Resilient Practice: Cultivating Sustainability in Trauma Treatment
ChicagoCAC's 2nd Annual Conference on Child Trauma & Mental Health
Introduction
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC) is hosting its second annual Conference on Child Trauma and Mental Health (CCTMH) on September 29 – 30 at Conviser Law Center at 565 West Adams St, Chicago, IL. This year’s theme is Resilient Practice: Cultivating Sustainability in Trauma Treatment.
The conference will open with a plenary from Brian C. Miller, Ph.D., the creator of the CE-CERT model, a skills-based, evidence-informed approach to thriving in the helping profession. Each day will also feature breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon. This year’s conference will also feature different learning tracks so professionals can attend specific training sessions that align with their interests.
CCTMH attendees are primarily therapists, social workers, and other professionals that provide mental health services to children and families impacted by child sexual abuse and other forms of trauma. This includes professionals who provide individual, group, and family therapy, intensive case management, and other wraparound services.
Request for Proposals
ChicagoCAC is now accepting session proposals for the conference. We invite you to share your expertise and submit one or more proposals for our 90-minute sessions on topics related to clinical support for children and families impacted by trauma. This includes individual/group mental health services, intensive case management, and other provisions of wraparound care.
Submission Deadline: May 18, 2026
Proposal Criteria
ChicagoCAC is seeking session proposals from mental health professionals that meet the following criteria:
- Align with theme and scope of the conference
- Relevant to mental health treatment for trauma and maltreatment
- Trauma-informed and client-centered
- Promising and innovative practices
Proposal Areas of Interest
Session topics of particular interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Evidence-based practices
- Secondary traumatic stress
- Experiential therapy techniques
- Supervisory practices in trauma settings
- Community based services (home/school)
- Case management and outreach services
- Cultural competence
Proposal Submission Timeline
All sessions proposals must be submitted for consideration by May 18, 2026.
Presenters whose session proposals were selected will be notified by June 1, 2026.
Presenters must confirm their intent to participate by June 8, 2026.
If the proposal is selected, the main presenter will be able to attend the conference at no cost. Co-presenters will be able to attend the conference at a discounted rate.
If you have any questions, please contact Rhiannon Reaves, Director of Clinical Services, at rreaves@chicagocac.org.