Get Ready!
Better Together: The CAFCA Annual Conference brings together a wide range of professionals from all corners of the field of child welfare for a day of comraderie, education, enlightenment, collaboration and celebration of the incredible work being done every day on behalf of Colorado’s children and families. It all happens on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the beautiful Mount Vernon Canyon Club in the hills outside of Golden, Colorado! Click HERE to register today!
The 2026 CAFCA Excellence Awards
Each year at the CAFCA Annual Conference, we present the CAFCA Excellence Awards to deserving teams or individuals who are going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of so many children and families. YOU can nominate a colleague, team or team member who you believe demonstrates the high qualities of excellence and professionalism that are the foundation of these awards. You can nominate in one of four different categories, and nominations are open through Friday, September 11, 2026. Detailed information and nomination form available here.
Our Keynote Speaker – Kevin M. Powell, PhD.
Licensed Psychologist/Trainer/Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Colorado State University
There is growing awareness and empirical support for utilizing a Strengths-Based Approach (SBA) when providing services to at-risk (at-promise) children, adolescents, and families. This presentation will introduce participants to SBA (Powell, 2015, 2026) and how to utilize it in youth service settings all along the continuum of care. Key interventions will be described that help form positive relationships, create safe environments, and promote hope, self-efficacy, and resilience. Strengths-based practices not only help youth to overcome problems, but also acquire the knowledge and skills for leading healthy, prosocial lives.
Kevin M. Powell, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, trainer, consultant, and author who has provided assessment and treatment services to at-risk (or what he likes to call ‘at-promise’) children, adolescents, and their families for over 3 decades. He has worked in schools, community-based agencies, a hospital, and residential programs including 20+ years in a maximum-security detention center. Kevin is also an adjunct professor at Colorado State University in the Department of Psychology where he teaches and conducts research on protective factors associated with resilience in youth and adults (Arkfeld, Powell et al., 2025; Powell et al., 2021). Dr. Powell presents nationally and internationally on a variety of strengths-based topics. Additional information can be found at www.kevinpowellphd.com.
The Better Together Conference Also Features:
- Six (6) Breakout training workshops on a variety of relevant topics, presented by experts and scholars sharing cutting-edge insights about improving quality care and stronger outcomes for children and families.
- Special Awards Luncheon featuring the 2025 Annual CAFCA Excellence Awards and Legislator of the Year Award
- Incredible Networking Opportunities
- and SO Much More!