Presenter:Teresa Gregersen, Principal, ACP, LPCC, ADDC.

Presentation Description: This course advances the work of the Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (COLAP) “to promote good mental health and well-being for all members of the legal community regardless of race, cultural background, age, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, faith, language, or health status.” After this webinar participants should be able to explain diversity, inclusivity, and identify the skills necessary to compassionately self-reflect on personal biases. Participants will explore what it means to value collaboration and diversity of thought, experiences, and perspectives in the legal profession. Participants are asked to engage in a growth mindset, come with a willingness to learn, and increase their capacity to engage in open dialogue.

Presenters: Linda Wilson Senior Attorney, J.D., on the SIJS & Unaccompanied Children Team at NM Immigrant Law Center, and Jessica Martinez, J.D., Staff Attorney and Equal Justic Works Fellow on the SIJS & Unaccompanied Children Team at NM Immigrant Law Center

Presentation Description: This presentation will provide an overview of the recently codified Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification Act (SIJCA). Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of humanitarian relief available for immigrant youth who have survived abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents. The first step in the process requires a state court order with requisite findings and determinations for the impacted child to proceed with their petition for SIJS. Presenters will explain the intersection of federal and state law as it relates to this process. Presenters will review the required findings and determinations and highlight different case types in which these requirements can be obtained. The presentation will also include special considerations and best practices when working with immigrant youth and children.

Presenter: Stephanie Dalfonzo, Integrative Hypnotist, Anxiety Expert, Author

Presentation Description: Those who are so busy caring for child welfare and juvenile justice often don’t take time to care for themselves. In this workshop, participants will find comfort knowing you are not alone in the feeling of anxiety, pressure, and the stress of everyday living, discover techniques that are logical and simple enough to teach children. Participants will also learn specific techniques to experience short moments of calm many times a day, gain an understanding of how to combine hypnosis and science-based practical and simple skills to help rewire and retrain their brain, and practice tips and new skills to calm stress, overwhelm, and feelings of anxiety.

Presenters: Dr. Christiana M. Sisneros, Ed.D., Donalyn Sarracino, LMSW, Director, Office of Tribal Affairs; Isabel Guerrero, B.A. Criminal Justice, PS Tribal Coordinator, Office of Tribal Affairs; Grace Nailor, LMSW, Administrative Consultant, Office of Tribal Affairs

Presentation Description: This presentation will focus on the first-year implementation of the NM Indian Family Protection Act. The participant will recognize the issues of fairness, equity, and the disparities experienced by American Indian/Alaska Native children and their respective families within the child welfare system.

Presenters: Hasan Davis, J.D., Founder/CEO, Hasan Davis Solutions L.L.C.

Presentation Description: Hasan Davis shares his journey through the education, justice and social service systems. Systems that more often than not failed to provide him the support he needed to be successful. Luckily on his journey, there were within each system outliers and resisters, whom Hasan affectionately calls “hope dealers”, who found a way to engage, encourage and empower him. With their support he was able to transcend his mounting list of “failures” and become a champion for youth. Hasan believes that each person in the community has the opportunity, and the responsibility, to influence and change the way youth encounter the education, justice and social service systems. Hasan will share the simple strategies his personal champions employed to help him make the JD shuffle from Hasan Davis Juvenile Delinquent to Hasan Davis Juris Doctor.

Live-stream available for virtual attendees.

Presenters: Virginia Tenorio ICWA Worker for the Santo Domingo Family Services, Marsha Vallo Pueblo of Acoma Social Services Director, and Judge John Romero JD, (Ret.)

Presentation Description: This presentation will explore the intersection of the New Mexico Indian Family Protection Act with New Mexico’s cultural background, and geography, as well as the practical application of the law to child welfare proceedings.  This will include a discussion about the shared status the tribes and pueblos have in New Mexico as Sovereign Indigenous Nations while highlighting the diversity and independence possessed by each tribe or pueblo individually.  The discussion will further explore how each Sovereign Nation may have an independent court and those will have distinct traditions, policies, and procedures.  It will also encompass discussion regarding the classification a tribal court may have as a traditional court, or as one with Western modality influence, or some combination (hybrid) of traditional and Western influence. 

