Center for Urban and Regional Excellence

History and Purpose

The Annual Forum on Child Abuse and Neglect has been taking place at IU Northwest since 1991. The Forum began as a two-hour meeting to convene a small group of local stakeholders on child abuse and neglect issues. It has evolved over these many years to become one of the premier child abuse prevention events in Northwest Indiana.
Each year, the Forum provides hundreds of human services professionals, foster families, and other caregivers with:

• High-quality continuing education and professional development training that qualifies for Social Work continuing education units (CEUs).
• Opportunities to network and to connect to a community of practice.
• A platform to address and discuss relevant public policies.

2022 Forum: From ACEs and Trauma to PCEs and HOPE

2021 Forum: Partnering for the Power of Prevention

2020 Forum: Reframing "Child Welfare"

The Forum Planning Committee is made up of representatives from health care, human services, child welfare, and education. All members of the planning committee volunteer their time and talents.

Committee Members

• Richard Hug: Committee Chair, Associate Professor Emeritus, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, IU Northwest
• Elizabeth Guzman-Arredondo: Human Services Program Director/Associate Professor, Human Services Program, Calumet College of St. Joseph
• Marshelia Harris: Bachelor of Social Work Program Director/Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, IU Northwest
• Wendy Hensley: Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships, Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana
• Sarah Johnson: Child Abuse Prevention Councils Director - La Porte and Porter Counties, Dunebrook, Inc.
• Kathryn Malone: Family Case Manager Supervisor IV, Indiana Department of Child Services
• Carol Pool: Prevention Educator, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
• Rob Seals: Audio Visual Services Manager, UITS, IU Northwest
• Amanda Smith: Assistant Director, Center for Urban and Regional Excellence, IU Northwest
• Douglas Thames: Program Manager, Geminus Community Partners Region 1
• Julie Villarreal: Senior Regional Director for Northwest Indiana, The Villages of Indiana
• Rachael Whitworth: Behavioral Specialist, Portage Township Schools
• Jeffrey Wittman: Prevention Program Manager, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana