GAHSC Annual Conference

GAHSC Annual Conference

When: April 24-26, 2001
Where: Jekyll Island Club Hotel
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
(912) 635-2600

Who: Child Welfare and Behavioral Healthcare Professionals & Advocates
Cost:
Early Registration (before March 15)

GAHSC members $200
Non-Members $275

Regular Registration (Until April 12)

GAHSC members $275
Non-Members $350

On-Site Registration

GAHSC members $300
Non-members $375

Conference Highlights

Tuesday 11:30 AM Opening Luncheon: Special Keynote Speaker
Wednesday 2:45 PM GAHSC General Meeting
Wednesday 7:00 PM An Evening of Dining and Dancing
Thursday 12:00 NOON Closing Luncheon: GAHSC Award Presentation

REGISTRATION: 8:30 AM-11:30 AM

BUFFET LUNCEHEON 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER 12:30 PM-1:00 PM

Schedule of Seminars

Tuesday, April 24, 2001

8:30 AM-4:30 PM FOUNDATIONS OF THE HELPING PROFESSIONAL

Presenter: John Brunguel @Dubignon

This training session provides an exploration of the critical issues and skills required to work successfully with children, youth and families in a group residential setting. All new direct care staff are encouraged to attend. Please note: due to the intensive nature of this training program, participants will be required to attend extended sessions, from 8:30AM-4:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday and 8:30 AM-11:45 AM on Thursday.

1:00 PM-4:15 PM EXPERIENTIAL BAG OF TRICKS

Presenter: Todd Wilcher @Ballroom A

This workshop will have participants interact and build teamwork and communication through experiential activities. Activities demonstrated will provide resources for many different applications in working with children and families.

1:00 PM-4:15 PM QA FOR DUMMIES

Presenters: Abe Wilkinson, Vickie Hale, tonika Evans, Virginia Voll

@Ballroom B

In the fall of 1995, the administrative team of Elks Aidmore embarked on a quality assurance adventure. No one was more ignorant of what to look for or where to find it. Join this "adventure in progress" as the administrative team shares its experiences in developing a model of quality assurance that can be easily implemented in even the smallest of agencies.

1:00 PM-4:15 PM VALUES AND ROLE MODELING: HOW TO CREATE AND

MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOU AND YOUR

KIDS

Presenters: John Doyle, Ray Culp @Alexander

This interactive workshop focuses on discussing your role as a caregiver to children placed outside of their family of origin or with whom you have a therapeutic relationship. The workshop will allow participants an environment where caretakers/clinicians can discuss values and other sensitive issues in an open manner. It is designed to make you think about keeping kids safe.

1:00 PM-2:30 PM PROBLEMATIC SEXUAL BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND

ADOLESCENTS

Presenter: Stephanie Bishop @Pulitzer

This workshop will examine the differences between healthy or normal sexual behavior and problematic sexual behavior in children and adolescents. Strategies for identifying and responding to problematic behavior will be discussed.

1:00 PM-2:30 PM ADVENTURE RESPITE PROGRAM

Presenter: Allen White @Aspinwall

This presentation explores ways in which outdoor-based experiential programs can meet both short and long-term respite needs. Creative Community Services will be sharing its development and implementation of its program as well as a newly formed collaborative with a farm-based adventure program provider. If you are interested in considering this type of program and how to go about doing it, then come to this presentation. Discover how milking a goat, making candles and soap, growing food and climbing a cliff instills an intrinsic value for learning and teaches kids to truly be life-long learners.

1:00 PM-2:30 PM DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE UPDATE

Presenter: Gwendolyn B. Skinner @Federal Reserve

This presentation will adress the Department's efforts to develop alternatives to secure detention of juvenile offenders in Georgia. Data that reflects population trends within the juvenile justice system will be shared.

1:00 PM-2:30 PM MOTIVATING YOUTH THROUGH SOCIAL SKILLS

DEVELOPMENT

Presenter: Ayngi Montgomery @Morgan

Family Life Educational Groups at Twin Cedars Youth Services, LaGrange Campus, are offered to sexually aggressive males. Social skills can and should be taught and used as a catalyst to teach anything. This session will teach clinicians and caregivers how to teach, motivate others, and "create" successes with youth.

1:00 PM-2:30 PM PERCUSSION DISCUSSION: RITES OF PASSAGE

Presenter: Tom Harris @Riverfront Lawn

This workshop will explore Rites of Passage and Drumming as an intervention for youth-at-risk. Presenter will discuss his experiences with youth in therapeutic wilderness camp, lead participants in a dialogue about the role of Rites of Passage in behavior change, and facilitate an experience using West African drums. Participants will learn how simple rhythm activities can be used to facilitate groups.

2:45 PM-4:15 PM "I'M A SOCIAL WORKER, NOT A COMPUTER PERSON!"

Presenter: Stuart Swann @Pulitzer

Learn ways administrators can help agency and staff members use computers as an essential and rewarding expression of their vocation. Motivate staff and create lasting momentum around the use of computers in the provision of care and treatment.

2:45 PM-4:15 PM TEACHING TO ASSERTIVE, AGGRESSIVE, AND PASSIVE

BEHAVIORS (BEHAVIORAL MODEL)

Presenters: Jill Van Leesten and Sonja Tobler @Morgan

Participants will learn effective measures of teaching to disruptive behaviors of youth utilizing the behavioral approach. Highlights of the discussion will include aspects of assertive, aggressive, and passive behavior; consequences of assertive, aggressive, and passive behavior; and teaching skills.

2:45 PM-4:15 PM PREPARING YOUTH TO TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD

Presenter: Annette VanDevere @Federal Reserve

This presentation will focus on community-based collaborative efforts to provide a continuum of services to prepare children in foster care to transition out of care, with an emphasis on helping foster children realize their potential and achieve successful outcomes. Cobb and Clayton Counties are part of a partnership with the Casey Family Program in a new initiative launched in collaboration with local community providers to bring services together to help young people in foster care make successful transition to adulthood.

Wednesday, April 25, 2001

8:30 AM-4:30 PM FOUNDATIONS OF THE HELPING PROFESSIONAL

Presenter: John Brunguel @Dubignon

8:30 AM-11:45 AM COLORS--PERSONALITY TESTING

Presenter: Cheryl Connelly @Alexander

"Colors" is an interactive workshop that allows participants to determine their individual personality styles and the styles of other individuals. The class will focus on recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses and how to use the strengths to work well with others. Participants will learn now to communicate and motivate those around them utilizing different techniques that work well with each of the four major personality styles.

8:30 AM-10:00 AM TAI CHI AS THERAPY AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Presenter: Pamela Lake @Ballroom A

How to utilize Tai-Chi Chuan (soft, flowing branch of martial arts) as a stress management, communication and coping skills builder, as well as anger management, family therapy tool, and vehicle for enhanced health and body tone. Children's self-esteem and empowerment will be addressed.

8:30 AM-10:00 AM MAAC--A CUTTING EDGE COLLABORATION: TRACKING

CHILDREN AMONG NINE AGENCIES

Presenters: Heather Rowles, Molly Dugan, Lesley Elliott, Suzanne

Milam, Lori Strong, Emily Acker @Ballroom B

Our concept is simple. Children admitted to MAAC can receive services from one or more of the MAAC member agencies. If a child needs more intensive care or disrupts a placement, the child is easily stepped up within the MAAC continuum. Additionally, if the child has proven successful in his/her treatment plan and is ready for a less restrictive environment, MAAC can provide a step-down transition that has a higher chance for success due to the resources and planning available. Given the vast array of resources within the nine agencies, children in MAAC can receive a variety of wrap-around services and coordinated care throughout their treatment plan. MAAC children have less risk of failing out of the system. After two years, MAAC has saved the placements of many children by using the continuum approach. Come see why we believe continuums better serve Georgia's children.

8:30 AM-10:00 AM TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS AND TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Presenters: Ricky Wallace, Victoria Johnson, Shea Burrow @Federal

Reserve

This workshop will present simply the interface of Transactional Analysis and its uses with chemically dependent teenagers. The presenters will describe fundamental constructs of child, parent, adult and their manifestation in the daily transactions of alcohol/drug seeking teenagers.