Additionally, there will be a discussion regarding the many paths of communication and collaboration that should be considered and the challenges or barriers that should be planned for to meaningfully implement the Indian Family Protection Act.  This will include recognition that there is no single approach and that respectful, clear communication should occur early and often between the State and the Sovereign Nation and highlight the importance of coordinating and communicating with the individual ICWA workers of each Sovereign Nation.  This focus will assist in increasing the understanding of the attendees about the factors that must be considered when the Indian Family Protection Act applies to a case and how best to ensure its protections are provided to children, parents, and sovereign entities and that resources and lessons are shared among the greater child welfare system in New Mexico.   

Presenters: Lorilynn Violanta, MPA, Co- Executive Director, NMCAN; Yvonne Gallegos-Schobel, Director of Leadership Enrichment, NMCAN; NMCAN Youth Leaders

Presentation Description: Young people and parents will discuss the barriers families face when accessing public benefits, how to improve access, and how to ensure that programs are truly supportive of families. The panelists will share their experiences trying to access programs to meet basic needs such as housing, health care, food, and childcare. They’ll discuss how well-intentioned programs can become a means of controlling or surveilling families. They’ll also provide practical recommendations for improving access to resources and supporting families who experience the trauma of family separation. This workshop is intended for all professionals who engage in getting families the resources they need, such as CYFD staff, judges, and attorneys. We also welcome young people and parents who have been impacted by access to services, who wish to engage in this conversation.

Presenters: Linda Wilson Senior Attorney, J.D., on the SIJS & Unaccompanied Children Team at NM Immigrant Law Center, and Jessica Martinez, J.D., Staff Attorney and Equal Justic Works Fellow on the SIJS & Unaccompanied Children Team at NM Immigrant Law Center

Presentation Description: This presentation will provide an overview of the recently codified Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification Act (SIJCA). Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of humanitarian relief available for immigrant youth who have survived abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents. The first step in the process requires a state court order with requisite findings and determinations for the impacted child to proceed with their petition for SIJS. Presenters will explain the intersection of federal and state law as it relates to this process. Presenters will review the required findings and determinations and highlight different case types in which these requirements can be obtained. The presentation will also include special considerations and best practices when working with immigrant youth and children.

Presenters: Cristen Conley, JD, former Guardian ad Litem, Youth Attorney, and Parent’s Counsel, Director, Corinne Wolfe Center for Child and Family Justice

Presentation Description: What can a judge or attorney in a child and family welfare case do when there is concern about the seeming incapacity of a party to a case? How can a judge, under the code of judicial conduct, or the attorney representing such a person, ensure an allegedly incapacitated person’s right to be heard? In an area of the law where there is little guidance, what can the court or counsel do to assure the due process rights of a person affected by mental illness or developmental delay? This presentation and discussion, intended for non-legal professionals, will explore considerations for deciding whether to ask for or appoint a GaL for a party, explain the difference in responsibilities of a GaL for a child under the Children’s Code and a GaL appointed in a protective role, explore the advantages and disadvantages to a party of having a GaL, and give examples of best practices for the Court when a GaL is put in place. We will correct myths and explore challenges in the use of GaLs for parents and older youth – including how to preserve the allegedly incapacitated person’s due process rights and consider the concept of diminished capacity as opposed to incapacity.

Presenter: Kate Bunch, MS LPCC, RPT-S, IMHE-III, CEO, Trauma Treatment Center

Presentation Description: This session is going to address the difficulty in inter-professional communication struggles that can negatively impact establishing working relationships, overall trust and even the outcome of a case. Building trust and common goals across professions is essential to support children through the life experiences that they are encountering. Different professional roles are necessary to support the various aspects of advocating for a child and each adult participating in the child’s life need to be well equipped to work collaboratively. Goals and methods may vary for each role so having common language is essential to goal attainment. This session will establish patterns of organization and communication to support inter-professional collaborative work; create a cross vocabulary to expand inter-professional partnerships; and engage in collaborative conversation, granting space for case specific illustrations.

Presenters: Lindsey Fooks, J.D., Children’s Court Hearings Officer, Second Judicial District Court; Brian Oborn, Data Analyst, AOC; Sarah Meadows, Director of the Office of Performance and Accountability, CYFD; Shelly Bucher, LMSW Director, Substitute Care Advisory Council; NMCAN Youth Leader

Presentation Description: A presentation and panel format presented by select members of the Children’s Court Improvement Commission’s Data Driven Workgroup. This session will feature data presented by four stakeholder groups in our child welfare system through each presenter’s unique lens into the current state of our families, adherence to legal requirements, how we are serving our families, and how we can systematically improve outcomes for our parents and children. Each representative from the Courts, CYFD, Substitute Care Advisory Council, and New Mexico Child Advocacy Network (NMCAN) will provide a short data presentation, followed by a facilitated panel discussion and audience participation. This session is designed to provide valuable, accurate data on the current state of New Mexico’s child welfare system, and an opportunity for discussion about how we can improve our system for all involved.

