National Adoption Association (NAA) 2026 National Conference - Boston

Learn from the Ujima Collective how to successfully work across silos and systems. This session will help adoption professionals reenvision their role beyond permanency to wellbeing. Professionals will discuss ways to lend their talent to the movement for economic mobility and the preservation of connections for communities most impacted by the foster care system.
Members of the Ujima Leadership Council and Ujima Collective leaders, allies and proteges will highlight initiatives that bring together business industry partners and child welfare leaders to create more economic opportunities for system-impacted youth and caregivers. Join us and build your skills in system navigation for the youth you serve with interactive case studies, polls, and thought-provoking dialogue with peers.
Each attendee will leave the session with preventive action steps to divert and deflect children and youth on their caseload from foster care towards thriving lives. The session will spark curiosity around what role adoption professionals can play in wellbeing.
A boxed lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required.   

1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)

This session will highlight the critical role of lived expertise in influencing permanency practices and outcomes. It will showcase real-world examples and best practices, including strategies for effective message development and sharing from experts in the AdoptUSKids Speakers Bureau.
Through targeted training and support, these voices can offer valuable insights that help child welfare professionals better partner with and support youth. Additionally, the workshop will explore ways to create more opportunities for incorporating these lived experiences into the work of child welfare systems.

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.  

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