Newsroom

FREE TRAINING EXPLORES DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN
AND FAMILY CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2026

CONTACT:        Marianne Payne, marketing and communications manager
                            ph. 309.445.3158  |  mcpayne@chestnut.org

Normal, Ill. — Hidden Risks: Drug Endangered Children and Family Human Trafficking Training will be held Tuesday, January 27, 4 - 7 p.m. at the ISU Alumni Center at 1101 N Main St, Normal, Ill. 61761. 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 indentification, intervention, and referral.

"This training will equip individuals to recognize and respond to the serious risks faced by children living in homes affected by substance use, drug manufacturing, or drug distribution—environments that often involve neglect, abuse, and exposure to criminal activity," said Barbara Brumleve, community health specialist at Chestnut Health Systems™. "These conditions significantly increase a child's vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking, which frequently intersects with family instability, addication and coercion."

The training helps individuals indentify warning signs early, understand the dynamics of victimization, and respond in a trauma-informed, victim-centered way so children are protected rather than criminalized. In Illinois, where human trafficking and drug-related child endangerment occur in both urban and rural communities, this training supports coordinated, multidisciplinary responses among law enforcement, child welfare, healthcare, education and community services. Ultimately, the training strengthens Illinois' efforts to safeguard children, comply with state polices, and improve long-term safety and well-being for vulnerable families.

This event is free and open to the public. It is presented by Allies Against Trafficking, Chestnut, Logan/Mason County ROSC, and McLean 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 pending approval for LCSW, LSW, LCPC and LPC.

Register for free at chestnut.org/drug-endangered-children-training.

Presenters:

Liesl Wingert
Liesl is program coordinator for the eastern region of 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.

McLean County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) collaborates to build and empower communities of recovery in McLean County Illinois. Funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.