Red Deer is set to host its second annual transforming practices conference.
The conference, entitled Transforming Practices: Breaking Silence, Building Safety is a two-day conference co-hosted by the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and Red Deer Polytechnic.
The conference focuses on data regarding child abuse and education for and from front-line workers.
The conference also coincides with The CLIMB, an annual girl’s youth conference led by the CACAC and its Climbing Tree Mentorship Program. Between The CLIMB, Transforming Practices, and the optional full-day training, this year’s event boasts four full days of youth- and/or professional- development.
This year’s keynote speakers include national best-selling author, and host of the popular podcast Everyone Comes From Somewhere Dr. Jody Carrington, Dr. Michael Ungar, Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience.
New this year is an optional training credential developed by Heidi Olson, Founder and President of Paradigm Shift Training and Consulting, and creator of the Exploitation ID System.
“As partners dedicated to fostering resilience and supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, we are thrilled to bring together professionals from various sectors including first responders, health care workers, academics, teachers, support workers, and beyond,” Mark Jones, CEO of CACAC.
“We invite you to join us in a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of our communities. Together, we stand at the forefront of a transformative movement, one that prioritizes empathy, understanding, and proactive intervention. By joining forces, we have the power to make a profound impact, not only in the lives of individuals facing adversity but in shaping a more compassionate and resilient society as a whole.”
RDP Vice President, Development and Partnerships Patrick Machacek said the conference provides unique opportunities to foster growth and development in the field of youth and family support.
“This collaborative conference is a wonderful example of how together we can support youth and families in our province, while also providing meaningful learning opportunities for the community,” he said.