D1 - “Creating Change in Families Experiencing Domestic Violence”

Robin Greer-Jogun, M.Ed, QMHP, CDVP Senior Clinical Domestic Violence Specialist, Northern Illinois University/Illinois Department of Children & Family Services

Many survivors of domestic violence are told to obtain an Order of Protection, leave their abuser, and/or force the abuser to move out of their residence.  A history of trauma and limited life skills impact the ability of survivors to make these requested changes.  This presentation will explore using a combination of trauma informed counseling, client centered approach, and skill building to help survivors make choices leading to positive changes for the future of their children

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++ D2 - “Engaging for Change: A Collaborative Approach to Family De-Escalation”

Brittany Watson Engagement Specialist, Crisis Services, Egyptian Public and Mental Health Departmen

This workshop will explore the benefits of including Engagement Specialists on your care team. Engagement Specialists are uniquely positioned to efficiently de-escalate crisis situations, teach trauma education to individuals and caregivers, and model healthy communication, advocating for all parties. We will also examine a case study with a mental health professional and hear about what engagement specialists mean for her role in the care model.

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D3 - “Primary Prevention: Addressing Social Drivers of Health”

Gary Pate, LCSW Senior Trainer, YouthCare​

Imagine a Child Well-Being System focused on prevention wherein 90% of children remain with their biological and/or families of choice.  Since much of our well-being is associated with social and economic factors, it is reasonable to focus our efforts on addressing the conditions in the environment that impact our ability to live, laugh, love, learn, and labor.  Examples of primary prevention will be discussed, and participants will have the opportunity to create a mock program.

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◊◊ D4 - “Addressing Secondary Trauma: Prioritizing Our Well Being”

Kristin Kaufman, MS Director of Programs, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois

This training session will introduce attendees to the importance of being aware of how secondary trauma impacts both their professional and personal lives. Attendees will develop a deeper understanding of secondary trauma and other related conditions. This training will look at the responsibility of the individual, as well as the organizational responsibility of prioritizing well being. This training will provide attendees with various activities that can be utilized as an individual, as well as activities that can be done at the organizational level.

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++ D5 - “How Birth Doulas Play a Vital Role in the Future of Children and their Families”

Chastity Mays, MS.Ed., CD(DONA) Certified Birth Doula, Hathor Doula Services

This workshop will discuss how birth doulas are an integral part of a family’s birth journey and how this can lead to the deterrence of child abuse and neglect.  The discussion will begin by describing the types of services a doula provides for families and lead into how these efforts help to strengthen families and will give examples of how birth doulas reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect for families.  The best time to start protecting children and their families is during pregnancy.

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++ D6 - “Partnering with Parents in Home Visiting: Putting Words into Practice”

Karen Williams Technical Assistance and Training Specialist, Start Early

Jess Jobe Senior Technical Assistance and Training Specialist, Start Early

Dara Williamson Senior Program Manager, Start Early

What does it mean to partner with parents? “Partnering with parents” is a phrase and approach that programs are using to be more inclusive of parents and families in the process of strengthening their parent-child interactions, and thus the relationship between the parent and child. This session will dig into what it means to partner with parents in a strength-based, relationship-focused way that allows the parent to lead and discover what their unique parent-child interactions are that strengthen their parent-child relationship.