Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the impact of kinship foster care on placement stability for children in the public child welfare system and the importance of maintaining familial connections and cultural identity.
2. Analyze the role of diligent search practices in identifying potential kinship caregivers and the systemic barriers that hinder effective implementation, particularly in light of the Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).
3. Explore Bowen’s Family Systems Theory to comprehend the interconnectedness of family dynamics and its relevance to enhancing support for kinship caregivers.

 

Presenter Bio:

Deja J. Thomas-Williams is a dedicated social work professional committed to advocating for the well-being of children and families in the public child welfare system. Her career began as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, where she championed the best interests of children in foster care.Mrs. Williams has held roles at the Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services and Necco Foster Care, contributing to improved services and outcomes for children and families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Columbus State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at the University of Kentucky, focusing on advanced practice and leadership.

In 2020, Mrs. Williams founded the Georgia Kinship Project, a nonprofit organization that supports relative caregivers of children at risk of entering foster care. The organization has received grants from the Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services’ “State of Hope” Initiative, which funds nonprofit organizations serving families at risk of becoming involved with the public child welfare system.

In addition to her work with nonprofits, Mrs. Williams serves as the Title IV-E Lecturer at Fort Valley State University. She plays a vital role in shaping the future of child welfare social workers by imparting her knowledge, skills, and passion for the field through child welfare courses and internship opportunities. Mrs. Williams’s research interests encompass the involvement of relative caregivers in the foster care system as formal supports, the implementation of diligent search frameworks, and the influence of family connections on the stability and well-being of children in out-of-home placements.

Mrs. Williams has received several awards, including the MSW Concentration Student of the Year from the University of Georgia and the Helen Elizabeth Huey Scholarship, recognizing her commitment to scholarship and the social work practice. She is also actively involved in her community as the Social Action Committee Chair of the Warner Robins Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

For more insights into her professional achievements, visit her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deja-j-williams17/.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Session not eligible for CE credit.

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.