CCKids Leaders Present at Statewide Child Welfare Conference

Communities Connected for Kids was proud to have Katie Vella, St. Lucie County Director, and Josie Kirchner, Clinical & Placement Director, present at the 2026 Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) Conference, held July 19-21 at the Sunseeker Gulf Coast Resort in Charlotte Harbor. The annual conference brought together more than 500 child welfare professionals from across Florida to share best practices, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen partnerships that support children and families.

Katie and Josie served as panelists for a workshop titled "Keeping Families Connected," which highlighted how community partners can work together to support families struggling with significant behavioral health, substance use, and mental health challenges among teens. The presentation focused on strategies that help families remain safely together and prevent unnecessary entry into the child welfare system or out-of-home care due to abandonment.

Alongside partners from the Department of Juvenile Justice, Family Safety & Preservation Services, New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, and Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, Katie and Josie shared how collaborative approaches such as crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and wraparound services can empower parents to continue caring for their children in the least restrictive setting possible. Their presentation showcased the power of community partnership in creating better outcomes for youth and families across our region.