Ohio Focus of the Week: Record 724 Attend Celebrate Kids! Conference to Strengthen Support for Children
Last week, the Ohio CASA Network convened hundreds of child advocates and child-welfare professionals in Columbus for its biggest Celebrate Kids! event ever. Conference yet, with 724 participants in attendance for three days of training, networking and discussion on how to enhance support for children.
Celebrate Kids! 31st Annual Celebrate Kids! The conference, which took place from September 30 to October 2, focused on the theme “Building and Strengthening Connections.” The annual event provided Ohio CASA Network members and other child welfare professionals with training, keynote presentations, workshops and experiences.
Ohio CASA was the first to mention the record attendance at the conference, and organisers expressed their gratitude to the attendees for making the 2026 event the largest in the network’s history.
The conference began with the participants participating in child-welfare training and networking activities. On Day Two, there was a special keynote address and question and answer session, followed by the annual awards ceremony of the network for contributions to the work of advocating for children.
The last day was dedicated to another keynote talk, hands-on training sessions and additional networking opportunities for participants.
CASA advocates can be especially significant for children who are involved in the child-welfare and court systems. Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardians ad Litem are there to ensure that the child’s situation and best interests are considered in decisions regarding the child’s welfare.
The focus on building connections was not limited to networking, but was also a key theme of the conference. It highlighted the need for working together between adults and organisations supporting children and families in challenging situations.
In a previous report, Ohio CASA has stated that it reaches thousands of children annually throughout the state. This year’s conference was well attended, reflecting the ongoing size of the network and the desire to build the knowledge and skills of those who work on behalf of children.
As the 2026 Celebrate Kids! The conference ended on October 2 and Ohio CASA said it was a record-breaking event, thanking volunteers, professionals and others for helping make it a success.
The conference offered over three days of professional development for Ohio’s children and families. It created a statewide network dedicated to strengthening relationships around children in need of advocacy and support.
Source of Image: Ohio Casa Linkedin page