Working Together: A Cross Training Conference 

Schedule:

8:30-9:00       Registration opens at 8:30, pay at the door

9:00-9:40

Key Note Speaker, Stephanie Record

9:40-9:45

Break

9:45-10:55

Topic: Homeless

Speakers: Lore Baker, Linda McLaughlin, Susie Beaumont, Darsonya Switzer, Jason Greenly

 
Topic: Child Welfare

Speakers: John Egan, Bob Moore, Heather Dehm, Richard Schmidt, Tiffany Gholson

Topic: Education

Speakers: Cindy Bardeleben, Donna Emmons,
Elise Belknap

Cross Training Sessions 1

This training will provide a basic overview of the Chicago Continuum of Care homeless services system, including the structure, purpose and core values, programs types, and how to become a member. Specific information will be provided on how to access the available homeless services for households with children.

This session will provide a broad overview of early care and education programs available for expectant parents and families with young children in East Central Illinois. Speakers will share information about early childhood home visiting, Early Head Start, Head Start, and school based preschool programs. Attendees of this session will learn about the services and supports each of these programs provides, who is eligible, and how to connect families to the programs.

This session will provide a broad overview of early care and education programs available for expectant parents and families with young children in East Central Illinois. Speakers will share information about early childhood home visiting, Early Head Start, Head Start, and school based preschool programs. Attendees of this session will learn about the services and supports each of these programs provides, who is eligible, and how to connect families to the programs. 

10:55-11:05

Break

11:05-12:15

Repeat of Cross Training 1 

Cross Training 2

12:15-1:15

Lunch – Boxed Lunches provided

1:15-2:05

Breakout 1

Topic: Mandated Reporting

Speaker: Bob Moore

Topic: Subsidized Housing

Speaker: John Egan

Topic: McKinney Vento

Speaker: Jeff Aranowski

Topic:  Early Intervention

Speakers: Angela Marvel

Explains the Law, (ANCRA) the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, who are Mandated Reporters and what their responsibilities are. This session will also explain recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect and provide a definition of abuse and neglect, what happens after a Hotline call is made and walk through what happens during an investigation and beyond.

Ever wondered what “LIHTF” stands for.  What do “HQS” and “FMR” have to do with “HCV?”  If your client is fortunate enough that a program approves them for subsidized housing, it is important to understand the application process, what the subsidy provides, how to make sure you client obtains the housing and what they need to do to keep it.  Experts in subsidized housing will explain the process and pitfalls to various subsidized housing programs.

In this session participants will learn which students are eligible for McKinney-Vento services, school enrollment policies for McKinney-Vento students, and other aspects of McKinney-Vento including transportation, fee waivers, and Title I Funds.  Participants will also learn how school districts and foster care agencies collaborate and communicate to support student success.

Children who experience homelessness and children involved in the child welfare system are at increased risk of being impacted by developmental disabilities and delays. This session will provide an overview of services available to support young children with developmental concerns. The speaker will share information about the Early Intervention (EI) program, which services children ages birth to three, and Early Childhood Special Education, which serves children ages three to five. Attendees of this session will learn about the services and supports available through these programs, who is eligible to receive these services, and how to connect families to EI and special education.

2:05-2:15

Break

2:15-3:05

Topic: Engaging Child Welfare Involved Parents

Speakers: Jill Schreiber

Topic:  Family Advocacy/EFSP

Speakers: John Egan, Belinda Kennedy, Matt Searby

Topic:  Statewide Provide Database

Speaker: TBD

Topic:  Child Care Assistance Program

Speakers: Brenda Eastham

Breakout 2

Because of the complex relationship between early childhood, homelessness, and child maltreatment, a coordinated approach is necessary to ensure that vulnerable children can access the services and resources they need.  A common thread between all service systems that can be measured and monitored is well-being.  By focusing on well-being, this presentation intends to pose, and with participant’s assistance, answer the following questions: How is well-being defined in our systems? How is well-being measured? How do we access services/resources to meet the child/family’s well-being needs? How do we monitor our ability to improve well-being? How do we share information across systems?

Not every DCFS service begins with an investigation.  DCFS experts will explain the Extended Family Support Program (EFSP), Family Advocacy Centers (FAC) and the Youth Housing Assistance Program (YHAP).  EFSP assists relative caregivers who are caring for their relative’s children when the parent is not able or available to raise the child (often due to homelessness).  FAC provides services to stabilize families and youth even if they are not part of the child welfare system.  YHAP provides housing advocacy services and cash assistance to youth who have aged out of care after their 18^th birthday (or were adopted after their 16^th birthday) and have not yet turned 21.  Program experts will explain these programs and how to refer.

Ever wondered what “LIHTF” stands for.  What do “HQS” and “FMR” have to do with “HCV?”  If your client is fortunate enough that a program approves them for subsidized housing, it is important to understand the application process, what the subsidy provides, how to make sure you client obtains the housing and what they need to do to keep it.  Experts in subsidized housing will explain the process and pitfalls to various subsidized housing programs.

This session will provide an overview of Illinois’ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Administered through the Illinois Department of Human Services, CCAP provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care that supports the healthy development of children. The speaker will share information about the current status of the program, the types of child care available to children and families in Illinois, who is eligible for CCAP, and how to access the program.

3:05-3:15

Break

3:15-4:05

Topic:  Child Safety

Speaker: Michael Stripens

Topic:  Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services

Speaker: Genea Lawler

Topic:  Domestic Violence

Speaker: Isak Griffiths

Topic:  Early Intervention

Speaker: Angela Marvel

Breakout 3

Accidental childhood injuries are the leading cause of death among children claiming the lives of 25 children every day and sending millions more for treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Common causes of accidental childhood injuries include: drowning, falls, fires or burns, poisoning, suffocation and motor vehicle crashes. While tragic, the good news is many of these injuries are preventable. This training will provide health and safety tips for children.

Twenty-four hour crisis services offered to youth who are homeless, runaway, locked-out, or considered beyond control (MRAI) . An open referral process allows for the Youth, Police, DCFS, Schools, Family, or other Community Service Provider to make referrals for at-risk youth between the ages of 11-17. Community-based interventions such as formal assessment, case management, family/individual counseling, weekly Teen Group activities, respite and referral/linkages into other community services are offered.

This interactive session will focus on domestic violence and its impacts on families. Attendees will learn about the services available to support families and strategies for helping families stay safe through a facilitation-based discussion.

Children who experience homelessness and children involved in the child welfare system are at increased risk of being impacted by developmental disabilities and delays. This session will provide an overview of services available to support young children with developmental concerns. The speaker will share information about the Early Intervention (EI) program, which services children ages birth to three, and Early Childhood Special Education, which serves children ages three to five. Attendees of this session will learn about the services and supports available through these programs, who is eligible to receive these services, and how to connect families to EI and special education.

4:05-4:15

Break

4:15-4:40

Speaker: Sue Grey

Call to Action