An Overview of Themes and Tracks
A1: Lived Experience: The Power of Real Connection
B1: Generational Repair – Equipping Parents to Heal While Raising Their Children (V)
C1: Residential Care’s Role in the Village
D1: Sanctuary in Practice: Healing Trauma Among Migrants & Refugees (V)
E1: Wired for Safety: Reframing Behavior, Restoring Connection
F1: Elevating Trauma Treatment: The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (V)
A2: Resilient Leadership in Child & Family Services (V)
B2: Growing Leaders Through Community Connection (V)
C2: Leading Well: Building a Culture of Care (V)
D2: Culturally Rooted Leadership for Strong Families (V)
E2: Leading Organizational Transformation: TBRI® in Practice (V)
F2: Culture Shift: Leading with Curiosity
A3: Kin & Community: Pathways to Lasting Permanency (V)
E7: Uplifting Kin: Removing Obstacles to Permanency for BIPOC Caregivers
A4: Voice of the Village: T3C in Action
D6: A Place to Thrive: Caring for Children with Primary Medical Needs (V)
A5: Trauma-Informed Villagers: Mental Health in Focus
C4: MicroSteps: Building Emotional Stability in Kids
D7: The RTC Project: HHSC’s Role in Village Support
F7: From Policy to Practice: Strategies for Growing Your QMHP Behavioral Health Team (V)
A6: Tailored Aftercare for Long-Term Stability (V)
B5: Community Roots: Strengthening Transitional Living
A7: The Ethics of Family Engagement: An Interdisciplinary Approach
B3: Solid Ground: Ethics in Helping Relationships
B4: Life in Foster Care: A Simulation Experience
C3: Askable Adults: Being the Grown-Up Youth Can Talk To
D4: Our Girls, Our Communities: The Experience of Black Girls & Adolescents in Foster Care
B6: Youth + Adult Power: Driving System Change
E4: Heartwork: Walking Youth Toward Wholeness and Vision (V)
C5: Family Voices First: Messaging that Resonates
D3: Placing with Purpose: Building Stability Through Engagement
E3: The Restorative Village: Healing Together for Stronger Families
F4: Restoring Stability: Supporting Parents in Crisis
B7: Community Opportunity Map: Using Data for Engagement & Grants
C6: CSEY Support: Texas’ Long-Term Healing Approach
C7: A CQI Love Story: Where Data Meets Impact
D5: Licensing Reimagined: Mapping the Ideal Journey
E5: Bridging Medicaid and Child Welfare Systems
E6: Rethinking Red Flags: Proactive Safety in Placement (V)
F3: Breaking Barriers: Innovating Prevention & Early Intervention for a Healthier Future (V)
F5: Accreditation for Stronger Organizations
F6: Ecosystems of Change: Driving Collective Impact
Detailed Schedule
Key: L = Leadership Track; T = Trauma Track; E = Ethics; V = Virtual Option
Leadership Track sponsored by New Horizons and Trauma Track sponsored by DePelchin Children’s Center.
CEUs: Almost all sessions are pre-approved by Texas Health and Human Services Licensed Administrator Division for LCPAA and LCCA continuing education credits except where noted.
Monday, Aug. 25
Click the session title to view the full description. Sessions that are available virtually are noted with (V).
Breakout Session A | 10 - 11:30am
A1: Lived Experience: The Power of Real Connection (T)
Modern science and 21st-century research confirm what many have long known: healing from trauma happens most effectively within safe, supportive, and lasting relationships. This powerful workshop offers a unique, lived-experience perspective from someone who grew up in the foster care system, navigating the pain of separation from biological family and the struggle to find meaningful, non-relative connections that could support healing and growth.
Through a dynamic PowerPoint presentation and heartfelt lecture, the speaker will share personal stories of loss, disconnection from family and siblings, and the emotional toll of those early years in care. The session will then shift to highlight the role that dedicated professionals played in helping to form healthy, non-relative relationships that became essential to the healing process. Participants will also explore creative tools like vision boards and journaling—approaches used to help older youth in care reflect, dream, and prepare for life after foster care. Journals will be provided to participants to use in their own work with youth, encouraging practical application beyond the session. The workshop will conclude with an inspiring message about how connection, both found and formed, fueled the speaker’s personal healing and now power the impactful work they do every day.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the critical importance of re-engaging families and kin in the lives of children in the foster care system, and the long-term effects of disconnected relationships.
Gain insight into how naturally occurring relationships promote healing and learn strategies to support these connections in professional practice.
Learn practical tools and strategies to engage older youth in care, including resources to support transition planning and self-reflection.
Leave with a ready-to-use engagement tool to help clients identify and strengthen the relationships that matter most to them.
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Presenter: Maria McCord, Collaborative Family Engagement Coach, Texas CASA
A2: Resilient Leadership in Child & Family Services (L, V, CLE)
This engaging and interactive workshop is tailored for Child Care Administrators, professionals, and providers who are ready to lead meaningful change within their organizations. Participants will gain practical tools, fresh strategies, and leadership insights to confidently navigate challenges, motivate their teams, and drive innovative improvements that enhance the quality of care and lives impacted by childcare services.
Learning Objectives:
Master Change Management Principles – gain a clear understanding of proven change management frameworks and how they apply to the unique challenges within the childcare sector.
Build Strong Leadership Skill – strengthen your ability to lead with vision and purpose. Discover effective techniques to inspire, support, and guide your team through times of change.
Communicate for Impact- learn how to design and deliver powerful communication plans that clearly convey the “why” behind the change—engaging staff and parents and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
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Presenter: Damien Butler, Founder & Executive Director, Manifest One Empowerment Group
A3: Kin & Community: Pathways to Lasting Permanency (V) *Not Approved for LCPAA and LCCA
This highly interactive 90-minute workshop invites participants into a hands-on, collaborative learning experience focused on improving permanency outcomes for marginalized youth—particularly youth of color and LGBTQIA+ youth. Through real-world case studies, dynamic small group activities, and practical applications, participants will explore innovative strategies that center kinship networks, community partnerships, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches. Participants will stay actively engaged through exercises like “Mapping the Village,” a warm-up activity where participants visualize and design ideal support networks for marginalized youth. Case studies will highlight effective kinship and community-based permanency strategies, leading into small group discussions that unpack systemic barriers and spark creative problem-solving. The “Breaking Down Barriers” activity will challenge participants to apply trauma-informed and equity-driven thinking to real-life scenarios, generating practical solutions they can take back to their work. The session wraps up with a tools and best practices segment focused on culturally competent permanency planning, followed by a reflection and Q&A to solidify key insights. This workshop reimagines permanency through an inclusive, community-rooted lens—because every child deserves stability, belonging, and a village that cares.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to engage and strengthen kinship connections using trauma-informed, inclusive strategies
Explore technology and approaches tied to Texas’ Community-Based Care model
Gain tools to better support marginalized youth through equity-focused permanency planning
Expand your professional network and share best practices with fellow child welfare leaders
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Presenters: Stacy Gonzalez, Training Associate Director, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; Beth Stahl. Training Associate Director, Dave Thomas Foundation
A4: Voice of the Village: T3C in Action (CLE)
Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) requires provider organizations to analyze their current practices and meet new service delivery requirements. Key changes involve the development of unique treatment and logic models for each service package. The treatment model is a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of children. It can be an independently developed or purchased model, as long as it is evidence-informed or evidence-based. This workshop will break down treatment models and provide guidance on describing them for the T3C credentialing application. We’ll also explore hybrid models, like Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), and discuss how they can be incorporated into various types of operations. A second significant shift is the requirement for all organizations to create logic models and continuous quality improvement (CQI) plans. Providers must demonstrate the relationship between resources, activities, and outcomes for each service package and establish a process for program improvement. This workshop will provide real-life examples of logic models, and walk participants through creating a CQI process, including the “Plan Do Study Act” model. Practical advice will be given for starting small and building a robust CQI process, with insights from a range of provider perspectives, including those who have achieved T3C credentials and others still working toward certification.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the Core Components of T3C Treatment Models – participants will identify the required elements of a trauma-informed, evidence-aligned treatment model for each T3C service package.
