Illinois Collaboration On Youth

Child Welfare Coalition Call
2026-01-09 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

RPSA Management Meeting
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:30 | 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.

Building Community and Coalitions: Coalition Building Against Systems of Oppression
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/zjOqYrMVSrysjO_kudL7ZQ
This session, focused on building cross-sector coalitions within youth-serving spaces, explores how to unite organizations in disrupting systems that harm young people—especially those from marginalized communities. Participants will leave with tools to strengthen collective power and foster long-term collaboration.
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: Moriah Johnson

Foundations of Youth Mental Health
2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ziogEeeIT_manMLlPw2_Gw
Foundations of Youth Mental Health introduces participants to the core principles of adolescent development and the mental health risk factors that can influence youth well-being. The training reviews how biological, cognitive, and environmental changes contribute to vulnerability during this stage. It also teaches participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of common youth mental health disorders to support early identification and intervention.
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: Heshima Mance

CCBYS Supervisor GOALS Orientation
2026-01-07 12:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/451Ej4x4R-KF7ZCjygHUZA
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.

Trauma Talks: Poverty and Trauma
2026-01-06 13:00 - 15:00 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1485338008969?aff=oddtdtcreator
We know trauma as events, but did you know it can be a set of circumstances? Poverty is the most common trauma in America, yet often overlooked as such. In this training we will explore long-term destabilization and dysregulation associated with poverty. Through an intersectional, historical, and transgenerational lens we will look at how poverty based trauma can shape our individual, interpersonal, and communal systems and experiences. Finally, participants will learn about the resilience and protective factors communities have built to cope with poverty based trauma at the hands of our systems and society, historically and presently.
ICOY currently offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participants with active Social Work and Professional Counseling licenses (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC) only. All CEU requests must be made in the evaluation form.
Content Warning: This training may touch on sensitive topics related to trauma, including its intersections with culture, race, gender, history, and social inequities. We will address how trauma can uniquely affect children, families, and communities, particularly within marginalized or historically oppressed groups. Topics may include structural inequities, disparities in care, stigma, and the impact of social adversities. Please be aware that some content may be distressing or triggering for individuals with lived experiences of trauma or related challenges. Please take care of yourself and feel free to step away at any time. For any additional needs or resources please reach out to our team at trauma_initiatives@icoyouth.org
Please note, this event/training is not affiliated with or in partnership with IDHS. Everyone is welcome to attend!
About the Facilitator:
Marlee Goodman (she/her) – Marlee Goodman has a strong foundation in direct service, with experience in grief, affinity spaces and identity, community building, and advocacy. Currently serving as a Training + Trauma Specialist, and LGBTQ+ Liaison at ICOY, she leads CARES, ICOY’s for-hire Trauma-Informed Services, and facilitates training and capacity-building to support service providers with gaining tools, skills, and knowledge about trauma-informed care. As an LGBTQ+ Liaison she ensures that ICOY is meeting the needs of organizations serving queer children, youth, families, and service providers across the state. Marlee use trauma-informed principles, restorative and reparative models, and intersectionality to guide every aspect of her work. Her approach to content and facilitation is rooted in her commitment to supporting organizations in their journey to not only dismantle oppressive systems, but to center communities in making healing accessible and sustainable.

LGBTQ+ Learning Community
2026-01-05 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!

CYS Management Meeting
2025-12-18 10:00 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/NUHUXYHMSgGufvrP20T6UA
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.

Family and Community Engagement
2025-12-17 09:00 - 11:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ek54Ufk6TMa0beid_qNShg
This training is designed to support service providers in building stronger connections with youth’s support networks: communities and caregivers! Participants will explore current barriers to engagement, understand the importance of connection in supporting youth success, and learn practical strategies for fostering meaningful relationships with families and communities. The training also highlights the power that each adult’s role in a young person’s life has creating and sustaining supportive, resilient community systems that uplift and empower all.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/

Domestic Violence and Trauma
2025-12-15 13:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/2A7ZlyN-TWSMCePTR7Ckbw
Understanding Domestic Violence is beyond observing individual relationships. Understanding Domestic Violence requires a reflection of larger society and systems to truly address its impact. Additionally, we will address the unique barriers for communities, such as mothers, youth, elders, immigrants, individuals with disabilities as a few examples. Participants will grow shared language and tools to best support individuals navigating Domestic Violence. Finally, participants are encouraged to bring their heart and hope to Break the Cycles of Domestic Violence during this training. Thank you for your time and consideration in joining!

Child Welfare Coalition Call
2025-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/dYqxJT7kRpqNQ1yadG9OVg#/registration

Casey Life Skills
2025-12-12 10:00 - 13:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/99iBo_DgRQuPrWi9kYSy5A#/registration
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.

Trainer: Cheris Larson

IYIP Management Meeting
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/EAUoUc90RAGxvfUJzLvL5A
Please join us for the quarterly IYIP 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 IYIP funding from IDHS.

Trauma-Informed De-Escalation
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trauma-informed-de-escalation-tickets-1969834202125?aff=oddtdtcreator
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.

