Georgia Conference on Children & Families 2023

B01

Expect More: Evidence-Based Practices and Working with Providers

Working with our clients and providing high-quality services has never been more challenging. This workshop will help you navigate evidence-based practices and becoming more knowledgeable about what your clients and families need. Practical and real-world examples provided and discussed.

Patricia Mowry-Cavanaugh

Senior Vice President Clinical & Leadership Development - Health Connect America

Natalie Handy

VP of Government Affairs and Advocacy Health Connect America

B02

Treating Domestic Violence Victims with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This training will provide a definition of domestic violence, with components exploring the cycle of violence, the power and control wheel and the continuum of violence and healthy versus unhealthy relationships. We will describe the scope of the issue and the range of people who can experience violence. We will explore treatment for victims of domestic violence utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Rita Mathis, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor - CHRIS 180

B03

Creating Nirvana: Building a Trauma-Informed Organization in a Post-Pandemic World

As we return back to work after the COVID isolation, we have been confronted with the universality of trauma across populations in our homes, workplaces, and communities. How do we build a trauma-informed organization when our teams are struggling as much as the people they serve ?

Anne Cornell

PhD, LPC, LPCC- Chief Clinical Officer - CHRIS 180

B04

Supporting Foster/Homeless Youth in Higher Education

Increasing postsecondary opportunities for young people with foster care experience is the goal of Embark Georgia. This session will focus on systematic efforts that are taking place across Georgia to support TAY youth in their pursuit of a postsecondary credential as well as how adult supporters can engage with the Embark Georgia network in support of young people. This session will also provide specific information about resources and supports that are in place to address the financial and social needs of young people, such as the Embark Georgia network, the Georgia ETV program, and more.

David Meyers

JW Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at UGA

B05

Supporting Families through Peer Supports

Attendees will learn the importance of peer support for parents, foster parents and children in child welfare. Hear from peers in child welfare, substance use disorder, mental health and parenting children with mental health/medical. Stakeholders will obtain resources and information how to identify peer supports, the positive impact of peer supports, and how peer supports can help a family towards reunification.

Colleen Puckett

Janeen Brown, Samantha Moore Valentine, and Erin Thomas - Georgia Parent Advisory Council Members; Georgia Parent Advisory Council at the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services

B06

Poverty 101

Any professional working with children and families can attest to witnessing the detrimental impacts of poverty, yet very few have ever had any formal training or education on it. This training will help professionals remove barriers, improve practices, and promote better communication and relationships with vulnerable families. Using first-hand stories and perspectives, participants will learn the facts, underlying myths, examine their own perceptions, and be able to enact tangible strategies to uplift our community’s vulnerable populations.

Jyll Walsh

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Darrell Green Georgia State Child Welfare Training Collaborative

B07

Safe Infant Sleep

This training will walk through all 16 of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for safe infant sleep and highlight definitions, clarifications, and the latest data. New recommendations are presented regarding noninclined sleep surfaces, use of cardboard boxes as a sleep location, bed sharing, substance use, home cardiorespiratory monitors, and tummy time. Additional resources for community education will also be discussed. 1.25 CEUs for Nurses available.

Terri Miller

Safe Infant Sleep Program Manager - Georgia Department of Public Health

C01

Substantiations and Secret Registries: What Are Our Rights?

Before Georgia abolished its child abuse registry, there was a clear procedure for contesting a substantiated case of child maltreatment. Now, the processes for contesting negative DFCS determinations are murky. We'll discuss those processes, rights that you and your staff have, and avenues for reform.

Tom Rawlings

Taylor Engish Duma LLC

Deborah Ausburn

Taylor English Duma LLP

C02

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

PCIT is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families. PCIT teaches caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress. PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 30 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills. Caregivers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors. This workshop will introduce Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, explore outcomes we are seeing within the community, and provide an opportunity to practice some of the techniques and skills used to reshape family dynamics through PCIT.

Marina Yearsovich

Manager - Pathways Transition Programs

Dr. Jaclynn Kuchta

Pathways Transition Programs

C03

Understanding Mental Health and Neurodevelopment in a Trauma Context

Most of us understand that mental health issues are often rooted in trauma, but it is our desire to present the overlap of those areas neurodevelopmentally. Understanding neurodevelopment and the research associated with it will increase your awareness as a trauma-informed person.

Phil Bradfield

WinShape Homes

C04

Collaborating and Coaching for College Completion

Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI) and The nsoro Education Foundation (nsoro) share best practices of nonprofit collaboration, Coaching for College Completion, and Fostering Futures for the success of college students in foster care. Attendees will learn how coaching, curriculum, and collaboration can positively impact at-risk students' education outcomes.

Michael Daly

President - The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative

Monica Pantoja

The nsoro Education Foundation

C05

All you need to know about Plans of Safe Care (POSC)

The Plans of Safe Care (POSC) workshop will provide an in-depth discussion/presentation about WHO- should be considered when creating and working with families related to POSC; WHEN- a POSC should be developed; WHAT-should be addressed in the POSC document and who are the community partners to collaborate with and the WHY- the rules and laws that mandate CAPTA (Child abuse prevention and Treatment act).

