Children’s Justice Conference

Workshops

We’re currently working to build the 2026 Children’s Justice Conference agenda. This schedule is subject to change depending on presenter and venue needs.

Play as Protection: How Fun Build Resilience in Children Experiencing Adversity

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Genna Green, Pamela Green, Cynthia Green, Valenna Green, Ela Green|2026 Session 6

This session makes the case that play is not optional; it is essential. When children and youth experience trauma, espec...

Reducing Harm while Promoting Healing: Using Hope Science in Residential Facilities

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Amy Savage, Michelle Wingate|2026 Session 6

Youth entering residential or substitute care have often already experienced significant trauma related to abuse, neglec...

Children in the Courtroom Training Series Part 3

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Bret Smith|2026 Session 6

The last in a comprehensive series of trainings concerning the participation of children and youth in their dependency c...

Juvenile Rehabilitation - A Wholistic Approach to Supporting Young People

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Christopher Thompson, Haley Stredwick, Lauresa Hart, L. Marie Moran, Erika Rosales|2026 Session 6

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ Juvenile Rehabilitation Division is proud to present an overview of o...

"More than Physical Safety: Cultivating Connection and Well-Being in MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY"

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Elisabeth Tissell|2026 Session 6

Physical safety or connection with biological family? Despite instability for young people and high burn-out in families...

Equipping the Workforce to Improve Outcomes for Native American Families

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Kristina Wiley, Alexis Balkey|2026 Session 6

Inconsistent implementation of ICWA’s Active Efforts requirement continues to create gaps in support for American Indi...

Beyond Trafficking: The Impact of Forced Criminality on Youth

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Jane Straub|2026 Session 6

Research tells us that youth who are trafficked are more likely to have risk factors such as childhood trauma, involveme...

Engagement with kids ages 2-7 (Using PCIT skills as a tactical toolkit)

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Jennifer Sudbury, Naomi Perry|2026 Session 6

Physical safety or connection with biological family? Despite instability for young people and high burn-out in families...

Transforming Health Outcomes for children in Foster Care: Lessons from the FCCOE Model

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Maureen Sorenson, Dr. Deborah Rodriguez|2026 Session 6

Children entering foster care deserve to receive healthcare services delivered by providers who understand them. This in...

The Resilient Practicioner: Sustaining Self Care in Crisis

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Melisa Majnarich|2026 Session 6

Using an overview of "The Resilient Practitioner" This presentation will introduce concepts of self-compassion and skill...

Changing Course: When Charging Decision in a Child Homicide Case Needs to be Modified

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Michael Galantino|2026 Session 6

This presentation uses an actual case study to analyze crime scene evidence, witness statements and forensic medical exp...

De Facto Parentage

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Michael Rihtarich, Tonia McClanahan, Brett Ballew, Jamison Tessner, Tammy Bacigalupo|2026 Session 6

My name is Michael Rihtarich. I am a social service worker contracted with the Office of Public Defense and a lived-expe...

When Abuse Goes Digital: Technology Facilitated Violence for Healthcare Providers

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Natalie Evenson|2026 Session 6

In this digital age, children and teens face unique challenges. Technology-facilitated violence (TFV) is a rapidly emerg...

Trauma-Informed, Healing-Centered Movement

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Rodney Robinson, Manny Cedillo, Rashmi Chordiya|2026 Session 6

Trauma, systemic inequities, and chronic stress disproportionately impact youth involved in child welfare, education, an...

Supporting Young Adults and Families to Access Safe and Stable Housing

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Shannon Quinn, Jess Mayrer|2026 Session 6

Many of the young adults and families involved in the child welfare system lack safe, stable, adequate housing. If you a...

Working with Law Enforcement, Joint Investigations and the Forensic Interview

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Jennifer Cooper, Ryann Charvat, Sandy McCool|2026 Session 6

High overview of joint investigations and the roles between DCYF CPS investigators, Law Enforcement and Child Advocacy C...

Breaking Barriers and Avoiding Burnout in Special Victims Case Part 1

May 5, 2026 @ 1:00 pm by Alicia Chandler, Kristilee Cavoretto|2026 Session 6

This workshop candidly explores the challenges that arise from working within the trauma specific to SVU cases and the e...