UVALDE — Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Department of State Health Services will hold a Child Abuse Summit from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 9 at the Uvalde County FairPlex.
The fairplex is located at 2319 W. Main Street in Uvalde.
Those involved in child-abuse prevention, such as social workers, counselors, educators, childcare and youth workers, law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, foster parents and elected officials, will benefit from participation in the summit, said Dr. Connie Sheppard, AgriLife Extension family and consumer sciences agent for Bexar County and child advocate.
“This summit is designed to inspire participants and help give them the information and tools needed to help strengthen families and prevent child abuse,” Sheppard said. “It also will help them develop innovative strategies to improve outcomes for at-risk children and families.”
Summit presentations will address recognizing child abuse, dealing with child abuse trauma, investigating child abuse cases and promoting healing of child abuse survivors.
U.S. Sen. Carlos Uresti, District 19, will be one of the featured speakers. Additional presenters will include: Judge Camile DuBose; Wayne Springer, special investigator; and Julie Solis, assistant district attorney, 38th Judicial District; Drs. Jennifer Clark and Sarah Northrop, child abuse fellows with the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio; and Ed Gentry, legal supervisor; Ray Roma, program director for special investigations; and Melanie Torres, legal supervisor, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Other participants will include a social worker, licensed professional counselor and human trafficking specialist.
Preregistration for the summit is required. Early bird registration is $40 if postmarked by March 16. Regular registration is $50 if postmarked by March 23. Fees are transferable but not refundable. Mail registration form and appropriate fees to: Child Abuse Summit, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, P.O. Box 1708, Uvalde, Texas 78801.
Continuing education credit for multiple disciplines is available at $10 additional charge.
For more information and to register, contact Molly Flores at the AgriLife Extension office for Uvalde County at 830-278-6661 or Molly.Flores@ag.tamu.edu
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