Presenters: Sarah Meadows, Edie Lewis, LMSW, and Milissa Soto

Presentation Description: This workshop will provide an overview of what is evaluated and measured during Round 4 of the Child and Family Services Review. Information will include New Mexico’s plan for preparation of the Child and Family Service Review, a presentation of data on current state performance and goals for performance improvement, and a discussion of how child welfare stakeholders in Mew Mexico can participate in and contribute to CFSR.

Presenters:Morgan Demic, J.D., Kinship Guardianship Program Director, Pegasus Legal Services for Children; Maranda Aguirre, J.D., Staff Attorney, Pegasus Legal Services for Children

Presentation Description: Thousands of New Mexico children reside with someone other than a parent, without formal placement, often leaving these families lacking stability and access to resources, education, and medical care. This workshop focuses on the Kinship Guardianship Act and the legal route available to kinship caregivers to bridge that gap and gain stability and access to services necessary for children to thrive.

Presenters: Judge Randolph Marshall Collins, J.D., Chief Judge, Pueblo of Acoma; Judge William Bluehouse Johnson-Judge, J.D., Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Taos

Presentation Description: Poverty is one of the major causes of family and child tragedy. Today there is little agreement about how to combat poverty or design programs that will keep families together and children out of it. While large economic inequity separates us, so too does the philosophy upon which state and federal governments rest. This topic attempts to show how hope and other supporting values so needed to define and justify the policy actions we take can be articulated by looking to tribal traditions and how those traditions are enhanced by tribal self-determination.

Presenters: Veronica Krupnick, Youth & Tribal Advocate, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Casa First; Youth Panel on Foster Care and Recovery; Mayda Berrios; Biance Bennett-Scott; Alejandra Gomez

Presenters: Kelly O’Neill Appellate Attorney Supervisor, J.D., CYFD; Tyler Benting Attorney, J.D., Benting Crumley Law, LLC

Presentation Description: The presenters will discuss opinions published in 2023 by the Supreme Court of New Mexico and the New Mexico Court of Appeals that are relevant to abuse and neglect proceedings. The presentation will also cover updates in federal and state law that may impact child welfare law and practice in New Mexico.

Presenters: J Rocky Romero, Ph.D., LMSW

Presentation Description: In this training we explore cultural concepts of distress and values unique to Hispanic and Latinx communities, discuss the pertinence of cultural idioms of distress in mental health treatment, and review culturally appropriate approaches to working with Latinx/Hispanic clients while applying an ethical lens in rural practice.

Presenters: Kate Gibbons, PhD., LCSW, LISW, Director of Continuous Quality and Learning, Center of Innovation for Behavioral Health and Wellness at NMSU; Amanda Veracka; Sarah Meadows, Director of the Office of Performance and Accountability; Matthew Claps (if virtual is an option for one presenter), Principal Technical Assistance Consultant, Youth, Family and Community Development program at American Institutes for Research (AIR).  

Presentation Description: The Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) and Quality Service Review (QSR) have long been viewed as interchangeable or as the same review process. Although QSR and CFSR are similar in methodology, there are differences in purpose and focus. The teams for QSR, CFSR, and The Office for Performance and Accountability at CYFD are presenting together to illustrate the similarities, clarify the functional differences, and demonstrate how the two approaches compliment and contribute to a robust quality improvement system using case review and qualitative measurement. Also presented are how these two approaches support both qualitative and quantitative Target Outcome Measures identified in the Kevin S. Settlement Agreement and measure towards improved practice. History, crosswalk of indicators and data points, and implications for combined use are offered in this workshop. Also presented is an update on qualitative measures, methods, and tools in fulfillment of the Kevin S. Settlement Quality Assurance Improvement and Evaluation Plan (QAIEP).

