Join Formed Families Forward for our BEST YET Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Fun Day and Regional Conference! Our theme is Boosting Resiliency and Connection through Family Engagement.

It's our 9th year of Spring Forward and we are excited about some changes and new features! Tickets include admittance to sessions, activities, and a sandwich lunch.

This year, Spring Forward will be held IN PERSON at the Science and Technology Campus of George Mason University in Manassas which brings wonderful new activity opportunities to our children and youth.  While parents, caregivers and professionals are enjoying sessions presented by experts in education and support of foster, adoptive and kinship families, children age 4 and older will have a blast at GMU's outdoor experiential learning program "The EDGE".  More information on the programming for children and teens is provided below or can be found by visiting https://edge.gmu.edu.

Our Keynote presenter is Sam Macer, MSW, a former foster parent from 2000 through 2015 who specialized in providing care for older youth. Mr. Macer is the founder of the country's first Foster Parent PTA (Parent-Teacher Association). He now works as a Kinship Navigator Training Specialist, Child Welfare Academy at University of Maryland.

Following the keynote, participants may choose from breakout sessions and our professional workshop, Resilient and Strong: Moving Past the Wrongs with Dr. Allison Jackson-Dyer. Dr. Allison is a national trauma expert and will lead a 3-hour workshop focusing on trauma-and resilience-informed practices. She has deep lived personal experience as well as extensive professional expertise in the areas of child hood trauma, trauma-informed services, and strategies for building family and individual resilience. Dr. Allison's TED talk has been viewed by thousands.

Continuing education credits are available. This training has been approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia Chapter for 4 Category I Continuing Education Contact Hours. Approval code: 220430FFF. Professionals who register for the Dr. Jackson-Dyer professional workshop and request CEs will be sent necessary forms. The CEs may be earned by professional clinicians and educators attending the keynote and full 3-hour workshop, which is open to family members as well. Please be sure to indicate your interest in CEs when registering.  You will be required to complete form and pay on site for CEs- $20 for NASW members and $25 for non-members. 

Families will choose from an incredible line up of learning sessions presented by staff and professionals representing the advocacy and disability communities. 

SPRING FORWARD SCHEDULE

8:30am - 9:00am - REGISTRATION

9:00am -10:00am - KEYNOTE           

10:00am -10:15am - break and exhibits 

10:15am - 1:00pm - PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP: Resilient and Strong: Moving Past the Wrongs

10:15am - 11:30am  - PARENT/CAREGIVER BREAKOUT SESSIONS: See SESSION DESCRIPTIONS for presenters and titles

11:30am - 11:45am - break and exhibits 

11:45am - 1:00pm - PARENT/CAREGIVER BREAKOUT SESSIONS

1:00pm - 2:00pm - LUNCH and EXHIBITS  (families eat together)

Children ages 4-9 will participate in the Jr. Nature program.  The day will include a scavenger hunt, nature based-games, and creative art projects.  Additionally, each child will take on a STEAM based project, such as creating a bubble blower or Lego mini-figure zipline!  Youth ages 10-18 will enjoy a guided exploration of the Team Development Course including a tower climb!  Please note that appropriate tickets must be purchased in advance for all children and youth participating in Spring Forward. Listed Spring Forward prices are SIGNIFICANTLY DISCOUNTED from the regular EDGE fees of $35 to $45.  

FREE childcare provided on-site for children aged 3 and under.  (No charge, however please register your young child by choosing the appropriate ticket.) 

*Large families - Should your cost to attend exceed $80, please email Lisa.Mathey@formedfamiliesforward.org for further information on a special rate for large families.

Download the EVENT FLYER.

Businesses and Community partners: We welcome sponsorships! There are a variety of options for your to promote your brand or products. Limited exhibit tables are also available during the event. Learn more about SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HERE. Contact Lisa.Mathey@formedfamiliesforward.org for exhibit and sponsorship questions.

Additional Opportunity for Adult Attendees- Beyond Behaviors book study - SOLD OUT

Join Formed Families Forward's Kelly Henderson, PhD, and Beth Spivack, MSW for a collaborative book study designed for family members and professional educators to learn together. The book selection is Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke, PhD. The book provides practical tools and techniques to support children with disruptive behaviors at school and home, and has a focus on supporting children and youth with trauma histories. Together we will foster a community of understanding so that caring adults work together to learn the neurobiological reasons why children behave in ways that seem illogical to others. We will find non-punitive solutions to improve social, emotional and learning outcomes at home and at school. NOTE: Registrants must commit to participating in two virtual book study sessions 4- 5:30 PM on Wednesdays, May 25 and June 1. Thanks to a partnership with GMU’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC), free copies of the book will be available for pick up at Spring Forward for those who pre-register through Spring Forward.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping to make Spring Forward possible: