By

Taiwo AKINLAMI

Introduction:

The 29th Annual Celebrate Kids Conference, organized by the Ohio CASA/GAL Association, brought together child advocates, legal professionals, and community leaders to exchange insights and strategies for safeguarding and supporting the well-being of children. Over three days, participants had the opportunity to engage with 51 expert speakers across 36 training sessions, including 2 plenary sessions and 9 conference exhibitors. The event also celebrated outstanding contributions in child advocacy with 5 prestigious awards: Child Advocate of the Year (Kara Wente, Director, Ohio Department of Children and Youth), Attorney Advocate of the Year (Paul Miller, Esq., Geauga and Lake Counties), Child Welfare Professional of the Year (April Booth, Meigs County), Rising Star Volunteer of the Year (Christin Brown-Worthington, Clark County), and Pro Star Volunteer of the Year (Claude Thompson, Lorain County). With 12 training hours available to participants, this conference—now in its 29th year—continues to be a cornerstone in promoting child welfare best practices. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the sessions and workshops, highlighting key themes and lessons imparted.

Day 1: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

The conference kicked off with registration, followed by four foundational workshops designed to equip CASA volunteers with practical knowledge on key issues in child welfare.

Workshops:

1. Street Smart Ohio
   • Speakers: Capt. Shawn Bain (Ret.) and Sgt. Michael N. Powell (Ret.)
   • Focus on drug abuse trends in Ohio, tools used by those affected, and the impact on families.
2. Identifying and Responding to Juvenile Victims of Human Trafficking
   • Speakers: Vanessa Perkins, Emily Dunlap, Esq., and Micayla Wilson, BSW
   • Insights into identifying juvenile victims of human trafficking and understanding relevant Ohio laws.
3. Diversity, Culture, and Communication: Tools to Help the CASA/GAL
   • Speaker: Eileen P. Anderson, EdD, MD
   • How cultural competence improves child advocacy and reduces implicit bias.
4. Understanding What Diversity Means
   • Speakers: Carin Burr, MS, LPC, LICDC-CS, and JJ Peck
   • Interactive discussion on diversity and how to use it as a tool in child advocacy.

Day 2: Thursday, September 26, 2024

The second day of the conference began with an engaging plenary session, followed by 24 workshops that covered a broad range of topics, including self-care, legal issues, trauma, and education.

Plenary Session:

• Plenary Session: Growin’ Up: A Youth Culture Conversation
  • Speaker: Adrian M. McLemore
  • A keynote exploring youth culture and its implications for CASA volunteers, focusing on connecting with children and understanding their perspectives.

Morning Workshops (10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.):

1. Compassion Fatigue: CASA Volunteer Self-Care
   • Speaker: Timothy W. Green
   • Identifying compassion fatigue and learning self-care strategies to manage emotional challenges in advocacy work.
2. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Understanding How to Recognize FASD Differences (Part 1)
   • Speakers: Denise Bothe, MD, and Rachel Tangen, PhD, ABPP
   • Understanding the behavioral and cognitive effects of FASD in children and how to recognize it.
3. Understanding an IEP
   • Speaker: Elaine Hamilton
   • A guide to advocating for children with disabilities by understanding the legal framework of IEPs under IDEA 2004.
4. Drug Testing Result Interpretation
   • Speaker: Kevin Everhart
   • How to interpret and use drug test results in child welfare cases.
5. Fostering Belonging
   • Speaker: Brice Mickey
   • Discussing strategies to create a sense of belonging for foster children and youth through community and family involvement.
6. Domestic Violence: The Hidden Trauma
   • Speaker: Leah Stone, MSW, LISW-S
   • Exploring the impact of domestic violence on children and how to develop safety plans for those in abusive environments.
7. Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Education
   • Speaker: Janet Stone, MEd
   • Advocacy for youth with disabilities to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.
8. Mental Health and CASA: Supporting Children with Emotional Needs
   • Speaker: Dr. Tom Gillian, PhD
   • Understanding emotional trauma in children and best practices for supporting their mental health.
9. Working with Youth on the Autism Spectrum
   • Speaker: Sarah Albee, LSW
   • Identifying strategies to better support youth with autism in the child welfare system.
10. Laws That Protect: Understanding Ohio Child Protection Legislation

• Speaker: Judge Samuel Wright
• A workshop on understanding critical child protection laws in Ohio.

Afternoon Workshops (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.):

1. A Cultural Perspective on Special Education

• Speaker: Najma Mohamoud
• Addressing the need for cultural sensitivity in special education and how advocates can better engage diverse families.

1. Effective Advocacy for Permanency

• Speakers: Tara Roberson, Natalie Adams, MSE, LSW, and Quinn Dybdahl, Esq.
• Strategies for advocating for permanency in foster care, focusing on collaboration with social workers, courts, and other stakeholders.

1. What Are Your Kids Up To? A Serious Look into Juvenile Drug Abuse

• Speaker: Kevin Everhart
• Highlighting the risks of juvenile drug abuse and early intervention strategies.

1. The Power of Safety and Connection for Youth

• Speaker: Kristine Buffington, MSW, LISW-S
• How building safe and connected environments can foster healing and resilience in children who have experienced trauma.

