The PCWC is a unique tri-provincial and northern, multi-sector and cross-cultural child welfare network in Canada. Partners include the prairie based social work programs, provincial ministries, and community agencies. Our goal is to build capacity, at the different levels of all systems that support children, families, and communities in the Prairie Provinces, while ensuring respect for needs for engagement of First Nations and Métis Communities in the delivery of child welfare services. The PCWC works to influence, advocate, and change education, training, research, policy and practice/service delivery through collaboration, innovation and partnering.
The conference will be comprised of presentations showcasing research and reports from child welfare contributors across Canada about changes that are occurring in specific areas or transformations that are envisioned for the system.
Conference objectives:
- To facilitate knowledge exchange and showcase innovations/best practices within the fields of child welfare and field education training across disciplinary and jurisdictional boundaries.
- To promote cross-sectorial collaboration among child welfare service providers and scholarly researchers and promote human resource development within child and family serving organizations.
- To recommend guidelines, tools and best practices that can serve as a model of child welfare practice and a framework for research engagement.
- Strengthen communication and interface with social work practitioners, government agencies, industry, and other collaborators.
As with past PCWC conferences, a goal is to promote a sense of connectedness and appreciation for the opportunity to come together in a shared commitment to the well-being of children and families. Learning about the important work being done in child welfare can help to mobilize participants. The diversity of presenters and participants will provide multiple perspectives and opportunities for inclusive dialogue. Overall, the conference program should inspire and energize participants into action, taking the knowledge and experience gained from this symposium onward as we move forward in transforming child welfare.