8:30 AM-10:00 AM ENHANCING TREATMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Presenters: Sarah Ziegler, Al Willis, Jana Glass @Morgan

This workshop describes using 21^{st
century technology for service planning, family support and
therapy, aftercare services, data gathering, and outcome measures.
Enrich family-based services by expanding delivery options for
long-distance clients.}

^{8:30 AM-10:00
AM}^{PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATION (Part 1 of 2)}

^{Presenter: Shawn Hensley
@Pulitzer}

^{Professional Certification
represents an added tool that directly impacts and enhances staff
competency. Establishing staff competency through an awarding
body and assessor emobides a strong model to assure staff are
formally recognized for using the competencies required by their
jobs. We'll show how certification can change your agency and
staff.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{HOW TO BUILD
A COMPETENT STAFF (Part 2 of 2)}

^{Presenters: Kim Hayes,
Barry Jenkins @Pulitzer}

^{NCPC is an international
competency-based standardized certification process for
individuals within child-caring institutions. We will discuss
strategies for implementing the NCPC process within your
organization.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{EMPOWERING
YOUTH TO ADVOCATE FOR CHANGES IN}

^{THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM}

^{Presenter: Georgia Youth
Leadership Council @Morgan}

^{This Youth Leadership Council
is a group of current and former foster youth formed to empower
foster youth to advocate for the interest of children of all ages
in foster care. A panel of current and former foster youth will
discuss their experiences in Georgia foster care, highlighting
both positive and negative experiences. They will also discuss
their plans for the Council's voice for the foster youth now in
care.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{PROVIDING
SUPPORT FOR THE ADOPTIVE/FOSTER}

^{FAMILIES CARING FOR
MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN}

^{Presenters: Mary Ann Wynn,
Gregory Washington @Ballroom A}

^{Childkind is dedicated to
providing case management, ongoing technical training, community
resources, and psychological services to families caring for
medically fragile children.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{MANAGING THE
DISRUPTIVE CLIENT IN A RESIDENTIAL}

^SETTING

^{Presenters: Gary D.
Behler, Christina Newberry @Ballroom B}

^{Children in residential
settings present unique discipline issues and need unique crisis
management styles. This workshop presents alternative approaches
to managing crisis in a residential setting. Program-driven
responses to discipline problems are presented. A program
designed to reduce crisis, decrease staff stress, and improve
cottage stability will be presented.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{CURRICULUM
TRAINING FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES OF}

^{SEX OFFENDERS}

^{Presenter: Carlton
Buckhanon @Federal Reserve}

^{This presentation will
describe a curriculum program utilized for teaching
psychoeducation to parents and other family members or support
members of juvenile sex offenders. The curriculum focuses on
initial treatment, disclosure, relapse plans, clarification, and
reunification (if viable). The presentation is designed to build
confidence in those individuals who work with adolescents with
sexual behavior problems.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{PROTECTING
CHILDREN FROM THE LANDMINES OF}

^{PORNOGRAPHY AND SEXUAL
EXPLOITATION}

^{Presenters: Eli McKenzie,
Clair Hurpzler @Sans Souci#4104}

^{Age appropriate tips and
talking points for discussing the harms of pornography and sexual
exploitation will be given, including the top ten seduction
tactics. Also how early sexual attraction will occur, dealing
with shame around sexual issues, and setting boundaries. The
seduction of the internet will be addressed in relation to these
issues.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{MAXIMIZE THE
POTENTIAL}

^{Presenter: Linda Price
@Federal Reserve}

^{Many children in the system
are "behind" developmentally, socially, educationally,
medically, and emotionally. Caregivers can learn advocacy and
intervention skills to help these children maximize the potential.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{SUBSTANCE
USE, ABUSE AND ADDICTIONS: HOW EACH}

^{AFFECTS FAMILIES}

^{Presenter: Sekema Harris
@Morgan}

^{This workshop will define
these terms and discuss how each affects families in different
ways. Recent research into the nature of addiction will be
discussed, as well as its implications for working with families.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{MEETING THE
TREATMENT NEEDS OF OUR SPECIAL}

^CHILDREN

^{Presenters: Laurie
Robison, Sheila Cottingham @Alexander}

^{This workshop will discuss
some of the treatment needs of special needs children and how to
effectively meet those needs. The workshop will include personal
testimony from a parent of a special needs child.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{RELATIONSHIP
BUILDING WITH TEENS}

^{Presenter: Margaret
Baklini @Ballroom A}

^{This workshop will discuss
issues related to communicating with adolescents and will present
an effective model for interacting with teens. A publication
called the "Team Activity Handbook" will be used as a
guide.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{YOUTH
COMPETENCIES}

^{Presenter: Tamara Ard
@Pulitzer}

^{A nationwide consortium has
been developed to create and assess a consistent system of
competencies where children and youth are rewarded for the
competencies they have achieved across all segments of their
communities. Learn how community agencies across the country are
bridging the gap to give kids what they need to be successful
adults.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{BUILDING A
GOOD VOLUNTEER MANGEMENT}

^FOUNDATION

^{Presenter: Marty Atherton
@Ballroom B}

^{A strong volunteer program
can provide many beneficial services to an organization with
limited financial resources. This workshop will cover the three
R's of volunteer management--recruitment, recognition, and
retention of volunteers. The information will help rookie
olunteers/coordinators develop a solid working knowledge of what
they need to build their volunteer base and will also provide new
information for seasoned volunteer coordinators. This workshop is
a must for agencies looking to develop a volunteer program of any
size, whether they're just starting out or trying to expand a
current program.}

^{1:00 PM-2:30
PM}^{CAFAS
SCORESAS RELATED TO INITIAL AND 30-DAY}

^{ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN}

^{Presenters: Dr. N. Donald
Feibelman, Tiffany Plunkett, Sans Souci #4104}

^{In this study, the main
objective was to correlate the similarities or differences
between CAFAS (Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale)
score at the youth's intake and at 30-day time intervals after
placement in a therapeutic setting. Variables such as type and
number of medications and diagnosis were considered.}

^{Thursday, April 26,
2001}

^{8:30 AM-4:30
PM}^{FOUNDATIONS
OF THE HELPING PROFESSIONAL}

^{Presenter: John Brunguel
@Dubignon}

^{This training session
provides an exploration of the critical issues and skills
required to work successfully with children, youth and families
in a group residential setting. All new direct care staff are
encouraged to attend. Please note: due to
the intensive nature of this training program, participants will
be required to attend extended sessions, from 8:30AM-4:30 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday and 8:30 AM-11:45 AM on Thursday.}

^{8:30 AM-11:45
AM}^{EFFECTIVELY
RECRUITING AND RETAINING EMPLOYEES}

^{Presenters: Jean Roach,
Kelvin Thompson, Mike Angstadt @Morgan}

^{Recruiting, hiring, and
retaining quality employees is critical to a successful childcare
agency. Changing labor pools, safe recruiting practices and
recruiting methods along with retention strategies for developing
and keeping top-notch staff, will be addressed. Format for the
seminar will be a panel discussion allowing time for group
decision and questions.}

^{8:30 AM-10:00
AM}^{GIRLS
EMPOWERMENT PROJECT}

^{Presenters: Senovia Ross,
Walthena Gregory @Federal Reserve}

^{The Girls Empowerment Project
is designed to power young women to feel confident in the
decisions they make about their bodies, their future, and their
overall personal development. Four groups of young women, ages 13-17,
will meet for a series of twelve sessions. The project will serve
between 24 and 32 young women.}

^{8:30 AM-10:00
AM}^{WORKING WITH
SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH}

^{Presenters: Kyle Anderson,
Denise Spear @Alexander}

^{This workshop will explore
the differences and similarities between working with youth who
identify themselves as gay or lesbian and youth who identify
themselves as heterosexual.}

^{8:30 AM-10:00AM}^{MATCH: LEVELS OF FUNDING,
ENROLLMENT, &}

^OUTCOMES

^{Presenter: Amy Hale
@Pulitzer}

^{The Multi-Agency Team for
Children (MATCH) program and application process will be
explained. MATCH treatment providers and programs will be
described. Treatments outcomes from the MATCH data system will be
presented.}

^{8:30 AM-10:00
AM}^{COMMUNITY-BASED
IN-HOME SERVICES}

^{Presenters: Leah Walker,
Jennifer Baughman @Ballroom A}

^{This workshop will present
our philosophy and model for family-focused, competency-based in-home
family services. There will be a discussion about the
effectiveness of in-home services and ways these services may be
used with children leaving residential care, as well as ways we
can partner with state and private agencies to serve children.}

^{8:30 AM-10:00
AM}^{ENERGY
THERAPY: FINDING THE ENERGY TO HEAL}

^{Presenter: Ann Adams
@Ballroom B}

^{Learn wonderfully successful
new techniques to calm emotional upsets quickly. Energy therapy,
developed by a psychologist, uses knowledge and theories from
Chinese acupuncture. Utilizing alarm points along the meridian,
you will learn an exercise that has been shown to resolve the
negative emotions from even severe trauma.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{TRANSITIONING
YOUTH FROM TREATMENT TO}

^{INDEPENDENT LIVING}

^{Presenter: Wandy Taylor
@Pulitzer}

^{Discuss new program designed
to assist youth who are aging out of placement or could otherwise
benefit from aftercare services. Learn how to use a multi-agency
collaboration to execute an effective and comprehensive discharge
plan. Learn how to explore innovative placement options and how
to network to maximize current available resources.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{WHEN
RESTRAININTS AREN'T AN OPTION}

