The 16th Annual Cook County Human Trafficking Conference:
September 22-23, 2026 at the Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago, IL
The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force (CCHTTF) is a multi-disciplinary task force that brings advocates, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, social service, and legal service agencies together to address human trafficking. The Task Force is a joint project of the Salvation Army STOP-IT program and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Each year, the Task Force hosts a human trafficking conference to inform, educate and strengthen anti-trafficking efforts in Cook County and the Northern District of IL. The conference generally features two full days of presentations on innovative work from local and national experts on human trafficking. This year, the conference will include a virtual introductory session, prior to the conference, for newly engaged stakeholders who seek to build their skills and incorporate strategies for trauma-informed support for survivors of human trafficking.
Each year, the Task Force hosts a human trafficking conference to inform, educate and strengthen anti-trafficking efforts in Cook County and the Northern District of IL. The conference generally features two full days of presentations on innovative work from local and national experts on human trafficking. This year, the conference will include a virtual introductory session, prior to the conference, for newly engaged stakeholders who seek to build their skills and incorporate strategies for trauma-informed support for survivors of human trafficking.
View 2026 Agenda with link below:
2026 Theme:
Evolving Approaches in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Registration
Venue
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W Adams St. Chicago, Il 60616
565 W Adams St. Chicago, Il 60616
Date
September 22-23, 2026
An HT101 webinar will be hosted prior to the event, for newly engaged stakeholders seeking to build their skills and incorporate strategies for trauma-informed support for survivors of human trafficking. See below for details:
Human Trafficking Foundational Webinar
Monday September 21st, 2026
1:00-4:15PM
The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force offers a foundational understanding of human trafficking to those who are looking to better understand the issue, become aware of the regional context, consider local responses, and brainstorm methods of professional and community engagement in addressing human trafficking.
The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force presents a virtual half day foundational training designed for newly engaged stakeholders — no prior experience required. Whether you're just beginning to explore this issue or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will help you:
Please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f9QKR6l8RZaeMLjnQ2vZig
1:00-4:15PM
The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force offers a foundational understanding of human trafficking to those who are looking to better understand the issue, become aware of the regional context, consider local responses, and brainstorm methods of professional and community engagement in addressing human trafficking.
The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force presents a virtual half day foundational training designed for newly engaged stakeholders — no prior experience required. Whether you're just beginning to explore this issue or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will help you:
- Understand the basics of human trafficking
- Understand the impact of trauma and effective service provision
- Explore the legal remedies and support services available to survivors
- Explore local response efforts already underway
- Brainstorm ways to get involved — professionally and in your community
- Perfect for individuals, organizations, and community members ready to take their first step in addressing human trafficking.
Please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f9QKR6l8RZaeMLjnQ2vZig
Hotel Accommodations
The Warwick Allerton- Chicago
The Cook County Human Trafficking Planning Committee has secured a room block at a nearby downtown Chicago hotel, the Warwick Allerton, for $185 per night. This rate is good until August 20th or until the room block is sold out.
The Cook County Human Trafficking Planning Committee has secured a room block at a nearby downtown Chicago hotel, the Warwick Allerton, for $185 per night. This rate is good until August 20th or until the room block is sold out.
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Plan Your Journey
The conference venue is conveniently located within a 10 minute walk from two major transportation hubs.
Union Station: 2 min walk
Ogilvie Transportation Center: 6 min walk
Given downtown congestion, we highly recommend attendees utilize the Metra if coming from the suburbs. Plan your trip with the RTA/Metra trip planner or try the public transit option on Google Maps.
Parking: The venue does not offer attendee parking. We highly recommend using the apps Spot Hero or Park Whiz to secure a spot.
ABM Underground Garage (550 W Jackson) $30/day
Peoples Auto Parking Co Inc (566 W Van Buren St) $30/day
Park1 Chicago (603 W Monroe St) $30/day
Union Station: 2 min walk
Ogilvie Transportation Center: 6 min walk
Given downtown congestion, we highly recommend attendees utilize the Metra if coming from the suburbs. Plan your trip with the RTA/Metra trip planner or try the public transit option on Google Maps.
Parking: The venue does not offer attendee parking. We highly recommend using the apps Spot Hero or Park Whiz to secure a spot.
ABM Underground Garage (550 W Jackson) $30/day
Peoples Auto Parking Co Inc (566 W Van Buren St) $30/day
Park1 Chicago (603 W Monroe St) $30/day
Certificates of Attendance
Attendees will have the opportunity to request a non-accredited certificate of attendance upon completion of post-conference surveys
Continuing Education
Our program is pending approval for Social Work, PAIP, and IDVP continuing education credits for each session (9.5 credits). We have a pending application for legal continuing education credits with the Illinois MCLE board. If approved, we would offer CLE's for sessions that target legal providers (~5). Final number of credits will be determined upon finalization of the agenda.
Equity Fund
This scholarship fund is available for survivors of human trafficking. As funds are limited, we encourage folks to apply as soon as they can. Scholarships are available in three tiers: 100% waived registration, 50% waived, and 25% waived, depending on financial need. Survivors will receive an update on their status within seven business days.
Speaker Application
The 2026 conference, Evolving Approaches in the Fight Against Human Trafficking, will focus on how professionals are adapting strategies, building partnerships, and applying practical skills to address the changing landscape of human trafficking. This year’s theme emphasizes innovative, survivor-informed approaches to meet the needs of underserved and disproportionately impacted populations. The conference will bring together service providers, investigators, prosecutors, advocates, and those with lived experience to promote cross-sector collaboration and lasting solutions.
Applications Closed
Applications Closed
Volunteer Application
For individuals who do not qualify for the Equity Fund or who are interested in volunteering at the conference, can fill out the volunteer application. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis beginning June 1, 2025. If approved to volunteer, individuals receive a 25-100% discount on registration fees, depending on level of involvement and need.
Volunteers for the CCHT Conference must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
Enrolled as either a full-time or part-time student at a post-secondary institution, as either a graduate or undergraduate studying social work or other applicable social service fields.
Currently working as an intern, apprentice or fellow (paid or volunteer) for a fixed term, with a Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force partner organization.
Not currently employed in the anti-trafficking sector but actively involved or seeking employment in this sector.
Employed either part-time or full-time in the anti-trafficking sector at an organization that lacks funding to cover conference registration fees.
Volunteers for the CCHT Conference must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
Enrolled as either a full-time or part-time student at a post-secondary institution, as either a graduate or undergraduate studying social work or other applicable social service fields.
Currently working as an intern, apprentice or fellow (paid or volunteer) for a fixed term, with a Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force partner organization.
Not currently employed in the anti-trafficking sector but actively involved or seeking employment in this sector.
Employed either part-time or full-time in the anti-trafficking sector at an organization that lacks funding to cover conference registration fees.
