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The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) model is an essential framework for addressing the judicial, physical, and emotional needs of children following incidents of child abuse. MDTs have been proven to yield the best outcomes for children and families while prioritizing survivors’ recovery and resilience. During the review, discussion, and assessment of presented cases, each MDT member serves as an autonomous representative of their respective field, offering expertise and insight specific to their discipline. Social conformity refers to an individual’s tendency to align with the majority position, whether driven by a desire for acceptance (normative conformity), a belief that the majority is correct (informational conformity), or the need to adopt a social role (identification).
In this session, Thomas Mitchell, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Center-Hope House, will provide insight into the dynamics of social influence within group settings and explore strategies for fostering positive group dynamics within MDTs. The integrity of the MDT process can be compromised by factors related to social conformity. This workshop will equip participants with an understanding of social influence and practical tools to mitigate conformity, ensuring the MDT functions with purpose-driven focus and optimal effectiveness.
Presenters:

Register now to save your spot – limited space. We sold out last year – act quick!
Our goal for the sessions this year focuses on building strong communities through collaboration, nurturing and the assessment of needs so that solutions can be found.
This conference is designed for all audiences who care about Louisiana’s children and families. We want to protect our future families and help them as they grow. Weare bringing in some fabulous speakers to share their knowledge with all of us.
The Annual LCTF Child Abuse Prevention Conference will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lafayette. Event Sign-in will begin at 8:00 am and the Conference Start is at 8:30 am.

The Neurobiology of Attachment in Women (Pregnant and Parenting) and their Infants with a History of Prenatal Substance Use: Implications for the Child Welfare System
Children grow, develop, and learn in the context of relationships, but the maternal/ child relationship can be disrupted by substance use in pregnancy. This session will explore the biological and psychosocial factors that impact the development of a nurturing relationship between a woman with a history of substance misuse during pregnancy and her child and will provide an overview of intervention strategies that can promote positive attachment.
While not all children with prenatal substance exposure enter the child welfare system, those that do bring multiple risk factors related to their early separation from their biological families and their exposure to the toxic effects of substances of abuse. Making their life circumstances more complex, children that are separated from their families due to their parents’ substance use, whether as a primary or contributing factor, tend to stay longer in the child welfare system, have more frequent moves while in care and experience a longer wait for permanency. When resources for the children and their families are available, there frequently is a lack of service providers charged with assessing, diagnosing and treating the mental and behavioral health needs of the children and their caregivers. Consequently, progress towards optimal development, family stabilization, and permanency is hindered.
This training series will explore the biological and environmental factors for children and families that impact the ultimate development of children affected by prenatal substance exposure, provide an overview of family- and school-based intervention strategies that can promote long-term growth and development of this high-risk population of children, and address the role of the child welfare system in ensuring best outcomes for all families and their children affected by prenatal substance exposure.
Each training session is a stand-alone learning opportunity. Participants are welcome to register for one or multiple sessions.

By registering for Generations United’s 23rd Global Intergenerational Conference held on June 25-27, 2025, you will have access to:
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Dozens of expert-led workshops in a variety of educational formats
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Four general sessions featuring high-impact speakers and thought leadership
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Session handouts and PowerPoint presentations
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Countless opportunities for networking and building face-to-face connections
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Access to Whova, a digital platform for managing your personal conference schedule and contacts
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Furthermore, our conference will connect you with an engaged network of over 400 of your peers. This includes professionals, educators, caregivers, advocates, and enthusiasts from around the world who are committed to learning, connecting, and sharing innovative practices and programs on a range of intergenerational topics including kinship and grandfamilies.