SPOKANE, Wash. The conference, “From Hurt to Hope: Discovering Universal Approaches to Strengthening Supportive Learning Environments and Resilience,” scheduled for April 22 and 23 at the Spokane Convention Center is already sold out. This conference coincides with the “Our Kids Our Business” luncheon scheduled the following day, April 24. Both the conference and luncheon feature Dr. Robert Anda expert on adverse childhood experiences.
“Registrations for the Hurt to Hope conference have exceeded all expectations and the conference went beyond capacity a month out from the event. We sincerely regret we are unable accept registrations at this time,” said Roy Harrington, associate director of the Area Health Education Center of Eastern Washington, Washington State University Extension.
The Spokane County Community Network, WSU Extension and multiple local and state partners teamed together to offer the conference. The evening session, “Discovering Ways to Work with Young Children Through a Trauma Sensitive Lens Focusing on Early Childhood,” is still accepting registrations.
This session, scheduled 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 22, is geared towards early learning and childcare providers. The session is open to the general public and the information is valuable to anyone working with a child who could be affected by complex trauma. It will be held in the Phase I Auditorium on the Riverpoint Campus, 668 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane.
Tuesday evening attendees will find out what trauma looks like in young children, discover the importance of resilience and a strong social and emotional foundation, and learn about available resources for working with children who have experienced trauma. The free session is worth 2 STARS hours.
Harrington said organizers anticipate significant activity within the Spokane community and in the state over the next several months related to conference topics. Those interested in being informed about those activities, can e e-mail their name, organization, telephone and e-mail contact information to ahec@wsu.edu and reference this conference.
Harrington said that the community and economic impact of complex trauma in children and families is high. “Conservative costs associated with the problem of complex trauma are estimated at $103 billion per year,” he said. “Research shows that more than one-third of families in Spokane experience family violence, and past studies tell us that children who experience family violence are four times as likely to become offenders,” he said.
“This conference has immediate relevance to early learning, K-12, juvenile justice, health care, child protection, substance abuse communities and citizens concerned about protecting children,” said Harrington who consults with the Spokane County Community Network.
Keynote speakers at the conference include:
– Dr. Robert F. Anda of the Centers for Disease Control and co-author of the longitudinal adverse childhood experiences study. Anda will present his work on the social, behavioral, learning and health outcomes and costs associated with complex trauma.
– Susan Cole, author of “Helping Traumatized Children Learn,” will present work underway in the state of Massachusetts about creating trauma sensitive schools.
– Dr. Ray Wolpow, from the Woodring School of Education at Western Washington University. Wolpow will discuss his work on resiliency in children and with Holocaust survivors.
Registration is closed at this time, but the conference brochure is available online at www.ahec.spokane.wsu.edu, or for more information call 509-358-7636 or e-mail teagueg@wsu.edu.
To attend the evening session, register with Teague Griffith at teagueg@wsu.edu or 509-358-7605.
In the e-mail include your name, title, organization/family child care center name and your STARS number.
The deadline to register is Tuesday, April 15.
The conference is sponsored by Spokane County Community Network, YFA Connections, Born Learning of NE Washington, Children’s Home Society of Washington, Eastern Washington University School of Social Work, Foundation for Early Learning, Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council, Mental Health Transformation Grant in Partnership with the State Office of Public Instruction, Safe Schools Healthy Students Grant partnership, Spokane County Juvenile Court, Spokane Regional Health District, Thrive by Five, WSU Extension and Washington State University.
