National Family Support Network

For Immediate Release:
October 4, 2024
Don’t Miss the Global Together for Families Conference 2024
The Together for Families Conference 2024, co-hosted by the National Family Support Network, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Families Canada, and Family Resource Centre National Forum (Ireland), promises to be an unmissable event for professionals across the globe. This international gathering will explore cutting-edge strategies, best practices, and innovative solutions to support families and strengthen communities. "This is the fourth Together for Families Conference, and I’m thrilled to unite the family support field once again," says Julie Matusick, a Senior Manager at the National Family Support Network. "It's an amazing opportunity to explore innovative practices and policies, focus on integrating family voice and leadership, and discuss ways to reduce families’ involvement with the child welfare system."
Dynamic Plenary Sessions: Exploring Key Issues in Family Support
This year’s plenary sessions will feature thought-provoking discussions on key issues in family support. Highlights include the Fatherhood Fireside Chat, where Drew Soleyn, Gregory Cox, and other panelists will explore the realities of fatherhood, and Family Support Then and Now, where Dr. Carmel Devaney will examine the evolution of family support from an international perspective. Junlei Li will present on Early Relational Health, emphasizing the importance of small, everyday moments in building healthy relationships. Lastly, the Engaging At Every Age plenary will showcase the benefits of intergenerational child care programs, presented by José Alejandro Fernandez Cruz and Molly Jones.
Interactive Workshops: Practical Tools and Innovative Approaches
The conference will also feature expert-led workshops on a wide range of topics, including Evaluation Strategies in State Network Development, Parent Leadership Development, and Fathers, Father Figures, and Family Resource Centers. Participants will gain actionable insights from voices from the field such as Kathleen Apperson, Tecoria Jones, and Christopher Brown, equipping them with practical tools to apply in their own programs and communities.
Networking Opportunities: Building Global Connections
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with professionals worldwide on topics such as advancing diversity and equity, engaging fathers and male caregivers, supporting refugee families, and trauma-informed care. These networking sessions are vital for building global connections and fostering meaningful partnerships in the field of family support.
Voices from the Planning Committee
David Bryant from the Texas Health and Human Service Commission emphasized the global scope of the event, stating, “This is an international conference! Fathers are often forgotten when we talk about families, so this is an event you do not want to miss.” Cailin O’Connor from the Center for the Study of Social Policy noted, “I look forward to this conference every two years because it is the most nurturing, friendly, networking-buzzy event on Zoom. Everyone is connecting and chatting!” Karin Jonsson from Dublin, Ireland, added, “It is especially exciting that there are going to be people from different countries!”
Can’t make it all three days? No worries – all session recordings will be available the next day and for 3 months post-event! With a dynamic lineup of plenary sessions, expert-led workshops, and rich networking opportunities, the Together for Families Conference is a must-attend event for anyone in the family support field.
Alicja Fanning, a parent leader from Ireland, added, “I am really looking forward to listening and learning from the experiences of other parents! Come join us for the Together for Families Conference.”
Registration is still open – don’t miss your chance to be part of this global movement!
For more information about the conference, please visit www.togetherforfamilies.org.

ENDS
For further inquiries, please contact:
Julie Matusick
Email: julie@nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org