Illinois Collaboration On Youth

RPSA Management Meeting
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/vj8grE-cR-OCaxLNoHXTQQ
Please join us for this virtual quarterly management meeting for RPSA providers! As a reminder, this meeting is mandatory for each program with the purpose of increasing communication across programs and with the state.

Child Welfare Coalition Call
2026-01-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-06 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.

Casey Life Skills
2026-01-12 10:00 - 13:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/w8UvwTK1QO-QELaaVzISzA
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 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(s): Cheris Larson

CCBYS Supervisor GOALS Orientation
2026-01-12 14:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/km6wdcUhTZS3MNNF8s-Dvw
This one-hour session introduces CCBYS supervisors to the GOALS training and Caseworks system, outlining key expectations, roles, and processes to support implementation and oversight.

Culture and Trauma
2026-01-13 09:00 - 11:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/dzyHcnpLQI6TJpiYQv0mfA
Trauma has context. That context often times 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.
Two continuing education credits will be offered for this training. If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/

ICOY Monthly Member Call
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/rnBsuXFtSqiNaIICo7AUPg
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.

Introduction of Motivational Interviewing
2026-01-14 12:00 - 16:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/2fbq3xGASued92q0pzwGuQ
This ICOY training provides an overview of motivational interviewing and its key elements for effective practice: Values, Ambivalence, Empathy, the Spirit of MI, O.A.R.S, and Eliciting Change Talk. The main focus of motivational interviewing is to partner with the individual to enhance motivation and utilize ambivalence to build a successful plan for making change. Compared with other non-directive counseling, this method is focused and guiding, allowing for more partnership and collaboration.
Please Note: This training is highly interactive and full participation is expected. All participants are required to engage in group discussions, breakout room activities, and have both audio and video on for the duration of the session. Failure to actively participate may affect your eligibility to receive attendance credit, a Certificate of Attendance (COA), or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Trainer: Lori Egizio

Resisting Vicarious Trauma: Building Resilience and Collective Care in the Workplace
2026-01-15 12:00 - 14:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ar0A_y0_R6W3mIfXiqx-uQ
Throughout this session, we will review the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of vicarious trauma, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact. Together, we will explore the various stress responses experienced by service providers and identify effective ways to offer support. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will explore identifying personal triggers and develop strategies for building resilience and fostering collective care.
Two continuing education credits will be offered for this training. If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/

Grant Writing 101
2026-01-21 09:30 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/E8kR-XwZRZi-Yf8Xk5LT7Q
This introductory session is designed for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers with little or no experience writing a grant proposal. Participants will learn: how to discern if a funding opportunity is a good fit for their organization; about the difference between public- and private-sector grants; about the current trends in grant making; how to structure a grant proposal for a foundation grant; and how to respond to an IDHS request for proposals.
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

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
2026-01-22 09:00 - 2026-01-23 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/HIqzlJhTTx6OZXzuD2SYHA
Please join us for a 2-day training of a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI), this session grounds participants in MI’s core principles, evidence base, and real-world applications across supportive service settings. Participants will build a shared vocabulary for MI, practice essential skills, and understand the four key processes that guide MI conversations. They will leave with practical tools they can begin applying immediately to strengthen engagement and support meaningful behavior change.
Six 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/. Please note this is a 2 day training from 9-12pm on both days.
Trainer: Gabriela Zapata-Alma

Trauma-Informed De-Escalation
2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00
This training will present an overview of the factors that can escalate a situation and/or individual. Together we will go through the escalation cycle and responses to each phase, work to understand how to identify our own and others’ conflict styles, trauma responses, and triggers. We will learn practical de-escalation principles and skills to support individuals in ways to engage in a trauma informed framework when facing escalation. Additionally, attendees will learn how to apply a trauma informed care lens to prioritize minimizing re-traumatization and additional harm.
Two continuing education credits will be offered for this training. If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/
Please note that this will be an In-Person training located in Southern, IL.
Registration: Here

Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services 101 (CCBYS 101)
2026-01-26 09:30 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/nEhat4vaTR2kDNRMal_NDQ
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

