood Disorders”

Rachel Chruszczyk, PMH-C, Community Network Anchors Grant Coordinator, Centerstone

This training explores perinatal mood disorders, their impact on individuals and families, effective prevention, and community care strategies. We will also discuss the link between child maltreatment, domestic violence, and these mood disorders. Learn about early identification, screening tools, and the role of professionals and support networks in fostering resilience in perinatal individuals.