Community Engagement Initiatives

The Community Engagement Initiative is a signature program of the Center for Child Welfare dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families through education, collaboration, and community building. The Community Engagement Initiative offers a range of free events and trainings that bring together students, professionals, community leaders, and families to explore critical issues, share expertise, and develop practical solutions in child welfare. Through four distinct components - the annual Child Welfare Expo, Unity in Action events, the Prevention Pathways initiative, and the Applied Learning Series - the program creates meaningful opportunities for learning, networking, and collective action in support of child and family well-being.

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Applied Learning Series (ALS)

The Applied Learning Series provides free, high-quality trainings on specific topics related to child and family wellbeing, making essential knowledge accessible to anyone interested in making a difference in their community such as undergraduate and graduate students, university faculty and staff, primary and secondary educators, healthcare professionals, civic and faith leaders, and community members. Each workshop focuses on practical, evidence-based approaches that participants can immediately apply in their personal and professional roles, fostering a more informed and effective network of child advocates across diverse sectors of the community.

• Essential Aspects of Child Welfare: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the child welfare system, including its structure, processes, and how it functions to support children and families. This session is sponsored by the Barren River Area Health Department.
  • This session is sponsored bt the Barren River Area Health Department
• Child Sexual Abuse: What to Know and What to do: Participants will learn about key issues, strategies for prevention, and ways to support survivors.
• Leadership for Professional Excellence: Participants will learn to identify their leadership strengths and begin building a personal leadership style.

Location: Bob Kirby Library - 175 Iron Skillet Court Bowling Green, KY 42104

Date:  10/14/26

 

Time	Session	Registration
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM	Essential Aspects of Child Welfare Ashley Barnes, LCSW	Register
10:30 AM to 10:45 AM	Break
10:45 AM to 12:45 PM	Child Sexual Abuse: What to know and What to do Heather Webb, LCSW	Register
12:45 PM to 1:45 PM	Lunch Break - on your own
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM	Leadership for Professional Excellence Dr. Shannon Sales	Register

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Unity in Action

Unity in Action is an annual interactive event that brings together diverse voices to examine critical issues affecting child welfare in our communities. Each year, the event focuses on a specific topic where expert speakers and panelists join with educators, human service and health providers, students and faculty, community members, and families to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Past events have explored vital topics such as child welfare in immigrant communities and recruiting and maintaining foster homes in the child welfare system.

 

Child Welfare Expo

The Child Welfare Expo is an annual celebratory event dedicated to recognizing and honoring the child welfare professionals and community providers who support Kentucky's child welfare system, as well as students preparing for careers in this vital field. Since its inception in 2020, this festive gathering has brought together the child welfare community and has included a dynamic job fair, inspiring guest speakers, and the presentation of the prestigious CCW Annual Child Welfare Awards. More than just an event, the Expo serves as a true celebration of the hard work, dedication, and unwavering focus of the many individuals working diligently to improve child welfare throughout Kentucky, fostering both professional connections and a renewed sense of purpose in this essential work. Please save the date for the 2026 Child Welfare Expo on April 2nd, which will serve as an inspiring launch to Child Abuse Prevention Month.

 

Prevention Pathways

The Prevention Pathways initiative uniquely supports the development of child welfare professionals in Kentucky, such as employees of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. As a part of this collaborative initiative, trainings are created and facilitated by CCW professionals based on an expressed need. Prior engagements have focused on the development of trauma-informed systems and the identification and mitigation of work-related stress in child welfare.

Past Events

• WKU College of Health and Human Services
• WKU Department of Social Work
• WKU Department of Social Work Continuing Education Program
• WKU Department of Social Work Continuing Education Program
• WKU Counseling and Student Affairs Workshops

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For more information, contact Whitney Cassity-Caywood at whitney.cassitycaywood@wku.edu

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For assistance with registration:

cpd@wku.edu | 270-745-1912

 

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