On Wednesday, September 16, Tuscaloosa’s One Place will host a free virtual training titled “Continuing the Conversation: Making a Difference for Alabama’s Children and Families.” The event, presented in partnership with the University of Alabama’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning division, runs from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to anyone who cares about the well‑being of children in foster care.
Who Should Attend
The training is designed for a broad audience: child‑welfare professionals, current and prospective foster and adoptive parents, former foster youth, teachers, and community advocates. By bringing together these stakeholders, One Place hopes to foster meaningful dialogue about how to strengthen families and create better long‑term outcomes for children across the state.
What the Session Will Cover
Speakers will explore the challenges that children in foster care face, including the need for permanency, stability and supportive services. Sessions will highlight practical strategies for communities to promote family reunification, support adoptive families, and ensure that every child feels safe, loved and equipped to thrive.
Community Voices
“Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive, and it truly takes a community coming together to make that possible,” said Antoinette Ferguson, director of Healthy Families at One Place. “This training will give us greater understanding and inspiration to continue walking alongside our families, helping them overcome challenges and build brighter futures for their children.”
How to Register
Participation is free, but registration is required. Interested individuals can sign up by contacting Amanda Bergeron at [email protected] or by calling 205‑348‑9966. The virtual format ensures that participants from across Alabama can join without travel barriers.
Why This Matters for Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa’s One Place has long been a hub for family‑focused services, offering counseling, parenting classes and support groups. By hosting this training, the organization reinforces its commitment to building stronger, faith‑grounded communities where families can flourish. The event also aligns with broader state efforts to improve child‑welfare outcomes and reduce the number of children who age out of the system without permanent homes.
Looking Ahead
Organizers hope the conversation will spark ongoing collaboration among local agencies, churches, schools and civic groups. By sharing best practices and resources, participants can help shape policies and programs that protect Alabama’s children and support the families who raise them.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
