Save the Date!
Thanks to everyone who helped to make our 2025 annual conference such a resounding success. And we’re busy making preparations to ensure our upcoming 2026 annual conference is even more successful. So mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the beautiful Mount Vernon Canyon Club in Golden, CO. More information will be coming in the weeks ahead. Hope to see you there!
Training Workshop Presenters Needed!
Each year at the CAFCA Annual Conference, we present a series of 60 and 90 minute training workshops on a wide variety of topics relating to the field of child welfare. We are currently taking applications from professionals interested in being workshop presenters for our 2026 conference in October. This Call for Presenters is open to the public and no affiliation with CAFCA is necessary to apply. Topics are open-ended as long as relevant to child welfare stakeholders. For more information or to apply, click 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!