The CWLA National Conference starts this week. The opening takes place on Thursday, April 26, but there will be a preview event for state advocates and CWLA members going to Capitol Hill on Wednesday afternoon, April 25, the National Advocacy Leaders Convening.
The Wednesday session includes a discussion with Associate Commissioner of the Children’s Bureau Jerry Milner, with key Capitol Hill staff, remarks by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and discussions between CWLA members on their Hill Day activities slated for Thursday afternoon. That discussion will focus on the overall CWLA 2018 legislative agenda and supporting materials on the reauthorization of the JJDPA, preservation of SSBG, preserving the ACA and Medicaid, the dangers of block grants, but the main talking points for Capitol Hill will focus on greater funding through the Title IV-B programs to help implement the Family First Act, greater funding and focus on the prevention of child abuse and protection for DACA-covered Dreamers.
The legislative chapters also discuss past entitlements to block grants and the next steps in child welfare funding.
Thursday’s plenary session will also include remarks from New York City, Administration for Children’s Services, Commissioner David Hansell and Congressperson Karen Bass (D-CA). The Thursday afternoon and Friday and Saturday and Sunday will include a number of training institutes on issues ranging from accreditation, teen suicide to preventing child abuse and several more.