Presenters: Shelley Mann-Lev, MPH 

Presentation Description: In this workshop, a Prevention Consultant from the SAMHSA funded Opioid Response Network will present evidence-based practices for the prevention, treatment and recovery of substance use disorders and misuse among high risk youth and adults. The workshop will include a description of trends in youth and adult substance use and overdose fatalities as well as information about current threats from alcohol and substance misuse. Participants will learn about resources including promising care models, trainings, educational materials; educational materials to help your community address the stigma surrounding this disease. The workshop will provide participants with actionable ways to address the immediate risks posed by fentanyl and polysubstance use, including how to integrate overdose prevention and response strategies into your practice setting.  Current resources for overdose prevention will be highlighted, and the Bernalillo County Special Projects Office will distribute Narcan kits to up to 100 participants.

Presenters: Nate Balis, Director of the Juvenile Justice Strategy Group at the Annie E. Casey Foundation; The Honorable Catherine Begaye, Presiding Judge for Children’s Court, Second Judicial District; Erik Rivera, Coordinator of the Youth Resiliency Center at La Plazita Institute; Xiuy Soto, Coordinator for the Albuquerque Justice for Youth Community Collaborative 

Presentation Description: The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI®) is a data-driven, research-based, collaborative approach to youth justice. Although JDAI looks different from place to place, each of the 200-plus JDAI jurisdictions across the country are united by their commitment to healthy young people, strong families and safe communities. This session will offer multiple perspectives on JDAI – national, judicial and community. Presenters will also invite participants to share their own perspectives and engage with each other and with the presenters.  

Presenters: Frank Picone, LCSW, Chief Training Officer, The Institute of the Center for Great Expectations

Presentation Description: As a follow up to the Day Two Keynote, Frank Picone will drill down into specific practices and techniques cultivate awareness around how our inner voice impacts our relationship with self and others. As a first step to building a Mindset of Hope, participants will practice strategies to shift patterns of thinking towards understanding and compassion.

Presenters: ío Escamilla, Program Manager, The Mountain Center; Hendrix Olson, NM GSA Network Program Coordinator, The Mountain Center; Shelby McDaniel, Program Coordinator and Case Manager, The Mountain Center; The NMGSAN Youth Council (Presenters with Lived Experience)

Presentation Description: Discover the evolution of LGBTQ+ support and unveil the power of Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs). Formerly known as “Gay/Straight Alliance” clubs, the modern GSA has transcended its initial scope to become an inclusive haven for all LGBTQ+ and allied youth in schools. These alliances play a crucial role in providing vital social and academic support to a demographic disproportionately affected by adverse outcomes. From diminishing school push-out rates to reducing risks of self-harm, substance misuse, and incarceration, GSAs have proven instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of their participants. Join us as we delve into the essence of GSAs, explore their profound impact on members, gain insights into how adults can effectively champion LGBTQ+ youth both within and beyond these clubs, and hear firsthand experiences from the esteemed NMGSAN Youth Council. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this transformative dialogue.

Presenters: Megan Gonzales, ICWA Court Program Manager, Second Judicial District Court; Lindsey Fooks J.D. Children’s Court Hearings Officer, Second Judicial District Court; Wyndsor Yazzie, ICWA Unit Supervisor with Children, Youth and Families Department Protective Services Division; Virginia Tenorio ICWA Worker for the Santo Domingo Family Services;Jake Vallejos, ICWA Court Attorney; Marsha Vallo, Pueblo of Acoma Social Services Director

Presentation Description: There are times that ICWA/IFPA cases hit barriers and struggles. This session will cover opportunities for growth through collaboration and partnership with team members when those moments of being “stuck” appear in ICWA and IFPA cases. This session will discuss experiences by the presenters about successes through collaboration. The session will be broken down to discuss opportunities for collaboration within the following topics: relative placements for children in care, permanency planning for families, availability for peacemaking, maintaining and preserving connections to a child’s family and the tribe, dismissals prior to adjudication, ongoing commitments to cultural connections for the child, and supporting tribal events and activities for the family. Team members will have an opportunity to share and discuss experiences in ICWA and IFPA cases and how those barriers have been overcome in the above-named areas.

