The Social Science Research Institute's Child Maltreatment Solutions Network is hosting an in-person conference, "Innovative Pathways in Child Welfare Practice", in the Eric J Barron Innovation Hub on Oct. 3.
Interested attendees can register now.
The conference will include presentations geared towards a diverse audience of researchers, practitioners, caseworkers and students on best practices in child welfare. Specifically, the conference will focus on quality child-maltreatment investigations and provision of care, treatment and support of child-welfare-involved children and families.
Sheridan Miyamoto, associate professor of nursing and conference co-organizer said the event represents a pivotal moment in harnessing technological advances to ensure all children and families can access quality forensic care, regardless of location.
"We're building on established research and positive momentum to incorporate advanced analytics and strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships to streamlined services and more effective investigations that better protect and support children and families," Miyamoto said.
Sessions will include discussions on child safety, increasing access to timely medical evaluations, family law and child abuse, and best practices in children's advocacy and mental health.
"This conference will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and researchers to discuss innovative efforts to effectively respond to the complexities of child maltreatment and the system response. The speaker line up is illustrative of the importance of collaboration, support and forward-thinking we need in the field of child welfare," said Kristina Taylor-Porter, conference co-organizer and assistant teaching professor. "I am thrilled to see that our conference will draw in leaders and practitioners from Children's Advocacy Centers, the respective disciplines of a multidisciplinary team, policy makers and researchers. The breadth and depth of the discussion will lend itself to support enhancement in practice, policy and research directions."
Featured speakers include:
- Brian Allen, professor, Department of Pediatrics, Center for the Protection of Children and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
- Linda Cordisco-Steele, director of Forensic Interview Training and Services, National Children's Advocacy Center
- The Honorable Alyssa B. Cowan, judge at the Fifth Judicial District Court of Common Pleas
- Kasey Jackson, vice president of programs, Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Sheridan Miyamoto, director and principal investigator of the SAFE-T Center, Professor Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
- District Attorney Seán McCormack, chief of the District Attorney's Trial Division, Cumberland County
- Emily Putnam-Hornstein, John A. Tate Distinguished Professor for Children in Need, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Elizabeth "Libby" Ralston, director emeritus, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center
"This conference will provide a unique opportunity to identify ways to improve the different systems that serve children and families following abuse," said Brian Allen, a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry and co-organizer of the event. "These efforts hold promise for enhancing the quality of criminal investigations and for advancing the effectiveness of care the children and families receive after the fact."
Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and a networking reception will close the event.
The Social Science Research Institute, the Biobehavioral Health Department and Human Development and Family Studies Department in the College of Health of Human Development, the Child Study Center at Penn State and the Psychology Department in the College of the Liberal Arts are sponsoring this event.
