Jerry Tello: Director, National Latino Fatherhood and Families Institute, Author, Performer; Sacred Circles Forging New Frontiers: Working with Children and Families in Changing Times

James Bell, J.D., Founder and Executive Director; W. Haywood Burns Institute Ending Disproportionality: Because All Youth Deserve the Opportunity for Change

Studies show that youth with a history of detention are less likely to graduate from high school; are more likely to be unemployed as an adult; and are more likely to be arrested and imprisoned as an adult. Studies also show that youth supervised in alternative settings have lower recidivism rates than incarcerated youth. While it is true that some youth involved in serious or violent crime should be detained for public safety, in many jurisdictions the majority of youth held in detention pre-adjudication are awaiting trial for non-violent offenses, or are being held for violating probation or failing to appear in court. Racial and ethnic disparities are particularly acute within this sub-set of the youth detention population. Mr. Bell will discuss the need to have a youth justice system that is fair and equitable, preserves community safety and enhances community strengths. 

Sharon Draper, Educator and Author of Children's Books The Legacy of Hope and Possibility

Ms. Draper, award-winning author and educator, will present a powerful mixture of instruction, motivation and inspiration.  She will discuss the power of the past, the strength of the present, and the potential of the future for those that rise to the challenge of education and achievement.

Shelby Andress, Adjunct Senior Consultant and Facilitator, Search Institute   Infusing Assets into Your Organization

In this workshop, senior Search Institute consultant Shelby Andress will discuss the 40 Developmental Asses and their impact both on young people and the organizations serving them. Ms. Andress will outline the Search Institute's research into the 40 Assts, and the impact effective Assets implementation has on growth strategies and program outcomes for agencies and organizations working with youth. Ms. Andress will discuss best practices for staff to learn about and intentionally build assets. Finally, this workshop will assist participants in identifying assets built by their own agencies and suggest program reviews and operational tools for optimal asset development.

James Bell, J.D., Founder and Executive Director; W. Haywood Burns Institute Tools for Ending Disproportionality

Basyle "Boz" Tchividjian, JD; Executive Director of GRACE, Assistant Professor of Law, Liberty Univeristy Addressing the Many Spiritual Issues of Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

Spiritual injuries are a significant consequence of child sexual abuse. Feelings such as guilt, anger, grief, despair, doubt, fear of death, and belief that God is unfair are common amongst abuse survivors. Interestingly, studies have also found that many child sexual abuse survivors pray more frequently. Sexual abuse is a significant source of much spiritual confusion and many spiritual questions. Ongoing spiritual confusion and unanswered spiritual questions will undoubtedly contribute to the painful, and sometimes lifelong, damages caused by abuse. Some researchers have found that a victim's "spiritual coping behavior" may play either a positive or negative role in the survivor's ability to cope with the abuse and with life in general.  Informed spiritual assistance will enable survivors to experience a greater resolution of their childhood abuse and a greater dependency upon faith as part of the answer and not part of the problem. Therefore, it is critical that those who are on the frontlines of addressing and combating child sexual abuse be properly prepared to understand and respond to the spiritual consequences of this heinous crime. Through this workshop, the participants will learn why it is critical for those serving youths and families to understand the spiritual issues associated with child sexual abuse. Participants will also be equipped to approach these sensitive spiritual issues in a manner that begins to answer questions and to provide clarity. This workshop will also provide guidance on how to detect participants' limitations and boundaries when addressing spiritual issues associated with abuse. Participants will learn how to assure a child survivor by putting them in contact with individuals or organizations that are best equipped to address certain spiritual issues. Ultimately, this workshop will provide participants with the necessary tools and resources to aid others in authentic recovery from childhood sexual abuse using the critical component of spirituality.

Jerry Tello: Director, National Latino Fatherhood and Families Institute, Author, Performer; Sacred Circles Morthers Raising Healthy Boys

How can I raise my child's IQ? What foods are brain foods? Why is sweating important for brain growth? How is technology re-wiring kids' brains? How can US kids catch up with kids in other countries on those international tests? Dr. Dave Walsh will answer these questions and many others in a workshop based on his newest book, 21st Century Parent: What Brain Science Tells Us about Raising Smart, Healthy Kids. Internationally renowned psychologist, best selling author, and in-demand speaker, Dr. Dave will translate the latest findings from brain science into practical strategies that parents, teachers and anyone concerned about kids can put to use immediately.  Participants attending this workshop will be able to list and explain the three basic principles of brain development, discuss how nutrition affects brain development and function, list the benefits of free play on children's brain development and describe the factors that predict intelligence and school success.