Child Health and Welfare Summit
July 27, 2026
Join Us In Person or Online! Register today for this full-day hybrid workshop.
Unified Advocacy: Advancing Physical and Mental Well-Being for Children and Families
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the health and well-being of children and families face complex challenges that demand urgent attention and collaborative solutions. Social workers are uniquely positioned at the intersection of policy, practice, and community, advocating for the rights and needs of vulnerable populations. This conference aims to unite social workers, mental health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders in a dynamic conversation about the critical role social work plays in advancing child and family well-being—both physically and mentally.
Through a series of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations, participants will explore innovative approaches to promoting holistic care, addressing systemic barriers, and developing resilient communities that support children and families at every stage of life. We will spotlight best practices, emerging research, and real-world case studies that showcase the power of social work in improving outcomes for the most vulnerable members of our society.
| Available Dates | July 27, 2026 |
| Time | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Central time (6.0 contact hours) |
| Registration Fee | $35 |
| 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!
2025 Child Health and Welfare Summit
| 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 | Dr. Linda Spears, CEO, Child Welfare League of America |
| 10:45 – 11:00 am | Refreshment Break | Lacey Bacchus |
| 11:00 am-12:00 pm | Trauma-Informed Care and Resilience Building for At-Risk Families | Dr. Brian Gannon, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Clinic Director, FRESH Start Clinic for Children in Foster Care -The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences |
| 12:00-1:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00-2:00 pm | Trauma-Informed Care and Resilience Building for At-Risk Families | Dr. LindaMarie Olson, Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama |
| 2:00-3:00 pm | Community-based Solutions for Mental Health, Housing, and Education | The Honorable Vernetta R. Perkins Walker, Judge, Dallas County Juvenile Court, Founder, Selma/Dallas County Children’s Policy Alliance |
| 3:00 – 3:15 pm | Refreshment Break | |
| 3:15-4:00 pm | Community-Based Rountables: Addressing Systemic Inequalities and Their Impact on Child and Family Health | Dr. Courtney Chapman Thomas & The Honorable Vernetta R. Perkins Walker |
| 4:00-4:15 pm | What's Next | Dr. Courtney Chapman Thomas |
| 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 at the Capstone Parking Deck, which is 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.
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