Explore Hybrid and Custom Treatment Model Strategies – participants will examine how to develop or adapt hybrid treatment models, including practical examples like TBRI integration.
Develop Clear and Effective Logic Model – participants will learn to construct logic models that align service activities with measurable outcomes and support T3C credentialing requirements.
Implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Process – participants will gain tools to initiate and evolve a CQI system using models such as Plan-Do-Study-Act, with real-world examples.
Apply Lessons from Successful T3C Implementations – participants will hear provider perspectives and walk away with actionable strategies for navigating the T3C application and compliance process.
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Presenters: Donte Abram, Program Director, Promise Rose Residential Care Home; Dr. Amy Strickler, Senior Director of Quality Assurance and Contracts for Texas Family Care Network;
Kellee Walker, Vice President of Clinical Development for Arrow Child & Family Ministries
A5: Trauma-Informed Villagers: Mental Health in Focus
In this workshop, two presenters—one a mental health provider and the other an adoptive parent, offer a combined perspective on addressing the mental health needs of children who have experienced trauma. Using two case studies drawn from lived experience, the session will engage participants in meaningful discussion and problem-solving to support children and youth on their healing journeys. The concept of Post-Traumatic Growth will be introduced, emphasizing how collaborative, trauma-informed care networks can help children move from survival to thriving. The presentation blends education and interaction. Participants will apply their existing knowledge and training to explore possible solutions to the case studies, then build upon that foundation with trauma-informed strategies provided by the presenters. In addition to case-based learning, participants will receive a foundational overview of how trauma affects the brain from birth through adulthood, and how resiliency can support recovery and mental wellness over time. Handouts will be provided summarizing key content, including an overview of trauma-responsive mental health services tailored to the unique needs of children and youth.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn how to identify and engage trauma-informed “villagers”—supportive individuals and professionals—who can play a vital role in fostering resilience and post-traumatic growth.
Participants will be able to recognize the neurodevelopmental impact of trauma on the brain.
Participants will learn about the role of Post-Traumatic Growth and resiliency in overcoming the effects of trauma.
Participants will demonstrate through the application of a case study, how to maximize resources and strengthen their trauma-informed village.
Participants will differentiate evidence-based approaches to trauma in children and youth.
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Presenters: Jinnelle Powell, LPC-S, Distinctive Counseling & Consulting, PL; Jennifer Kremer-Oliva, Heart Gallery Director, Foster Angels of South Texas
A6: Tailored Aftercare for Long-Term Stability (V, CLE)
Aftercare offers individuals and families the necessary supportive services based on their own unique needs. Every family has their own story. Some need assistance for just a few weeks, while others need longer term support. Taking time to carefully evaluate the family’s situation is crucial to provide them with the appropriate care. No two individuals or families are the same, so therefore, aftercare plans should be tailored to meet each person’s unique needs and circumstances. Individualization ensures that the support provided resonates with the individual’s experiences and challenge and sets them up for more likely long-term success. This workshop will explore the importance of and components of an after-care plan. This workshop will discuss MCH’s approach to aftercare across programs and service areas ranging from transition services to foster care to counseling and will explore the importance and components of an aftercare plan. Participants will have the opportunity to share their approach to aftercare and learn how to implement after care in their organization.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the Importance of Individualized Aftercare Planning – participants will learn why aftercare must be tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual or family to support long-term success.
Identify Key Components of Effective Aftercare Plans – participants will explore the essential elements of an aftercare plan and how these components support ongoing stability and well-being.
Apply Aftercare Strategies Across Service Areas – participants will examine MCH’s approach to aftercare across various programs and will gain insights to develop or refine aftercare practices within their own organizations.
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Presenters: Traci Wagner, Vice President for Programs, Methodist Children’s Home; Marissa Smith, Assistant Vice President for Programs, Methodist Children’s Home
A7: The Ethics of Family Engagement: An Interdisciplinary Approach (E)
For decades, mandated reporting laws have largely engrained a culture of “see something, say something” in an effort to identify and rapidly report potential cases of child maltreatment. Yet, as the majority of referrals and substantiated cases continue to be for child neglect, often stemming from poverty and lack of access to key resources, there is a need to move from reporting to supporting families. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this interactive workshop explores the ethics of family engagement. Participants will learn strategies to engage and partner with families throughout the life of a child welfare case. Specifically, participants will have an opportunity to apply strategies to make decisions about a case of an adolescent with a disability who is in a kinship placement in rural Texas. Through critical discussion questions, participants will practice self-reflection, identification of implicit and structural biases that may impact the adolescent and her family and engage in team decision-making to develop a plan to support the family. The workshop will include a brief overview of strategies, hands-on small group activities, and large group discussion and reflection.
Learning Objectives:
Identify and mitigate the impact of potential biases and assumptions that may impact family engagement in child welfare.
Recognize symptoms associated with common mental health issues among children in foster care.
Understand best practices to engage families that align with the NASW Code of Ethics.
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Presenters: Dr. Catherine LaBrenz, LMSW, PhD., Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work; Dr. Micki Washburn, Associate Professor of Social Work, UTA; Tracy Orwig, LCSW-S, Associate Professor of Practice, UTA
Opening Keynote | 12:20 - 1:50pm (V, CLE)
Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Power and Purpose Through Possibility
How do we help children and families not just survive systems—but rise beyond them? In this inspiring keynote, Jamerika Haynes-Lewis shares her journey from navigating foster care to reclaiming her voice as a journalist, national pageant titleholder, and motivational speaker. Drawing from lived experience and professional insight, she invites attendees to explore what becomes possible when we ground our work in strengths—not paperwork. This session challenges us to reflect on how we define care, connection, and change. Through powerful storytelling and systemic insight, Jamerika calls on attendees to shift from reactive response to legacy-building—ensuring every family touched by the system has the support they need to heal, lead, and thrive.
Learning Objectives:
Examine how a strengths-based approach can transform outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Explore the connection between purpose and possibility, particularly for families navigating trauma, transition, or systemic barriers.
Identify ways to center lived experience in service delivery, leadership, and policy reform to create sustainable, community-rooted solutions.
Reflect on their own role as agents of purpose-driven care, and how small, consistent actions can help families reclaim power and direction in their lives.
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Presenter: Jamerika Haynes-Lewis, Founder, Clever Jam Communications; Foster Care Alumna
Breakout Session B | 2:10 - 3:40pm
B1: Generational Repair – Equipping Parents to Heal While Raising Their Children (T, V) *Only LCPAA Approved
Professionals in child welfare often work with parents who are striving to break cycles of trauma while simultaneously raising their children. This session will explore the complexities of generational repair, highlighting how professionals can support parents in their own healing journeys while fostering secure attachments with their children. Rooted in trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and evidence-based interventions, this presentation will equip child welfare practitioners with practical tools to help families build resilience, disrupt harmful patterns, and create lasting change across generations. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen family systems, promote relational healing, and empower parents to raise children in environments of safety and connection. Understand the Impact of Generational Trauma on Parenting Participants will explore how unhealed trauma from previous generations impacts a parent’s capacity to provide care and raise children, including the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the intergenerational transmission of trauma.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the Dual Role of Parents in Healing and Parenting – participants will recognize the complexities faced by parents who are simultaneously working to heal from trauma while raising their children, and the challenges this creates in building secure attachments.
Participants will learn techniques to support parents in fostering secure, healthy attachments with their children, including interventions for emotional regulation, co-regulation, and trauma-responsive parenting.
Participants will understand the role of storytelling in helping parents break generational trauma cycles and the importance of narrative work in healing and transformation.
Participants will identify common barriers, such as systemic challenges, secondary trauma, and burnout, and explore practical solutions to overcome these obstacles to support parents and caregivers.
Participants will gain actionable strategies for embedding generational repair practices within child welfare systems, ensuring long-term support for both parents and children.
