2016 Florida Guardian ad Litem Disabilities Conference Survey Results

“Best child welfare conference EVER “Best child welfare conference EVER. It keeps getting better and it was already great.” “I love this conference because it is located in a great place, it is well organized, you get very knowledgeable speakers, and the materials are very helpful to my practice as a legal aid attorney who represents children.”

Workshop Topic Selection

Topic Selection for 2016 Conference To select our conference workshop topics we surveyed Attendees of the 2015 Conference Child Welfare Professionals from agencies across the state including Florida’s Children’s First – Training Consortium, Department of Children and Families, professors, independent attorneys and others involved in child welfare and disability law Attorneys for Children with Special Needs statute

2016 Florida GAL Disabilities Training Conference Survey Results

Survey - Overall Conference The workshop topics presented were useful in my legal practice for dependent children with disabilities. Agree 67.48% Somewhat Agree 14.83% Disagree 1.63% N/A 16.26% I was able to connect and network with peers from other agencies. Agree 79.67% Somewhat Agree 17.89% Disagree 2.44%

Survey - Overall Conference 98.38 % said they would recommend this conference to other child welfare profession

Survey Results Workshops - Comments

Survey Results: Workshop - Likes The (Spring Awakening) actors helped me understand the importance of the deaf and ASL culture - really amazing and so helpful! I loved the interactive presentations The whole presentation was engaging and of interest to me – Keynote Jonathan Martinis There were so many great courses it was tough to choose among them

Survey Results: Workshops – Likes Wide Variety of Topics Having Workshops Recorded and put on the GAL Website for CLE credits The Mobile App – Online materials The presenters were very knowledgeable and well prepared. They provided interesting examples and tips.

Survey Results: Workshops Room for Improvement Action Item for 2017 Conference I would have more agency speakers I personally prefer that no lecture be more than one hour without a break Presenters need to understand AV equipment GAL will reach out to ensure more agencies are workshop presenters GAL will consider one hour workshops GAL will provide IT training at the all presenter call

Survey Results Facilities; Presentations; Organization; Other

Survey Results: Facilities; Presentations; Organization; Other The conference was very informative, location and accommodations were superb, the presenters were professional and approachable and I look forward to next year. The venue was beautiful. Both accommodations and staff were excellent Please print schedule on back of lanyard Wonderful job again!

Survey Results: Facilities Room for Improvement Action Item for 2017 Conference I would change the timing of the conference. It is much better to start earlier on Thurs., or perhaps on Wed., and finish earlier on Fri. During Passover Drink station at all sessions, not just at lunch breaks. Conference in 2017 will be May 4-5. We will look at start and end times (considering each presentation may be changed to one hour) 2017 Not During Passover GAL will review costs for breakfast options and drink stations for 2017 conference

Special Mention of Excellence Presenters or Workshops that were singled out as excellent by those surveyed

Special Mention of Excellence It Takes a Network Jonathan Martinis – Keynote Speaker ADA Matthew Dietz More than Just a Bed GAL Program , Legal Aid of the OCBA Spring Awakening - Keynote Deaf West Theatre Drugging Our Kids: the Brain is Boss Wings of Shelter Int’l.

“I enjoyed the conference and was able to speak with other individuals and create new professional contacts.”

What Attendees Would like to See in the Future Survey Results

Survey Results Future Conference Olmstead and the Child Welfare system After Regis Little - more on applying for SS benefits for children - the mechanics. Having foster youth who have experienced these issues are more impactful than any other tool used to deliver a message. I would love to hear from foster youth who have had these issues Information on how to collaborate with non-profit organizations and businesses in the community for resources and mentors for the children in care. With budget cuts and limited resources we really need to know how to create a village to help our kids. Special Education, Medicaid, Trauma Informed Care, Transition Planning, and Social Security.

2017 Guardian ad Litem Disabilities Training Conference Planning for 2017 Conference

Planning for 2017 Conference Making the Impossible Possible May 4-5, 2017 Higher Level Workshops Be sure to tell attendees if the workshop is beginner intermediate or advanced Shorter workshops – one hour Water and coffee available throughout the day. AV training during presenter call Work on surveys for each workshop – more input equals better results. Keep dedicated Mobile App/IT and Travel Desk

Eagle Award 2012, Award Winner 2013, 2014, 2015 Prudential - Davis Productivity Awards Public–Private Partnership Organization of the Year 2013 Miami Dade Minority Chamber Angels in Adoption Award 2012 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

elizabeth.damski@gal.fl.gov