Sometimes change happens an hour at a time.

Webinar Schedule 

Subscribe to be notified about upcoming webinars!


IFRC_webinar_schedule_2025-2026_1.png


December 9, 2025 @ 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM

"Strengthening the Father-son Relationship as Substance Use Disorders Prevention"

Join us for a skill-building webinar on the vital role fathers play in the lives of young men. This skill-building webinar explores the impact of fatherlessness on young males, including its link to substance use disorders and delinquency. Learn strategies to address “father hunger,” heal emotional wounds, and understand seven key contributions that present, responsible fathers make to the well-being of young men.

Presented by: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is an international speaker in behavioral health whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, England, Canada, Africa, Spain, West Indies, Lithuania and Guam. He is the author of 5 books, and he has had two stories published in the New York Times Best selling book series, Chicken Soup For The Soul. Mark has lectured at the University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago and Illinois State University Schools of Social Work. He is the recipient of 4 behavioral health lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC Enlightenment Award and the Jessica Hayes Lifetime Award granted by the Illinois Certification Board.

Register Here

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


December 11, 2025 @ 10:30 AM-12:00 PM

"Emerging Adults and the Family Checkup"

Supporting youth today for a healthier tomorrow.

Growing up during the pandemic has left lasting impacts on today’s youth, and as they enter adulthood, it is essential that we help them build resilience, make healthy choices, and navigate this critical stage of development. This session is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, youth service providers, and community advocates, offering insights, strategies, and tools to better support youth and families during this critical stage of development. Participants will explore key developmental tasks and brain development, the impact of substance use on life skills and overall well-being, and a practical model for building positive, protective relationships. The session will also provide strategies to prevent substance use and strengthen family connections, helping parents and caregivers feel more confident and supported in guiding young adults toward healthy futures.

Presented by: Nancy J. Phillips

 Nancy J. Phillips, M.S-PSY, CAADC, CFPP, coordinator of the Illinois Family ResourceCenter (IFRC), has been active in the substance use disorder field working in both prevention and treatment services. In 2018 she was honored as Professional of the Year by the Illinois Certification Board, Inc. During her years in the SUD field, she has developed and trained human service providers.

Register Here

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


January 14, 2026 @ 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM

"Exploring Multiple Pathways in SUD Recovery"

Once upon a time, treatment professionals emphasized one major pathway to recover from substance use disorders (SUD) – complete treatment and attend 12-step meetings. Since then, a wide range of recovery pathways have opened for individuals and their families. In this webinar, we discuss the importance of these expanded options, including but not limited to 12-step fellowships, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery!, Medication-Assisted Recovery, harm reduction, and others. Special emphasis is placed on helping people find a pathway that meets their specific needs to heal and experience a sense of belonging.

Presented by: Bob Carty

Bob Carty has worked in the behavioral health field since 1975, serving as a counselor, supervisor, trainer, mentor, and board member. He has held leadership roles at Grant Hospital, TASC, and the Hazelden-Betty Ford Foundation, where he retired as Clinical Director in 2019. Recognized with the Professional of the Year Award (2011) and the William White Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), Bob continues to train on men’s issues, supervision, and peer recovery services. He is also the author of The Next Best Time: A Recovery Novel (2025).

Register Here

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


January 29, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

"Rebuilding Trust in Early Recovery: A Family Affair"

Science clearly shows that addiction can run in families—but recovery and healing can, too. This webinar will focus on helping individuals in early recovery strengthen their bonds with their children and create a foundation of resilience and trust. Participants will learn how to build, deepen, and maintain trust with their children; recognize common obstacles and pitfalls in early recovery parenting; and explore specific strategies, tools, and resources that support family healing. The session will also highlight ways to move forward with help, hope, and healing. This webinar is ideal for parents in recovery, caregivers, family advocates, and providers who support recovery-focused families. Attendees will gain practical, hopeful strategies to help families rebuild connections and thrive together.

 Presented by: Jerry Moe

Jerry Moe, M.A., retired recently as the National Director of Children’s Programs at Hazelden Betty Ford. He is the Senior Clinical advisor of the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA). He is an author, speaker and consultant on issues for children and families hurt by addiction. Among his books are Through a Child’s eyes: Understanding Addiction and Recovery and the Beamer Series for kids. Jerry’s work is featured in the PBS documentary Lost Childhood and Emmy Award winning programs on both Nickelodeon and Sesame Street. He currently serves as advisor for the Sesame Street Communities programming.

Register Here

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


February 5, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

"Family Sex Trafficking: The Hidden Ugly"

Children growing up in drug-endangered environments face unique and devastating risks — including familial sex trafficking. In these cases, parents or caregivers exploit children within the home, often in exchange for illegal drugs.

This webinar will shed light on this hidden crisis, offering insights on how to identify at-risk children early, respond with appropriate interventions, and connect survivors to the critical services they need. Together, we will explore strategies to break the generational cycle of substance misuse and create safer futures for vulnerable children and families.

Learn the warning signs

Understand the connection between substance use and trafficking

Explore practical steps for prevention and intervention.

Presented by: Liesl Wingert

Liesl Wingert, BS, MHA, is the Program Coordinator for the eastern region of the SIU School of Medicine - Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master’s in Health Administration. She is a Certified DEC Trainer and Advisory Board Member for the National DEC Alliance, and is the Co-Chair for the Illinois DEC Alliance.

Register here

To receive full Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for this webinar, participants must attend the entire session. Partial attendance will not qualify for credit. Attendance will be monitored, and certificates will only be issued to those who are present for the full duration of the webinar.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


February 19, 2026 @ 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM 

"Building Your Toolbox"

Register Here

Presented by: Nancy Phillips


March 5, 2026 @ 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM

"Betting doesn't just affect the player, it's a family affair!"

Register Here

Presented by: Cristina Banda


April 21, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

"ACEs, PCEs, and Parental Substance Use"

Register here

Presented by: Cristina Banda


May 6, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 

"You're Not Like Everyone Else: The Power of Family Peer Professionals"

Register here

Presented by: Megan Ragan


May 28, 2026 @ 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

"Feed Your Mind: Using the Circle of Care Tools "

Register here

Presented by: Pam Woll


June 23, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

"Parenting Again: Exploring the Kinship Care Journey"

Register here

Presented by: Nancy Phillips