15th Annual Conference to Improve the Well-Being of Our Children
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
7:45 – 8:30 am
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Registration, Breakfast and Exhibits
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8:30 –8:35 am
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Welcome, Invocation and Presentation of Colors
Amanda Lightsey, Executive Director, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, A Family Resource Center Invocation, Reverend Michael Bailey, First Presbyterian Church Tuscaloosa ROTC, Bryant High School |
8:35 – 8:45 am
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Opening Remarks
Mayor Walt Maddox, City of Tuscaloosa |
8:45 – 8:50 am
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America’s Promises
Dr. Charles Nash, Challenge 21 – Tuscaloosa’s Promise
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8:50 – 9:10 am
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A Public Health Perspective on the Effects of Covid-19
Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health Introduction: Lee Andrea Calvin, Tuscaloosa Health Department |
9:10 – 9:40 am
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Practical Social and Emotional Learning Strategies for Youth with Mental Health Concerns
Dr. Gregory Benner, Professor, The University of Alabama Introduction: Suzette Wyatt, Tuscaloosa County School System |
9:40 – 10:45 am
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Implications & Responses of the Pandemic for Children
Ed Castille, Deputy Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce Nancy Buckner, Commissioner, Alabama Department Human Resources Dr. Barbara Cooper, Secretary, Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Facilitator: Amanda Lightsey, Tuscaloosa’s One Place |
10:45 – 11:00 am | Exhibits and Networking |
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Breakout Sessions
Collaborative Approaches to Suicide Prevention in Children and Adolescents Speaker – Martha R. Crowther, Ph.D., MPH and Kimberleigh Daniels, MA Introduction: Sherri Presley Dumas, Easter Seals West Alabama
Effective suicide prevention strategies among Alabama’s children and adolescents warrants significant study, expertise, and intervention. We know that suicide is multi-causal. What we need is a behavioral health approach focusing on at-risk youth. To enhance our suicide prevention strategies, we need to improve our understanding of the impact of social exclusion, economic deprivation, and substance abuse on mental health, in particular— suicidal behavior—among children and adolescents. Additionally, much remains unknown about how suicidal behaviors intersect with the unique lived experiences of vulnerable populations living in Alabama. Addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents requires both willingness and ability to draw on community-based values, traditions, and customs to work with persons of and within the community to develop interventions, support groups, and other outreach efforts. This session will focus on suicide prevention strategies that may help prevent negative mental health outcomes including suicide. Using the Latest Data and Research to Move the Needle for Children’s Success by VOICES for Alabama’s Children Speaker – Collier Tynes – CEO, VOICES for Alabama’s Children Introduction: Tamika Alexander, United Way of West Alabama Audience members will walk away with an understanding of the latest data we know for children’s health, education, safety, and success; and what research says moves the needle by understanding/preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences. The Alabama Literacy Act – Why It Matters Speaker – Shelly Vail Smith Introduction: Cheryl Fondren, United Way of West Alabama This presentation will cover aspects of the Alabama Literacy Act including teacher training, assistance for struggling readers, communication with parents, and the most publicized aspect: promotion of 3rd graders. Learn why this legislation matters to those working with students and their families. Food Insecurity – Effects on Children and Families Speaker – Jean Rykaczewski, Executive Director West Alabama Food Bank Introduction: Kalissa Bormann, Tuscaloosa’s One Place This session will describe food insecurity and its impact on children and their families. Additionally, this session will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity and the ongoing physical, educational, emotional and behavior consequences for children and families. Working in Partnership to Support and Strengthen Families During Adversity Speakers: Sallye Longshore – Executive Director, Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Gail Piggott – Executive Director, AL Partnership for Children Joan Witherspoon-Norris – Executive Director, AL Network of Family Resource Centers Introduction: Teresa Costanzo, Children’s Trust Fund A panel discussion of local and statewide supports and resources available to families and those who work with them to build protective factors and improve child outcomes – especially during difficult circumstances and times. |
12:00 – 12:45 pm
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Lunch and Keynote Speaker
Ellen Potts, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Introduction: Kalissa Bormann, Tuscaloosa’s One Place |
12:45 – 1:00 pm | Exhibits and Networking |
1:00 – 2:00 pm
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Breakout Sessions
Behavioral Health for Alabama’s Children Speaker – Dr. Sharlene Newman, Executive Director, Alabama Life Research Institute Introduction: Misty Renfroe, Tuscaloosa County DHR Nationally, there has been an increase in the number of children suffering from mental health disorders across the socio-economic spectrum. This includes an increase in suicide attempts in adolescents. In this talk we will discuss causes, consequences, and solutions to our childhood behavioral health problem. Using the Latest Data and Research to Move the Needle for Children’s Success by VOICES for Alabama’s Children Speaker – Collier Tynes – CEO, VOICES for Alabama’s Children Introduction: Tamika Alexander, United Way of West Alabama Audience members will walk away with an understanding of the latest data we know for children’s health, education, safety, and success; and what research says moves the needle by understanding/preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences. The Alabama Literacy Act – Why It Matters Speaker – Shelly Vail Smith Introduction: Marilou Baker, SPAN This presentation will cover aspects of the Alabama Literacy Act including teacher training, assistance for struggling readers, communication with parents, and the most publicized aspect: promotion of 3rd graders. Learn why this legislation matters to those working with students and their families. Food Insecurity – Effects on Children and Families Speaker – Jean Rykaczewski, Executive Director West Alabama Food Bank Introduction: Kristy Brown, UA Child Development Resources This session will describe food insecurity and its impact on children and their families. Additionally, this session will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity and the ongoing physical, educational, emotional and behavior consequences for children and families. Working in Partnership to Support and Strengthen Families During Adversity Speakers: Sallye Longshore – Executive Director, Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Gail Piggott – Executive Director, AL Partnership for Children Joan Witherspoon-Norris – Executive Director, AL Network of Family Resource Centers Introduction: Teresa Costanzo, Children’s Trust Fund A panel discussion of local and statewide supports and resources available to families and those who work with them to build protective factors and improve child outcomes – especially during difficult circumstances and times.
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2:10 – 2:50 pm
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Perspectives on Children’s Mental Health
Cindy Jones, Psychiatric Intake Response Center Director, Children’s Hospital Introduction: Audrey Ellis, Tuscaloosa City School System |
2:50 – 3:40 pm
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Race Relations, #realtalk
Suzette Wyatt, Attendance Officer, Tuscaloosa County School System Ty Blocker, Coordinator of Student Services, Tuscaloosa County School System Greg Hurst, Director of Student Services, Tuscaloosa County School System Jackie Hudgins, Director of Accountability, Tuscaloosa County School System Cheryl Wallace, Director of Assessment, Tuscaloosa County School System Introduction: Tamika Alexander, 211 United Way of West Alabama |
3:40 pm
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Closing Remarks, Door Prizes
Mary Jolley Bill Poole, State of Alabama Finance Director |