Toni Hoy

Toni Hoy is a long-time foster/adoptive parent from the Chicago area. She was a leading child mental health advocate in IL who helped draft and pass the Custody Relinquishment Prevention Act in 2014. Her work contributed to the reconstruction of the child mental health system in IL and the formation of the Specialized Family Support Program. She served on the board of the Community and Residential Services Authority, a state authority as a gubernatorial appointee and testified before a state House committee. She also served on the boards of NAMI and Hope Meadows (an intergenerational community for adoptive families).

Toni currently works as a freelance writer writing for companies in the tech space, digital marketing, and mental health.

Toni has had articles published in:

• Forbes

• USA Today

• Adoption Today Magazine

• BetterHelp Counseling

• Empirical Magazine

• Kidz Edge Magazine

• Rise Magazine

Speaking Presentations:

• NAMI

• University of Illinois

• Attachment & Trauma Network

• Nebraska Family Support Network

• House Calls Counseling

Media Interviews:

• Illinois Times

• NPR

Awards:

• 2016 NAMI National Outstanding Member

• 2014 Congressional Award-Angels in Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

• 2014 Hanover Insurance "You're a Hero" Award

• 2012 Family Defense Center "Parent Advocacy Recognition" Award

• 2011 Safeco Insurance "Community Hero" Award