Christine Barbery

Federal Plans Specialist and Kelly Thornton, Substance Abuse Specialist - Department of Family and Children Services Kelly Thornton DFCS

C06

Support and Care for Families of Transgender Kids

Family therapy is a complicated undertaking by virtue of the number of participants it can entail. This course delves into the unique needs of immediate family members when a child or adolescent comes out as transgender. We will also cover the complicated grief and joy cycles as it pertains to both parents and child across the transition process.

Lucia Caltabiano

Resilient Wellness, LLC

C07

After School & Summer Learning Programs: Supporting the Behavioral Health Needs of Georgia's Children

Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs offer a safe/supportive environment for learning coping skills, building social connections, and promoting positive mental health (MH) and well-being. This presentation includes data about afterschool/summer learning programs including those integrating MH and well-being, strategies to link community-based and school-based to afterschool programs, and a local partner's implementation lessons learned integrating MH into afterschool and summer programming.

Dimple Desai / Uzma Azhar

Voices for Georgia's Children / Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network

Jewel Gooding

Silence the Shame

D01

Ethics

This workshop references ACA Codes of Ethics Guidelines. (Part 1 of 3, 5 hours total)

Dr. Jeffery D. Lawrence

VP of Programs, The Methodist Home

D.Min, MSW, LCSW

VP of Programs, The Methodist Home

D02

Understanding, Preventing and Treating Problem Sexual Behaviors in Children

Among behaviors causing the greatest distress for children and caregivers, problem sexual behaviors (PSB) may cause children to be treated punitively, labeled as perpetrators, and put placements at risk. This session describes typical vs. PS behaviors and guidance from clinical evidence on how to supervise and treat these behaviors.

Roy Van Tassell

Centene Corp (supporting Peach State Health)

D03

What about the Caregivers? Providing Support to Caregivers of Child Trauma

When a child has experienced trauma, mental health services are most often focused on the child, while little time is given to the needs of the caregiver. Research has demonstrated a need for caregivers to receive support through psychoeducation. Attending to the caregiver can decrease caregiver trauma and increase resiliency in the child. The following presentation will provide counselors a step-by-step model to address the growing need of caregivers who are supporting traumatized children.

Tori Young

Lead Clinical Therapist/Outreach Specialist - Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services/ Children's Tree House

D04

Watch Your Mouth! The Power of Words to Transform Outcomes

Attendees will learn how language impacts the outcome of conversations throughout the Child Welfare, Criminal Justice, and Behavioral Healthcare systems. Through role playing and audience participation, attendees will learn to examine their own language and will have the tools needed to redirect conversations within their fields of expertise.

Erin Patrice Thomas

The Connection Forsyth/Georgia Parent Advisory Council, Region 2 Janeen Brown Georgia Parent Advisory Council at the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services

D05

Tips for RCCL Success

This training will provide you with tools and tips so your licensed agency or facility can be successful, reducing the possibility of citations. Topics include using RCC TRAILS, incident reporting, waivers, and common citations. This training is for all CCIs, CPAs, OCCPs, Maternity Homes, and Second Chance Homes.

Angelique Spruill-Nealy

Training & Development Supervisor - Residential Child Care Licensing Lakeisha Davis, Compliance Business Analyst Supervisor Residential Child Care Licensing

D06

Creating an Inclusive LGBTQ+ Culture

This workshop will focus on creating an inclusive placement/home environment for LGBT+ young people and offer practical steps for talking with young people and others about SOGIE.

Erica Davis-Woods

MAAC Sandy Corbin - MAAC

D07

2023 Legislative Session Recap

Join legislative experts Polly McKinney, Stan Jones, and Helen Sloat as they discuss the impacts of the 2023 legislative session on child welfare as well as provide Q&A opportunity.

Polly McKinney

Advocacy Director, Voices for Georgia’s Children; Stan Jones – Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLC; Helen Sloat – Legislative Consultant, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLC

E01

Ethics

This workshop references ACA Codes of Ethics Guidelines. (Part 2 of 3, 5 hours total)

Dr. Jeffery D. Lawrence

VP of Programs, The Methodist Home

D.Min, MSW, LCSW

VP of Programs, The Methodist Home

E02

Hope and Healing: Overview of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Trauma

Children experiencing traumatic stress are at risk of emotional and behavioral impacts and re-victimization. While caregiver support is the most factor in recovery, children often need specific trauma-focused interventions. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) an evidence-based treatment for children, teens and caregivers supporting recovery from trauma and brighter futures

Roy Van Tassell

MS LPC-S Director Trauma and Evidence-based Interventions - Centene Corp Supporting Peach State Health

Kim Purinton PhD

LCSW Centene / Supporting Peach State Health

E03

It Takes a Village : Using a Wraparound Paradigm for Healing, Reunification, and Permanency

We know there are high emotional, physical, fiscal, and social consequences with out-of-home placements. The impact of the trauma lasts years impacting generations of families. Using Wraparound services both as preventative and reunification interventions can reduce child welfare involvement and out-of-home placements while strengthening family skills, empowerment, and independence.

