Wisconsin Foster & Adoptive
Parent Association, Inc.
WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference
If you have been touched by adoption or foster care, you’ll want to attend this conference! Our conference offers a fantastic chance to discover the most recent state updates and to learn about the activities of WFAPA. It is specifically designed to equip and empower parents, caregivers and workers, enhancing their capacity to tackle the challenges associated with fostering and adoption.
Participants will have the chance to reflect on their current perspectives and discover new care strategies. Additionally, they will be able to connect with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds in child protection and out-of-home care.
It is specifically designed to equip and empower caregivers and workers, enhancing their capacity to tackle the challenges associated with fostering and adoption.
Save the date for our 2026 WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference!
When:
Where:
October 09-11, 2026
Who:
All parents and caregivers
Individuals with lived experience with adoption, foster care, and kinship care
Business professionals
Teachers
Law enforcement officers
Child welfare advocates
Correctional and social workers
Many other individuals committed to supporting children.
If you are looking for guidance, support, and to enhance your knowledge and skills, this confertence is for. you!
Child welfare advocates
Holiday Inn & Suites in Rothschild, Wisconsin
Registration
In-Person Registration
Member’s Cost $85.00 each *
Non-Member’s Cost: $100.00 each
Virtual Registration
Member’s Cost $80.00 each
Non-Member’s Cost: $95.00 each
* Conference registration covers workshops, access to the hospitality room, and meals on Saturday. A complimentary breakfast will be provided at the hotel. Buffet meals will be available for lunch and during the banquet.
If you don't possess a credit or debit card and wish to register, please reach out to us at info@wfapa.org.
Keynotes and Workshops
All sessions are intentionally designed to inspire, inform, and encourage all parents and members of the adoption and foster care community! Workshops from expert speakers will cover a range of topics, including:
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Hidden In Plain Sight (HIPS) An Interactive Exhibit for Parents & Community Members. Presented by the Healthy Youth Coalition (HYC) of Marinette & Menominee Counties. Presenters: Captain Joe Nault, Karianne Lesperance, & Danielle Lemke
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State Updates on DCF 56 and Relevant Adoption Programs Updates. Presenter: Jessica Nehmer, DCF- Program and Policy Analyst Advanced Bureau of Permanence & Out-of-Home Care Division of Safety and Permanence
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The Dark Side of Cyberspace: the Internet, Smart Phones, and Social Media. Presenter: Eric Szatkowski, Hospital Chaplain and Retired Special Agent who served with the Wisconsin Department of Justice/ Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
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Join us for a virtual session featuring Angeline as she explores the significance of her
books for young individuals in foster care, particularly Native American youth. She will address the challenges related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and its influence on the mindset of those navigating the foster care system. Presenter: Angeline Boulley, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, Printz Medal & Morris Award Winner - Angeline Boulley -
SAAN & FASPP - Surviving Allegations of Abuse & Neglect. Presenter: 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! 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.
Location and Accommodations
The 2026 WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn & Suites, located at 1000 Imperial Avenue, Rothschild, Wisconsin, 54474.
To book your room request the block for the Wisconsin Foster and Adoptive Parent Association:
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Reserve online through Holiday Inn.
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Call Reservations: 1-888-HOLIDAY (1-888-465-4329) or Front desk: 1-715-355-1111
Secure your accommodations early, as availability is limited! The last day to reserve your room is on September 25, 2026.
Vendor
Would you like to reach an audience of adoption and foster professionals, adoptive, foster, and kinship faamilies, people who experienced foster care or adoption, and other child welfare professionals and advocates?
If so, you should exhibit at our 2026 WFAPA's Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference!
Share with your network and help make it the biggest event yet!
What Past Attendees Are Saying
Thank You, Sponsors!
Vendor Spotlight
Vendor Spotlight: Come Meet Allison Romens!
We’re excited to welcome author Allison Romens as one of our featured vendors!
Allison has an incredible way of taking complicated emotional and neurological concepts and turning them into imaginative stories that help children understand their own “magical brain powers.” And honestly? Adults will love them just as much as kids! They’re the kind of books that make you stop and think, “WOW… this makes so much sense!”
Allison recently shared that she has a BRAND-NEW BOOK coming out in August: Puppy Brain: Foster Care & Reunification. And guess what?! SHE’S BRINGING IT TO THE WFAPA CONFERENCE!
Come meet Allison. Come browse her books. Come learn something new. And maybe take home a little “puppy brain” magic of your own!
Vendor Spotlight
Vendor Spotlight: Come Meet Wisconsin Family Connections Center
We are excited to welcome the Wisconsin Family Connections Center as a vendor at the 2026 WFAPA Adoptive & Foster Parent Conference!
The Wisconsin Family Connections Center provides resources, training, and support for families, youth, and professionals with past or present involvement in:
🏡 Foster Care
💙 Adoption
🤝 Reunification
👨👩👧👦 Kinship Care
⚖️ Guardianship
Be sure to stop by their vendor table to learn more about the valuable resources and support they offer!
