Wisconsin Foster & Adoptive
Parent Association, Inc.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT (HIPS)
An Interactive Exhibit for Parents & Community Members
Presented by the Healthy Youth Coalition (HYC) of Marinette & Menominee Counties
Karianne Lesperance, Danielle Lemke, and Joe Nault
The Healthy Youth Coalition (HYC) of Marinette & Menominee Counties’ “Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) ” exhibit gives parents and adults the chance to explore a mock teen bedroom filled with examples of youth substance use. This interactive experience helps raise awareness of local youth drug trends, teaches participants how to identify paraphernalia, and provides an opportunity to ask questions and learn prevention strategies for their child or youth they work with. Tours of the room are conducted by coalition staff and members, and law enforcement personnel.
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What You Don’t See… Matters.
Step inside a realistic teen bedroom and discover how drugs and alcohol can be hidden in plain sight. This powerful, hands-on exhibit reveals subtle warning signs that many adults overlook.
State Updates
Jessica Nehmer serves as the Program and Policy Analyst at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Jessica will address and respond to questions regarding:
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Updates on DCF 56 (Foster Home Care for Children)
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Relevant updates on Adoption Programs
The Dark Side of Cyberspace: the Internet, Smart Phones, and Social Media
Eric Szatkowski
While digital technology offers a world of communication, education, and entertainment options for all ages, it also has a dark and dangerous side families and caregivers must be aware of.
This fast-paced presentation takes a deep dive into the cyber exploitation of children, and how it is facilitated by addictive social media, unenforced regulations, artificial intelligence, and much of the culture. A must see for anyone who wants to better protect kids from psychological, moral, emotional, and even physical harm facilitated by technology. Attendees will learn techniques used by predators, the types of kids who are most vulnerable, and the link between the growing victimization of children, pornography and the sexualized culture.
Eric reinforces his message with specific examples of how predators corrupt every platform and device used by our kids to take advantage of them. Eric also shares ideas for parents and caregivers on how to help kids avoid getting hurt, and how to respond when something happens.
Eric combines his investigative expertise with his own personal experiences as a husband and father who protected his kids as they grew up with digital technology, and his current concern of what his grandchildren will face as they get older.
Topics include the latest on potential dangers of social networking apps, as well as disturbing trends of sexting, cyber bullying, and webcam exploitation. Parents/caregivers will be challenged to be role models and protectors instead of “best friends” to their kids. Eric also explains how filters and monitoring software should be used to support their primary mission of raising kids in a safe, caring, AND high-tech environment.
Angeline Boulley
We're excited to welcome best-selling #1 New York Times author Angeline Boulley as a virtual speaker at the Wisconsin Foster and Adoptive Parent Conference, October 9-11, 2026.
Angeline is an Anishinaabe author from Sugar Land, Michigan, and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is a gifted storyteller who brings her Ojibwa community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to life through her writing.
Angeline built an impressive career in Indian education over many years, working at tribal, state, and national levels. She first came up with the idea for her debut novel when she was 18, a narrative filled with intrigue and bravery, featuring a young Native American girl that is its main character. In March 2021, Angeline officially launched her writing career with mystery thrillers that critically examined Native identity.
In her session, Angeline will explore:
• how her books connect with young people,
• ICWA-related challenges and their influence on the perspectives of those in foster care,
• The ways identity, culture, and history affect the mindset of youth.
FASPP ~ Foster & Adoptive Support & Preservation Program
SAAN ~ Surviving Allegations of Abuse & Neglect
Sherry Benson
Questions? Concerns? Facing an allegation or investigation? Wondering what support is available to you? You don’t have to figure it out alone!
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Join us for an informative, interactive, and conversation-driven session introducing foster and adoptive parents to FASPP (Foster & Adoptive Parent Support Program) and SAAN (Support and Advocacy After Allegations Network)—two peer-driven resources designed to support families when they need it most.
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We’ll explore what these programs offer, how to access support, and how experienced foster and adoptive parents can help you navigate challenging situations. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, learn from others, and discover practical resources they can take with them.
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What are FASPP and SAAN, and when should you reach out?
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What support is available when you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsure where to turn?
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What can you expect when facing an allegation or investigation?
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How can peer support help you navigate difficult situations?
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What resources are available to help strengthen and maintain your foster or adoptive family?
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Where can you go for information and support before, during, and after a challenging situation?
Most importantly, bring your questions! This session is designed to be interactive, giving you an opportunity to get answers, learn from experienced foster and adoptive parents, and connect with resources that understand the unique challenges of opening your home to children with complex histories and needs.
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Come curious. Come with questions. Leave knowing where to turn when you need support.
FASPP & SAAN: Because foster and adoptive parents shouldn’t have to navigate the tough moments alone.
Join Sherry Benson in this ice breaking session. Yada Yada Yada is a fun activity designed to help people get to know each other, promote conversation, and create a relaxed atmosphere in group settings.
General Membership Meeting
In this captivating session, we will explore the following topics:
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Meet WFAPA’s Board Members
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Updates on WFAPA
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Gather participant feedback
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Retrieve your certificates
Fundraising Banquet & Buffet
Fill up at the buffet, visit with your fellow crew, laugh ’til you can’t laugh no more, ’cause nights like this are few.
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Get ready for our 50/50 Ticket Drawing!
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Don’t miss out on our thrilling Bucket Raffles!
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Bring your A-game and challenge your pals in a fun
showdown at our Live & Silent Auction!
Every penny raised helps WFAPA
bring in those superstar guest speakers!
Conference Sessions
Join us at WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference, an event bringing together parents, professionals, advocates, and caregivers dedicated to the well-being of children and families. Our conference features a diverse lineup of expert-led sessions.
We invite parents from all walks of life, including those engaged in adoption, foster care, or kinship care. Professionals like teachers, coaches, law enforcement officials, child welfare advocates, correctional staff, social workers, and others dedicated to supporting children are also welcome. Whether you're seeking guidance, support, or ways to expand your knowledge, this event promises valuable insights for everyone.