FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep 25, 2012 #121
Contact: John Martellaro
816-235-1592
Third annual regional meeting for professionals and families set for Oct. 9-10
The third annual Regional Conference on “Fostering Strategies for Change: Children, Families and Their Communities” will be held Oct. 9-10 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel.
More than 400 service providers, judges, lawyers, researchers, policy makers, youths and family caregivers will come together to network, explore, collaborate, and innovate in an effort to improve outcomes for children and families in the foster care system.
A panel of youth who experienced foster care and adoptions will kick off the conference on Tuesday morning.
“Stories that the youth share are a moving experience that changes how participants understand and work with youth and families. Quite literally, tears flow,” said Rosalyn Bertram, event organizer and associate professor of Social Work at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The event will feature 30 presentations, including several by alumnae of the UMKC School of Social Work. Topics include LGBTQ foster care, implementing effective programs, the parent partner approach, and foster/adoptive identity.
“We do believe this is our strongest agenda to date,” said Bertram.
Participants can receive professional continuing education credits and/or foster parent training credits. Online registration is available at Fostering Strategies for Change. The cost is $125.
The conference is sponsored by the UMKC School of Social Work, Cornerstones of Care, the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association, and the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. Financial support is provided, in part, by the Barry Bartholomew Foundation
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.
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This information is available to people with speech or hearing impairments by calling Relay Missouri at (800) 735-2966 (TT) or (800) 735-2466 (voice).