Mapping the Future:

Hosted by Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation in September 2025, Mapping the Future brought together over 150 partners from across Illinois — including behavioral health providers, advocates, educators, and youth and parent/caregiver leaders — to reflect on where we’ve been and envision what’s ahead for children’s mental health. Throughout the day, participants grounded themselves in the current landscape across individual, community, and policy levels, explored youth-led perspectives, and shared findings from the COVID-19 School Wellness Initiative (CSWI). In partnership with PIE Org, Health Management Associates, the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership, and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the convening invited attendees to meet this pivotal moment with collaboration and hope, ensuring that every child in Illinois grows up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive.