Symposium focused on supporting resilient families

Salve Regina’s Department of Social Work has partnered with Child & Family, the largest and most comprehensive social service provider in Newport County, for a symposium focused on supporting resilient families.

Presented in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the symposium will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, April 12 in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall. Continuing education units will be available. To register, visit the Child & Family website.

The keynote presentation will feature staff from Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building communities of hope for children and families across America. Kara Wood, Casey’s senior director of public policy, will discuss “The Family First Prevention Services Act and Opportunities for Rhode Island,” while Zeinab Chahine, Casey’s managing director, will discuss “Communities of Hope.”

Also on the program is Lia Stuhlsatz, associate judge for the Rhode Island Family Court, who will discuss “Rhode Island’s ‘Safe and Secure Baby Court’ Pilot Program Learning.”

The symposium will close with an interactive panel discussion and question-and-answer session moderated by Marty Sinnott, president and CEO of Child & Family. In addition to the day’s presenters, the panel will include Rhode Island Sen. Lou DiPalma, social justice advocate Elizabeth Fuerte and licensed social worker Michelle McCombe.