Fall is in the air, as I found out when a touch of frost left its black mark on my pumpkins.

Fall also marks the time of year when schedules are filled with school and other educational opportunities. The National Family Preservation Network (NFPN) is devoting the September edition of News Notes to fall conferences and training. The primary focus will be on NFPN’s areas of interest in family preservation, reunification, and fatherhood.

A website or e-mail address is listed for contact and registration information. Some organizations offer training on an ongoing basis, and you may contact those agencies directly to inquire about fees and availability in your area.

1. NFPN offers training packages and on-site training on two family assessment tools (NCFAS and NCFAS-R) that have been ranked the highest for the child welfare system. NFPN also offers training packages and on-site training on father involvement. Visit: http://www.nfpn.org/tools/
2. The Institute for Family Development offers training on the HOMEBUILDERS® model of Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS). The HOMEBUILDERS® program is a proven-effective model of IFPS. Visit: http://www.institutefamily.org/programs_IFPS.asp
3. The State of Missouri Children’s Division offers training on IFPS for post-adoptive families. For information, contact Trainer Sheila Searfoss: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
4. The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy Conference, October 5–6, "Striking the 'Rights' Balance: Respecting Parents While Protecting Children," Columbus, OH. Visit: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption/symposium.htm
5. The Northeast Family Preservation Association Fall Conference, November 1–2, Philadelphia, PA (NFPN will be represented). E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
6. The Non-Violence Alliance, David Mandel, November 1–3, "Safe and Together: Concrete Strategies for Addressing Domestic Violence when Children are the Focus," Denver, CO. Visit: http://www.endingviolence.com/training/safeseminar.php
7. Certification Training for Nurturing Father’s Program and MArriage and PArenting
   Program, November 7–10, Sarasota, FL. Visit: http://www.nurturingfathers.com
8. National Summit on Prisoner Reentry, November 8–9, Arlington, VA. Discount Code for NFPN Referrals: S238-NFPN (Save $200). Visit: http://www.performanceweb.org/CENTERS/SP/Events/S238/S238.pdf
9. American Humane Association, November 12–14, "Differential Response in Child Welfare" (NFPN has a workshop), San Diego, CA. Visit: http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pc_new#differential
10. Native American Fatherhood and Family Association, November 13–15, "Weaving Fatherhood into Criminal Justice, Education, and Human Services," Mesa, AZ. Visit: http://www.nativeamericanfathers.org/news_events.htm

And, finally, something we should celebrate every week of the year:
National Family Week, November 19–25
Visit: http://www.nationalfamilyweek.org

- Priscilla Martens
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