Relational Data Gathering Strategies
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/QYfaBncoQwS2vGRF1oALcg
Providers are charged with daunting responsibilities. One of the most challenging ones is to gather accurate information from clients that will be used for their treatment plans. This often require clients to divulge sensitive, potentially traumatic experiences. This training helps practitioners develop relational strategies to help clients feel safe and supported thus allowing them to complete these assessments more effectively.
One and a Half continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Seth El-Jamal

Youth Experiencing Housing Instability 101
2026-05-26 10:00 - 2026-05-27 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/uKSzw3y3S9iMX2MvsTTNNw
This two-day webinar provides supervisory and front-line staff working in DHS funded Homeless Youth programs with essential information they need to ensure effective practice and compliance with the program’s regulations. Participants will learn how to best engage homeless youth and create the environments and programs that most effectively meet their needs. During this training we will review some of the unique needs and characteristics of the homeless youth population and provide an introduction to best practices for working with these young people through case studies, group discussions, and linkages to resources. Additionally, the workshop will provide information about DHS requirements for Homeless Youth programs, so staff and supervisors can understand how to ensure their compliance with their contract obligations.
Four continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/

Trainer(s): Sam Sorensen

Casey Life Skills
2026-05-29 10:00 - 13:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/rUwJKeM5SqOFDQlj3kAqfQ
Please join us for this Casey Life Skills training, developed by Casey Family Programs, which teaches youth providers how to use life skills assessments with youth in homeless youth and transitioning youth programs. Casey assessments also have applications in a variety of other youth service programs including basic centers, street outreach programs, educational outreach programs and other positive youth development programs. Participants in this training will learn how to partner with young people to assess and develop appropriate case plans and how to use free life skills resources to point young people toward success.
Three continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer(s): Sam Hall III

Child Welfare Coalition Call
2026-05-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-12 11:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Yp_omhpyRjubXz0_6PtQ4A
Join ICOY and other member organizations on a call to discuss key changes in the child welfare and youth-led arena.
The goal is to create a child welfare system that prepares youth to become successful and self-sufficient. Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) seeks to focus the attention of Illinois’ elected officials in all branches of government on the systematic challenges facing the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the private agencies that deliver many of the services within their communities.
We work continuously with lawmakers and other stakeholders to educate them about the impact of nearly two decades of neglect of this system, and to advocate for the investments and reforms that are needed to fund and sustain the community-based providers of child welfare services.
These calls will take place twice a month and we are asking that all participants register to join.

CCBYS 101
2026-06-01 09:30 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/EZDRS2s5RVSY3a0wQhGaGQ
Join us for this webinar to learn what you need to know in order to effectively provide Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services (CCBYS) and comply with program regulations.This training is perfect for crisis workers and new supervisors. Through lectures, case studies, group exercises and role play, participants will learn how to work with youth and their families; how to interact effectively with partners in the community including law enforcement officers, school personnel and child welfare workers; and how to initiate effective case management for clients.
Three and a Half Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Tiana Cody

LGBTQ+ Learning Community
2026-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/bXgD5GkPSPOdD_iB1-BeWw
Join us for our monthly LGBTQ+ Learning Community, facilitated by Marlee Goodman, ICOY’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, HRC, and Manager of Healing-Centered Community Support. These 1-hour conversational and informational sessions will create a space to bring together leaders in the field committed to advancing the rights, safety, and authenticity of queer youth, families, and service providers across the state. Together we will discuss common topics that impact our work and these communities. During these sessions, participants will have the opportunity to collectively share experiences, while crowd-sourcing potential solutions, supports, and resources. Each session will be inclusive and empathetic of ways to support program participants by using a hopeful and non-judgmental approach rooted in collective care and liberation.
Please note that this event is not a training, and as such, no Certificate of Attendance or CEUs will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Building a Culture of Philanthropy to Meet Your Organization’s Needs for Expanded Revenue
2026-06-09 09:00 - 10:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/fB51K8CERSmqAFLPu6Z9qA
Sustaining and expanding the work of nonprofit organizations increasingly requires more than traditional fundraising activities. It calls for developing a true culture of philanthropy—one in which the entire organization understands its role in strengthening relationships with supporters and advancing the mission. This training will explore what it means to build and sustain a culture of philanthropy and how organizations can move beyond transactional fundraising toward deeper, partnership-based relationships with donors. Participants will examine how staff, leadership, and board members can all contribute to donor outreach and engagement, helping supporters feel more meaningfully connected to the organization’s work and impact. Through practical discussion and examples, the session will offer insights into how organizations can cultivate stronger donor relationships while positioning themselves to meet growing revenue needs.
One and a Half Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Paul Hamann

Restorative Justice 101: Understanding the Relation-Based Discipline
2026-06-09 13:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/S58qHc3-QxyxhQVPF8Jhlw
In this session, we will create a baseline definition and understanding of what Restorative Justice is, the various ways it can be employed, and the power of change it incurs, because it is rooted in relational awareness of self and community.
Two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Christian Simpson