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Presenter: Jordan Vera, Program Manager, Foster Hope
B2: Growing Leaders Through Community Connection (L, V, CLE)
Effective leadership in child welfare and nonprofit organizations requires a collaborative approach that fosters engagement, trust, and shared decision-making. This session will explore collaborative leadership strategies that enhance team performance and drive organizational success. A major highlight of this session will be the Elevate Learning Cohort Model—a professional development initiative that partners with local nonprofits to expose, equip, and challenge future leaders within our agency. Through structured learning, peer collaboration, and real-world leadership application, Elevate provides a framework that can be adapted by other organizations to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to integrate collaborative leadership into their teams and organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the principles of collaborative leadership and its role in organizational effectiveness.
Explore the Elevate Learning Cohort model as a strategy for leadership development.
Apply collaborative leadership techniques to enhance team engagement, trust, and accountability.
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Presenters: Jean Wright, Sr. Director for Organizational Effectiveness, Methodist Children’s Home; Kevin Brown, Director of Training, Methodist Children’s Home
B3: Solid Ground: Ethics in Helping Relationships (E, V, CLE)
This session explores the complex landscape of dual relationships and professional boundaries. We’ll delve into ethical considerations, risk management strategies, and practical tools for setting and maintaining clear boundaries. Through real-world examples and insightful discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of potential pitfalls and learn how to uphold professional integrity in diverse settings. The work we do comes with the challenges of navigating dual relationships and keeping strong boundaries. While these may seem straightforward, social workers/case workers/providers fall into these pitfalls, sometimes ending up with a license violation or job loss. This interactive training will cover each of these areas and how to navigate the gray areas. Participants are encouraged to share situations of potential dual relationships or boundary crossings they’ve encountered and how they handled it. Even though this is a serious topic, the presenters will throw in some fun by looking at examples from pop culture of what not to do.
Learning Objectives:
Learn what dual relationships are and how to navigate them.
Understand professional boundaries.
Learn the difference between boundary crossings and boundary violations.
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Presenter: Carla Storey, LCSW-S, Colton Strawser Consulting
B4: Life in Foster Care: A Simulation Experience
In 2021, a group of community members and partnering agencies created a special, interactive event intended to raise awareness of a crisis that children and families across our county, state and nation face daily—Foster Care. The Foster Care Simulation— “Could You Survive a Month in Foster Care?” allows participants to experience some of the challenges the children, parents, foster families, and related professionals face during a case firsthand. Participants are assigned to a specific role on a case and then navigate various challenges presented in a “month” of foster care. Participants will work together to identify the needs of children and families and identify possible resources to better serve them. Join us on this journey and see if you have the resiliency to not only survive the experience, but to help create the best possible outcomes for those involved within the child welfare system, especially as our children experience it. The simulation will end with a debrief of the experience, followed by a brief presentation about the benefits of true local partnership between CASA, providers, and the SSCC’s.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the key roles and responsibilities of case workers, foster parents, biological families, and youth in care.
Have an opportunity to understand the system from a different perspective.
Develop an awareness of how systemic barriers affect youth, birth families, and foster parents.
Engage in collaborative problem-solving with professionals to create the best possible outcomes.
Expand an understanding in greater depth, the plight of our children and their birth families involved in foster care.
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Presenters: Kaycee Robles, Senior Vice President 2INgage; Lee Ann Millender, Executive Director, Big Country CASA
B5: Community Roots: Strengthening Transitional Living (CLE)
Transitional Living Programs are a beast to run. This workshop will discuss failures and successes by the Burke Center for Youths Transition Program. This will generate conversations and collaborations with audience members and other programs Statewide. The goal is for everyone to learn and share best practices for 18+ foster children to help more of them succeed in life. A combination of a Power Point Presentation by the Executive Director as well as a personal account by Actual Transition residents will help to enlighten those who have or are interested in building a transitional living program. We have had over 8 years of experience with 5, soon to be 8, residents in our transition home. Although every program has unique aspects to it, there are still many lessons learned by us that can be shared, and some very innovative concepts we use to try to garner success for all our residents. It may not be a fun or easy program, but it is necessary and there are not enough for all the children who need them. Presenters will share ideas and lessons learned so that other communities will start more transitional living programs.
Learning Objectives:
What not to do when starting a transition program
How to leverage the support of community volunteers
How to ensure safety and proper oversight
Gain new perspective from a resident’s view
Learn new ideas to help ensure success for residents
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Presenter: Steve Fournier, Executive Director, Burke Center for Youth
B6: Youth + Adult Power: Driving System Change
In this interactive session, we will dive into the concept of youth/adult partnerships, explore why they are essential, and challenge participants to think creatively about how youth and adults can effectively collaborate. How should youth be involved in decisions about their case plans? What role can they play in designing or improving the programs and services that shape their lives? Using elements of Strategic Sharing, participants will learn how to safely collaborate and empower youth voices in meaningful ways. The session will also cover Wong’s Typology of Youth Participation and Empowerment (TYPE) Pyramid, incorporating real-life case scenarios to bring the concepts to life. Participants will leave with practical strategies to enhance youth involvement and foster stronger partnerships. This session encourages a shift in perspective, enabling participants to rethink youth participation and cultivate partnerships that are both empowering and transformative.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the Strengths Youth/Adults Bring to Partnerships – participants will explore how youth and adults can work together to create meaningful contributions, grounded in purpose and empowerment.
Recognize the Importance of Attachment and Connectedness – participants will reflect on their own roles in building and maintaining positive relationships with youth, fostering a sense of attachment and connectedness.
Learn Safe Collaboration Techniques Through Strategic Sharing – participants will learn how to collaborate safely and effectively with youth, using strategic sharing methods to build trust and facilitate open communication.
Reframe Foster Care Experiences as Expertise – participants will discover how to view youth’s foster care experiences as valuable expertise, enhancing their role in shaping their own care and services.
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Presenters: Lakya Lewis, Youth Impact Specialist, Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services; David G. Daniels, Transitional Age Youth Program Specialist
Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services
B7: Community Opportunity Map: Using Data for Engagement & Grants (CLE)
This interactive session will introduce a powerful and user-friendly platform—the Community Opportunity Map—that provides data on the health and well-being of children and families. The Community Opportunity Map is an online map tool that highlights the aspects of communities that are associated with safe children and strong families. The tool allows anyone to find child and family well-being data for any neighborhood across the nation, in order to analyze, plan and act alongside others to build Communities of Hope. Designed for non-data experts, this tool empowers advocates and community leaders to identify needs, address disparities, and identify strategic, data-informed opportunities. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore how this free web-based tool can uncover community needs and disparities by examining data at multiple geographic levels (state, county, zip code, tribal lands) and across key population characteristics (race, sex, ethnicity, age). The Casey Family Programs San Antonio field office will also discuss their work using the Community Opportunity Map to better understand the communities they serve, providing an applied example participants can draw on.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will walk away with practical skills and strategies to integrate data into their work with children and families.
Participants will understand how community data mapping can be applied to engagement, grant writing, and strategic planning with several practical examples.
Participants will be able to use the Community Opportunity Map toward their own efforts in their local areas.
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Presenters: Luke Gerber, Director, Research Services, Casey Family Programs; Sandra Galan White, Prevention and Permanency Services Supervisor, San Antonio Field Office, Casey Family Programs
Breakout Session C | 4 - 5:30pm
C1: Residential Care’s Role in the Village (T) *Not Approved for LCPAA and LCCA
The idea of residential treatment can evoke antiquated imagery of darker times in mental health which might feel frightening, forgotten, cold or clinical. The reality is that many residential treatment centers have evolved into both cultural and trauma informed residential placements for the much-needed support, structure, supervision and treatment for the health and healing of the whole person. When the resources of the biological families, adoptive and foster families, group homes and hospitals have been exhausted and there is nowhere else to turn, the residential treatment center provides a respite for the person and a strong partner for the community.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn about the history and current challenges of residential treatment centers.
Participants will understand aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion/belonging that impact those connected to residential treatment.
Participants will receive a call to action with guidance on how to be in partnership with the residential treatment centers in your village.
