The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by shelter-in-place policies, children attending school virtually, and the changes in family law services that impacted the voices of children and family members, resulting in some not being heard. As we learn from the experiences of the pandemic, it is important to take stock of the circumstances, including remote processes or high conflict cases, that can result in muting the voices of family members. How can professionals ensure that family members have a say in their futures? What are the traps to avoid that result in silencing children? This conference will highlight innovations and best practices in engaging families in resolving their disputes, regardless of context.
Judicial Officer Track:
- A Judicially Managed Team Approach to Intractable Custody Disputes
- Working with Child Custody Evaluations
- What’s a Judge to Do?
- The Pandemic Is Over: Now What?
Session topics include:
- Mediation: Returning to Basics and Reaching for New Challenges
- Transgender Children and Custody Disputes
- Accounting for Safety and Resiliency When Crafting Appropriate Parenting Plans
- Hearing the Voice of the LGBT+ Child
Psychologists, mental health professionals, lawyers, mediators, and others can earn up to 16.5 hours of continuing education. More Information
AFCC strives to offer a wide range of conference sessions highlighting different research, advocacy positions, policies, practices, programs, procedures, and ideas. Some programs may be evidence-based while others may report on works in progress, emerging practices, or policy initiatives. The goal of the conference is to enhance learning while encouraging respectful inquiry, discussion, and debate consistent with AFCC organizational values. AFCC does not necessarily endorse or support the opinions of conference presenters. The AFCC Exhibit Forum includes a variety of vendors promoting services and products. AFCC does not necessarily endorse or warrant vendors’ products, services, or views.
Conference Scholarships
AFCC will offer a limited number of scholarships for the conference. Scholarships include registrations for the conference and one preconference institute, welcome reception, luncheon, access to the AFCC hospitality suite, and a certificate of attendance. The scholarship application is available on the AFCC website, www.afccnet.org. The scholarship application deadline is September 7, 2021. Recipients will be notified in late September. Any registration fees previously paid by a scholarship recipient will be refunded in full.
Exhibit Forum
The Exhibit Forum will be open during conference hours and provides an opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives to discuss your needs and the products and services they offer. If you are interested in an exhibit table or distributing materials to conference attendees, please contact AFCC Communications Coordinator, Gina Wentling, at 608-664-3750 or gwentling@afccnet.org.
Dine Arounds
Friday evening, November 12, 2021, is your opportunity to enjoy the area with friends and colleagues. Sign up before 1:30pm on Friday to join a group of 8-12 for dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurant menus and signup sheets will be available onsite. Participants are responsible for food, beverage, and transportation costs.