2025 IPCSA Spring Conference! 

Location: Adams County – Oakley Lindsey Civic Center

Dates: May 6-9th, 2025.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.-Leadership Academy

12:00 p.m.-Golf Outing-Cedar Crest Country Club

Register HERE!

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.-Leadership Academy Graduation

Wednesday, May 7, 2025: 

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   Committee Meetings

8:00 a.m.     Resource Committee

8:30 a.m.     Rep Chair Meeting (a representative from each committee is required to attend)

9:00 a.m.     CMO & Legislative Committees

9:00 a.m.     Supervisor Committee

9:00 a.m.     Program Committee

9:00 a.m.     Detention Committee

9:00 a.m.     Officer Safety and Wellness Committee

9:30 a.m.     Membership Committee

10:00 a.m.   Awards Committee

10:00 a.m.   Substance Abuse and Problem-Solving Court Committee

10:00 a.m.   Sex Offender Committee

10:00 a.m.   Juvenile Committee

10:00 a.m.   Intra/Interstate Committee

11:00 a.m.   Research Committee

11:00 a.m.   Pretrial Committee

11:00 a.m.   Technology Committee

11:00 a.m.   Human Advocacy Committee

Check out our new Pretrial Training Track!!!

1:30 p.m.  – 4:30 p.m.  Workshops

ODARA Booster-Anne Pettit/Twyla Moore (Pretrial Track)

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.

NRCT-Donovan Schwanke

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.

Building an Interstate Case – Holly Kassube:

Adult Interstate Compact cases require knowledge of compact rules and use of the standardized system Interstate Compact Offender Tracking System (ICOTS). Join us for this session that will start by demonstrating activities in ICOTS from the beginning of the transfer process through the ending of a case with retaking and case closures. Then build on your knowledge through a troubleshooting discussion with a panel from around the state.

1:30 p.m.  – 2:45 p.m.  Workshops

The Brain and Negativity-Dr. Alex Walker:  

Our brains are hard wired to keep us safe and therefore are always planning for worst case scenario.  In this session we will discuss the innerworkings of the brain and how you can combat the natural propensity for negativity in your organization.

The New Detention Screening Tool- Becky Self/Mark Bronke:

This comprehensive workshop is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively deliver the Detention Screening Tool (DST). The DST is a critical instrument used to assess if a youth should be detained in an Illinois Detention Center, ensuring that detention decisions are made based on a standardized tool. By the end of this workshop, participants will be prepared to accurately utilize the DST, promoting fair and informed decision-making processes.  Participants MUST be willing to participate in continuous training with the State. 

Building Healthy Relationships with Youth in Detention :  Kristen Garfield 

Building rapport with youth in detention is an essential skill for ensuring safety and trust.  However, staff members may sometimes find themselves in a “gray area” regarding boundaries and relationships.  This course will help participants understand how to set clear boundaries and identify signs of crossing into the “friend zone” with youth.  We will focus on building healthy professional relationships through respectful communication, active listening, and showing genuine interest.  Participants will learn how to offer support and encouragement while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding safety protocols.

3:00 p.m.  – 4:30 p.m.  Workshops

Vicarious Trauma:  Building Resilience for Probation Officers -Becky Self/Kristen Garfield-Gentile

People that work in the field of corrections face unique challenges that can lead to high levels of stress and burnout. This workshop is designed to equip officers with understanding vicarious trauma and how to build resilience.  Through these interactive sessions, participants will explore trauma and building resilience so they can thrive in their roles.

The Beacon Portal -Meaghan Jorgensen-Description forthcoming

All Members Reception-Music Trivia

Held at Washington Theater, 427 Hampshire Street, Quincy, IL (walking distance from the hotel)

6:00 p.m.       Tour the Washington Theater

7:00 p.m.       Music Trivia.  Provide your own beverages and snacks.  Coolers are welcome and encouraged!

