ICEARY 2025

Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that affects communities everywhere. Alarmingly, 1 in 3 human trafficking victims is a child, and 1 in 6 children reported as runaways to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is suspected to be a victim of trafficking. In this training, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking by exploring its definitions and dynamics, the legal protections available for both adults and children, and develop the skills to identify potential trafficking situations. You will also gain valuable insight on the resources and support systems available to assist victims, equipping you with the knowledge to connect individuals in need with the appropriate help and support. Join us to enhance your understanding and play a crucial role in combating human trafficking

Who knows more about family homelessness than the parents who experience it? Homelessness is the cause of many school attendance issues, but it goes unrecognized in many instances. Officials tend to not understand the nitty-gritty reality of what families experience while homeless.

The 3 Melissas’ Practical Guide to Surviving Family Homelessness, a new book, is a unique collection of wisdom from 3 mothers named Melissa (including one from IL) filled with their unfettered advice to millions of other moms, dads, and caregivers without a place to live. These hard-won observations and suggestions, compiled into an unprecedented survival guide for families experiencing homelessness in the US each year, offers tips and takes on common issues bedeviling stressed parents. This guide also informs those working with homeless families, giving a more enlightened understanding of the mostly invisible and growing crisis of family homelessness. The presentation will cover highlights from this new book and explore ways this tool can enhance local services for families experiencing homelessness.

Parent perspective on how best to support students experiencing homelessness. Hear from parents who have experienced homelessness and their suggestions for how schools can best assist families experiencing housing instability and help students thrive. 

Are you going home tired all the time?  This session will help you understanding the effects of burnout and compassion fatigue that may be encountered as the first responders to student trauma.  Participants will be provided resources and strategies that can be used as interventions and/or preventative measures to implement immediately.  Walk away with strategies and tools to reduce or prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. 

We will be talking about Immigration resources: covering Know your Rights- a training to educate people on what to do if you are approached by Immigration authorities; encouraging families to create emergency plans; and talking points on immigration conversations.