How can we each contribute to raising children who thrive, despite adversity? We in the child welfare community work to improve the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families in our care, but all too often it is an unfortunate truism that children in child welfare experience long-lasting trauma, either from their parents or from a system that has a “one size fits all” approach. Children who age-out of care often have little to no supportive networks available to them. These challenges have been amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, with added stressors on children, caregivers, and families. Despite this, there are children who not only survive traumatic experiences, but thrive. What can we learn from these children that we can then share? How do we prepare children who “age-out” of the child welfare system, and better equip them for independence? We can positively impact the child welfare system, making it more responsive and compassionate to all children. This speaker panel will examine possibilities and solutions.
Panel Discussion:
Cindy W. Christian, MD
Anthony A. Latini Endowed Chair in
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Elizabeth Smart
Child Safety Activist
Jon Rubin
Deputy Secretary
PA Dept. of Human Services
Office of Children, Youth and Families
Waleska Maldonado
Chief of Prevention
City of Philadelphia
Office of Children and Families
