The Power of Belonging, Jocelyn Fetting

Jocelyn shares her extraordinary journey through foster care, the enduring bond with her siblings, and how a CASA volunteer's commitment ultimately became the foundation for belonging. Through her story of resilience and hope, attendees will be reminded that advocacy is not only about navigating systems, but also about changing lives through relationships that last.

Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health in Illinois – From Blueprint to BEACON

The Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) was established in 2022 by the Governor’s Office to address the rising youth mental health services needs across Illinois.  An update will be provided on the status of the recommendations within the Blueprint for Transformation.  In addition, we will take a look at BEACON, which serves as a single front door enabling parents, caregivers, and service providers to identify and connect with state-funded and community-based services for which youth may be eligible. This presentation will be an introductory training about what the tool is; how families can use it to find resources and track assistance; and how anyone can use BEACON to help connect families with resources.

Understanding the Trauma of Poverty

Trauma is often understood as a specific event, but it can also exist as an ongoing set of circumstances. Poverty is one of the most common yet frequently overlooked forms of trauma in America. In this training, participants will explore the long-term destabilization and dysregulation associated with poverty through an intersectional, historical, and transgenerational lens. The session will examine how poverty-based trauma shapes individual, interpersonal, and community experiences and systems. Participants will also learn about the resilience and protective factors communities have developed to cope with poverty-related trauma across generations. 

Resource Expo: Connecting Advocates to Community Resources

The Resource Expo brings together community organizations, service providers, and resources that support children and families in our community. Advocates will have an opportunity to meet local providers, learn about available programs and services, and discover resources they can share with the children and families they serve. This informal, interactive opportunity is designed to help advocates expand their knowledge of the community supports available to families and strengthen connections that can benefit the children on their cases.

A View From the Bench, The Honorable M. Lark Cowart, Associate Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit

Track 1 – Supporting Older Youth, Advocacy for Successful Transitions

As youth prepare to transition from foster care to adulthood, they face important decisions that can shape their future success. This session provides attendees with an overview of the resources and support available to help older youth navigate housing, employment, education, healthcare, and financial stability. Participants will learn about programs including DCFS housing and cash assistance, Countdown to 21, workforce development opportunities, transitional and independent living programs, and YouthCare services. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to help youth build confidence, access critical resources, and move toward a successful transition to independence.

Track 2: The Conversations that Build Collaboration

Effective advocacy depends not only on what an advocate does, but on how they communicate and build relationships with the people involved in a child’s life. This session will explore practical strategies for building trust, fostering open communication, and creating relationships that support better outcomes for children and families.

Closing Session: The Heart of Advocacy – A Lived Experience Conversation

The conference concludes by bringing the voices of those with lived experience to the forefront. Facilitated by Jocelyn Fetting, this powerful panel features women who experienced foster care sharing honest reflections on the people, moments, and support that made the greatest difference in their lives. Through an interactive conversation driven by attendee-submitted questions, participants will gain meaningful insight into the lasting impact of compassionate, consistent advocacy and leave inspired by the profound difference one caring adult can make.