Developing Thriving Futures: Highlights from the first Child and Family Services conference
This year marked the first ever Child and Family Services conference, bringing together child and family professionals from across the region on June 9, 2026, at the Mayo Civic Center. Designed as a full day of learning, connection, and wellness, the event centered on the theme Developing Thriving Futures—and focused on advancing trauma informed practice, strengthening family systems, and supporting the well-being of both practitioners and the communities they serve.
Opening and keynote
The day began with a welcome from Olmsted County Child and Family Services (CFS) Director Gil Domally. Keynote speaker Rebecca Jones Gaston spoke about the critical role that connection and community play in helping children and families thrive. She emphasized that “belonging is most necessary when uncertainty is at its highest” and noted that there has “never been a more important time to start talking about belonging.”
Learning and practice sessions
Attendees chose from many sessions on topics such as:
- Working safely with families experiencing domestic violence
- Understanding and applying social work ethics
- Supporting children affected by addiction
- Adoption and permanency decision making
- Spotting early signs of child abuse
- Challenges faced by kinship caregivers
- Rochester’s Black community history and strengths
- Recognizing and responding to complex trauma
- Suicide prevention skills
- Helping children with a caregiver in jail or prison
- Using lived experience to guide system change
A day of connection and renewal
The conference offered learning, reflection, and practical tools for supporting children and families. The event was supported by Experience Rochester.
“The variety of topics offered in the breakout sessions was great,” said Olmsted County Mental Health Professional Katrina Musech. “It was nice to have a conference for all of us at CFS, regardless of our position or department. It was also wonderful to see other professionals from the community attend.”
“It was an incredible day of learning and connection,” noted Olmsted County Development Specialist Mary Eichten. “Staff from all areas of Child and Family Services, along with colleagues from across Olmsted County and our amazing community partners, came together to focus on the important work we’re privileged to do in supporting our community.”
“Such an excellent conference. I loved the variety of class options and the opportunity to dive into topics that matter,” said Senior Court Social Worker Sheri Webster.
With dozens of presenters, diverse session offerings, and intentional space for self-care, the 2026 Child and Family Services Conference provided a meaningful opportunity for professionals to deepen their skills and renew their commitment to serving children and families.