Presenters: Kim Parks-Bourn, LCSW-C, Program Manager, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Melissa McGee, MS – Native American Leadership

Presentation Description: In 2014, the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113-183; 42 U.S.C. § 671(a)(35)(B)) included a mandate for state agencies to immediately report children missing from foster care to law enforcement and to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Additionally, the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023 (P.L. 117-348) includes language regarding sharing information with NCMEC and maintaining regular communication with law enforcement agencies and NCMEC throughout the child’s recovery. While many frontline child welfare staff comply with reporting, they often do not use or optimize the resources that NCMEC has available to them. This legislation also promotes the best practice of consistent reporting to combat implicit bias and provide tools to customize searches for missing children. We will cover NCMEC resources that can be utilized for recovery that optimizes safety and well-being of children and youth with the goal of preventing future endangerments. This workshop is designed to better explain the “why” behind the reporting requirements. In that context, there will be a discussion about how NCMEC can help child welfare and law enforcement professionals locate and recover children missing from care, including potential child sex trafficking victims. In the current climate of scarce resources for children and youth in care and high stress and turnover in the field, this session will offer insights about the ways NCMEC can better support workers and highlight some success stories from the field.

Presenters: Andrea Gunderson, Special Master/Commissioner, 2nd Judicial District Children’s Court Division; Leslie Jones, JD, CWLS OFRA Legal Services Division Director

Presentation Description: This program will provide an overview the impact of the Voluntary Placement and Family Services Act (2023’s SB 31) on Voluntary Placement Agreements between parents/guardians/custodians and the Children, Youth and Families Department. It will cover basic principles, requirements, rights and responsibilities, limitations, process, and possible outcomes for both Native American (ICWA/IFPA) and non-Native American families participating in VPAs. It will also cover the different roles that attorneys and guardians ad litem play in this process.

Presenters: Hasan Davis, J.D., Founder/CEO, Hasan Davis Solutions L.L.C.

Presentation Description: Starting as a counselor and a teaching artist, and through his years as a youth development specialist, Hasan has transformed the attitudes and strategies of school and facility staff, parents, and members of the community to help hundreds of children graduate from high school and go on to earn degrees from colleges and universities. As a lover of the creative arts Hasan Davis will share how intakes and interviews can be transformed into an experience of sharing stories to cultivate comfort and connection when systems professionals are getting to know the people they support.

Presenters: Susan Hodgman, BS LADAC, Program Director, Santa Fe Recovery Center Women and Children’s Program; Jeanne DuRivage, MA, OTR/L, SEP; Kourtney Munoz, M.A., Marketing and Communication, Santa Fe Recovery Center

Presentation Description: In the realm of child welfare, addressing the unique needs of women grappling with substance use disorders requires a compassionate and comprehensive approach. This workshop will shine a spotlight on the pioneering work of the Santa Fe Recovery Center Women and Children’s Program. We will delve into our proven strategies for fostering healing, improving and supporting parental engagement, and ultimately, helping to break the cycle of generational addiction and trauma. Through success stories, innovative practices, and collaborative efforts, participants will gain insights that can transform their approach to child welfare and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment advocacy.

Presenters: Frank Picone, LCSW, Chief Training Officer, The Institute of the Center for Great Expectations

Presentation Description: This workshop focuses on understanding of the impact of chronic stress on brain function and behavior of youth impacted by trauma. Through a story telling and sharing of personal experience Frank will demonstrate examples of when behavior that is usually labeled as “problematic” is actually a learned survival skill that has benefitted the youth in the past. Participants will be encouraged to practice not taking behavior personally and acknowledge the youth ability to survive and adapt.

Presenter: Jordan Davalos, Youth Voice, Co-founder; Shuttle of Hope

Presentation Description: This presentation is led by a system-impacted youth who will share a short video story about his life experience. Then, he will inform providers at all levels who work with foster youth about the self-reflective questions he used and the focused training activities he performed to change his disturbing emotional and mental state to create behavior change from being angry, manipulative, and hurtful to being mindful, compassionate, and empathic. He will present examples discussing his methodology of acknowledging behaviors, awareness of self and others, and taking action to create change. He will share how his commitment to personal growth by understanding the relationship of love, prayer, and good values led him toward hope and healing.

Presenters:  ío Escamilla, Program Manager, The Mountain Center; Hendrix Olson, NM GSA Network Program Coordinator, The Mountain Center; Shelby McDaniel, Program Coordinator and Case Manager, The Mountain Center; The NMGSAN Youth Council

Presentation Description: Discover the evolution of LGBTQ+ support and unveil the power of Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs). Formerly known as “Gay/Straight Alliance” clubs, the modern GSA has transcended its initial scope to become an inclusive haven for all LGBTQ+ and allied youth in schools. These alliances play a crucial role in providing vital social and academic support to a demographic disproportionately affected by adverse outcomes. From diminishing school push-out rates to reducing risks of self-harm, substance misuse, and incarceration, GSAs have proven instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of their participants. Join us as we delve into the essence of GSAs, explore their profound impact on members, gain insights into how adults can effectively champion LGBTQ+ youth both within and beyond these clubs, and hear firsthand experiences from the esteemed NMGSAN Youth Council. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this transformative dialogue.