Reimagining Community: Practice & Application Lab
2026-01-27 12:00 - 14:00 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reimagining-community-practice-application-lab-tickets-1975326276066?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us for an IN-PERSON Learning Community! This in person lab focuses on practical skill-building, reflective dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving.
Focus Areas:
• Making meaning of the four core elements of thriving community life: safety, youth voice, belonging through intentional space design, and sustaining the people who hold the work
• Applying the core elements into real provider contexts
• Peer exchange and shared learning across provider sites and roles.
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

Gender and Sexuality 101
2026-01-28 13:00 - 16:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/xYv3labXQx6iotfxBwbU3g
This is an introductory course on Gender and Sexuality 101. This virtual training will focus on building foundational knowledge as well as best practices. Gender and Sexuality 101 aims to be accessible and beginner friendly, to support facilitators who are beginning to work to make their programming more inclusive. This training will center on the understanding that all youth deserve access to safe spaces, and this training will lay foundational knowledge for developing safe and inclusive practices in out-of-school time for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Topics will include:
– Spectra of Identities
– Intersectionality
– Pronouns
-Social Determinants of Health
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: Andrew Hitzhusen

ICOY x Elevate Kickoff Webinar
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ll3cqjxSSPqvOJRip8ldWQ
We know that the funding landscape for your work is uncertain, and that organizations are more resource-constrained than ever. We’ve heard from many of you that are looking for strategies to replace lost public funds and bolster relationships with private funders. That’s why we are pleased to announce our new partnership with Elevate.
Join us on January 29 for a partnership kick off webinar to learn about Elevate and key ICOY member benefits.
Elevate is a leading grant writing firm, known nationally for their highly strategic, data-driven approach to establish and grow nonprofit grant programs. Since its founding in 2013, the team at Elevate has raised well over $1 Billion in grant funding for their nonprofit partners working in the areas of housing, human services, mental and behavioral health, workforce development, policy advocacy, and much more.
Webinar attendees will have a chance to meet the team at Elevate, who will share some background information about their work and how they support nonprofit organizations. They’ll also provide details about our new partnership and key benefits just for ICOY members, including discounts and access to learning opportunities.

LGBTQ+ Learning Community
2026-02-02 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!

Grant Budget Basics
2026-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Developing a budget for a grant proposal is as important as the project narrative. Kristin Olson will guide participants through the process of creating a grant budget and budget narrative, demonstrate how to complete the Illinois Uniform Grant Budget Template, and provide templates for multi-year budgets and budget narratives. By the end of the two-hour session, participants will have the knowledge needed to construct a grant budget and budget narrative.
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: Kristin Olson

Gender and Sexuality 101
2026-02-04 09:30 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tbxUmeYnTQer4F-cTODFrg
This is an introductory course on Gender and Sexuality 101. This virtual training will focus on building foundational knowledge as well as best practices. Gender and Sexuality 101 aims to be accessible and beginner friendly, to support facilitators who are beginning to work to make their programming more inclusive. This training will center on the understanding that all youth deserve access to safe spaces, and this training will lay foundational knowledge for developing safe and inclusive practices in out-of-school time for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Topics will include:
– Spectra of Identities
– Intersectionality
– Pronouns
– Social Determinants of Health
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: Andrew Hitzhusen

Legal Training for Practitioners Working with Youth in Crisis
2026-02-04 09:30 - 15:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/284dePaFRVWbNRCMZutE_g
Please join ICOY’s legal training to review best practices for working with youth and families in the context of an agency’s legal responsibilities. We will address decision-making authority and the various players, juvenile justice laws, and intersecting legal proceedings, crisis situations and responses, rights of minors without parental consent, and legal guidelines for case managers.
Five 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/
Please Note: There will be a one hour lunch break.
Trainers: Rights and Restoration Law Group