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Presenters: Micki Marquardt, Clinical Director, Helping Hand Home for Children; Amanda Moreno, LCSW-S, RPT-S, Therapist, Helping Hand Home for Children; Brandi Winters, LCSW-S, Therapist, Pathways
C2: Leading Well: Building a Culture of Care (L, V, CLE)
This session equips participants with actionable strategies to cultivate a workplace culture that sustains its workforce. Beginning with desk-friendly wellness exercises like guided breathing and stretching, participants will immediately practice self-care techniques that can be incorporated into their workday.
Through a guided visualization called “Your Best Day at Work,” participants will reflect on what energizes and drains them, identifying wellness gaps and opportunities for improvement. The session will introduce the Miracle Foundation’s 6Ps—People, Progress, Problem-Solving, Playfulness, Passion, and Positivity—as key principles for fostering a positive workplace culture. Participants will explore practical ways to apply these principles to reduce conflict, boost morale, and engage staff. Best practices such as conducting annual staff surveys and creating a culture team will also be discussed. Participants will then revisit their “Best Day” exercise, applying the 6Ps and best practices to design tailored strategies for strengthening workplace culture. Small group discussions will allow for brainstorming, with participants sharing their ideas for implementation. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a customized action plan to reinforce a supportive, engaging workplace culture.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common workplace stressors in child welfare and understand why traditional retention strategies often fall short.
Ideate best practices for culture change such as implementing regular staff feedback surveys and check-ins and culture team to promote staff well-being and engagement.
Outline concrete steps to strengthen workplace culture using the 6Ps framework, ensuring a more supportive and sustainable work environment.
Learn how to strengthen internal systems for clearer communication by leveraging technology and operational streamlining to keep focus on what matters most.
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Presenter: Gabrielle Meyer, Chief Operations Officer, Miracle Foundation
C3: Askable Adults: Being the Grown-Up Youth Can Talk To
This workshop equips youth-serving professionals with the skills to be approachable, creating an environment where young people feel comfortable discussing reproductive and sexual health. Recognizing that youth in foster care are at higher risk for early pregnancy, the goal is for adults to be open, supportive, and comfortable navigating these conversations—while knowing when to make referrals. Participants will reflect on their own values around sexual health, learn practical skills to facilitate these discussions, and practice staying values-neutral when answering sensitive questions. Using best practices from sexual and reproductive health, the workshop offers tools to enhance rapport-building and create safe, supportive spaces for youth. This 90-minute interactive session combines didactic learning with individual reflection, group discussions, and roleplaying, providing youth-serving professionals with concrete skills to handle sensitive topics with ease. These skills are transferable to all youth interactions, enhancing comfort with any sensitive conversation while respecting youth values. Participants will also learn about community resources for further support and referrals.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the need for Askable Adults and define what it means to be an Askable Adult
Reflect on individual values and beliefs pertaining to adolescent sexual health, and identify common barriers to being an Askable Adult
Learn and practice skills needed to be an Askable Adult
Identify at least 2 reputable resources related to sexual and reproductive health
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Presenters: Bethany Luis, Director of Community Health Education, Healthy Futures of Texas; Denise Lewis, Training Manager
Organization, Healthy Futures of Texas
C4: MicroSteps: Building Emotional Stability in Kids
In this engaging, interactive session, participants will be introduced to the MicroStep Method®, a simple, trauma-sensitive 3-step framework focused on emotional regulation, connection, and behavioral momentum. Unlike traditional trauma trainings, this session provides immediately applicable strategies to strengthen connections, de-escalate challenging moments, and maintain authority while setting boundaries. Through storytelling, humor, and real-world case studies, participants will learn how small, intentional shifts in their caregiving approach can foster emotional safety, build resilience, and enhance behavioral outcomes in children. This session provides participants with actionable strategies to immediately enhance their caregiving approach, creating more stable, supportive environments for children.
Learning Objectives:
Understand Trauma’s Impact on Behavior: Learn how trauma and stress influence children’s emotional regulation and behavior, and how to identify where both child and caregiver are within the MicroStep Method® framework.
Apply MicroSteps for Emotional Regulation: Discover how small, intentional shifts can de-escalate challenging moments, improve cooperation, and build long-term trust in caregiving environments.
Foster Emotional Safety While Maintaining Boundaries: Learn strategies to create emotional safety while upholding authority and boundaries with children in care settings.
Integrate MicroSteps into Real-Time Caregiving: Practice applying the MicroStep Method® strategies in high-stress situations to improve caregiving interactions.
Develop Shareable Resources for Team Implementation: Gain practical tools and strategies that can be shared with teams and incorporated into daily caregiving practices to promote trauma-sensitive communication and lasting behavioral change.
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Presenter: Mary Smith, Speaker | Author | Founder the MicroStep Method® | Parent Coach
C5: Family Voices First: Messaging that Resonates
Discover the transformative power of family engagement in community programs. This session will explore how incorporating family perspectives can significantly enhance program access. Presenters will share valuable insights from our experience with the Lived Expert Family Fellowship and the role of a community engagement coordinator in elevating family perspectives. Through interactive activities, participants will learn to develop their own family engagement strategies, aiming for greater community impact and program reach. This highly interactive and engaging session is designed to equip participants with practical tools and innovative strategies for family engagement. Presenters will start with a brief introduction to the importance of family engagement in community programs. Following this, they will present real-world examples, including the Lived Expert Family Fellowship and the role of a community engagement coordinator, to showcase successful family engagement practices that have increased program reach. The discussion will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of providing families with opportunities for feedback both within a cohort and individually through one-on-one sessions. Additionally, presenters will share data on the impact of various key messages used during program outreach and how family input has enhanced the effectiveness of these efforts. Participants will create actionable plans to implement family engagement strategies in their own programs, with guidance and feedback from the session facilitators.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how incorporating family perspectives can improve program access and community impact.
Discover real-world examples from the Lived Expert Family Fellowship and the role of community engagement coordinators in enhancing program reach.
Gain practical tools for developing and implementing effective family engagement strategies within community programs.
Understand the advantages and challenges of gathering family feedback both in group settings and through one-on-one interactions.
Design an actionable plan to integrate family engagement practices into your own programs, with personalized feedback from session facilitators.
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Presenter: Katja Russell, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Youth Villages; and Timothy Ashmore, Strategic Partnerships Network Director, Youth Villages
C6: CSEY Support: Texas’ Long-Term Healing Approach (V, CLE)
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of what CSEY advocacy entails and its significance in fostering healing and resilience among affected youth. Participants will learn how to access CSEY advocacy for children and transition-age youth. Additionally, there will be a panel of first responders and specialized advocates (inclusive of DFPS Human Trafficking State leadership team) highlighting how CSEY advocates collaborate with other specialized professionals to create a cohesive support network. A panel discussion will provide real-world insights into collaboration strategies and examples of effective teamwork.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will gain insight into the core responsibilities of CSEY advocates and their critical role in the recovery process for youth who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation.
Participants will explore how CSEY advocacy fosters healing and promotes resilience through tailored, trauma-informed support and understand how CSEY advocates collaborate with specialized advocates.
Participants will learn how CSEY advocates partner with other specialized professionals to create cohesive support networks.
Participants will leave equipped with actionable knowledge about identifying appropriate CSEY advocacy services and navigating systems to connect children and transition-aged youth to the support they need.
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Presenter: Jessica Hess, CSEY Advocacy & Care Coordination Team Lead/Central Texas Regional Advisory, Office of the Texas Governor; Chad Frymire, Director of Public Policy, Dallas CASA; Blance Denise Lance, Human Trafficking Director, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; Donna Fullilove, Regional Counselor, Texas Department of Public Safety; Susanne Crane, SAFE Cares; Nick Nesbitt, Special Agent, Texas Department of Public Safety
C7: A CQI Love Story: Where Data Meets Impact (V, CLE)
This workshop provides a comprehensive approach to reporting, compliance monitoring, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) to enhance service delivery and maintain accreditation and T3C standards. Participants will gain a clear understanding of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements while learning to effectively track, analyze, and utilize compliance data for strategic decision-making and sustainable improvements. Through interactive discussions and real-world applications, participants will explore best practices for ensuring reporting accuracy, streamlining workflows, and enhancing collaboration across departments. The session will emphasize data-driven decision-making, standardized review cycles, and process efficiency techniques to strengthen accountability and operational effectiveness. Designed for program managers, compliance officers, and quality improvement specialists, this training is particularly valuable for licensed childcare providers in Texas seeking T3C credentialing.
