Family Focused Treatment Association - FFTA

11/21/2025

The FFTA 2026 Annual Conference will take place July 7 - July 10, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Together, we will keep building solutions, sharing stories, and fueling change! We invite our extensive and diverse network of members and partners to join us and submit a proposal to present. Proposals are due December 19, 2025. Learn more about the event and our 7 Areas of Focus with which we are seeking proposals at: https://www.ffta.org/fullcall2025. One of our 8 Areas of Focus with which we are seeking proposals for is Workplace WELLNESS: Supporting and preparing our workforce is essential for the critical work of helping families.

Some examples include, but are not limited to:
✅ Creating an Organizational Culture of Caring
✅ Trauma-Informed Supervision Strategies
✅ Designing Employee Friendly Benefits
✅ Healthier Communities Start with Healthier Employees
✅ Coaching and Supporting Teams
✅ Virtual Supervision Best Practices
✅ Managing Through Turnover
✅ Career Development
✅ Developing Mental Health Supports for Employees
✅ Mind-Body Approaches to Mental Health and Stress Management

Learn more here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ffta.org/resource/resmgr/FFTA2026_CFP.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawOLBtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5TkE3Y1ZLUnl0cVp2ckwwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiuHGzLlCtAow05iwqji3DB-doVQJOlEhvbfXrkCVF738htwEx_Zf8SEqqQw_aem__D3pI6NGL7kZotH7TlbgQA.

11/20/2025

Learn tips from one of our esteemed Corporate Sponsors,
Accreditation Guru, Inc., on how a human service organization may approach the costs associated with becoming nationally accredited: https://accreditationguru.com/blog/get-accredited-without-breaking-the-bank.

And schedule your free consultation here: https://accreditationguru.com/get-started!

Human service organizations play a crucial role in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, and it is essential that they are well-managed and effective in their operations. One way that organizations can demonstrate their commitment to quality is by becoming nationally accredited. However, the

11/19/2025

For four decades, the FFTA Annual Conference has brought leaders, practitioners, and partners together to leverage shared knowledge and showcase proven solutions that advance the well-being of children, families, and communities. Submit a proposal to present at the FFTA 2026 Annual Conference this July in Chicago. Proposals are due December 19, 2025. One of our 8 Areas of Focus with which we are seeking proposals for is SUPPORTING FAMILIES Within Their COMMUNITIES: Children and families thrive when they’re connected to strong supportive communities with accessible mental health services and other vital resources.

Some examples include, but are not limited to:
✅ Early Childhood and Home Visitation Services
✅ Resource-Biological Family Partnerships
✅ Kin-First Focused Supports and Services
✅ Family Preservation and In-home Support Services
✅ Community Building Strategies to Prevent the Need for Formal Child Welfare Services
✅ Community-Based Family-Centered Mental Health Services
✅ Community-Based Targeted Resource Family Recruitment
✅ Community-Based Crisis Support Services

Learn more here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ffta.org/resource/resmgr/FFTA2026_CFP.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawOLBtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5TkE3Y1ZLUnl0cVp2ckwwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiuHGzLlCtAow05iwqji3DB-doVQJOlEhvbfXrkCVF738htwEx_Zf8SEqqQw_aem__D3pI6NGL7kZotH7TlbgQA .

11/18/2025

Join for our third and final virtual in our AI in Family Services series featuring Taylor Barkley from Abundance Institute and Child Welfare Expert & Consultant, Danielle Nabinger.

What’s Next? A National Landscape Review and Considerations for the Future: a big-picture conversation about where AI is headed in family services, including the opportunities and challenges professionals should keep in mind.

FFTA Member, Individual Webinar: $39
Nonmember, Individual Webinar: $59
https://www.ffta.org/event/AISeries

**This webinar is approved for 1.5 ACE Continuing Education Credits.

11/17/2025

Our Call for Proposals is now open for our FFTA 2026 Annual Conference in Chicago July 7 - 10, 2026, and proposals are due December 19, 2025. One of our 8 Areas of Focus with which we are seeking proposals for is LEADING for TODAY & TOMORROW: Supporting family-serving organizations through the immense challenges of recent years, while also offering hope, connections, and strategies to lead the positive change!

Some examples include, but are not limited to:
✅ New/Emerging Funding Trends
✅ Fostering an Equitable Organizational Culture
✅ Building a More Representative and Equitable Leadership Team
✅ Emerging Critical Issues for Sector Leaders
✅ Navigating Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
✅ Strategic Planning
✅ Liability Insurance and Risk Management
✅ Creating Space and Resources for Innovation
✅ Emerging Digital Strategies to Meet Business Needs
✅ Board Recruitment, Development, Engagement and Effectiveness
✅Developing Organizational Capacity to Support the Mental Health of
Employees and the Broader Community

Learn more here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ffta.org/resource/resmgr/FFTA2026_CFP.pdf.

11/14/2025

On November 13, 2025, Treva Johnson, FFTA’s Director of Public Policy, joined the First Lady and leaders from across the country at the White House for the signing of the Executive Order on Fostering the Future. This moment brings important national attention to the needs of young people with lived experience in foster care, and FFTA welcomes every opportunity to join with partners who are elevating these issues and driving national solutions for youth in foster care.

FFTA's full statement in comments. ⬇️

11/13/2025

Join for the upcoming virtual , Family at the Table: Kinship Search and Engagement. Members check your inbox for more information and to register!

Be part of an engaging and practical training designed to strengthen your knowledge and skills in supporting kinship care. Participants will explore the unique strengths and benefits of kinship placements for children and families, learn effective strategies for identifying, locating, and engaging kinship caregivers, and deepen their understanding of key permanency options. The training also highlights tools and resources that keep kinship families actively involved in planning and decision-making.