Presentation Description: Parents and youth who have been involved in state and tribal child protective services systems will share their lived experiences and discuss the impact the system has had on their lives. They will discuss what was helpful and what they believe could have been approached differently. The panelists will also provide recommendations on how to advocate for respondent, child and youth clients and discuss how collaboration can lead to positive outcomes for families and individual clients with an emphasis on placement, visiting (family time), services, and conferences.  Facilitators will be present to focus the conversation but will primarily allow the parents to speak to the audience about their experience in the system. This workshop is intermediate and intended for all people who touch the child welfare system. GALs, youth attorneys, CASA’s, judges, infant mental health providers, foster parents, CYFD employees, and parents’ attorneys are encouraged to attend the session.  The Office of Family Representation and Advocacy is coordinating this panel discussion.

Presenters: Sarah Meadows, Edie Lewis, LMSW, and Milissa Soto

Presentation Description: This workshop will provide an overview of what is evaluated and measured during Round 4 of the Child and Family Services Review. Information will include New Mexico’s plan for preparation of the Child and Family Service Review, a presentation of data on current state performance and goals for performance improvement, and a discussion of how child welfare stakeholders in Mew Mexico can participate in and contribute to CFSR.

Presenters: Kelly O’Neill Appellate Attorney Supervisor, J.D., CYFD; Tyler Benting Attorney, J.D., Benting Crumley Law, LLC

Presentation Description: The presenters will discuss opinions published in 2023 by the Supreme Court of New Mexico and the New Mexico Court of Appeals that are relevant to abuse and neglect proceedings. The presentation will also cover updates in federal and state law that may impact child welfare law and practice in New Mexico.

Presenters: Kim Parks-Bourn, LCSW-C, Program Manager, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Melissa McGee, MS – Native American Leadership

Presentation Description: In 2014, the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113-183; 42 U.S.C. § 671(a)(35)(B)) included a mandate for state agencies to immediately report children missing from foster care to law enforcement and to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Additionally, the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023 (P.L. 117-348) includes language regarding sharing information with NCMEC and maintaining regular communication with law enforcement agencies and NCMEC throughout the child’s recovery. While many frontline child welfare staff comply with reporting, they often do not use or optimize the resources that NCMEC has available to them. This legislation also promotes the best practice of consistent reporting to combat implicit bias and provide tools to customize searches for missing children. We will cover NCMEC resources that can be utilized for recovery that optimizes safety and well-being of children and youth with the goal of preventing future endangerments. This workshop is designed to better explain the “why” behind the reporting requirements. In that context, there will be a discussion about how NCMEC can help child welfare and law enforcement professionals locate and recover children missing from care, including potential child sex trafficking victims. In the current climate of scarce resources for children and youth in care and high stress and turnover in the field, this session will offer insights about the ways NCMEC can better support workers and highlight some success stories from the field.

Presenters: Jesse Armijo, ATP, Assistive Technology Coordinator, Technology Coordinator with the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program; Pilar Tirado Murray, J.D., Attorney 

Presentation Description: Children and their caregivers may struggle with communication access if they have a disability that affects their speech, hearing, and cognitive abilities. These barriers can make it harder to participate in services, succeed in schooling, and maintain employment. This hands-on session will go into detail on how assistive technology (AT) devices can be used to increase and maintain the functional capabilities of children and family members with disabilities. Participants will get a hands-on course on AT devices that can be used for speech communication, hearing needs, and those that need assistance with reading/writing. This session will also provide the necessary details on how families can go about purchasing these devices for permanent use by utilizing a wide range of resources including state agencies, non-profits, financial institutions, and insurance plans.