^{Presenters: Raymond
Carraway, Jane Hudson @Federal Reserve}

^{A competency-based approach
to managing behavior is addressed through discussion of a 6-month
pilot program. Strategies designed to manage intermediate and
intensive level adolescents without the use of behavior control
rooms will be presented.}

^{10:15AM-11:45
AM}^{PERCUSSION
DISCUSSION: RITES OF PASSAGE}

^{Presenter: Tom Harris
@Riverfront Lawn}

^{This workshop will explore
Rites of Passage and Drumming as an intervention for youth-at-risk.
Presenter will discuss his experiences with youth in a
therapeutic wilderness camp, lead participants in a dialogue
about the role of Rites of Passage in behavior change, and
facilitate an experience using West African drums. Participants
will learn how simple rhythm activities can be used to facilitate
groups.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{CULTURAL
RESPONSIVENESS}

^{Presenter: Sekema Harris
@Alexander}

^{Learn about cultural
responsiveness in service delivery. The focus of this workshop is
on learning about yourself and how your cultural experiences
impact your communication and interaction with others.}

^{10:15AM-11:45
AM}^{IT'S NOT JUST
FOR KIDS--PRACTICING PRINCIPLES THAT}

^{GUIDE SERVICE DELIVERY}

^{Presenters: Annie Kelahan,
Chonita May, Pat Carter @Ballroom A}

^{This workshop explores
creating and sustaining a competency-based, family-focused
workplace agency-wide. Learn strategies for implementing solution-oriented
techniques across departments and with co-workers, supervisors,
administrators, clerical and support staff to enhance service
delivery.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{EDUCATIONAL
FUNDING FOR KIDS IN FOSTER CARE}

^{Presenters: Barry Kerr,
Joanne Simmons @Ballroom B}

^{This workshop will review the
work of the Education Task Force of GAHSC in securing funding for
children in institutional placement. Learn how your agency can
maximize existing educational law and funding to improve your
agencies' educational services.}

^{10:15 AM-11:45
AM}^{"H.E.L.P.:
A SAFETY MANAGEMENT CONTINUUM}

^{Presenter: Marshall Siler
@Sans Souci #4106}

^{The H.E.L.P. (Human
Empowerment and leadership Principles) program is a state-of-the-art
design by former Master Trainers in the Prevention and Management
of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB). This presentation will provide an
overview of the philosophies and techniques, as well as specific
strategies for creating the safest possible environment. Also, we
will compare and contrast H.E.L.P. with other risk management
programs.}

^REGISTRATION

^{Please return
this completed form, along with payment to:}

^{Georgia
Association of Homes & Services for Children}

^{34 Peachtree
Street, NW Suite 710}

^{Atlanta, GA
30303}

^{404 572-6170
Fax: 404 572 6171}

^{Attendees
are responsible for their own room reservations.}

^{Call (912)
635-2600 or (800) 535-9547}

^{Please type or print clearly:}

^{Name_________________________________________________________________________}

^{Title__________________________________________________________________________}

^{Agency_______________________________________________________________________}

^{Address_______________________________________________________________________}

^{City_____________________________________State___________Zip___________________}

^{Phone (H)__________________________________(W)________________________________}

^{Special Needs:__________________________________________________________________}

^{Vegetarian
Meal_____Yes_____No Are you GAHSC certified?_____Yes_____No}

^{REGISTRATION
FEES}

^{EARLY REGISTRATION REG.
REGISTRATION ON-SITE REGISTRATION}

^{(postmarked before March 15)
(postmarked before April 12)}

^{GAHSC Member…..$200
GAHSC Member …..$275 GAHSC Member…..$300}

^{Non-Member…..$275 Non-Member…..$350
Non-Member…..$375}

^{Register
Early (by March 15) and Receive a GAHSC Conference T-Shirt!!!}

^{Size (please
check)____S ____M ____L ____XL ____1X ____2x _____3x}

^{Registration Fee $__________}

^{An Evening of Dining and
Dancing}

^{(# of tickets @ $25 each)
$__________}

^{Guest at Opening Luncheon}

^{(# of guests @ $15 each)
$__________}

^{Guest at Closing Luncheon}

^{(# of guests @ $15 each)
$__________}

^{TOTAL ENCLOSED $__________}