There is a fantastic conference coming to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prevent Child Abuse America is hosting their national conference in Milwaukee this year. I am thrilled to be so close to such an incredible conference.

While we deal with the after math of child abuse, there are many sessions that can benefit foster and adoptive parents.

The breakout sessions are presented on seven different tracks, so depending on your interests, training or education needs, you can choose an appropriate session very quickly.

Track 1: Evidence based prevention strategies and practices
Track 2: Research, knowledge and innovation
Track 3: Practical applications for service provision
Track 4: Parent education, leadership and support
Track 5: Non-profit management, leadership and organizational culture
Track 6: Capacity building
Track 7: Wellness

As you can see, there is a vast array of types of sessions available. There are an abundance of sessions on sexual abuse, both spotting it and preventing it, Shaken Baby Syndrome, dealing with parental stress and many more options.

There are over 150 break out sessions so you can find a seminar on something that will be applicable to you.

If you are a foster parent who regularly deals with birth families and are interested in helping a birth parent get their life back together and potentially reunify with their child, you will find many sessions that will be beneficial to you.

Milwaukee can be a wonderful city and very family friendly if you want to bring your children along with you. The conference is being held at the Midwest Airlines Center, which is connected by a walk-way to the Hilton hotel, which has a water park. I know my kids love to be in the water and would be thrilled to do this. How often do you get to combine “business” and pleasure?

Since this is a national conference, you can meet people from around the country, and possibly even from your area. You could potentially build a great support network. Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters all across the country. If you’d like to find a chapter near you, look on their website.

I encourage you to attend or to gain information from your local chapter if you can not attend. If you do attend, be sure to check out the exhibit hall. I believe I will be there at the ATN booth.

Photo credit