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| Workshop Tracks |
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| The 2009 conference tracks were chosen because we followed the 2008 conference theme, and listened to our children. They told us of their needs while sharing with us their most intimate feelings about how they were treated in the child welfare system. |
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| Over and over we heard: “Education” is a powerful tool. “Health Care,” something they are denied. “Self Sufficiency,” only through employment can they successfully transition to independence. “Family Support,” no matter what – they need that link. And last but not least “Community Involvement,” they always go back to the community from which they came. |
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| No one needs to wonder why these tracks were chosen. Our children spoke—and we were compelled to listen. Our conference tracks are aligned with our theme: |
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Track 1 - Education
Our Clients’ needs are Academic, Vocational, Life Skills Training, and Personal Self Development. Practitioners need to address Continuous Education, System Integration, Case Planning, and Educational Involvement and Support for Care Givers. |
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Track 2 - Health and Wellness
Programs/Models that address the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of our Clients, Families and Caregivers, with special emphasis on providing to Emancipated Youth the Health Care needed for their self sufficiency and independence. |
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Track 3 – Transition and Self Sufficiency
Programs/Models that provide the tools that assist our Youth and equip them with the knowledge and opportunities needed for their Transition to Self Sufficiency and Independence. |
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Track 4 - Family Support
A disproportionate number of our families could never be categorized as “nuclear families.” We are looking for Program/Models that support birth families, relative caregivers, extended families, as well as non-traditional families. Our work must be inclusive. |
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Track 5 - Community Involvement
The Community is the “Village.” We must arouse the commitments and passions of the Village and its resources so that our Children and the Families get the help and support they need. Give us Program/Models that ignite the Village. |
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Track 6 - Juvenile Justice
Program models that connect child welfare and juvenile justice programs; program models that address gangs and violence; community programs that target youth violence reduction. |
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