Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Renaissance Columbus Westerville Polaris
409 Altair Parkway Westerville, OH 43082
We’re excited to announce a new chapter in our event programming, the launch of the 2025 Symposium.
This year, in place of our traditional Fall Conference, we’re turning our focus to a timely and essential theme—Enhancing Our System of Care: Addressing Key Issues in Children's Services.
Please Note: No Exhibitor Opportunities for the Symposium. Click to learn more.
Admission Costs (Deadline to register is September 29)
Enhancing Our System of Care:
Addressing Key Issues in Children's Services
General Admission: $300
Alliance *Member Admission: $250
*If you select the Alliance Member Admission, you will be required to enter the agency name. View Ohio Children's Alliance Member Agency Directory
Government Admission: $275
Who Should Attend?
This event is for decision-makers, system advocates, and professionals committed to improving outcomes for children and families. The Symposium brings together those working to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful system change.
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Decision-makers shaping strategy, policy, and funding
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System advocates working to influence and improve services
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Children’s system professionals delivering care and support
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Nonprofit leaders driving programs and innovation
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System-change advocates advancing equity and reform
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System challengers questioning the status quo
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Frustrated reformers seeking real, lasting solutions through collaboration and action
Be part of a powerful network of leaders, innovators, and reformers across child welfare, behavioral health, and youth services—united in driving collaboration and lasting change for Ohio’s children and families.
Presenting Sponsor
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Leadership Sponsor
Contributing Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
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Keynotes - Voices of Impact
The Power of Three: Building Enduring Partnerships with Clients, Funders, and Staff
Overview: The future of child- and family-serving agencies depends on their ability to build and sustain three essential partnerships: with clients, with funders, and—most critically—with staff. Drawing on national research and hundreds of interviews with direct care professionals, this session will explore how aligning an agency’s mission, strategy, and culture can foster authentic staff engagement and retention.
Participants will examine the key drivers of job satisfaction—including onboarding, supervision, team-building, and appreciation—and learn how to minimize common dissatisfiers such as burnout, unrealistic expectations, and lack of communication. This session offers a practical roadmap for leaders committed to creating a workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay.
Closing Keynote Presentation
Lisette Burton, J.D.
Chief Policy & Practice Advisor, Association of Children's Residential & Community Services (ACRC)
Navigating Federal Policy Crossroads: Opportunities and Threats for Child & Family Service Providers
Join Lisette Burton, Chief Policy & Practice Advisor at the Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services, for a timely and strategic briefing on the evolving federal public policy landscape impacting child and family service providers. This session will explore key developments in Medicaid, liability insurance, foster care, and children’s mental health, highlighting both emerging threats and actionable opportunities. Attendees will gain insight into how shifting federal priorities and funding dynamics may affect service delivery, compliance, and sustainability. With a focus on practical implications and strategic foresight, Lisette will equip leaders with the knowledge needed to advocate effectively and adapt confidently in a changing policy environment.
