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HISTORY
HISTORY
In 1990, Rose Marie Wentz and Katharine Cahn discussed collaborating on child welfare training. As directors of two competing training programs, they wanted to improve collaboration and the quality of child welfare training in the Pacific Northwest. They believed there was something unique about the approach to the training in this region, and they wanted a chance to develop the conversation; they envisioned a small 1-2 day working meeting with lively exchanges and informal conversations among peers. They wanted to promote dialogue where participants could compare notes on challenges they had in common and emerge with a new understanding, resources, and ideas to take back to their respective states. From this discussion, the first conference was born!Â
Over the years, some features of the conference have evolved. However, the spirit of the original idea remains alive as child welfare professionals across an ever-expanding region of the country meet every year to discuss ideas and skill sets that can be brought back to their own organizations to help the children and families of their communities thrive.
STAYING AFFORDABLE
STAYING AFFORDABLE
Each year, the conference planning committee and the host institution volunteer their time to keep costs affordable for child welfare training programs on limited budgets. Except for an occasional paid keynote speaker or pre-conference institute, every presenter pays his or her own way and stays to enjoy the rest of the conference.
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