Learning Objectives:
1) Participants will be able to describe at least three effective strategies for identifying, locating, and engaging kinship caregivers.
2) Participants will be able to explain the differences between at least three types of permanency options for youth in kinship care
3) Participants will be able to name at least three strategies or resources that help keep kinship families engaged and actively involved in planning and decision-making processes.

Cost: Free for FFTA Members and $49 for Nonmembers

11/12/2025

Mark your calendars, and plan to join us for the FFTA 2026 Annual Conference Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Together, we will keep building solutions, sharing stories, and fueling change!

And because your voice, expertise, and experience make a difference every day, we invite you to submit a proposal to present and share your knowledge, skills, and learnings with others: https://whova.com/call_for_speakers/M6TbLrwqmfE4LcMhaSq6gq2ZxgAqUSi7H7l-5CLbGRyhjCErulmzlnxuKhU2JMRz/!

You, your colleagues and your organizations are doing remarkable work for families and others across the FFTA Community. We would love to hear about it and learn from you. It will be more than just presenting, but an opportunity to connect with a national audience, collaborate with peers, and help build a stronger, more informed network of professionals committed to uplifting and positively transforming the communities we serve. Learn more about the conference Call for Proposals here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ffta.org/resource/resmgr/FFTA2026_CFP.pdf.

The deadline for submission is December 19th!

11/06/2025

One of our proud FFTA partners and esteemed Corporate Sponsors wants you to know: In today's insurance market, securing coverage for organizations in foster care can feel impossible. That's when The Miller Group's experience and specialization make the difference.

When nonprofits face insurance challenges, The Miller Group steps up, offering:
- A deep understanding of nonprofit insurance landscapes
- A proven track record securing coverage when others can't
- An expert team dedicated to working with only nonprofit clients
- Annual strategic reviews to keep you protected and goals aligned

Insurance should be the last thing keeping you up at night - Connect with The Miller Group at https://millercares.com/insurance-for-nonprofits/.

Nonprofits Insurance for Nonprofit Organizations Securing insurance at a reasonable rate is more challenging than ever for nonprofit organizations. You

11/05/2025

Last week, the FFTA Team and our incredible Board of Directors traveled to Kansas City, Missouri for thoughtful discussions grounded in purpose, passion, and the power of community. The FFTA Board leads with vision, amplifies our mission, and positively moves FFTA forward. We thank them for not only their dedication to FFTA but the impact they make each day in their own organizations.

We also enjoyed connecting with and hearing from our amazing local member organizations, learning about the inspiring ways they are strengthening children, families, and communities throughout Missouri and beyond. Thank you:
🌟 Theo Bunch, Director, Build Trybe (a proud program of Cornerstones of Care)
🌟 Alivia Nunez, Building Trades Lead Instructor, Build Trybe
🌟 Matt Watkins, Conservation Landscape Manager, Build Trybe
🌟Rob Whitten, Chief Executive Officer, Children's Services Fund of Jackson County
🌟Jane Mosley, Director of Impact, Children's Services Fund of Jackson County
🌟 Tamara Moore KVC Health Systems Missouri, Chapter Chair for Missouri State Chapter
🌟 Brittany Brooks FosterAdopt Connect, Vice-Chair for FFTA Missouri State Chapter
🌟 Renae Nash Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, Secretary for FFTA Missouri State Chapter
🌟 Liz Ross, Director of Philanthropy, FosterAdopt Connect
🌟Mary Chant, CEO, Missouri Coalition for Children (MCC)
🌟 Denise Cross, Chief Strategic Officer, Missouri Coalition for Children (MCC)

And of course we wrapped up our time together on a sweet note with ice cream from High Hopes Ice Cream because spending time with our Board and member organizations are always worth celebrating! 🍨🎉

11/03/2025

Let the 24 hour countdown begin until we're at the Missouri Coalition for Children (MCC) annual conference and training, which brings together child-, family- and community-serving professionals and organizational leaders who are eager to learn about promising and best practices in direct care, advocacy, leadership and community change. This year's theme is "The Power of Us: Building Futures Through Collaboration and Care," and we can't wait!

There are three ways we'd love to , , and be in with you:
💙 Stop by FFTA Exhibit Booth #7 for some engaging activities, meaningful connections, and a prize drawing you won’t want to miss with Leslie White.
💙Join our session, D4. Supporting Kinship Caregivers Through Licensure & Therapeutic Intervention, to gain new perspectives and actionable takeaways with Erica Burgess.
💙Meet our FFTA Missouri State Chapter at Exhibit Booth #9 and through the FFTA + MCC Hospitality space from 5PM - 6:30PM in the Vienna Room. Hors d’oeuvres will be available.

See you soon!

10/31/2025

Join for our second virtual in our AI in Family Services series featuring Taylor Barkley from Abundance Institute and Child Welfare Expert & Consultant, Danielle Nabinger.

The conversation will examine the results of a pilot program in Georgia’s child welfare population using GOMO’s innovative AI engagement platform. We will also place this project within a national landscape, to understand how similar tools are being used in family preservation, family services, mental health and health care and addiction treatment. Groundbreaking programs have already enhanced client engagement and retention, minimized placement disruptions and improved outcomes while creating cost savings across the board. Join our panel of experts for a discussion on innovative approaches to leveraging technology to help children and families stay together, whether birth, foster or adoptive families, and receive services they need across a range of systems with an emphasis on greater effectiveness.

FFTA Member, Individual Webinar: $39
Nonmember, Individual Webinar: $59
https://www.ffta.org/event/AISeries

**This webinar is approved for 1.5 ACE Continuing Education Credits.