Conference intended to inform

Social Work undergraduate students organized a Child Welfare Conference for 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wednesday, in the Student Center Ballroom.

“It is the end of a big project,” Bruce Hoem, social work undergraduate adviser said.

The mission statement of the program is “to ensure the well-being of children by educating and empowering the community,” Hoem said. Participants can learn about various topics, including child abuse, sex crimes against children, juvenile justice, the latest laws, and actual experience of the different fields’ speakers. The conference is free and open to the public. The first 170 participants will be served a free lunch. Snacks will be provided all day.

Mustapha Barry, publicity committee member said the conference goal was to inform people about child welfare and to ensure children’s’ futures.

The child welfare project was developed in January, and now the group is ready to host its first Child Welfare Conference. Conference speakers include State Court Administrator, Cory Steele, Lincoln; County Judge, Susan Bazis, Omaha; County Judge, James Worden, Scottsbluff; Regional Center, Shannon Black, Lincoln; Probation Officer, Julie Hamburger, Alliance; and Chadron Public Schools Superintendent, Caroline Winchester.

Organizers said they think the conference is a great way to research child welfare problems and to have a healthy discussion about finding solutions.

“The conference is for better understanding of challenges that children of Nebraska face with education, care issues and other important things,” Hoem said.