Request for Workshop Proposals

Reducing the Number of Children in Foster Care

• Sample topics might include targeted permanency strategies for older youth; reducing barriers to reunification; access to services; substance use disorder; trafficking; poverty; or any of the following issue groups: (1) older youth, (2) families, (3) children 0-3, (4) children with special needs, (5) crossover/dual jacketed cases, (6) children with incarcerated parents, (7) LGBTQ+ youth.

Strengthening and Supporting Families

• Sample topics might include family preservation and kinship care; effects of separation on children and families; preventing entry into the child welfare system and/or quickly moving children out of the system.

Increasing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Network

• Sample topics might include disproportionality; volunteer recruitment and retention; the role of poverty in the lives of families and children we serve; disparity of outcomes for children and families of color; and the long-term impacts of systems’ involvement.

Building Operational Excellence

• Operational excellence means ensuring each CASA/GAL program has the information, tools, structure and training necessary to align with the National CASA/GAL program standards to guide operations and lead the development of highly effective programs. Sample workshops might include marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, research, evaluation and measurement, volunteer recruitment and retention and other program development opportunities.

If selected, the conference workshop presenter will receive complimentary conference registration. Presenters must pay for their travel and hotel accommodations. National CASA/GAL will have a block of hotel rooms available at a negotiated rate for all conference attendees.

Workshops are 90 minutes (about one and a half hours) in length, including time for Q&A. Sessions should be developed with a national audience in mind and provide an intermediate or advanced understanding of the topic. Presentations should be applicable across the spectrum of programs (state, urban, suburban, rural and tribal). Practical tools and resources should also be included as part of the workshop to support advocacy and program development.

Proposals may be submitted as a complete workshop or depending on the volume and types of proposals, we may elect to combine two or more workshops into a group panel discussion format.

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to workshop thematic topic areas (Reducing the Number of Children in Foster Care, Strengthening and Supporting Families, Increasing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Network and Building Operational Excellence)
• Inclusion of meaningful and relevant learning objectives. Developing Meaningful Learning Objectives
• Target learners with intermediate and advanced knowledge
• Encourage active learning (case study exercises, role-playing, group discussion, facilitated brainstorming, action plans, quizzes, etc.) Tips for Incorporating Active Learning
• Practical application of the material
• Are relevant and timely
• Present appealing and interesting content
• Incorporate practice aids and materials that can be used by participants in their everyday work
• Presenter qualifications