Partnerships for Well-Being Institute Opens Up Dialogue to Cultivate a Trauma-Informed System of Care
By listening and learning from others’ experiences, creating a trauma-informed system of care becomes more attainable in a way that strengthens the voice of the child, youth and family. Hosted by UC Davis Human Services, the Partnerships for Well-Being Institute provided a valuable opportunity for providers and professionals serving children and families to share perspectives. More than 620 people attended the conference, including practitioners in child welfare, behavioral health, early childhood, education and probation as well as other specialists serving children and families. The conference took place June 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County and was sponsored by the California Department of Social Services and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Engaging Keynotes
Executive director and resiliency expert Dave Ellis empowered the audience with his opening keynote presentation, "Building Self-Healing Communities," about exploring biological mechanisms of negative childhood experiences, examining vital elements in building a protective system and engaging in self-reflection related to healing. His presentation included small and large group dialogue to facilitate an open conversation about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and generational trauma.
Nationally known speaker, author and legislative advocate Sade Burrell inspired attendees in her closing keynote, “Elevating the Family and Children’s Voices.” She shared a six-step practice to help children and families feel empowered to use their voices to cultivate healthy communication styles and relationships. This six-step method is an acronym for ACTION:
A - Applying your learning to be your most authentic self
C - Communicating in a way that will allow you and your family to voice and listen to each other's needs to determine what is required to meet in the middle
T - Taking your Time to cultivate a relationship
I - Initiating expectations you have of yourself and any tough conversations
O - All participants' Options to incorporate all viewpoints in the conversation
N - The desire to feel Noticeable and acknowledged in the conversation
Learn more about the keynote speakers and other presenters here.
Families and Youth Share their Experiences
The family and youth panels are always a highlight of the Partnership for Well-Being Institute. This year, the family and youth speakers generously and candidly shared their personal experiences, strengths, hopes and insights for system providers who attended the conference. The panelists shared their knowledge of navigating systems, including what is working and what strategies need to be improved to serve youth and families better. Through lived experience comes change and hearing, and each panel brought tears, laughter, joy and learning. The youth panelists, in particular, brought levity and raw power to the conversation—look out for them as they become our system changers of tomorrow.
Workshop Takeaways
In addition to the general sessions, the conference offered nearly 80 informative, engaging and interactive breakout sessions on various topics. The workshops examined timely topics in Wraparound, family/youth engagement strategies, trauma-informed care, child and family teaming, coaching, resiliency and more.
As the conference wrapped up, here's what some of the participants had to say about the workshops they attended:
"Outstanding presentation with shared lived experience that made the topic relevant and meaningful."
"The speakers had a great message. Being intentional in everything we do and being mindful about how we do it is extremely important because everyone has ACEs, even ourselves."
"I appreciated this topic. It reminded me to always pay attention to how I speak to others and how others may interpret my words."
Save the Date!
The date for the next Partnerships for Well-Being Institute is June 12-14, 2024.