Learning Objective:
Participants will learn how to maintain compliance, improve service delivery, and implement sustainable CQI practices to ensure long-term success in regulatory compliance and quality childcare services.
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Presenters: Brandi Dunning, Director, Quality Improvement, DePelchin Children’s Center; Kristi Law, Director, Program Development and Evaluation, RC DePelchin Children’s Center
Conference Reception | 5:30-7pm
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Click the session title to view the full description. Sessions that are available virtually are noted with (V).
Breakout Session D | 8:30 - 10am
D1: Sanctuary in Practice: Healing Trauma Among Migrants & Refugees (T, V)
A trauma-informed approach is essential when working with refugee and migrant children, who often experience trauma such as violence, war, persecution, and family separation. This approach helps providers recognize trauma signs, create safe environments, and tailor interventions to support healing. Understanding the cultural aspects of trauma is key to providing appropriate care and avoiding re-traumatization. This session, led by the Refugees and Migrant Technical Assistance Center for Behavioral Health clinical team (RMTAC), will cover types of traumas, strategies for building resilience, and the lasting impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Participants will learn the four Rs of Trauma-Informed Care, six core principles, and how to implement them effectively. A self-care guide will also be provided to help manage vicarious trauma and promote well-being in trauma-exposed professionals.
Learning Objectives:
Learn about the various types of trauma refugee and migrant children may experience, including violence, war, persecution, and family separation.
Recognize the key principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIA), including the four Rs and six core principles, to create safe and supportive environments for refugee and migrant children.
Learn strategies to help children develop resilience and support their recovery process from traumatic experiences.
Explore how ACEs impact the development of children and their long-term mental health and behavior.
Gain tools and strategies for managing personal well-being and preventing vicarious trauma when working with clients who have experienced significant trauma.
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Presenters: Luz Chapa, Clinical Consultant, Southwest Key Programs, and Elizabeth Ortiz Mendez, Project Director, Refugee & Migrant Technical Assistance Center for Behavioral Health
D2: Culturally Rooted Leadership for Strong Families (L, V, CLE) *Not Approved for LCPAA and LCCA
A strong village acknowledges and embraces the diverse cultures and experiences of the families it serves. In this session, childcare administrators will explore strategies for fostering a culturally responsive environment that strengthens family engagement and supports positive child outcomes. Participants will learn how to create inclusive spaces, build trust with families from diverse backgrounds, and implement practices that honor and uplift cultural identity. In every village, families thrive when they are surrounded by care, encouragement, and a deep sense of belonging. Childcare administrators play a crucial role in fostering this sense of connection by creating programs that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and deeply attuned to the needs of diverse families. This workshop will empower childcare leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to build strong relationships with families from all backgrounds, ensuring that every child has the support they need to flourish. Participants will explore the impact of culture on child development and family engagement, discuss common challenges in building trust with families, and learn how to implement culturally responsive leadership practices that honor and uplift the strengths of each family. Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, participants will leave with a clear roadmap for strengthening their programs, fostering meaningful family partnerships, and cultivating an inclusive “village” of care and support.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the impact of culture on family engagement and child development.
Learn practical strategies for embedding culturally responsive leadership into childcare programs
Gain tools to foster meaningful connections with families and create a more inclusive “village” of care.
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Presenter: Amanda Quiroz-Guajardo, Founder/CEO, Off To A Good Start
D3: Placing with Purpose: Building Stability Through Engagement *Only LCPAA Approved
This workshop explores how child-placing agencies can strengthen placement stability and permanency through trauma-informed engagement strategies. Using tools from the Signs of Safety framework—such as 3-column mapping and scaling questions—participants will learn how to build sustainable support networks around children and caregivers. Real-life case examples will highlight how empowering families and youth as experts in their own lives fosters long-term safety and reduces system reentry. This interactive roundtable discussion will challenge participants to expand their practice through proactive, strengths-based approaches. The workshop will include a roundtable discussion that will be beneficial to Child Placing Agencies who are interested in expanding their engagement skills and enhancing their support of children and caregivers. A key component of our approach is through the trauma informed lens that children and families are the experts on their history, their story, and their needs. Presenters emphasize the need to be proactive in strategizing with clients to ensure all needs are addressed early to support placement.
Learning Objectives:
Understand how to apply Signs of Safety engagement tools to build support networks around children and caregivers.
Explore trauma-informed strategies for prioritizing family engagement and promoting placement stability and permanency.
Identify proactive, strengths-based practices that empower families and youth as experts in their own lives to reduce system reinvolvement.
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Presenters: Shannon Walker, Vice President of Permanency, SJRC Texas/Belong; Robyn Muennink, Vice President of Placement and Support Services, SJRC Texas/Belong
D4: Our Girls, Our Communities: The Experience of Black Girls & Adolescents in Foster Care *Not Approved for LCPAA and LCCA
Our Girls, Our Communities: The Experience of Black Girls & Adolescents in Foster Care’ provides skill-building activities and knowledge for child welfare professionals working with Black girls and adolescents. Foster care alumna Jamerika Haynes combines research and lived experience to illustrate how societal stereotypes affect the treatment and outcomes of Black girls in care. Participants will gain an understanding of the disproportionality that places African American youth in care at higher rates, the impact of implicit bias and stereotype-based assumptions, and how these factors shape identity development and future opportunities. Through a combination of personal storytelling and evidence-based practices, this session will equip professionals with tools to offer culturally competent care, advocate for necessary systemic resources, and support youth in forming strong identities and achieving independence during and after care. This presentation highlights the unique intersections of race, gender, and child welfare, and centers the voices and needs of Black girls often overlooked in broader child welfare discussions. By the end of the session, participants will have practical strategies to apply in their work and a deeper appreciation of the resilience and brilliance of Black girls navigating foster care. Identify factors contributing to the disproportionality of African American children in foster care and the specific resources needed to support girls and adolescents, particularly those of color. Understand the harmful effects of stereotypes on Black girls and adolescents in foster care and explore strategies to combat prejudice and implicit bias.
Learn effective approaches to help Black girls and adolescents thrive through positive identity formation, community engagement, and fostering independence during and after their time in care.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key factors contributing to the overrepresentation of African American girls and adolescents in foster care.
Understand the impact of stereotypes, implicit bias, and systemic inequities on the identity development and outcomes of Black girls in care.
Learn culturally competent strategies to support positive identity formation, independence, and community connection for Black girls during and after foster care.
Apply tools and practices to advocate for systemic resources and combat bias in child welfare settings.
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Presenter: Jamerika Haynes-Lewis, Founder, Clever Jam Communications; Foster Care Alumna
D5: Licensing Reimagined: Mapping the Ideal Journey (CLE)
Licensing is a critical part of an organization’s journey, yet many agencies struggle to bridge the gap between current practices and the ideal state. This interactive session will bring together child welfare professionals to explore challenges, share strategies, and identify actionable solutions by leveraging technology to licensing and engagement with family efforts. Participants will engage in group discussions and live brainstorming to uncover barriers and opportunities in their agencies. Whether you’re a frontline worker, supervisor, or agency leader, this session will provide practical takeaways to strengthen your agency’s approaches to licensing.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key challenges in current licensing practices and compare them to an ideal state based on best practices and policy mandates.
Analyze common barriers to effective licensing practices and develop actionable strategies to improve licensing within their agencies.
Collaborate with peers to generate shared recommendations for improving licensing practices at the agency and system levels.
