Illinois Collaboration On Youth

Legal Training for Practitioners Working with Youth in Crisis
2026-02-04 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | 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

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

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

LGBTQ+ Learning Community
2026-02-02 11:00 - 12:00, 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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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.

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/

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.

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

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

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.

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
