FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 2, 2016
Contact: Keith Tavares- Phone 401-848-4150
Email: ktavares@childandfamilyri.org
www.childandfamily.org
STATE WIDE CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS THE CARE OF CHILDREN & YOUTH IN RI
(Middletown, Rhode Island, May 2, 2016)
With Child & Family celebrating its 150th anniversary as the second oldest social service provider in Rhode Island, it is fitting that the agency has partnered with the Rhode Island Foundation, the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families, and the RI Coalition for Children & Families, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation to host a state-wide conference in Providence entitled:
“Transforming of Care for Children & Youth in Rhode Island.”
Rhode Island leaders in child-welfare, together with nationally recognized experts from some of our top think-tank organizations including the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall, The Chadwick Center in California, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation will explore and present current and future trends in policy, best practices and outcomes in caring for the well-being of children, youth and families in our communities.
This conference is designed for social service providers, educators, policy makers, corporate and non-profit business leaders who understand the need to better serve the children and youth in the state of Rhode Island. With well over 300 conference attendees registered to date, the all-day conference will be held on Friday, May 6th at the Omni Hotel in Providence (see schedule with guest speakers below).
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
In addition to multiple conference sessions led by a diverse group of social service leaders and professionals, Highlights of the event include a keynote address by Bryan Samuels, Executive Director of Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago; a special address by U.S. Congressman, David Cicilline; and a panel discussion with Jamia McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer, RI EOHHS; The Honorable Michael B. Forte, acting Chief Judge, RI Family Court; Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director, RI KIDS COUNT; The Honorable Lou DiPalma, Rhode Island; Bryan Samuels, Executive Director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, and Marty Sinnott, CEO & President, Child & Family. The discussion will be moderated by RI Public Radio’s Health Care Reporter, Kristin Gourlay.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE – May 6, 2016
8:00-9:00am – Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:15am – Welcome by Marty Sinnott, President & CEO of Child & Family
9:15-10:15am – Keynote Address by Bryan Samuels, Executive Director of Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
“Lessons Learned from National Efforts in Reforming Child Welfare and Implications for Rhode Island”
10:30-12:00pm – Morning Workshops
12:00-12:50pm – Lunch
1:00-1:30 – Remarks by Neil Steinberg, President of the Rhode Island Foundation, and
Special Address by U.S. Congressman David Cicilline
1:30-2:20pm – Panel Discussion moderated by Kristin Gourlay of RI Public Radio with:
- Jamia McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer, RI EOHHS
- The Hon. Michael B. Forte, Chief Judge, RI Family Court
- Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director, RI KIDS COUNT
- The Hon. Lou DiPalma, RI Senate Finance Committee
- Bryan Samuels, Executive Director, Chapin Hall
- Marty Sinnott, CEO & President, Child & Family
2:20-2:30pm – Remarks by Jamia McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer, RI EOHHS
2:45-4:15pm – Afternoon Workshops
For More information about the conference “Transforming the Care of Children & Youth in Rhode Island,” visit www.childandfamilyri.org. or call 401-848-4150.
About Child & Family
Child & Family’s legacy in Rhode Island is deep and the organization’s positive impact on children, teens, family throughout Rhode Island has been far reaching. The 150th Anniversary Celebration reflects on that legacy and marks a continuation of that support to preserve families, in turn strengthening communities well into the future.
For more information about Child & Family and its 150th anniversary celebration, please visit www.childandfamilyri.org
Established in downtown Newport in 1866, Child & Family is celebrating its 150th anniversary of serving children and families throughout Rhode Island. Child & Family is the largest and most comprehensive social service provider in Newport County, and one of the largest in the State of Rhode Island. With state-of-the-art Community Centers in both Middletown and Providence, Child & Family strengthens the fabric of family by providing important services and programs to thousands of children, teens, families and elders each year through multiple programs and services including: Sandpipers Early Learning Center, Behavioral Health Services, Family Support Services, Residential Programs for Children and Teens, Treatment Foster Care, Elder Care Services and much more.
