2025 IPCSA Fall Conference

Hosted by the 6th Judicial Circuit in Champaign County

Unite, Inspire, Uplift

October 8-10, 2025

Featuring Keynote Speaker Allan Kohler

Allan Kehler is a mental health advocate, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author of four books. His TEDx talk on men and mental health has gained international attention, and he has been featured on several television and radio programs. For nearly a decade, Allan instructed various mental health related courses at the college level while also working as an addiction’s counselor and clinical case manager. Today, Allan is a highly sought-after speaker on various topics related to mental health and wellness. He has stood on more than one thousand stages and is recognized for his engaging style and captivating approach. Having persevered through his own challenges with mental illness and addictions, Allan speaks from a place of experience. His moving stories tug on heartstrings, inspire a new perspective, and allow people to connect with themselves and others at a deeper level. In 2020, Allan and his wife, Tanya, launched Born Resilient™ – a clothing line that empowers people to persevere through their challenges. They are proud to donate a percentage of their profits to organizations that promote wellness. Allan currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He shares his life with Tanya, four boys, three dogs, and a tank of fish.

Lodging Information:

Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites  (FULL-see Overflow hotel information below)

1501 South Neil Street

Champaign, IL  61820

217-359-1151

Room Block open August 4,2025-September 7, 2025

$125/night plus taxes and fees

Link for reservations:  https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ilprobationandcourtservicesassociationoctober2025/

Overflow Hotel:

Holiday Inn

101 Trade Center Drive

Champaign, IL  61820

217-398-3400

Group:  IPCSA

$110/night plus tax and fees

Conference At a Glance

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

8:30-4:30    Registration (Legacy Hallway)

8:30-4:30    Exhibit Viewing (Alumni Ballroom-lower level)

8:30-11:45    Committee Meetings

11:45 -1:15    Lunch (Illini Ballroom)

1:30 – 4:30   Workshops

4:45-5:45      Leadership Academy Recruitment Q & A  (Golden Gophers)

6:00 – 10:00   All Members Reception

Thursday, October 9, 2025

8:30-4:30    Registration (Legacy Hallway)

8:30-4:30    Exhibit Viewing (Alumni Ballroom-lower level)

8:30-11:30    Featured Keynote Speaker Allan Kehler (Illini Ballroom)

11:45 -1:15     Lunch (Illini Ballroom)

1:30 – 4:30   Workshops

5:30-6:30     Cocktail Hour (Illini Ballroom)

6:30 – 12:00  Awards Banquet (Illini Ballroom)  1950’s Theme.

Friday, October 10, 2025

7:30-9:00    Breakfast (Illini Room)

9:00-11:00   Business Meeting (Illini Room)

11:00 – ?      Raffle and 50/50 Drawing

Committee Meeting Schedule-Wednesday, October 8, 2025:

8:00   Resource Committee-meet at vendor tables

8:30   Rep Chair-Golden Gophers ( A member from each committee must attend)

9:00  CMO/Legislative-Fighting Illini

9:00  Supervisor-Badgers

9:00  Program-At Program Table

9:00  Detention-Wolverines

9:00 Officer Safety-Spartans

9:30  Membership-At Membership Table

10:00 Awards-Illini Ballroom

10:00  Substance Use and PSC-Badgers

10:00 Sex Offender-Golden Gophers

10:00 Juvenile-Nittany Lions

10:00 Interstate-Wolverines

11:00  Research-Wildcats

11:00 Pretrial-Nittany Lions

11:00  Technology-Spartans

11:00  Human Advocacy-Boilermakers

Workshops:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025     1:30 – 4:30 p.m.            Tara Woodard, Cole Stark and Katie Dorsett

NRCT 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Workshop Description:  Participants will learn control techniques that are effective and appropriate at all levels of the use of force continuum. These techniques are based upon the Natural Response Control Tactics System, which was specifically designed for Parole, Probation, and Community Corrections personnel . The techniques are designed to be quickly learned, easily applied and retained, and can be effectively applied by officers of varying size, strength, experience and age, irrespective of gender.
Some advice regarding your attire:
1. No Jewelry as it may cause injury in certain circumstances.
2. Jeans are ok, but you will be moving around a lot so if you are more comfortable in sweats or shorts those
are fine too.
3. We will be working on breaking “shirt holds” which will require your partner to actually grab your shirt.
Please make sure your shirt/undergarments are not the fancy stuff as they MAY be damaged.
4. Wear tennis shoes or something similar. Heels, sandals, or “work shoes” are not appropriate
5. If you have contacts, wear them. If you don’t, wear your glasses at your own risk.
Absolutely NO weapons or firearms are allowed in the training room.

