Child Health and Welfare Summit
July 27, 2026
Join Us In Person or Online! Register today for this full-day hybrid workshop.
Responsive Systems: Adapting Child Welfare for a Dynamic World
Responsive Systems: Adapting Child Welfare for a Dynamic World conference brings together child welfare professionals, policymakers, researchers, leaders, social workers, and community partners to explore how the field can remain agile and effective amid rapid shifts in policy, funding landscapes, technological advances, and societal needs. As child welfare systems face increasing complexity—from evolving legislation to changing family structures and heightened community needs and expectations—our collective ability to respond thoughtfully and swiftly is more vital than ever.
At the heart of this work are social workers—leaders whose resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to children and families drive meaningful change. This conference celebrates their strength while offering tools, research, and strategies to sustain their practice in uncertain times.
Recognizing that no single agency or discipline can meet these challenges alone, the conference emphasizes the power of collaboration. By building authentic partnerships across public systems, nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and communities, we can design responsive, equitable, and sustainable solutions that promote safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. Together, we can ensure that child welfare not only adapts to change but helps shape a stronger, more compassionate future.
| Available Dates | July 27, 2026 |
| Time | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Central time (6.0 contact hours) |
| Early Bird Registration Fee | $35 –Early Bird Ends May 1, 2026 |
| Registration Fee After May 1, 2026 | $55 |
| Physical Location | Bryant Conference Center 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 |
| Online | The Zoom link will be sent one week before the event. |
| Keynote Speakers | 2026 Keynote Speakers TBD Soon! |
Key Focus Areas
- Integrating physical and mental health care to support children and families
- Empowering individuals to advocate for policy changes that prioritize family well-being
- Addressing systemic inequalities and their impact on child and family health
- Trauma-informed care and resilience building for at-risk families
- Community-based solutions for mental health, housing, and education
- The role of social workers in promoting cultural competency and inclusivity in service delivery
This conference calls for action, insight, and collaboration to ensure that social workers continue to lead efforts that uplift and protect the future of our children and families. Join us for a powerful experience of learning, sharing, and mobilizing for change.
Agenda
2026 agenda coming soon!
2026 Child Health and Welfare Summit-Agenda Coming Soon!
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 am | Registration Check-in & Breakfast | |
| 9:00 am | Welcome and Announcements | Dr. Schnavia Hatcher, LCSW, PhD – Dean of The University of Alabama School of Social Work |
| 9:15 am | Overview of the Day | Dr. Courtney Chapman Thomas, The University of Alabama School of Social Work |
| 9:30-10:45 am | Keynote Address | |
| 10:45 – 11:00 am | Refreshment Break | |
| 11:00 am-12:00 pm | General Session | |
| 12:00-1:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00-2:00 pm | General Session | |
| 2:00-3:00 pm | General Session | |
| 3:00 – 3:15 pm | Refreshment Break | |
| 3:15-4:00 pm | General Session | |
| 4:00-4:15 pm | General Session | |
| 4:15-4:30 pm | Closing Program Evaluations |
Meet Our Speakers –
2026 Speakers to be announced soon!
We are honored to welcome four dynamic speakers to the Child Health and Welfare Summit. Each keynote speaker brings invaluable insight into children’s health, child welfare, and justice reform, representing leadership across pediatrics, legal systems, policy, and research.
Summit Location
This year’s summer summit will take place at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and will also be available online via Zoom.
The Zoom link will be sent one week before the event.
Directions
Parking Your Vehicle
Attendees can park in the Capstone Parking Deck, located across the street from the Bryant Conference Center. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in front of the Conference Center. Approximately one week prior to the conference start date, you will receive a parking permit. The parking permit will only be valid for the Capstone Parking Deck and the handicap spaces in front of the Bryant Conference Center.
Summit Registration
Register By Mail
Navigate to a printable version of the form.
Register by Phone
Our Registration Services Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. To register by phone or for inquiries regarding your registration, please call 205-348-3000.
For online registration, you will be taken to our online registration area. The screen will look different from this part of our website and will open in a new window. You will click on the year that you wish to register for. If you register more than one person, each must have an individual email address to utilize the online registration system.
The University of Alabama Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) No. 7285. The Child Health and Welfare Summit has been approved for 6.0 Contact hours.
Special Accommodation Requests
The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.
Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or combine class sections, to limit registration, or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.
Questions about the summit?
Contact Doreena Mink for more information.
Our Mailing Address:
The University of Alabama
Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
Box 870388
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0398