Presenters:Linda Wilson Senior Attorney, J.D., on the SIJS & Unaccompanied Children Team at NM Immigrant Law Center, and Jessica Martinez, J.D., Staff Attorney and Equal Justic Works Fellow on the SIJS & Unaccompanied Children Team at NM Immigrant Law Center

Presentation Description: This presentation will provide an overview of the recently codified Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification Act (SIJCA). Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of humanitarian relief available for immigrant youth who have survived abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents. The first step in the process requires a state court order with requisite findings and determinations for the impacted child to proceed with their petition for SIJS. Presenters will explain the intersection of federal and state law as it relates to this process. Presenters will review the required findings and determinations and highlight different case types in which these requirements can be obtained. The presentation will also include special considerations and best practices when working with immigrant youth and children.

Presenters: Stephanie Olson, PhD, Inspirational Speaker, International Podcaster, Author, and CEO, The Set Me Free Project

Presentation Description: In this thought-provoking and interactive workshop, attendees will embark on a journey of discovery led by Stephanie Olson, an inspirational speaker and CEO of The Set Me Free Project. The session addresses the critical issue of sexual violence, sex trafficking, and forced criminality among youth while emphasizing the importance of cultural humility in creating safe and supportive spaces for disclosure and healing.

Presenters: Morgan Demic, J.D., Kinship Guardianship Program Director, Pegasus Legal Services for Children; Maranda Aguirre, J.D., Staff Attorney, Pegasus Legal Services for Children

Presentation Description: Thousands of New Mexico children reside with someone other than a parent, without formal placement, often leaving these families lacking stability and access to resources, education, and medical care. This workshop focuses on the Kinship Guardianship Act and the legal route available to kinship caregivers to bridge that gap and gain stability and access to services necessary for children to thrive.

Presenters: Hasan Davis, J.D., Founder/CEO, Hasan Davis Solutions L.L.C.

Presentation Description: Hasan Davis has built his career on the philosophy that supportive adults have a responsibility to create hope in the live of the people they serve. Based on his experience as a system-impacted child and young person, Hasan will illustrate the power of inspiring others to dare to dream. Hasa will share tangible strategies for connection and handing out hope as a part of everyday interactions.

Presenters: Jesse Clifton, J.D., Staff Attorney, Disability Rights New Mexico; Katie Gordon, M.A., Senior Advocate, Disability Rights New Mexico

Presentation Description: When a child is born with high support needs or develops them later in adolescence, families are quickly overwhelmed by the complexity of healthcare options in New Mexico. This session will break down the medical and mental healthcare services that are available to individuals aged 0-21 years old through the federal Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program. We will explore how these services should be available through state-funded programs such as Medicaid and Community-Based Waivers. More significantly, we will discuss the reality of what happens when these services are denied. Participants will learn how to: Identify the grievance and appeals processes; file a grievance or an effective appeal packet for treatment, goods, or services that have been denied; advocate for children and youth in a Medicaid or Waiver administrative fair hearing, and determine when to seek help from a knowledgeable attorney or experienced advocate. The session will also include an update on two EPSDT-related lawsuits filed by Disability Rights New Mexico. These include M.G. v. Scrase and the Kevin S. settlement.

Presenters: Danielle Lipow, J.D., Moderator, Senior Associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation; Chas Robles, B.A., Corps Director of Ancestral Lands/Southwest Conservation Corps; Rodrigo Rodriguez, Youth Justice Organizer at Southwest Organizing Project; Brooke Tafoya, MSW., Executive Director of New Day Youth and Family Services

Presentation Description: The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI®) is a data-driven, research-based, collaborative approach to youth justice. JDAI offers a way to continue to reduce the harm of unnecessary confinement while lifting up and expanding strategies that reduce crime and connect youth to the supports and the resources they need to thrive and be safe. That means relying on and partnering with a broad array of community-based supports and services that connect young people to opportunities that are rooted in culture and the tenets of positive youth development. In this workshop, participants will hear from leaders from community-based organizations that embody these principles.

Presenters: Veronica Krupnick, Youth & Tribal Advocate, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Casa First

Presentation Description: Having been through the child welfare system herself, Veronica is passionate about preventative services, lived experience voice, and advocating for the holistic well-being of children, youth, and families. Her current child welfare advocacy includes service as a senior member of the National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council, a member of the National Child Welfare and Racial Equity Collaborative, and as Co-Chair of the Training Committee for the New Mexico Partners. In this keynote address Veronica will highlight the many unique strengths carried within the rich cultural fabric of New Mexico, highlighting how child and family serving systems can embrace these gifts  to bolster efforts to respond to the need within the community.

Live-stream available for virtual attendees.