1. Youth Voices Matter

• Speakers: Members of the Youth Advisory Board
• A panel of youth discussing their experiences in foster care and the importance of their voices in shaping policy and practice.

1. FASD Part 2: Strategies for Supporting Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

• Speakers: Denise Bothe, MD, and Rachel Tangen, PhD
• Continuing the conversation on how to best support children with FASD in foster care and educational settings.

1. CASA Volunteer Boundaries: Ethical Considerations in Advocacy

• Speaker: Dr. Emily Simmons, PhD
• Understanding ethical boundaries for CASA volunteers and how to maintain professionalism in advocacy.

1. Substance Abuse Treatment Programs in Ohio: What CASA Volunteers Should Know

• Speaker: Shana Merrick, MSW
• Overview of substance abuse treatment options in Ohio and their relevance to child advocacy cases.

 

Late Afternoon Workshops (3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.):

1. Serving Students in Foster Care with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

• Speaker: Betsy Hauck
• How ESSA affects students in foster care and the role of foster care liaisons in ensuring educational success.

1. The SUD Landscape in Ohio: Trends, Barriers, and Potential Solutions for Ohioans with Substance Use Disorder

• Speakers: Shana Merrick, MSW, LSW, CDCA, and Jessica Johnson, LPCC, LICDC
• An overview of substance use disorder trends in Ohio and strategies for supporting affected youth and adults.

1. Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Speaker: Dr. Sharon Cooper, MD
• The impact of ACEs on long-term health and how advocates can support children with high ACE scores.

1. Navigating the Intersection of Child Welfare and Mental Health Services

• Speakers: Dr. Michael Larson, PhD, and Rebecca Adams, LSW
• A discussion on coordinating mental health services for children in the child welfare system.

1. Legal Advocacy in Child Welfare Cases: Preparing for Court

• Speaker: Hon. Amy O’Connor
• Best practices for CASA volunteers when preparing for court and advocating for children in legal settings.

1. Working with Immigrant Families in Child Welfare

• Speaker: Marta Gomez, JD
• Addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant families in the child welfare system.

 

Day 3: Friday, September 27, 2024

The final day of the conference featured another thought-provoking plenary session followed by 8 workshops focused on practical advocacy skills and legal boundaries.

Plenary Session:

• Plenary Session: Erase the Belonging Gap
  • Speaker: Gaelin Elmore
  • Elmore’s keynote focused on addressing the belonging gap for youth in care, offering practical steps for fostering inclusion and belonging.

Morning Workshops (10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.):

1. Insight & Action: CASA Workshop on Domestic Violence Dynamics and Safety Planning
   • Speaker: Leah Stone, MSW, LISW-S, RA
   • A workshop on domestic violence dynamics and developing effective safety plans for children in danger.
2. How to Advocate without Practicing Law: Guidance for Non-Attorney Advocates and Maintaining Confidentiality
   • Speaker: Magistrate Brandin Marlow
   • Practical guidance for non-attorneys on how to advocate without crossing into the unauthorized practice of law.
3. Engaged and Healthy Fathers: Essential for Positive Outcomes for Children
   • Speakers: Kimberly Dent and Joshua Counceller
   • The importance of father involvement in children’s lives and strategies to overcome barriers to father engagement.
4. LGBTQ+ Youth: Creating Allies and Safe Spaces
   • Speaker: Sarah Harvan, MA, BA
   • A discussion on creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and becoming effective allies.
5. Trauma-Informed Child Advocacy
   • Speaker: Dr. Kendra Hart, PsyD
   • Techniques for incorporating trauma-informed care into advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
6. Navigating the Legal System: Strategies for CASA Volunteers
   • Speaker: Judge Kelly O’Malley
   • Legal strategies for CASA volunteers to navigate court proceedings effectively.
7. Creating Stability for Children in Foster Care
   • Speaker: Dr. Julie McDaniel, PhD
   • How to create stable environments and consistent routines for children in foster care.
8. Building Collaborative Relationships with Social Workers
   • Speaker: Eric Schmitt, MSW
   • Strategies for effective collaboration between CASA volunteers and social workers to improve case outcomes.

 

Kara Wente Named Ohio CASA’s 2024 Child Advocate of the Year

Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), was named Ohio CASA’s 2024 Child Advocate of the Year during the 29th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference. Wente was recognized for her outstanding commitment to advocating for Ohio’s children, fostering partnerships, and supporting CASA programs statewide. During the award ceremony, Wente’s parents accepted the award on her behalf, highlighting the deep connection her family has to CASA work.

Key Themes and Lessons from the Conference

The Ohio CASA/GAL Association’s 29th Annual Celebrate Kids Conference covered a comprehensive range of topics from drug abuse and human trafficking to self-care and legal advocacy. Through expert-led workshops and engaging discussions, attendees were empowered with the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate effectively for vulnerable children across Ohio. Below are the most significant takeaways from the event:

1. Trauma-Informed Care and the Power of Connection

One of the most recurrent themes throughout the workshops and plenary sessions was the importance of understanding trauma and its long-term effects on children. Workshops like The Power of Safety and Connection for Youth and Fostering Belonging emphasized that trauma can deeply affect children’s sense of self-worth and belonging. Speakers like Kristine Buffington and Gaelin Elmore reiterated the need for caregivers and advocates to foster environments where safety, stability, and emotional connection are prioritized.