Grant Writing Workshop
2026-06-10 09:30 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/gfxrKl8pShSWAmpSGxWCYA
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” No, it isn’t. But there IS a reason why you need funding. We will discuss how to find and use comparative data to demonstrate the need for your grant request. You’ll learn strategies for presenting data and making a compelling case to support your funding request.
Three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Kristin Olson

Community Youth Services (CYS) Management Meeting
2026-06-11 10:00 - 12:30
Please join us for the quarterly CYS Management Meeting. As a reminder, this meeting is mandatory for each program with the purpose of increasing communication across programs and with the state. Please note: this meeting is only open to organizations that currently receive CYS funding from IDHS.

Scale Up Your SEL: Define It
2026-06-12 11:00 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/K2BzYsCkRAC1cJFdNORB7Q
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of youth development, but what does “SEL” truly mean within the unique context of your program? In this workshop, “Scale Up Your SEL: Define It,” we will move through the core components of social emotional learning and collaboratively develop a clear, shared understanding tailored to your specific site’s needs and goals. Using established frameworks, such as the widely recognized CASEL 5 competencies participants will reflect on their current program’s unique environment, population, and existing practices to identify how SEL is already present and where there are opportunities for growth. This session is designed for all youth development providers, from frontline staff to program leaders. Come ready to share insights, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and lay the groundwork for a robust, site-specific SEL framework that empowers both your staff and the youth you serve.
Learning Objectives:
* Articulate the five core competencies of social emotional learning using a common framework.
* Identify specific examples of SEL skills as they currently appear in their daily program activities.
* Develop a preliminary action plan for establishing a common language and understanding of SEL among all site staff and stakeholders.
Trainer: Naomi Oster

Culture and Trauma
2026-06-15 13:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/fNknxYRbRq2D9Z7Uw5L0UA
Trauma has context. That context oftentimes has cultural and historical roots. This training will explore the relationship between trauma and culture through examining the ways power and oppression impact individuals, communities, and access to resources. Additionally, participants will gain insight into how historical and transgenerational trauma can shape our familial and communal systems and experiences. Lastly, participants will learn about the resilience and protective factors these communities have built to cope with trauma at the hands of our systems and society, historically and presently.
Trainer: Marlee Goodman
Please note that this event/training is not affiliated with or conducted in partnership with IDHS. All are welcome to attend.

2026 ICOY Annual Member Meeting
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-17 | Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center, 1801 Eastland Dr, Bloomington, IL, 61704, United States
Save the date! The 2026 ICOY Annual Member Meeting will be June 16th & 17th in Bloomington, IL. Further details on programming and registration TBA.

Talk the Leads to Change: The Art of Building Motivation with Motivational Interviewing
2026-06-16 09:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/PwUGVyMFSsK4CP1funrpug
This session focuses on recognizing, evoking, and strategically reinforcing “change talk” – the self-motivational statements most strongly associated with behavior change. Participants will practice MI skills that strengthen intrinsic motivation, build momentum, and support people in moving toward their own meaningful, self-defined goals.
Three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Gabriela Zapata-Alma

Overview of eCornerstone
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Lws0XrtdS5Cvz7QuY3K8QA
This introductory training will provide participants with an overview of the eCornerstone system including specific data entry information for CCBYS, Redeploy, Teen REACH and Homeless Youth programs. Participants will walk through the process of logging in to eCornerstone and entering client data from enrollment to discharge. By the end of the training, participants will be able to accurately enter client information and successfully utilize the software.
Two continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Sam Sorensen

Reimagining Community: Safety
2026-06-17 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/7gzQCQTpRhGR3UnZvgjYjQ
Reframes safety as a relational and community based condition rooted in connection and shared care.Includes trauma-informed, beloved community and healing-centered principles. Providers gain shared language and assessment tools for identifying and cultivating community-based safety.
Two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Karlyn Boens

Navigating "Resistance" with Motivational Interviewing: Softening Sustain Talk and Dancing with Discord
2026-06-23 09:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/P1UVUEeSSZSdrT1iUybARg
This session helps participants understand and respond skillfully to sustain talk and discord, which are often misinterpreted as “resistance.” Participants will learn MI-consistent strategies to reduce tension, maintain collaboration, and transform challenging moments into opportunities for engagement and productive change conversations.
Three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for participants with social work and professional counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC). If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation survey sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Trainer: Gabriela Zapata Alma

ICOY Monthly Member Call
2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:00
Register below for ICOY’s monthly member call where we’ll provide updates from state and federal agencies on topics related to your work. If you don’t currently belong to a member organization but would like to participate, reach out to ICOY’s Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach, Conor Van Santen, at cvansanten@icoyouth.org.

ICOY Monthly Member Call
2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-11-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-12-09 12:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/rnBsuXFtSqiNaIICo7AUPg
