FAQs

In many ways, yes. We represent the collective voice of child and youth service organizations across the state and seek to create better outcomes and opportunities for those they serve. We stay abreast of the ever-changing circumstances that affect our members’ work and remain proactive by keeping them informed and connected to the resources they need. One way we differ from other trade associations is through our contracts with state agencies to provide technical assistance and training to youth service providers in Illinois. Find out more about our training supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Working at the intersection of policy and practice, ICOY has the unique ability to improve conditions for children and youth by making sure the organizations that serve them are better connected to larger systems of support and better represented in our coalition’s collective voice when advocating for better outcomes. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and are working every day to incorporate those into our internal and external operations. With your support, we’ll continue to make sure Illinois’ children, youth and families are safe, healthy, and on the path to maximizing their potential.

Membership with ICOY is broken down into two categories: Organizational Memberships and Supporting Partnerships. Organizational Members provide direct services to children or youth. These members are entitled to all ICOY member benefits and are eligible to vote when electing ICOY’s Board of Directors. Supporting Partners are organizations that do not provide direct services but broadly support the mission, vision, and values of ICOY. Examples of supporting Partners include other advocacy associations, academic institutions, or foundations. Supporting Partners are entitled to all ICOY member benefits; however, they are not eligible to vote in ICOY’s Board elections.

Our memberships operate on the calendar year. However, organizations are able to join at any time. Organizations that decide to join mid-year are entitled to having their member dues pro-rated based on the month they join.

Member dues for Organizational Members are calculated based on the applying organization’s total annual revenue dedicated to serving children and youth, with an annual minimum of $500 and a cap of $11,650. Supporting Partners are asked to pay a flat fee of $450 annually.

Reach out to ICOY’s Community Relations Manager, Conor Van Santen, for more details on how to apply for a subsidized membership through our Equity & Access Fund.

Yes, we provide trauma trainings to individual groups. We have a standard list of six trauma trainings that we are able to provide. We're also able to customize trainings to meet your group's needs. In addition to trauma trainings, we're also able to support groups by providing 'trauma talk' at coalition meetings and team meetings. You can check out our trauma trainings here.

ICOY contracts with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to provide professional development opportunities to the youth service field throughout the year at no cost. Each of these trainings and the registration information can be found on our Upcoming Events page. ICOY also specializes in trauma-informed care trainings. If you're interested in hosting a training for your staff please find more information on our Trauma-Informed Care page. Cost options can be found here. ICOY members qualify for a discount on any trainings ICOY offers outside of our free DHS sponsored trainings.