Strengthening Practices for LGTBQIA+ Homeless Youth through Trauma-Informed Care
ICOY’s November blog post recognized Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. The post highlighted several demographics of youth which face disproportionate incidences of homelessness. One of…
Relearning Thanksgiving
During this Thanksgiving holiday week, we recognize that many may be celebrating with friends and family. Perhaps they are gathering in-person for the first time in…
Homeless & Runaway Youth
Every year, the rate of American families becoming homeless increases. This includes more than 1.6 million children. Furthermore, homeless children are four times more…
Child Welfare Workforce Crisis & the Pat McGuire Child Welfare Education Fellowship Program
Child Welfare Workforce Crisis In recent years, the child welfare system has experienced high rates of employee turnover. The workforce is struggling to retain…
Suicide Prevention Month
Authored by: ICOY Trauma Specialist Heshima Mance and ICOY Trauma Intern Emily Waskowitz As September comes to a close, the ICOY Trauma Team reflected…
COVID-19 Resources & Updates
With the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and recent Executive Orders issued by Governor JB Pritzker’s office, our organization is working to consolidate information and resources…
Legislation in IL: School Standards for Sex Education and Life-Threatening Allergies
Recently, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that updates the state’s standards for sex education in K-12 schools. The voluntary standards will emphasize health, safety,…
Legislation in IL: Inclusive & Safe Learning Environments & Transgender Individuals’ Rights
In recent news, Governor JB Pritzker has signed multiple bills into legislation that directly impact youth in Illinois. Additionally, the “State Second District Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the expansive protections of…
Back to School with COVID-19
“The COVID-19 vaccines have done an extraordinary job of stamping out disease and death. But as the hypertransmissible Delta variant hammers the United States,…
Immigrant Heritage Month and BIPOC Mental Health Month
June was a month to celebrate immigrants and their contributions to community and culture in our country – Immigrant Heritage Month. And as July comes to a close,…