Virginial Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument-Revised Booster Training (Pretrial Track)  1:30 – 4:30 p.m.  Anne Pettit

Workshop Description:  This course will provide the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to maintain interrater reliability and fidelity when scoring the assessment tool while addressing officers’ questions and barriers to completing a valid actuarial assessment tool.

Non-escalation & De-escalation Tactics: Communicative Strategies for Conflict Management   1:30 – 4:30 p.m.               Dr. Michael Schlosser

Workshop Description: This comprehensive course delves into the nuances of tactical communications. Beyond the principles of de-escalation, attendees will master the art of non-escalation, preventing conflicts from escalating in the first place.  Every professional, regardless of their field, faces diverse situations daily, necessitating mental agility and adaptability.  This course equips participants with tools to strategically employ words, tactics, and strategies to foster cooperation, collaboration, and voluntary compliance-even when faced with individuals at their most challenging.

Street College 1:30-2:50 p.m.

Workshop Description:  What’s Going On? Today’s justice-involved youth have disengaged from learning, and even
dreaming. Inside of Street College programming, these students feel safe and know that anything can become reality. This interactive workshop provides juvenile detention center (JDC) professionals an interactive workshop where they will participate in Street College programming, followed by a round-table discussion. Participants will engage with our equipment, learn evidence-based practices that are culturally aware, hear about collaborative approaches to begin programming relationships for making an impact on justice-involved youth, examine leadership styles that overcome personal and systemic bias.

Recognizing and Understanding Suicide Risk 1:30-2:50 p.m.    Megan Cambron

Workshop Description: This course will help participants act with care and compassion when they encounter an individual who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. Participants will learn signs that someone is thinking about suicide and how to use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine level of suicide risk and appropriate interventions.  Education and rational on restricting access to lethal means during a suicide crisis will be discussed.

Continuous Quality Improvement 1:30-2:50 p.m.    Becky Self

This interactive workshop is designed to equip probation officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) practices within their departments. By focusing on data-driven decision-making and evidence-based strategies, participants will learn how to enhance service delivery, promote positive client outcomes, and foster a culture of ongoing improvement. The workshop will incorporate real-world examples, including insights from successful CQI applications in probation settings .

Offender Registration Training 3:10-4:30 p.m.        Captain Scott Watkins

Workshop Description: This presentation will cover Illinois Compiled Statutes related to the Illinois Sex Offender Registry and the Murder and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry. Sex offender registry requirements for adjudicated delinquents (juveniles) will be covered as well as residency and loitering restrictions for child sex offenders.

Supervision of the Survivor  3:10-4:30 p.m.        Nicole Bockhorn

Workshop Description: This workshop is designed to give probation officers strategies to effectively work with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) who are also on supervision. When a survivor becomes involved in the criminal justice system, it can lead to increased risks to their safety and may create additional barriers for IPV survivors who are seeking support to protect themselves and their loved ones from an abuser. By recognizing the signs of intimate partner violence and utilizing evidenced based practices, participants will learn how to best support survivors throughout their supervision by understanding unique barriers this population may present with and how to best address those barriers.

Thursday, October 9, 2025  8:30 – 11:30 a.m.    Allan Kehler

Allan Kehler is a mental health advocate, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author of four books. His TEDx talk on men and mental health has gained international attention, and he has been featured on several television and radio programs. For nearly a decade, Allan instructed various mental health related courses at the college level while also working as an addiction’s counselor and clinical case manager. Today, Allan is a highly sought-after speaker on various topics related to mental health and wellness. He has stood on more than one thousand stages and is recognized for his engaging style and captivating approach. Having persevered through his own challenges with mental illness and addictions, Allan speaks from a place of experience. His moving stories tug on heartstrings, inspire a new perspective, and allow people to connect with themselves and others at a deeper level. In 2020, Allan and his wife, Tanya, launched Born Resilient™ – a clothing line that empowers people to persevere through their challenges. They are proud to donate a percentage of their profits to organizations that promote wellness. Allan currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He shares his life with Tanya, four boys, three dogs, and a tank of fish.

Thursday, October 9, 2025     1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

NRCT  (repeat session)   1:30 -4:30 p.m.      Tara Woodard, Cole Stark and Katie Dorsett

Workshop Description:  Participants will learn control techniques that are effective and appropriate at all levels of the use of force continuum. These techniques are based upon the Natural Response Control Tactics System, which was specifically designed for Parole, Probation, and Community Corrections personnel . The techniques are designed to be quickly learned, easily applied and retained, and can be effectively applied by officers of varying size, strength, experience and age, irrespective of gender.
Some advice regarding your attire…
1. No Jewelry as it may cause injury in certain circumstances.
2. Jeans are ok, but you will be moving around a lot so if you are more comfortable in sweats or shorts those
are fine too.
3. We will be working on breaking “shirt holds” which will require your partner to actually grab your shirt.
Please make sure your shirt/undergarments are not the fancy stuff as they MAY be damaged.
4. Wear tennis shoes or something similar. Heels, sandals, or “work shoes” are not appropriate
5. If you have contacts, wear them. If you don’t, wear your glasses at your own risk.
Absolutely NO weapons or firearms are allowed in the training room.