Building a Trauma-Informed Organization
2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/qX6p04EpTJe2EJ1AcSy92g
Creating a trauma-informed organization does not have a one-size fits all approach. This training serves as a guide for organizations in developing and growing trauma-informed care within its organizational structures. Organizations will learn how to develop strategies to create and enhance their trauma-informed practices in teams, programs, and overall agency systems. We will discuss policy and procedure revisions and offer approaches in developing and building a trauma-informed organization. Participants should leave the training feeling empowered to respond empathically, develop realistic goals, and resist re-traumatization.
Two continuing education credits will be offered for this training. If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/

Developmental Trauma and Maternal Stress
2026-02-06 09:00 - 11:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/4zOU7-DbRDG0jjQqcHTi2g
This session offers attendees a foundational understanding of how trauma and stress can impact us even before birth. While it’s often assumed that children are naturally resilient to stress and trauma, true resilience is dependent on the context and wider systems in which a child develops. Together, we’ll explore key concepts such as maternal buffering, epigenetics, serve and return, and neuroplasticity, examining how these factors can either support or hinder the development of resilience intergenerationally.
Two continuing education credits will be offered for this training. If you would like to request CEUs, you may do so in the evaluation sent after completing this training. For more information on ICOY’s training attendance policy please see here: https://www.icoyouth.org/attendance-policy/

Engagement as the Foundation of Change: Rooting in the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing
2026-02-06 09:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/c8tHlmzMRTW1XmyuKnsi-g
This session focuses on the “Spirit” of Motivational Interviewing – partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment – as the essential starting point for all change work. Participants will learn how to cultivate authentic, culturally responsive engagement that builds trust and rapport while honoring autonomy. Through exploration of MI’s relational elements, participants will strengthen their ability to support motivation as a dynamic, collaborative interpersonal process.
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

From Operations to Governance: Increasing the Effectiveness of Your Board of Directors
2026-02-09 09:00 - 11:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/s1jUzmu3RO6SsMrUzLVQwQ
This two-hour virtual training will focus on the basic elements of building and sustaining a board of directors. Topics covered will include:
•The role of boards in the nonprofit sector
•The three duties of a board of directors: care, loyalty, and obedience
•The difference between governing and operational boards
•Board recruitments: including the use of a board grid, developing a recruitment policy, and onboarding
•Ongoing board engagement
Suggested Audience: Organizations that are less than ten years old, organizations with less than ten board members who wish to increase the size of their board and their officers, first time nonprofit CEOs/Executive Directors.
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: Paul Hamann

Positive Youth Development
2026-02-09 12:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/TXiYDWAbQcGKHncZo60rSQ
Understanding Youth Development: Harnessing the Power to Transform Individuals and Communities: History / Core Concepts / Practical Application. This module provides participants the opportunity to ground themselves within the history and theory that have led to positive youth development. Core principles and concepts of youth development as a model to create organizational and community change is offered in contrast to traditional youth services model. Participants have the opportunity to explore practical applications of the model through small group work.
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/
Trainers: LYTE Collective

Embracing Justice for All: Immigration & Intersectional Lenses
2026-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1fsxri-TSmeXA57jFcPfgw
This virtual training explores the impact of immigration policies on young people and families. With an emphasis on equity and culturally responsive practices, participants will explore actionable strategies through real stories and practical frameworks to better support immigrant and mixed-status youth.
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: Issac Carter

Youth Experiencing Housing Instability 101
2026-02-10 10:00 - 2026-02-11 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/EvaHHQelSrKYS2dvBlDj1A
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): Cheris Larson

ICOY 101
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/zxxptgYWSdSIxYS4A5rgSQ
Join ICOY’s Membership team for an overview of ICOY’s benefits, partnerships, history, and offerings! This session will be geared towards new staff at ICOY’s member organizations as well as prospective members. All are welcome!
Email Sr. Manager of Communications & Outreach Conor Van Santen (cvansanten@icoyouth.org) with any questions you may have!

CBAT-O Final Reports & Results
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/IAnTwA2aSX6rUUD9C5L1wg
This informational webinar is designed to support providers gain clarity on how to interpret their CBAT-O final report and results. Our team will walk them through each component of the report (including the Trauma-Sensitive Environmental Checklist, Comment Section, and section-by-section CBAT-O results). We will also review the information included in the accompanying email, such as training recommendations and other relevant details.
