1. 2016 Florida Guardian ad Litem Disabilities Conference
Survey Results

2. “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.”

3. Workshop Topic Selection

4. 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

5. 2016 Florida GAL Disabilities Training Conference Survey Results

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

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

8. Survey Results
Workshops - Comments

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Survey Results
Facilities; Presentations; Organization; Other

13. 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!

14. 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 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

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

16. 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.

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

18. What Attendees Would like to See in the Future
Survey Results

19. 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.

20. 2017 Guardian ad Litem Disabilities Training Conference
Planning for 2017 Conference

21. 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

22. 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