1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)
This training explores effective permanency practices that prioritize kinship care within child welfare systems. Participants will learn how to implement a kin-first culture, apply diligent recruitment strategies, and leverage successful state-level initiatives to improve outcomes for children placed with relatives. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, the session will equip professionals with tools to enhance relational and legal permanency for youth in care.
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW
Kinnect to Family (KTF) program was developed nearly 20 years ago and brought to Ohio where it was implemented by several counties in 2017. The program initiative, process, and values will be discussed. KTF program effectiveness and placement numbers will be highlighted. This workshop will include the Kinnect to Family Specialist along with a relative who accepted placement through the KTF program. The relative will discuss her story of the successful placement and the difference KTF made on her life. KTF is an urgent, diligent family search and engagement program to identify and connect youth with kin, both biological and chosen-who can provide permanency and support. Through innovative tools and best practices, KTF helps ensure that youth remain connected to the people who know and love them.
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW
While the Adoption and Guardianship Preparation Training (AGPT) equip caregivers with tools to navigate grief, attachment, identity and openness, kinship families often face these challenges in deeply personal ways. This panel will explore how AGPT principles can be tailored to meet the needs of kinship families. The presentation will discuss the challenges and successes Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has experienced in preparing families for permanency. Attendees will learn how customizing the AGPT curriculum can help bridge the gap in training and supporting kinship caregivers.
With over 25 years of experience in child welfare, my passion for Social Work and Human Services is unwavering. I have expertise in Foster Care, Adoption, Kinship Care, and Resource Development at both the state and county level. I am currently working with the National Center for... Read More →
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)
This session will introduce professionals to Paths for Families Family Finding program, the only initiative of its kind in the state, built on a powerful public-private partnership that redefines how we engage, reconnect, and advocate for youth in foster care. Participants will gain insight into the program’s history, its measurable success, and the collaborative model that bridges child welfare agencies with community-based services. At the heart of this work is a strength-based approach that prioritizes maintaining and repairing important relationships, even in the face of complex histories and challenging behaviors. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, attendees will explore:
How the program engages relatives and helps them see beyond a child’s behaviors to their underlying needs and strengths
Strategies for rebuilding trust between families and the child welfare system
The role of advocacy and case coordination in supporting sustainable reconnections
The Family Finding process, including tools for identifying and involving extended family and kin networks
An overview of pre and post permanency supports in achieving and maintaining permanency
This session highlights the unique partnership between a permanency recruiter and investigator as they bring together two very different professional lenses to strengthen permanency outcomes for children and youth. While it is not new to use investigative approaches in family search, Louie offers a distinctive blend of former law enforcement expertise and deep empathy -- skills that both uncover hidden connections and build trust with relatives and fictive kin. Paired with Shannon's extensive background in family engagement, the two demonstrate how complementary perspectives create a "special sauce" that goes beyond traditional recruitment. Through their collaborative process, participants will learn how investigative strategies can enhance kinship and birth family engagement, particularly in navigating complex family dynamics. The presentation illustrates how professionals with different skill sets can learn from one another, step forward at the right moments, and ultimately maximize opportunities to connect children and youth with safe, lasting family relationships.
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)
Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI has provided adoption and foster care services for over 50 years. As a provider in over 55 counties a need was identified around initial and ongoing support of Kinship and Like - Kin families. The team did research, surveyed partners, and heard from families to create a service that is specific for Kinship and Like-kin families. Hear about the process, evaluation and development of LSS of WI and Upper MI went through to assure resources for families were available. Data and tools related to kinship screening will be shared with attendees. A family will join the presentation to share their experiences. A key component in this shift of service provision is understanding the Child Welfare Transformational Change Wisconsin has been undergoing to assure families are the focus. Attendees will learn how LSS supported the staff in this shift to better support kin and kin-like families.
