IPCSA is partnering with S.U.R.E. to offer this FREE COPE approved Symposium

 

COPE CREDIT:  4 HOURS

 

S.U.R.E.

Substance Use Resource & Education

Symposium 2026

Gain Knowledge and resources surrounding substance use prevention and education.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

9:00 a.m. –  4:00 p.m.  Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, Flora, IL

 

Featuring:

• Expert Speakers
• “Hidden in Plain Sight” room experience
• Resources from local agencies
• Networking opportunities

Register by scanning the QR Code:

Lunch is provided for the first 200 registrants.

This is a COPE approved training.  You must sign in with the on-site IPCSA representative to receive training credit. 

Additional training credits offered:  All CEU’s for LCSW, LSW, LCPC and LPC’s are sponsored by SIU SOM. (4.75 hours)

Education CEU’s (6 hours).

Nursing CEU’s (unknown at this time the number of hours)

Agenda:

8:30-9:00 Registration

9:00 – 9:30:  Opening Remarks

9:30am-10:30am- Persons with Lived Experience (PLE) in Criminal Justice Field– During this session, Clay County State’s Attorney Phil Givens and Clay County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Elam Lewis will discuss their experience helping those struggling with addiction through the criminal justice system and their lived experience personally with navigating substance use supports recognizing every person’s journey is different but they aren’t alone. During this session information will be given on what typically happens when someone is prosecuted for drug related charges and ways the system can help. Information will also be shared about what we are seeing in schools around use of substances/technology, what we can do to help as parent/community members etc. and what isn’t helping.

10:45am-11:45am- Mental Health Supports– During this session, Shelly Kuhns will discuss stress and how it effects the body. The group will do a stress assessment independently and general information will be given on stress reduction strategies. Andy Geer, Senior Professional Relations Manager with Gateway Foundation, will discuss coping strategies both positive and negative results. Andy will also discuss services available for those looking at recovery and how it often takes trying multiple avenues before you find one that works for your individual needs.

12pm-1pm –Lunch

12:45pm- Question due to registration desk for panel

1pm- 2pm-“Kids can’t wait: Parental Addiction through a child’s eyes” Liesl Wingert will discuss what children go through when living with a loved one in active addiction. Discussion will include the topics of family reunification, common stressors, and normal child development issues that are often involved when there is a history of family substance misuse. In addition, possible resources for assistance will be discussed throughout the training.

2:15pm-3:30pm-“Real Talk, Real Recovery”– Panel Discussion with people with lived experience. During this session, Persons with Lived Experience (PLE) will share their recovery story and field questions from the audience facilitated by Liesl Wingert around addiction and recovery.

3:30pm- Feedback survey with info to get CEUs & COPE Training Credit

8:30 -4:00 p.m.  booths will be set up on the outside perimeter with helpful resources in the community

Please direct any questions regarding this training to:  Krista Weidner, Clay County Probation Office, 618-665-3060 or krista.weidner@claycounty.illinois.gov

COPE CREDIT:  4 HOURS

TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT….ONLY REGISTRATION USING THE QR CODE ABOVE.