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Presenters: Michael May, Professional Development Training Manager, DePelchin Children’s Center; Britni Main, Depelchin Children’s Center;
Michelle Jones, Binti
D6: A Place to Thrive: Caring for Children with Primary Medical Needs (V, CLE)
Children with primary medical needs (PMN) are a specialized and often misunderstood population in child welfare. This workshop is designed to equip child welfare professionals with the tools and knowledge to recruit, train, and support foster parents who care for children with primary medical needs (PMN). Participants will learn recruitment strategies to attract foster parents capable of meeting the complex medical and emotional needs of these children. The session will focus on helping support and train foster parents to understand the intersection of physical health and the psychological impact of complex trauma, often experienced by children with PMN. Additionally, the workshop will provide strategies aimed at supporting foster parents, create a sense of normalcy for children with PMN, reducing stigma around assumed limitations, and empowering them to engage in everyday activities while managing medical conditions. Practical guidance will be shared on balancing medical care with emotional support, utilizing inclusive language, promoting social interaction, and ensuring a fulfilling childhood. Ultimately, this session aims to enhance the quality of life for youth with PMN, fostering well-being, stability, and a sense of belonging within their foster homes.
Learning Objectives:
Learn effective strategies to recruit and prepare foster parents for caring for children with primary medical needs.
Understand the intersection of complex trauma and physical health in children with PMN to better support their emotional and medical needs.
Gain tools to help foster parents create a sense of normalcy and reduce stigma around medical conditions.
Explore practical approaches to balance medical care with emotional well-being, inclusive language, and social engagement for children with PMN.
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Presenters: Cathy Bakken, Director of Nursing, Arrow Child and Family Ministries; Scott Batson, Associate Vice President of Capacity Development, Arrow Child & Family Ministries
D7: The RTC Project: HHSC’s Role in Village Support (CLE) *Only LCCA Approved
The workshop will provide information about the Health and Human Services Commission’s RTC Project and how we are working to stop youth with serious emotional disturbances from entering the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in order to obtain mental health care. LCCA’s for residential treatment centers, will learn how they can contract with the RTC Project to accept youth for placement into their facilities. Community service organizations will learn about the program and how they can refer youth who are at risk of relinquishment to the DFPS to obtain mental health services.
Learning Objectives:
Gain knowledge and understanding of the RTC Project.
Explore and understand the benefits of the RTC Project
Discover how to become a contracted provider
Learn how to refer families to the RTC Project
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Presenters: Kevin Wickham, Relinquishment Avoidance Lead, HHS; Rodney Bell, RTC Project Coordinator, Health and Human Services Commission
Breakout Session E | 10:20 - 11:50am
E1: Wired for Safety: Reframing Behavior, Restoring Connection (T)
Children are wired to seek felt-safety through connection with caregivers—but trauma, neglect, and attachment challenges can disrupt this. This training reframes challenging behaviors as efforts to find safety, helping professionals and caregivers understand and respond more effectively. Participants will explore how different attachment styles shape children’s safety-seeking behaviors and learn how to adapt caregiving strategies accordingly. The session will break down the three types of felt-safety—physical, physiological, and social/emotional—and guide participants in recognizing and supporting these needs. Interactive elements include personal reflection, case study analysis by attachment style, and collaborative planning on how agencies can improve felt safety in their programs.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will identify the different strategies children and teens will use to achieve felt safety based on their attachment style.
Participants will recognize different types of felt safety and practice supporting children and teens to achieve felt safety for each type.
Participants will determine ways in which their agency/program can increase felt safety through structural or policy change.
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Presenter: Justin Hentschel, Manager of Training, Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services
E2: Leading Organizational Transformation: TBRI® in Practice (L, V)
This interactive training series explores how Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles can transform not only how we serve children and families but also how we lead organizations and support staff. By applying TBRI principles to ourselves first and then extending them to our professional relationships, we create sustainable, trauma-informed organizational cultures that reduce burnout and improve outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Identify how personal trauma histories and stress responses affect leadership styles.
Practice self-regulation techniques that can be modeled for staff and clients.
Develop personalized strategies for implementing TBRI principles in their own lives.
Create an action plan for authentic TBRI leadership within their organization.
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Presenters: Ann Marie Ronsman, President and CEO, Child Advocates of Montgomery County; Juliann Blane, TBRI® and Community Education Specialist, Child Advocates of Montgomery County
E3: The Restorative Village: Healing Together for Stronger Families
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how Restorative Practices can strengthen the village of support surrounding Texas children and families. Through hands-on activities and real-world strategies, participants will learn how to build resilience, foster accountability, and create healing-centered spaces for youth and caregivers. Whether you’re a professional, caregiver, or advocate, this session will equip you with practical tools to enhance connections and transform support systems. Join us to be part of a movement that ensures every child and family thrives within a compassionate and restorative community! In the heart of every thriving child, there is a village—a network of support, care, and guidance that fosters healing and resilience. In this interactive and experiential workshop, we will explore how Restorative Practices can help rebuild and strengthen the village of support for Texas children, youth, and families navigating the child welfare system. Through storytelling, experiential exercises, and small-group discussions, participants will learn how to cultivate community, foster resilience, and create nurturing environments for children and families in crisis. We will examine practical, trauma-informed tools that child welfare professionals, caregivers, and community leaders can use to build stronger, more connected support systems. By centering on restorative approaches—such as peacemaking circles, relational healing, and collaborative problem-solving—this session will challenge participants to reimagine child welfare as a space of care, not just compliance. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to enhance collaboration, connection, and trust in their work, ensuring that every child and family is truly surrounded by a village that uplifts and sustains them.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the core principles of Restorative Practices and their application in child welfare settings.
Learn trauma-informed strategies to build resilience and foster healing-centered environments for youth and families.
Explore tools such as peacemaking circles and collaborative problem-solving to strengthen community support networks.
Practice experiential activities that enhance connection, accountability, and trust among caregivers, professionals, and families.
Develop actionable plans to apply restorative approaches in daily work to create compassionate, community-driven systems of care.
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Presenters: Cortney Jones, CEO, Change 1; Dr. Nicole Cummings-Lewis, Change 1, Restorative Coordinator and Consultant
E4: Heartwork: Walking Youth Toward Wholeness and Vision
This workshop helps participants address complex trauma and build resilience by supporting youth and young adults in thawing needs that were frozen by trauma; and helping them take the walk from their head back to their heart, to reclaim their vision, mission, dreams and purpose.Addressing Complex Trauma and Building Resilience is a 90-minute, interactive presentation which will empower participants with the necessary skills to meet the basic and deeper needs of the youth and young adults they serve. Participants will stay engaged through dynamic speaking with lived experience, and interactive exercises designed to inspire and equip participants to remember why they began their calling in youth services, anchoring them more deeply in their personal ‘why.’ It is from that deeper source of passion and investment that we can give more deeply to those we are entrusted to serve. After completing this workshop, participants will be more trauma-informed and strength-based in their daily interactions with the youth and young adults they serve, as well as the teams they serve with. And with this renewed mindset, participants will be able to return to their respective programs and cultivate a deeper trauma-informed community that manifests transformation and healing more deeply, not just compliance.
Learning Objectives:
Increase understanding of complex trauma and its impact on youth and young adults.
Learn strategies to support youth in addressing unmet emotional needs and reconnecting with purpose, identity, and hope.
Develop strength-based, trauma-informed approaches for daily interactions with youth and colleagues.
Reconnect with personal motivation and purpose in youth service work to enhance effectiveness and empathy.
Gain tools to foster a healing-centered, transformative environment in youth-serving programs beyond compliance.
