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Free training explores drug
endangered children and family child sex trafficking
[June 23, 2026]
LINCOLN, Ill. — Hidden Risks:
Drug Endangered Children and Family Human Trafficking Training will
be held Monday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial
Hospital (Rooms Steinfort A and B), 200 Stahlhut Dr., Lincoln, Ill.,
62656. Register for free at
chestnut.org/drug-endangered-children-training.
This training explores the connection between Drug Endangered
Children and Familial Child Sex Trafficking, highlighting how
caregiver substance misuse increases children’s risk of harm and
exploitation. Participants will learn to recognize risk factors and
grooming indicators, and apply trauma-informed, multidisciplinary
strategies for early identification, intervention, and referral.
“This session teaches professionals how to recognize and respond to
the serious risks facing children living in homes affected by drugs,
drug manufacturing, or drug dealing,” said Grace Irvin, prevention
coordinator at Chestnut Health Systems™. “By understanding how drug
use, family stress, and manipulation put children at risk of
trafficking, attendees will be ready to help protect vulnerable
kids.”
In Illinois, human trafficking and drug-related harm happen to
children in both cities and rural areas. This training helps
different professionals, such as police, child welfare workers,
doctors, teachers, and community groups, work together more
effectively. The training helps Illinois better protect children,
follow state rules, and improve safety and well-being for families
who need support.
This event is free and open to the public. It is presented by Allies
Against Trafficking, Chestnut, and the Logan/Mason County Recovery
Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC).
This training is ideal for those working in:
• Child welfare and family services
• Law enforcement and legal professions
• Healthcare and behavioral health
• Education and youth services
• Prevention, public health and community service
• Victim advocacy and support services
• Judicial and court related roles
Some topics discussed may be sensitive, so discretion is advised.
Food and beverages will be provided. CEUs are available for
probation officers, LCSW, LSW, LCPC and LPC.
Register for free at
chestnut.org/drug-endangered-children-training.
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Presenters:
Liesl Wingert
Liesl is program coordinator for the eastern region of the
Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine’s Center
for Rural Health and Social Service Development. She holds a
bachelor’s in human development and family studies, a Master’s
in Health Administration, is a Certified DEC (Drug Endangered
Child) Trainer, Chair of the Illinois DEC Alliance and Board
Member of Take Action Today and the Illinois Association of
Problem-Solving Courts.
Kelly Schwamberger
Kelly is the co-founder and chief program and strategy officer
at Allies Against Trafficking, a nonprofit fighting human
trafficking through awareness, collaboration and empowerment.
Allies Against Trafficking empowers communities to fight
human trafficking through awareness, service provider
partnerships, and survivor-centered support. Their
trauma-informed, community-driven approach focuses on lasting
safety and change.
Chestnut Health Systems is a not-for-profit organization
that has cared since 1973 for the most vulnerable in our
communities. Chestnut provides substance use prevention,
treatment, and recovery; mental health treatment; primary care;
dental care; and housing and supportive services. It is a leader
in behavioral health-related research through its Lighthouse
Institute. More at
www.chestnut.org.
Logan/Mason County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC)
collaborates to build and empower communities of recovery in
Logan and Mason County Illinois. Funded in whole or in part by
the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of
Behavioral Health and Recovery.
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