February 17, 2025 – Circle of Care, a statewide initiative dedicated to supporting families experiencing grief and loss due to substance use related death, has announced the launch of the Threads of Hope Training. This free, two-day virtual training is designed to equip community helpers, service providers, and professionals with essential tools to support children, teens, and families grieving the death of a loved one due to substance use.
The project is through partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR), the Illinois Family Resource Center and Hour House.
Research indicates that one in twelve children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, with one in five of these deaths linked to substance use. Grieving such losses can be particularly isolating, often complicated by the feelings of shame and stigma. As a result, many families find themselves without the necessary support systems to navigate their grief. The Threads of Hope Trainings aims to bridge the gap between substance use treatment, mental health care, and grief support by empowering those on the frontlines of care.
Training will be offered February 6-7, February 20-21, March 6-7, March 26-27 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST each day. The virtual training is free and you can register by visiting illinoisfamilyresources.org.
Throughout the training, participants will learn effective strategies and interventions to assist those grieving a substance-related loss, including understand grief associated with substance use loss, how to support young people impacted by substance use-related death and disorders, and how to develop strategies to overcome stigma and barriers to care.