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Presenter: Anthony Goulet, Director of Training, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives
E5: Bridging Medicaid and Child Welfare Systems (CLE)
This dynamic session will explore how aligning Medicaid and child welfare can transform care for children and families. We’ll break down system silos, uncover key opportunities for cross-agency collaboration, and showcase successful models that foster greater support for kids and caregivers. Participants will walk away with concrete strategies and actionable insights to strengthen connections between these systems—ensuring a more coordinated, effective approach to care. Children and families involved in the child welfare system often face complex health and social challenges, requiring coordinated support across multiple systems. However, barriers such as policy misalignment, administrative silos, and communication gaps frequently confuse us all and hinder access to comprehensive care. This interactive session will explore strategies for bridging Medicaid and child welfare services to create a seamless, child-centered approach to care. Participants will identify existing barriers and opportunities for collaboration, examine successful cross-system partnership models, and leave with actionable strategies to enhance coordination. By fostering stronger integration between Medicaid and child welfare, we can improve health outcomes, reduce system inefficiencies, and ensure that children and families receive the holistic care they need. This engaging and solutions-oriented workshop will equip Texas child welfare system leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive meaningful change in how Medicaid and child welfare systems intersect—ultimately ensuring better care for children and families.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the Intersection of Medicaid & Child Welfare: Gain insights into how Medicaid policies and child welfare programs interact and the challenges that arise from fragmented systems.
Identify Barriers & Opportunities for Integration: Recognize key obstacles preventing effective coordination and explore opportunities for aligning services to improve outcomes.
Explore Successful Models of Cross-System Collaboration: Learn from real-world examples of states and agencies that have successfully bridged Medicaid and child welfare services.
Develop Actionable Strategies: Walk away with concrete steps and best practices to foster collaboration between Medicaid and child welfare agencies in Texas.
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Presenters: Rachel Marsh, Associate Director, Sellers Dorsey; Brittany McAllister, Associate Director, Child and Family Wellbeing Division, Sellers Dorsey
E6: Rethinking Red Flags: Proactive Safety in Placement (V, CLE)
While child welfare staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse, intervention often occurs only after harm has been done. This workshop, led by Praesidium, a national leader in sexual abuse risk management, focuses on proactive prevention. Participants will learn to identify red-flag and grooming behaviors in foster parents, kinship providers, and staff—before they escalate into abuse. Drawing on research that identifies an average of 14 grooming behaviors prior to abuse, the session will clarify the difference between healthy adult-child interactions and concerning patterns. It will also address common barriers to intervention, such as fear of false allegations or institutional inaction, and provide strategies to overcome them. Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, and research-based tools, attendees will leave empowered to create safer environments by interrupting risky behaviors early. Abuse is preventable—and prevention starts with an informed village.
Learning Objectives:
Identify red-flag behaviors before they rise to the level of abuse through learning key distinctions between healthy adult/child interactions and grooming relationships.
Develop effective procedures for responding to potential grooming behaviors and reduce barriers to reporting.
Implement research-informed best practices to significantly reduce the risk of abuse and create a culture of safety in their organization.
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Presenters: Hannah Evans, LMSW, Risk Consultant, Praesidium; Laura Hardin, LMSW Senior Risk Consultant, Praesidium
E7: Uplifting Kin: Removing Obstacles to Permanency for BIPOC Caregivers *Not Approved for LCPAA and LCCA
This qualitative research investigates the barriers to supported permanency for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) kinship caregivers that are looking after children in the foster care system. The primary goal of this workshop is to deepen the understanding of why BIPOC kinship caregivers forego supported permanency. As the barriers to supported permanency are identified, the secondary goal of the workshop is to gain insight into practice and policy strategies that could be implemented to better encourage and support BIPOC kinships caregivers to utilize the supported permanency resources to which they are entitled.
Learning Objectives:
Gain knowledge of published research findings regarding kinship care within the child welfare system.
Explore findings from Obstacles to Supported Permanency for BIPOC Kinship Caregivers research.
Learn actionable steps for child welfare leaders based on the research findings.
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Presenter: Dr. Valerie Jackson, Founder, CEO, Principal Investigator, Monarch Family Services
Lunch Keynote | 12:45 - 2:15pm (V, CLE)
Break the Cycle (BTC) Generational Trauma Therapy
In this talk, Dr. Mariel Buqué will guide attendees through BTC Generational Trauma Therapy, a healing model designed to interrupt the biological, psychological, and systemic transmission of trauma across generations. Grounded in psychology, neuroscience, epigenetics, and culturally responsive practices, BTC Generational Trauma Therapy offers attendees a roadmap for working with trauma that is often invisible, inherited, and culturally complex. Dr. Buqué will guide attendees through the core pillars of the model, share what it looks like in practice, and highlight tools for supporting others in reclaiming emotional safety.
Learning Objectives:
Describe how generational trauma manifests in both clinical symptoms and inherited survival strategies.
Explain the core principles of BTC Generational Trauma Therapy, including its focus on nervous system healing, epigenetic transmission, and cultural attunement.
Demonstrate how to integrate BTC-informed interventions—such as somatic regulation, lineage-based reflection, and collective care practices—into trauma care.
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Presenter: Dr. Mariel Buqué, PhD., Counseling Psychotherapy, author, national speaker
Breakout Session F | 3 - 4:30pm
F1: Elevating Trauma Treatment: The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (T, V)
This workshop will explore the prevalence and complexities of complex trauma within the child welfare system, highlighting the gaps in current case conceptualizations and treatment approaches for youth. It will examine the neurobiological factors that shape the experiences of youth with complex trauma—factors that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Participants will gain practical insights into implementing Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) as a comprehensive framework for agencies, and how it can be applied across various settings where children in foster care are served, including traditional and treatment foster care, residential services, and community-based outpatient therapy. The workshop will emphasize creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique neurodevelopmental needs, leading to more effective interventions and meaningful changes.
Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will see firsthand how children in foster care have experienced healing and transformation through the NMT framework, showcasing tangible outcomes. The session will also encourage interactive discussions, where participants can share their own observations, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue throughout the presentation.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the prevalence and impact of complex trauma in the child welfare system and its implications for case conceptualization and treatment.
Explore key neurobiological factors that influence the experiences and behaviors of youth with complex trauma.
Learn how to implement the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) across various child welfare settings.
Gain practical strategies for creating individualized, neurodevelopmentally informed treatment plans.
Analyze real-world case studies to observe the application and outcomes of NMT in supporting healing for children in foster care.
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Presenters: Kellee Walker, Vice President of Clinical Development, Arrow Child and Family Ministries; Nicole Greene, LCPC, Clinical Development Specialist, Arrow Child & Family Ministries;
Tesney Trebilcock, LCSW-C, Clinical Development Specialist, Arrow Child & Family Ministries; Brianna Cartwright, LPC, Arrow Child & Family Ministries
F2: Culture Shift: Leading with Curiosity (L, CLE)
Do you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to proceed? Whether you are a seasoned leader or desire to move up the ladder, this workshop will help you make sense of how to win the culture war in your organization. It will give practical knowledge on how to conceptualize a problem, lead through transitions, integrate staff into your organizational culture, and ensure you meet organizational objectives.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will gain knowledge on how to use curiosity to understand chaotic or overwhelming situations, to conceptualize a problem and attain clarity on how to proceed.
Participants will gain practical knowledge on how to lead with curiosity through change and in difficult circumstances to ensure you meet your organizational objectives.
Participants will learn how curiosity will aid leaders in gaining greater understanding of their staff, buy-in from their staff, and staff development which will result in a more positive workplace environment and culture.
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Presenters: John Hazle, Vice President for Youth Services, Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch; Adrian Jackson, Vice President for Homelife, Boys Ranch founded by Cal Farley
F3: Breaking Barriers: Innovating Prevention & Early Intervention for a Healthier Future (V)
In this interactive session, participants will stay engaged by actively exploring innovative strategies to overcome challenges in prevention and early intervention efforts. Participants will engage in discussions on breaking systemic barriers, implementing forward-thinking approaches, and fostering collaboration between service providers and families to create healthier families and communities in Texas. Small groups will be formed to strengthen and encourage active participation by each attendee. The small groups will be given real-world examples of actionable insights/program ideas to break down the likelihood of success for implementation in their own local Texas community. The creation of an action plan will allow participants to walk away with ideas for prevention and early intervention implementation.
