Thursday, April 9, 2026
1–2 p.m. Eastern time
Join us for a free webinar focused on centering lived experience in child welfare, featuring the AdoptUSKids Speakers Bureau and latest video “When We Have Each Other: Teen Adoption Stories.” We look forward to your participation in this important discussion to strengthen child welfare practices and policies.
What will I learn?
- Key benefits of prioritizing lived experience in child welfare policies and practices
- How the AdoptUSKids Speakers Bureau can help you elevate lived experience within your child welfare agency
- Practical ways to use the video and facilitator guide for “When We Have Each Other: Teen Adoption Stories” to support child welfare professionals, youth, and families.
Learning objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Describe the purpose and goals of the AdoptUSKids Speakers Bureau.
- Identify the roles and backgrounds of current speakers in the program.
- Explore pathways for national and local engagement, including next steps for becoming a speaker and connecting with the speakers bureau for local outreach.
- Apply insights from the current speakers panel to explore how lived experience can inform and strengthen child welfare practice and policy implementation.
- Explore practical ways to use the video and facilitator guide for “When We Have Each Other: Teen Adoption Stories” to support child welfare professionals, youth, and families.
Audience
This webinar is open to child welfare professionals across state, county, tribal, and territorial agencies who support families. Additionally, supervisory and administrative staff at private agencies and nonprofit organizations may find this session valuable.
Presenters
Katie Amelse
National Child Welfare Advisor
AdoptUSKids
Melissa Otero
National Campaign Director
AdoptUSKids