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Homeless Symposium, "Meeting Needs of Families in Transition," Oct. 23

October 19, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's social work department and the College of Education and Human Services will present the fifth annual Area 3 homeless symposium, "Innovations: Meeting the Needs of Families in Transition," beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23 in Horrabin Hall on Western's Macomb campus.

The opening session of the symposium, slated to begin at 9 a.m. in the Horrabin Hall Theatre (room 114), will be an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) panel presentation, which will include coverage of: early childhood education (Kay Henderson, division administrator); Title I (Marci Johnson, division supervisor, grants and programs); transportation (Jamie Johnson, funding and disbursement services); and nutrition programs (Lindsay Blough, school-based nutrition programs).

In addition, breakout sessions, scheduled from 10 a.m.-noon, include:

  • "Providing for English Language Learning (ELL) and Migrant Students," by Robin Lisboa, ELL division administrator, ISBE, and Beth Robinson, ELL principal consultant, ISBE;
  • "Coordinating Community Services," by James Johnson, emergency food and shelter program, Department of Human Services (DHS); Suzan Nash, executive director, Western Illinois Regional Council; and Sue McCance, local office administrator, DHS;
  • "Best Practices: How to Effectively Provide for Homeless Students and Families," by Ann Schwarm, Area 5 lead liaison, Regional Office of Education (ROE) #3; and Kim Gehrke, assistant director, Area 5 ROE #3;
  • "Homeless Students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)," by Leyona Wiley, assistant director, West Central Illinois Special Education Cooperative; and
  • "Choices: Defining Moments or Crossroads," by John Tracy, chair, social work department, Western Illinois University.


Following the breakout sessions, Patricia Walton, who serves as an associate judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, will deliver the keynote session at 12:30 p.m. in the Horrabin Hall Theatre (room 114).

Walton earned her bachelor's degree from Hope College and her law degree from the College of Law at Valparaiso University. She earned her Illinois attorney license in 1985 and was in private practice before becoming an associate judge in 1994. From 1988 to 1992, she taught criminal, family and business law at Western Illinois University, Spoon River College and Midstate College.

During her time covering all six counties in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, she presided over a wide range of cases ranging from small claims to attempted murder. But, she noted, her time presiding over juvenile court was more than just a stepping-stone to a higher court.

"I believe that juvenile court requires the most experienced judges and attorneys, because it is in juvenile court that we are best able to provide assistance that will make a difference," she said.

In the juvenile division, Walton still hears cases in McDonough, Fulton and Warren counties relating to abuse/neglect and delinquency cases.

"Innovations: Meeting the Needs of Families in Transition" is also presented by the Area 3 Homeless Liaison Project and the Regional Office of Education #26 -- Hancock/McDonough.

For more information about the symposium, as well as earning continuing education units (CEUs) and continuing professional development units (CPDUs), contact Christie Carmack at (309) 298-1690 or COEHS@wiu, or Eileen Worthington at the Regional Office of Education #26 at (309) 837-4821 or mworthin@roe26.net.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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