Location: Address: 333 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60604, Floor 3, Room 319.
Valid ID: Please bring a valid form of ID with you to the training and check-in at the lobby when you arrive. You will then take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
Arrival: Please arrive by 9:30am-9:45am to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Parking & Transportation: Paid Street parking and several parking lots are available in the area. Additionally, the CTA Brown, Red, Green, and Blue lines are nearby.

Please bring any writing utensils, laptops, and chargers you may need
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/

Informational Webinar: CCBYS GOALS Live Sessions 2026
2025-12-10 13:00 - 14:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/7Dp2irTQTSyI6a4bfOfgfQ
Please join us for a one-hour informational session on GOALS training for CCBYS providers. This session will cover key dates, instructions for the live sessions, and what to expect regarding registration needs. The session will be recorded and shared with all participants.

ICOY Monthly Member Call
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuygqjgpHNTYS3N7bidPfYUUlE0CJmK9
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.

Positive Workplace Culture
2025-12-10 09:30 - 11:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/LUg2IDTeQkmAEzVKCT8qaw
This training is designed to help organizations cultivate a positive workplace culture that enhances employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. Participants will learn the key components of a positive work environment, strategies to foster a supportive and inclusive culture, and practical tools for maintaining a healthy workplace.
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: Heshima Mance

Homeless Youth Management Meeting
2025-12-09 10:00 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/4XPP25WWQ42ByY_bOvU6LQ
Please join us for the quarterly HY 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 HY funding from IDHS.

CYS 201
2025-12-08 10:00 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/2Nv8T6_ESjqUVgZ-TjccNw
In this training, we will discuss building Area Project Boards, Community Committees, and Youth Committees with an emphasis on member retention. Engaging committees and retaining members is essential to the CYS program. Community engagement and activity implementation are the basis for the 8 objectives that CYS is grounded on. We will also dive into discussing how to engage your communities and implement activities to support delinquency and violence prevention in this training.
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: Emily Middleton

Trauma and Grief
2025-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/jHWqUgU9RUGW1KaTskopNw
Dr. Gabor Mate says the antidote to trauma is to grieve. In this session we will explore the many forms of grief through lenses spanning from internalized to environmental. We will explore the complex, compounding, and often ambiguous relationship between grief and trauma. Where does one start, and the other stop? Finally, we will embrace the power of grieving as a tool for healing and examine strategies, models, and practices we can implement with clients, communities, and even within ourselves.
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/

Trauma and Juvenile Delinquency
2025-12-04 12:00 - 14:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tBWEn852QneDxdNHo4McfQ
In this session, participants will examine the critical intersection between trauma and juvenile delinquency, with a focus on how adverse childhood experiences shape youth behavior and involvement in the legal system. The training will help participants identify the characteristics that define “”at-risk”” and “high-risk” youth, while offering practical insights into trauma-informed strategies. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and key focus areas for effectively engaging and supporting high-risk youth through a trauma-informed lens.
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/

IYIP 3473 Management Meeting
2025-12-04 10:00 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/PmlDL-uWSnmcDN45essHHg
Hello, IYIP 3473 providers! Please join us for today’s management meeting for IYIP providers. As a reminder, this meeting is virtual and is mandatory for each program with the purpose of increasing communication across programs and with the state.

Overview of eCornerstone
2025-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/xHeAPBagRrC412wv9Gl9ww
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

Youth Experiencing Housing Instability 101
2025-12-02 10:00 - 2025-12-03 12:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/qVAuSjVwSEqOTTtrz3IfWA
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: Sam Sorensen

LGBTQ+ Learning Community
2025-12-01 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for our monthly LGBTQ+ Learning Community, facilitated by Marlee Goodman, ICOY’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, HRC, and Training & Trauma Initiatives Specialist. 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!

CCBYS 101
2025-12-01 09:30 - 13:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/PMVh_pLsTHezZbMOsAbhnA
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 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

CCBYS Management Meeting
2025-11-18 10:00 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/keDbaLrXTJq0snAAkyU8fA
Please join us for the quarterly CCBYS 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 CCBYS funding from IDHS.

Grant Writing 201: Distinct & Unique- Setting Your Organization Apart from Other Grant Applicants
2025-11-18 09:30 - 12:30 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Un9j2qA2TF-BkVk_TWpvDw
Imagine a grant officer sitting in front of the stack of proposals she received today. How do you ensure that she forwards your proposal on for review? Imagine a grant reader who has two days to review a dozen grant proposals. How do you increase your chances that he will read past your executive summary? Imagine several organizations similar to yours submitting proposals similar to yours. How do you make your proposal stand out from the rest? Although there are no guarantees to securing grants, there are many strategies you can use to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
Trainer: Kristin Olson

Postive Youth Development
2025-11-17 12:00 - 15:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/2ghElQ5NSMuA3pzL1jCl4Q
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

Trauma Informed Supervision for Supervisors
2025-11-14 09:00 - 11:00 | https://icoyouth-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qsxyh86YS3uTXBmaTGIegg
This training session is designed for supervisors, managers, and senior leadership to enhance team support and build vital supervisory networks. Together we will explore trauma-informed supervision techniques focusing on relationship building, conflict management, and effective communication strategies. Finally, participants will discuss skills to create a trauma-informed environment for both staff and clients.
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/
