Keynote Speaker – Patty Wetterling, MN Department of Health
10:30 - 12:00
Concurrent Workshops
A. The Link Between Frequent Family Visits and Healthy Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care, Wendy Wolff, Family Alternatives
B. Youth Aging Out of Foster Care - Ann Ahlstrom, MN Judicial Branch, Children's Justice Initiative Manager
C. Moving From Gatekeeping to Healthy Co-Parenting - Paul Masiarchin, MN Fathers & Families Network
D. Historical Trauma and the Indian Family,- Tonya Long
E. Case Plans:The Role of the GAL and Writing Your Report to Connect to the Case Plan- Judy Nord, MN Judicial Branch, Children's Justice Initiative Manager
F. Engaging the Disturbed Child…dragons and monkeys, they’re everywhere!
- Paul Buckley, My Strong Family
G. Let’s Get it Done: The real work of achieving permanency for teens - Michelle Chalmers & Jen Braun, Ampersand Families
H. The Early Warning Signs of Children's Mental Health Disorders - Deb Cavett, MACMH
I. Understanding GLBTQ Youth in Care – Mary McGowan, NACAC
J. 1. Signs of Child Sexual Abuse w/Cultural & Age Specific Information – Amy Russell, NAPSAC
12:00
Lunch
1:00 - 2:30
Concurrent Workshops
K. The Link Between Frequent Family Visits and Healthy Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care, Wendy Wolff, Family Alternatives
L Youth Aging Out of Foster Care - Ann Ahlstrom, MN Judicial Branch, Children's Justice Initiative Manager
M. Moving From Gatekeeping to Healthy Co-Parenting - Paul Masiarchin, MN Fathers & Families Network
N. Historical Trauma and the Indian Family,- Tonya Long
O. Case Plans:The Role of the GAL and Writing Your Report to Connect to the Case Plan- Judy Nord, MN Judicial Branch, Children's Justice Initiative Manager
P. Engaging the Disturbed Child…dragons and monkeys, they’re everywhere!
- Paul Buckley, My Strong Family
Q. Let’s Get it Done: The real work of achieving permanency for teens - Michelle Chalmers & Jen Braun, Ampersand Families
R. The Early Warning Signs of Children's Mental Health Disorders - Deb Cavett, MACMH
S. Understanding GLBTQ Youth in Care – Mary McGowan, NACAC
3:00 - 5:00
Youth Panel
7:00 p.m.
Fidgety Fairy Tales - Open Up Theatre, A Youth Performance Company ofthe Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health
SATURDAY, MARCH 27
9:00 - 10:15
Ambiguous Loss -Thesignificant but less obvious losses that are experienced by children in the child welfare system - Deena McMahon, Family Therapist
10:30 - 12:00
Concurrent Workshops
1. Assessing Preference - Mindy Mitnick, Uptown Mental Health Center
2. FASD – A Different Approach - Kari Fletcher,
3. Educational Advocacy – Dan Stewart, Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance
4. Adoption Support Network – Ginny Blade, MNASAP
5. Report-Writing 101 - Janet Ward, National CASA
6. The Impact of Domestic Violence on Youth and Families:Strategies to Promote Safetyand Well-Being –Tamara L. Taylor, Tubman Family Alliance
7. The Changing Guardian ad Litem System – Mark Toogood
8. Working with the Schools and With Children in Poverty – Amy Smith, Program Manager, Housing Services,Lutheran Social Services
12:00
Lunch
1:00 - 2:30
Judges Panel
2:30 - 3:30
Against All Odds - A Story of Resilience and Second Chances:Deborah
Jiang Stein shares her story of overcoming adversities that started with her birth in
prison. From foster care and into transracial adoption, she is evidence of the
resilience of the human spirit and the importance of support networks and critica l relationships.
FOR THE CHILDREN:
Gathering donations for children in need is a popular tradition at CASA Minnesota events.This year anyone wishing to participate should bring HOUSEHOLD ITEMS for Bridging, a non-profit organization that distributes furniture and housewares to families in need.Check out their website at www.bridging.org