Key Lesson: Building trust and safety for children who have experienced trauma is paramount. Advocates and caregivers must focus on nurturing meaningful, supportive relationships that promote healing and resilience.

2. Advocacy through Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness

Sessions such as Understanding What Diversity Means and A Cultural Perspective on Special Education highlighted the significance of cultural competence when working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Advocates were encouraged to recognize and address implicit biases, ensuring that they engage families in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

Key Lesson: Advocates must actively seek to understand the cultural backgrounds of the children and families they work with, using this knowledge to communicate effectively and build stronger, trust-based relationships.

3. The Legal Boundaries of Advocacy

For CASA volunteers, who are not licensed attorneys, understanding the legal parameters of their role is crucial. The workshop How to Advocate without Practicing Law led by Magistrate Brandin Marlow was an essential session that provided non-attorney advocates with the tools to avoid the unauthorized practice of law while effectively advocating for children. The focus on maintaining confidentiality and working within legal frameworks was stressed as fundamental to the ethical practice of child advocacy.

Key Lesson: CASA volunteers and advocates must always remain within the boundaries of their role, seeking guidance from legal professionals when necessary to avoid overstepping into the unauthorized practice of law.

4. Addressing Complex Needs: FASD, Disabilities, and Special Education

Children in foster care often have complex developmental and educational needs. Workshops such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Understanding an IEP provided participants with the knowledge to better recognize and respond to these challenges. Additionally, the session Serving Students in Foster Care with the Every Student Succeeds Act highlighted the unique educational obstacles faced by foster children and how to advocate for appropriate services under ESSA.

Key Lesson: Advocates need to be equipped with knowledge of disabilities and special education processes to ensure children in their care receive appropriate educational support and services.

5. Self-Care for Advocates

Working in child welfare can be emotionally taxing, and the need for self-care was a critical message delivered during the session Compassion Fatigue: CASA Volunteer Self-Care. Timothy W. Green’s workshop reminded attendees that to be effective advocates for children, CASA volunteers must take care of their own emotional and mental health. By managing stress and preventing burnout, volunteers can remain resilient in their roles.

Key Lesson: Advocates must prioritize self-care to maintain their emotional well-being and continue to provide high-quality support to the children they serve.

6. Collaboration Across Systems

The importance of collaboration between different agencies, legal professionals, educators, and caregivers was a key message in sessions like Effective Advocacy for Permanency and Drug Testing Result Interpretation. These workshops demonstrated how multi-disciplinary cooperation can lead to better outcomes for children, whether it’s ensuring permanency in foster care placements or understanding the complexities of drug abuse in families.

Key Lesson: Effective child advocacy relies on collaboration between various stakeholders, including legal professionals, social workers, educators, and medical providers. A coordinated approach can lead to more successful outcomes for children.

7. Belonging and Inclusion

Gaelin Elmore’s plenary session Erase the Belonging Gap echoed a profound message of belonging as a core need for children, especially those in the foster care system. The workshops focused on creating inclusive environments for marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ+ Youth session by Sarah Harvan, which emphasized the need for safe, supportive spaces where every child feels seen and valued.

Key Lesson: Ensuring that every child feels a strong sense of belonging—whether in foster care, school, or family—is critical to their emotional and social development. Advocates must champion inclusion and acceptance in all settings.

8. Responding to Juvenile Justice Issues

The conference also addressed issues related to juvenile justice, such as youth involvement in human trafficking and juvenile drug abuse. Workshops like Identifying and Responding to Juvenile Victims of Human Trafficking and What Are Your Kids Up To? provided insights into how child advocates can recognize the signs of exploitation and addiction, and intervene early to protect and support vulnerable children.

Key Lesson: Child advocates must stay informed about juvenile justice issues, such as human trafficking and substance abuse, to identify at-risk youth early and provide the necessary support and interventions.

Conclusion

The 29th Annual Celebrate Kids Conference emphasized the holistic approach needed for child advocacy, incorporating legal, cultural, emotional, and educational dimensions. Advocates were reminded that their roles extend beyond the courtroom, impacting every facet of a child’s life. By understanding trauma, practicing cultural sensitivity, staying within legal boundaries, and prioritizing collaboration, CASA volunteers can significantly improve the lives of the children they serve. The lessons learned from this conference will continue to inform and inspire the work of child advocates across Ohio and beyond.

This report captures the most significant lessons across the 36 workshops held over three days. Each takeaway serves as a foundational guideline for advocates, helping them better navigate the complexities of child welfare, cultural diversity, trauma, legal advocacy, and system collaboration.

Taiwo AKINLAMI is the Curator-in-Chief of the S.A.F.E for Children® Information Bank, Ohio, a project of power parenting Company LLC (http://www.powerparentingcompany.com/)