Dr Anne Cornell

CHRIS 180

E04

Update on Transition Age Youth Cohort

Join Together Georgia Executive Director Juanita Stedman and a panel of transition-age youth professionals for an update on our ongoing Transition Age Youth Cohort project. The cohort is examining three key areas affecting TAY; housing, workforce, and adult connections, with a goal of improving the services provided to this vital population.

Juanita Stedman

Together Georgia + Casey Family Programs

E05

Birth & Foster Parent Partnership: Supporting and Navigating the Relationship

Attendees will learn the importance of parent partnerships between birth and foster parents/kinship caregivers and how to support partnerships with the families they serve in their community. Presenters will share the different partnership transformation programs across Georgia. Hear from birth parents and foster parents how partnerships have been helpful towards permanency. Learn ways to overcome obstacles in partnerships and how to build a positive partnership. Stakeholders will leave with tools and resources to better support and navigate parent partnerships in their communities.

Colleen Puckett and Emily Fowler Georgia Parent Advisory Council Members

Georgia Parent Advisory Council at the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services

E06

Unlocking the mystery of NOW/COMP Waivers

This workshop will discuss the process of identifying youth who may need a NOW/COMP waiver, details on applying, and what happens next. This will be an in-depth discussion on transitioning youth from foster care to the NOW/COMP waiver with DBHDD. We will discuss the NOW/COMP connection to Social Security and guardianships. We want this to be an interactive discussion, so bring your real-life scenarios and questions!

Dana Carroll

Deputy General Counsel DHS/DFCS - Georgia DHS/DFCS

E07

The How To's of Taking on a Digital Transformation

Know you could benefit from new technology but are unsure where to start? Utilizing personal experience and expertise, Craig will share strategies on how to approach a digital transformation, including how to create a case for change, criteria to consider in your evaluation, and how to creatively seek funding.

Craig Maki

Provisio Partners

F01

Ethics

This workshop references ACA Codes of Ethics Guidelines. (Part 2 of 3, 5 hours total)

Dr. Jeffery D. Lawrence,

VP of Programs, The Methodist Home

D.Min, MSW, LCSW

VP of Programs, The Methodist Home

F02

Ending the Silence for Staff

NAMI Ending the Silence is a free, 1hr presentation designed to raise awareness about mental illness and suicide, help recognize the early warning signs, and reinforce the importance of early intervention.

Lauren Joiner Paul

ETS Lead Presenter, NAMI Georgia

Brittany Barrett

ETS Young Adult Presenter, NAMI Georgia

F03

The Power of Relationships: Trust-Based Relational Intervention® tools for effective interactions with children and families who have experienced developmental trauma

Developmental trauma is a common experience of state-involved children and families. This workshop will demonstrate trauma’s impact on the brain, biology, body, beliefs, and behavior; explore “the why” behind challenging behaviors; and equip professionals to see the need behind behaviors and how to meet those needs through a balance of structure and nurture.

Adrienne Reeves, MSW

TBRI® Pracitioner

Sarah Palmer, MS, LPC

Clinical Supervisor, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator, Goshen Valley Foundation

F04

Youth Challenge Program- A Life Changing Impact

The Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Program is a voluntary alternative education program open to 16 to 18-year who are behind academically or have already left school and who are looking for a way to change their lives through education, service to community, physical fitness and life skills training. This 22-week residential military-style, tuition-free program helps young people earn their GED, or High School diploma and offers pathways to enroll in college, enter the workforce or join the military.

David Bill

Georgia Youth Challenge Program

F05

Where Do I Go From Here? Finding Resources and Supports for Parents Experiencing Substance Use Disorder

Parents experiencing substance use disorder in the child welfare system find themselves in an urgent situation for support and resources and oftentimes are not sure where to go to receive services. Stakeholders will hear from a Certified Peer Specialist-Addictive Disease, a Parent Navigator and a Foster Parent working with parents experiencing substance use disorder. Attendees will learn about different resources and services across the state and how to connect and support parents on their journey towards recovery and reunification.

Colleen Puckett

PAC Member - Parent Advisory Council with Georgia Division of Family & Children Services

Erin Thomas Parent

Advisory Council

F06

IDD DBHDD COMP WAIVER FC Transition

The IDD DBHDD COMP WAIVER Process Review workshop will educate attendees on the dual certification process of transitioning a foster care to host home to qualify for a COMP Waiver.

Brandie Chapman

CCS Inc.

F07

Spreading H.O.P.E in Health and Social Services

The Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework encourages all providers who interface with children and families to use a strength-based approach thatpromotes equitable access to key positive childhood experiences (PCEs). Research has shown that all children need these PCEs to thrive and that PCEs can mitigate the long-term health outcomes associated with trauma. Join us as we review the framework and discuss what HOPE looks like in action in child welfare.

Samanthia Moore Valentine

Georgia Parent Advisory Council at the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services