Mississippi’s executive director of foster care, Dr. David Chandler, received a standing ovation after delivering the opening plenary speech recently at the Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference. The Jackson State University School of Social Work and the College of Public Service sponsored the conference in Jackson, Jan. 27 – 29, to provide training and networking opportunities for social workers, educators, students and others committed to the welfare of children.
Chandler told the audience that Mississippi needs to hire more than 200 additional social workers and increase their salaries. “We need help. We need lots of help, and we’re willing to pay,” said Chandler.
Chandler gave up his seat on the Mississippi State Supreme Court to lead the state’s Division of Family and Children’s Services in December. The system could be put into receivership if it doesn’t comply with a federal court order by May 15. It will cost millions to make the recommended reforms.
“I can see there are social workers that have a lot of fire and want to change things,” said social worker Alicia Johnson. “I have hope after hearing what Dr. Chandler said and the discussions we are having.”
“We look forward to working with Dr. Chandler to find innovative solutions to foster care reform, and we stand ready to assist the agency with meeting its workforce goals,” said Dr. Ricardo Brown, dean of the JSU College of Public Service.
Nearly 300 people from around the state and country attended the conference. Conference chair Dr. Theresia Johnson-Ratliff said she is grateful for the support and speakers who addressed topics ranging from adolescent health to the impact the Flint, Michigan water crisis is having on children and families.
“This conference is a success year after year because of generous sponsors and excellent speakers, exhibitors, attendees and committee members passionate about protecting and supporting our children,” said Ratliff, a JSU clinical assistant professor and a licensed certified social worker.
Adoption program manager Kelly Canter of Fairfax, Va., attended the conference for the first time. She helped conduct a workshop and was an exhibitor for the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
“My first impression was just how warm and welcoming the organizers and exhibitors were,” said Canter. “We did a presentation and folks were so engaged.”
The conference concluded with a luncheon where Brown provided a summary of the meetings’ accomplishments and issued a challenge to attendees to continue their work to improve the welfare of our children. The next MCWI conference takes place February 8-10, 2017, in Jackson at the downtown Marriott Hotel.