Learning Objectives:
Explore systemic barriers to prevention and early intervention
Learn how to engage community partners
Learn real world insights to prevention and early intervention
Walk away with an action plan for one’s own community
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Presenter: Nicole McCauley, LCSW, Vice President Prevention Services, Saint Francis Ministries
F4: Restoring Stability: Supporting Parents in Crisis
This workshop will provide practical tools and insights for child welfare professionals to help bio parents work toward reunification. We’ll learn about trauma-informed approaches, communication techniques, and best practices to engage bio parents. When we understand the root causes of behaviors and actions, we can empower parents to change their futures and promote stability and resilience during a time of crisis. This interactive session will include case studies, role-playing, and group discussions to ensure participants walk away with actionable skills they can implement immediately in their work with biological parents. Participants will learn about changing the pre-created negative narrative around bio parents involved with the CPS system; digging deep into the cyclical nature of trauma and how it affects more than just our kids in foster care; and tools to use when working with parents involved with CPS to help with engagement.
Learning Objectives:
Understand trauma-informed approaches to engaging biological parents working toward reunification.
Learn effective communication techniques and tools to build trust and promote parent engagement.
Identify and challenge negative narratives and biases about bio parents involved with the CPS system.
Explore the cyclical nature of trauma and its impact on both children and their parents.
Apply practical strategies through case studies and role-play to support reunification efforts.
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Presenter: Michalina Armulowicz, Executive Director, Mosaic Advocacy
F5: Accreditation for Stronger Organizations (CLE)
Accreditation is more than just a credential—it’s a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. This interactive session will provide child welfare and social service professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to leverage accreditation as a framework for strengthening their organizations and the communities they serve. Participants will explore the ways in which accreditation helps create a culture of accountability, enhances service delivery, and improves organizational efficiency. The session will cover best practices for implementing accreditation standards, overcoming common challenges, and utilizing accreditation to build stronger relationships with community stakeholders, funders, and regulatory bodies. Using real-world case studies, the workshop will highlight how agencies have successfully integrated accreditation principles into their daily operations, leading to improved program effectiveness and better outcomes for children and families.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will leave with actionable steps to incorporate accreditation into their own organizations, ensuring they meet high-quality standards while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for those they serve. I
Participants will be able to integrate accreditation principles into their daily operations to improve service delivery, accountability, and efficiency.
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Presenter: Jennifer Flowers, Founder & CEO, Accreditation Guru
F6: Ecosystems of Change: Driving Collective Impact
Lasting change in child welfare requires more than individual efforts—it takes a thriving ecosystem of collaboration. This session will explore how to cultivate trust, build strategic partnerships, and create conditions for meaningful, long-term impact. Through discussion and a panel of experts, participants will gain practical strategies to break down silos and drive collective change. Long-term, sustainable change in the child welfare system requires more than isolated efforts—it demands a thriving ecosystem of collaboration. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the power of relationships as the foundation for systemic transformation. Using the metaphor of a garden, we’ll discuss how to cultivate trust, foster strategic partnerships, and create conditions where collaboration flourishes. A panel of experienced leaders will share real-world examples of ecosystem-building in action, offering insights into breaking down silos, aligning efforts, and driving meaningful impact. Join us to discover practical strategies for nurturing a movement that ensures every child and family has the support they need to thrive.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the Ecosystem Approach – Learn how collaboration and relationship-building serve as the foundation for lasting change in the child welfare system.
Cultivate Trust and Strategic Partnerships – Discover practical strategies for fostering trust, breaking down silos, and aligning efforts across organizations and communities.
Apply Principles of Effective Collaboration – Explore real-world examples of successful ecosystem-building and identify key factors that contribute to sustainable partnerships.
Develop Actionable Strategies – Gain tools and insights to implement collaborative initiatives that enhance system efficiency and improve outcomes for children and families.
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Presenters: Amber Knowles, Executive Director, The Riverside Project; Chandler James, Director of Church Mobilization/Chief of Staff, The Riverside Project
F7: From Policy to Practice: Strategies for Growing Your QMHP Behavioral Health Team (V, CLE)
This workshop is designed to equip foster care administrators with the tools and knowledge to develop their own Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs) to administer essential behavioral health services, including social skills and parenting skills. Participants will learn the qualifications, training requirements, and supervision strategies needed to cultivate QMHPs within their organizations. By attending, administrators will gain insight into how Texas Senate Bill 58 supports mental health service expansion, ensuring children and guardians receive high-quality interventions. This training will provide step-by-step guidance on hiring, training, and overseeing QMHPs to enhance behavioral health outcomes for foster children.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the role and responsibilities of a QMHP in the foster care system.
Learn the qualifications and certification requirements for QMHPs in Texas.
Develop a structured QMHP training program tailored to their organization’s needs.
Learn how to implement Texas Senate Bill 58 provisions to maximize behavioral health services.
Identify strategies for recruiting, retaining, and supporting QMHPs in their programs.
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Presenters: Kimberly Booker, CEO, Center for Psychological Services; Angela Mitchell, COO, The Center for Psychological Services; Olivia Maxie, QMHP-CS – Behavior Interventionist, The Center for Psychological Services
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Click the session title to view the full description. Sessions that are available virtually are noted with (V).
Closing Keynote | 9 - 10am (V, CLE)
Navigating Change in Uncertain Times
In the ever-evolving world of child welfare, uncertainty isn’t a detour — it’s part of the journey. Policy shifts, societal pressures, workforce challenges, and the growing complexity of family needs all demand courageous, adaptive leadership. In this compelling keynote, Dr. Stocks will explore how child welfare leaders can turn uncertainty into an opportunity for meaningful, lasting change. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools and frameworks to help them, and their teams navigate critical decisions, drive innovation, and remain mission-focused — even in the face of disruption. This session will spark ideas, renew a sense of purpose, and strengthen attendees’ ability to lead with empathy, vision, and resilience.
Learning Objectives:
Apply proven models to effectively lead teams and systems through complex changes in the child welfare sector.
Gain practical strategies to communicate change clearly and compassionately to staff, stakeholders, and community partners.
Learn how to foster a resilient, values-driven culture that embraces change and stays anchored in the best interests of children and families.
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Presenter: Dr. Dhriti Stocks, Chief Development Officer, Big Thought
Super Session I (Plenary): A Conversation with Licensing, Contracts, and Investigations (V, CLE)
Licensing, Contracts, and Investigations will provide updates and answer questions from attendees.
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Presenter(s): TBD
Supersession II (Plenary): Texas Child Centered System of Care, T3C (V, CLE)
The Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System transition is well underway, aiming to transform child assessment and modernize service delivery across the state, thereby enhancing the foster care continuum. This innovative initiative introduces a new methodology and a revised rate structure that better aligns the cost of care with clearly defined program models, known as “service packages.” This workshop is specifically designed for child welfare stakeholders who work with or on behalf of children, youth, and young adults within the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) foster care system. Whether you are engaged in and already offering T3C services, or in the process of becoming credentialed to provide T3C service, or even just beginning to learn and prepare for the upcoming changes, this session will provide information on the model, processes, and milestones relevant to complete the transition. Participants will hear firsthand experiences from those leading the transition for DFPS, including lessons learned in the early phases of implementation.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the T3C initiative: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and purpose of the Texas Child Centered Care (T3C) transition, including legislative direction behind its inception and the collaborative efforts involved to build the modernized system.
Explore the T3C Foster Care Continuum Model: Participants will learn about the T3C foster care continuum model, including its structure, and use of the universal assessment process and CANS 3.0 tool in needs to service match, service planning, and continued stay evaluation.
Navigating the Credentialing Process: Participants will receive detailed information about the credentialing process for foster care providers, including requirements, timelines, availability of information and resources to aid in the process for successful transition.
Learn from Early Implementation Experiences: From a systems perspective, participants will benefit from firsthand insights and lessons learned by DFPS on the early phases of implementation, which have been used to understand challenges and develop workable solutions.
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Presenters: Kaysie Tacetta, T3C Project Manager, Texas DFPS; Jonathon Sheppard, T3C Credentialing Manager, Texas DFPS; Jamie Najera, Purchase Client Services Deputy Director, Texas DFPS