Understanding the Dynamics of Sexual Offense and Treating the Offender  1:30 -4:30 p.m.    Michael Kleppin

Workshop Description:  This presentation is designed to reach not only the clinician but to also educate the mandated reporter, arresting officer, supervising court services official and prosecuting authorities.

Goodbye Stress. Hello Life!  1:30-2:50 p.m.    Allan Kehler

Workshop Description:  As probation officers, you have an important role to play in supporting the well-being of others.  However, your own wellness must not be overlooked.  It’s time to slow don and focus on you.  Drawing from his own experiences, Allan will inspire you to persevere through personal challenges rather than avoiding or escaping them.  You will be encouraged to take an honest look at what lies beneath your stress, and be provided with tools to heal through a holistic approach.  Through an interactive quiz, various hands-on activities, and the exciting game of PieFace, you will recognize the importance of prioritizing your mental health.

Pretrial Track-Pretrial Services Under the PFA: Fundamentals, Legal Processes, and Practical Limits (Pretrial Track) 1:30 – 2:50 p.m. Tanya Anderson, Alison Shames, Honorable Robbin Stuckert

Workshop Description: Designed specifically for pretrial practitioners, this workshop presents pretrial services’ philosophical and legal foundations and provides an overview of their role within the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA) framework. As Illinois continues its transition to a more equitable and constitutionally grounded pretrial system, it is essential for pretrial professionals to understand both the law’s intent and the operational boundaries it establishes.

The session will examine the core philosophy and guiding principles behind the PFA and pretrial services, with a focus on the day-to-day legal processes that shape pretrial decision-making and supervision. Key topics include promoting success for individuals on pretrial supervision, eligibility for detention, conditions of release, sanctions, and revocations.

Through real-world examples, scenario-based discussion, and practical guidance, participants will gain the tools to understand the PFA and align their practices with pretrial goals of maximizing release, court appearance, and public safety. This workshop will strengthen your ability to operate confidently and lawfully as a pretrial practitioner and within the statutory guidelines of the PFA, focusing on ensuring fair, just, and effective practices.

Street College 1:30-2:50 p.m. (repeat session)

Workshop Description:  What’s Going On? Today’s justice-involved youth have disengaged from learning, and even
dreaming. Inside of Street College programming, these students feel safe and know that anything can become reality. This interactive workshop provides juvenile detention center (JDC) professionals an interactive workshop where they will participate in Street College programming, followed by a round-table discussion. Participants will engage with our equipment, learn evidence-based practices that are culturally aware, hear about collaborative approaches to begin programming relationships for making an impact on justice-involved youth, examine leadership styles that overcome personal and systemic bias.

Serving Clients with Disabilities (Pretrial Track) 3:10-4:30 p.m.       August Hieber and Sarah Song      

Workshop Description: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), the Supreme Court Policy on Access for People with Disabilities (Policy) requires a court environment “in which all people, including those with disabilities, are treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy.” This course highlights the requirements of the Policy as it pertains to pretrial officers and offers practical guidance on providing equal access to court for people with disabilities.

Recognizing and Understanding Suicide Risk 3:10-4:30 p.m.    Megan Cambron

Workshop Description: This course will help participants act with care and compassion when they encounter an individual who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. Participants will learn signs that someone is thinking about suicide and how to use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine level of suicide risk and appropriate interventions.  Education and rational on restricting access to lethal means during a suicide crisis will be discussed.

Conference Events:

  Bio:  Tracy Burke Carriere

Wednesday Evening Event 

Rock your 80’s neon and bring decor to make your table glo!

Thursday Evening Event :  Awards Banquet-1950’s Theme

Raffle Proceeds Benefit WIN RECOVERY and STREET COLLEGE

Street College is a host of programs, scholarships, and STEAM enrichment experiences that encourage underserved youth and young adults to build back their communities by exposing them to comprehensive, high-level engineering concepts, and design thinking from a Hip Hop perspective. 

They support schools, and other youth service organizations with Street College programming, like Ghetto Genius Motorsports and Street College Engineering: 101, the Lovin’ U Tour and the Hip Hop Xpress Double Dutch Boom Bus, Studio Saturdays, and a series of other diverse STEM activities like RC builds and for K-12 students and young adults inspired by the late Dr. William Patterson “Dr. P” from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

Deadline to cancel with refund or no obligation to pay outstanding invoice is 9/26/25

Registration is now closed for this event.  Direct any questions to association1969@ipcsa.org