Webinar Schedule 

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April 9, 2026 @ 11:00 AM- 11:30 AM

"Bridging Lived Experience and Clinical Practice:  Engaging Families Affected by Substance Use and Mental Health"

This interactive workshop explores the intersection of substance use disorders (SUD), mental health, and family dynamics, highlighting the importance of incorporating lived experience into both clinical and community practice. Participants will learn how substance use impacts family systems, explore strategies to improve engagement and reduce stigma, and become familiar with community resources that support individuals and families affected by SUD.

Presented by: Magdalena Campos

April 21, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

"ACEs, PCEs, and Parental Substance Use"

Childhood is a vulnerable time, with many children depending on others for basic needs. Research shows that in the U.S., over 1 in 4 children live with a parent who misuses substances, affecting parental effectiveness. This workshop introduces resources from The Illinois Family Resource Center, covering data on substance use disorders and child abuse. Participants will learn about the impact of parental substance use on children, the potential for family abuse, available support resources, and how to report child abuse.

Presented by: Cristina Banda

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

May 6, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 

"You're Not Like Everyone Else: The Power of Family Peer Professionals"

Family peer professionals bring a perspective to systems of care that no other role can replicate. Grounded in lived experience and supported by professional training, they serve as trusted navigators, advocates, and bridges for families navigating complex child- and family-serving systems. This session explores the unique and essential role of family peer professionals and how their relational, trauma-informed approach—rooted in shared experience—leads to improved outcomes for children and caregivers.

Presented by: Megan Ragan

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

May 28, 2026 @ 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

"Feed Your Mind: Using the Circle of Care Tools "

The Circle of Care spent a solid year creating resources that communities, organizations, and individuals can use to help kids who are dealing with loss and grief in families affected by substances. From in-depth training to an online resource toolkit and an Illinois landscape analysis, the Circle of Care resources are easily accessible on the IFRC website and appropriate for both professional helpers and natural supporters within communities. In this Lunch and Learn session, we’ll talk about how to find and make the most of these resources, and people who have already accessed them will have a chance to talk about how they’ve used this information to help their communities.

Presented by: Pam Woll

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

June 16th, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

"Parenting Again: Exploring the Kinship Care Journey"

Join us to discuss “Parenting again.” The family dynamic continues to increase as opioid and other substance use issues create the need for a non-parent family member to assume responsibility of caring for our children —babies through teens. Recognized in this situation are grandparents, but also other kin stepping into the role. Family caregivers are placed in positions of grief, concern of the loved one, the child’s trauma, unexpected financial stress, legal issues, and fear if the relationship is terminated.

The workshop will explore issues and potential

solutions for the kin providers fulfilling the parenting role. Information about support services, both emotional and financial, will be shared. Ideas will be shared for a fun and rewarding environment that supports a potential reunified family. Join us for a discussion in support of our families.

Presented by: Nancy Phillips

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

June 24th, 2026 @ 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM

" Family Sex Trafficking: The Hidden Ugly"

Children growing up in drug-endangered environments face unique and devastating risks — including familial sex trafficking. In these cases, parents or caregivers exploit children within the home, often in exchange for illegal drugs.

This webinar will shed light on this hidden crisis, offering insights on how to identify at-risk children early, respond with appropriate interventions, and connect survivors to the critical services they need. Together, we will explore strategies to break the generational cycle of substance misuse and create safer futures for vulnerable children and families.

✅ Learn the warning signs

✅ Understand the connection between substance use and trafficking

✅ Explore practical steps for prevention and intervention.

Presented by: Liesl Wingert

* In partnership with Heartlife Ministries Recovery 180*

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.