Thursday, May 8, 2025:  

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker Hasan Davis:  Justice with Eyes Wide Open:  Transforming Systems Through Hope and Humanity

Hasan Davis, JD, is a renowned advocate, speaker, and leader in juvenile justice reform and restorative practices.  As someone who navigated his own challenging journey through interrupted education, justice system involvement, and social support systems, Hasan brings a deeply personal perspective to his work.  Despite facing significant hurdles, including being adjudicated a youthful offender at age 11 (7 years of probation) and expelled from multiple schools, he earned his GED, a Bachelor’s degree in communications, and eventually a law degree (Juris Doctor).

Hasan has served as Commissioner of Juvenile Justice for the state of Kentucky, where he championed innovative reforms and led efforts to implement restorative justice practices.  Through his HOPE Framework-Humanity, Optimism, Perspective and Empathy-he equips probation officers, court workers, and youth serving professionals with tools to create equitable, compassionate systems that foster growth and success.

Hasan’s work is informed by his personal experience and his commitment to transforming justice systems to serve as true Halls of Justice. His story of resilience and transformation inspires audiences to become “Hope Dealers,” building relational health and fostering meaningful change in their communities. 

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Workshops

NRCT-Donovan Schwanke

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.

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Workshops

Pages from a Hope Dealer’s Handbook:  Practical Tools for Building Relational Health-Hasan Davis

This hands-on workshop provides probation officers and court workers with creative, practical tools to engage clients and build relational health that fosters success. Participants will explore actionable strategies, including the use of the Bio Poem exercise, to help clients reflect on their identities, aspirations, and potential.  Participants will leave equipped with tools and strategies to create stronger connections with clients, transforming their work environments into spaces of hope and possibility.

Problem-Solving Court and Pretrial Fairness Act–Bill Blundell/Michael Venditti  (Pretrial Track)

This course will provide an overview of the Problem Solving Court (PSC) model, and the use of evidence based interventions within the program.  This course will examine the Pretrial Fairness Act and its effects on PSCs.  More importantly, this course will discuss ways PSC teams and Pretrial programs can work together.

Using the Right Tool in Detention: Risk Containment vs. Risk Reduction-Dani Bennett/Sean Kennedy

In the complex environment of detention facilities, effectively managing risky behavior is crucial to ensure the safety of youth and staff.  This workshop delves into the two overlapping and ever-present approaches of behavior management in a detention facility: risk containment and risk reduction. Participants will explore the distinctions between these approaches, understand their applications, and learn how to implement them together to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Throughout this workshop, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to balance and pivot between immediate security needs and long-term behavioral change.

3:00 p.m.  – 4:30 p.m.  Workshops

Evidence-Based Practices:  What’s in it for Me?-Kristen Dani Bennett

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, integrating evidence-based practices (EBPs) is essential for enhancing effectiveness and achieving optimal outcomes. This interactive workshop demystifies EBPs, illustrating their relevance and benefits across our field.  Participants will explore practical strategies for identifying, evaluating, and implementing EBPs daily, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and informed decision-making. Through activities and collaborative discussions, attendees will gain actionable insights into the tangible advantages of adopting EBPs, including improved performance, increased credibility, and enhanced professional growth.

Officer Wellness:  –Description Forthcoming (Pretrial Track)

CCBYS & Redeploy:  Nathan Roth & Erica Hughes-Description Forthcoming

Evening Event

6:00 p.m.  Opossum Crawl 2.0

The Opossum Crawl begins at Joker’s Lounge, 614 Maine Street, Quincy.  Earn cards by going to each location, finding the hidden Opossum and donating to charity.

Friday, May 9, 2025

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Business Meeting

Raffle and 50/50 drawing immediately following Business Meeting

Lodging Information

The Atrium Hotel on Third

201 S. 3rd

Quincy, IL  62301

Rate:  $125 plus tax and fees

Group Name:  IPCSA

Call for Reservations:  217-222-2666

Room Block closes May 1st, 2025!

Evening Event Information Coming Soon!!!

–Early Bird Registration Rates Expire April 1st, 2025!

-No refunds for cancellations after April 22, 2025!

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PLEASE INCLUDE ALL NAMES OF TICKET HOLDERS IN THE “NAMES OF ALL TICKET HOLDERS” BOX IN CHECKOUT!