Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network

Events

31st Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference - Register Now!

Dates

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 1:15 p.m. – Friday, June 23rd, 2023 noon

Location

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

250 Kalahari Drive
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania 18349

Event Phone

No Phone Number Available

Description

The 31st Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference will be held June 21 - 23, 2023, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains. This conference provides an opportunity for families and professionals from across the child welfare system to support one another and work together to achieve permanent connections for all children and youth.

This year's conference will open with a presentation from Kenisha Coon. Ms. Coon is a Policy and Legislation Analyst for the state of Michigan who specializes in antiracism and diversity, equity and inclusion work. Her keynote, titled Targeted Recruitment for Children of Color, will highlight key concepts and strategies for recruiting, engaging, developing and supporting families who reflect the diversity of children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted. Going beyond targeted recruitment strategies, Ms. Coon will share insights, tips, tools, data and explore partnerships in the areas most often overlooked to create homes for BIPOC children. Emphasis will be placed on welcoming prospective parents of color and building specialist and agency capacity of cultural competency, while using a racial equity lens.

The closing keynote will be presented by A’ric Jackson. Mr. Jackson is a charismatic and heartfelt communicator whose mission is to teach, inspire and encourage all who hear him. His presentation, We See You, will disucss one of the most valuable tools anyone can have: connecting with others. Whether it be connecting with family, friends, work mates or just the person you see every time you visit a coffee shop, there is always an opportunity to connect; the question is, do we connect EFFECTIVELY? This session will give you the tangible tools to build and enhance any connection throughout your life, especially those you love the most. Be prepared to walk away knowing how to use these tools immediately.

The Permanency Conference offers 42 workshops and institutes addressing a variety of topics regarding permanency for children and youth in out-of-home care and the families who serve them. You also won’t want to miss the Recognition Awards Banquet on June 21 at 5:30 p.m., which honors families, youth and professionals who go above and beyond in their support of children and youth in need of permanency. Then, join us for a Family Fun Night on June 22 at 6:00 p.m., a delightful evening that gives everyone a chance to meet and share stories while enjoying a buffet dinner and the many forms of entertainment that the Kalahari offers.