Letter from a National Child Abuse and Neglect Conference Pioneer

16th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect
Protecting Children, Promoting Healthy Families, and Preserving Communities
April 16 - 21, 2007
Portland, OR

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

On behalf of the National and Local Planning Committees and Conference staff, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.

Looking back over the past 31 years, since the first National Conference in Atlanta in 1976, it is clear that we have come a very long way in Protecting Children, Promoting Healthy Families, and Preserving Communities. While we have not rid our society of child abuse and neglect, we have remained firm in our belief that making the world a safe and nurturing place for all children represents our best hope for the future.

Each of you here at the Conference plays a key part in supporting vulnerable children and families in your local communities. We hope that this 16th National Conference expands your horizons, brings you new knowledge and skills, and strengthens your support networks among colleagues in the field.

Many people have been involved in bringing this 16th National Conference to fruition. We are grateful to Catherine Nolan, Director of the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN), and Irene Bocella, Federal Project Officer, for their leadership and guidance throughout the planning process. We also thank the entire OCAN staff for their invaluable contributions.

The National Planning Committee worked hard to ensure that the Conference program reflects the diversity of our field and opens the door to emerging leaders and innovative approaches to practice. It has been a privilege to have had the collaborative efforts of the co-sponsoring organizations, many of which have worked with us in the past. Their involvement speaks volumes about their dedication to the field and to these national training conferences. We also wish to recognize the staff and volunteers of the Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services at Portland State University's Graduate School of Social Work, our local host agency, for their helpful advice and commitment to ensuring that this Conference is a success.

We extend our gratitude to Kim Amos, Project Manager, whose hard work and commitment have been essential to the planning, organization, and implementation of this Conference, and to the Conference staff for their expertise and tireless efforts. To the management of Planning and Learning Technologies, Inc. (Pal-Tech), our thanks for unwavering support.

It has been an honor to share in the planning and execution of the 16th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. I hope you will take full advantage of the opportunities available at the Conference, and that it will be a source of information and inspiration as you continue in your efforts to improve the lives of children and families and build strong communities across our nation.

With warm regards,
Dorothy V. Harris, ACSW