Community Engagement Series

The Community Engagement Series is a signature initiative of the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families through education, collaboration, and community building. This comprehensive program 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 wellbeing.

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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.

 

Past Events

 

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 LCCWEAR 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 LCCWEAR 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.

• WKU College of Health and Human Services
• WKU Department of Social Work
• WKU Department of Social Work Continuing Education Program

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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