Home - 2026 Global Gathering for the Future of Child Welfare

Child welfare is at a turning point. Around the world, professionals, parents, advocates, researchers, and young people are calling for something bold—a system rooted in well-being, equity, and human connection.

A Global Gathering for the Future of Child Welfare is where that vision takes shape.

This virtual event brings together the brightest minds and the most passionate hearts to imagine—and build—the next era of child and family well-being. Through bold dialogue, skill-building, and co-creation, participants will explore what’s possible when innovation, empathy, and collective courage intersect.

Day 1 is completely comprised of Skill Building Institutes—immersive learning experiences that equip changemakers with the frameworks, tools, and confidence to act. Days 2 and 3 make up The Global Gathering—an inspiring convergence of ideas, practices, and stories that point toward a shared, re-designed future for children, families and communities worldwide.

This isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement. A place where people say, 'I can see the future here—and I want to be part of it.'

Shape the Future, Together: Gather global changemakers to envision what’s next for child welfare—systems that are restorative, equitable, and centered on human connection.

Bridge Innovation and Humanity: Merge technology, research, and community wisdom to create solutions that are as compassionate as they are forward-thinking.

Elevate Lived Experience as Expertise: Position those with lived experience as architects of the future, ensuring that transformation is grounded in authenticity and truth.

Build Courageous Competence: Equip participants with practical, future-ready skills—systems innovation, trauma-informed leadership—that empower immediate action.

Spark Global Collaboration: Connect leaders, learners, and visionaries from across the world to exchange models, challenge assumptions, and accelerate collective impact.

Cultivate Spaces for Radical Imagination: Foster environments where creativity, reflection, and innovation meet—because imagining new futures requires brave, open space.

Wherever you live, work, or lead—your perspective fuels global learning. As part of this Gathering, you bring insight, innovation, and possibility that ripple far beyond borders. Together, we’re building an international network of changemakers transforming how we think, care, and act with children, families and communities.

Those with Lived Experience: Parents, youth, kinship caregivers, and families—your stories light the path toward systems that listen, respect, and respond with humanity. You are the heart of this movement.
Child Welfare Practitioners, Supervisors, and Administrators: You make decisions that shape lives. You bridge policy and practice, vision and reality. Your courage to question, adapt, and innovate helps redefine compassionate, effective transformational efforts.
Parent, Family and Youth Advocates: You turn empathy into advocacy. By walking alongside families and young people, you model partnership and possibility, showing that real change grows from trust and mutual respect.
Tribal Leaders and Cultural Advisors: You are keepers of wisdom, language, and tradition. Your leadership ensures that the future of child welfare honors sovereignty, culture, and collective healing.
Legal and Judicial Professionals: Judges, attorneys, and court partners—you shape justice that is not only fair but restorative. Your leadership ensures that accountability and compassion coexist.
Health, Mental Health, and Education Partners: You see what families need long before systems do. Your compassion and collaboration redefine what safety and well-being mean across generations.
Researchers, Academics, and Evaluators: You translate data into direction. Your insights help systems understand what works—and what must evolve—so that knowledge and empathy move together.
Community Builders and Prevention Leaders: You are the front line of hope. Your efforts keep families strong before crises emerge, proving that prevention is the foundation of real safety.
Policymakers and Innovators: Your vision turns values into action. By testing new ideas and advancing equitable policy, you help build a future where systems serve families, not the other way around.
Students and Emerging Professionals: You are the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and healers. Your curiosity, courage, and commitment carry this movement forward.