Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth & Family Services Donate

2025 Annual Conference

April 9 & 10

The Conference

The 2025 PCCYFS Conference features:

Wednesday Keynote – Derek Clark. See “Keynotes” tab for more information.

Thursday Keynote – Tracee L. Hunt. See “Keynotes” tab for more information.

Sessions during the conference include a variety of educational and topical content with many qualifying for Continuing Education Units (CEU’s).

The conference also has numerous opportunities for networking including a Trivia Event and a sponsored evening mixer with a Murder Mystery Theatre event.

The Venue

This year’s conference will again be held at the Best Western Premier, 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg. Take advantage of discounted room pricing by booking under the PCCYFS room block by clicking HERE. Reserve your room before the hotel sells out again!!!

If you’d prefer to make reservations over the phone, you may call 717-561-2800, choose option #4 and then option #1. Remember to ask for the PCCYFS discounted group rate!

Check out the 2025 Conference Schedule of Sessions!!

Hotel Room Block

WEDNESDAY – Derek Clark

Motivational speaker and author Derek Clark overcame a brutal traumatic past enduring horrific child abuse and rejection before being abandoned into the San Francisco Bay area foster care system for 13 years. Through the power of connection, determination, resilience and a mindset shift, he made a commitment to transform his pain into purpose. Derek shares how he divorced his story from victim to victor and made a choice to write a new narrative of healing, hope and empowerment.

Derek shares connection tools that helped him shift his mindset of helplessness to creating a positive destiny. He inspires others to tap into their self-empowerment and discover the power within to not let your past infect your future. You own your future through taking responsibility for the direction of your life and choosing to rise above adversity. Derek’s programs are all about breaking the generational cycle of trauma and giving adults and professionals the tools to support children that are grieving and healing. 

You can find more about motivational speaker Derek Clark at www.IWillNeverGiveUp.com

THURSDAY – Tracee L. Hunt MHS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Tracee Hunt, Owner/CEO of Total HR Solutions, LLC, is an accomplished HR Executive, Author, and NonProfit Advocate. She provided key leadership in senior level roles, as well as driving HR strategies through Board membership and is currently the Board Chair for Philadelphia Youth Network. Tracee has over 25 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. As a refined HR Executive and Business Partner, Tracee has served as a key member of executive leadership teams in varying industries, as well as currently serving as an extension of each client’s leadership teams to facilitate the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

Optimizing Human Resources in an Ever-Evolving Business Landscape!

Top Executives, Functional Leaders, and Frontline Management alike are faced with ensuring their organizations are optimizing their Human Capital strategies in a way that differentiates them for improved employee retention, attraction, and engagement that drive improved organization outcomes.

This keynote will address:

1. The critical synergies and leader competence needed among cross-functional teams to achieve organizational success.

2. Key Organization Development and Design Trends for 2025 and beyond.

3. Understanding how to effectively leverage AI tools in the organization’s Human Capital landscape.

4. Ways to ensure workplace inclusion efforts are well aligned for improved outcomes

 

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR???

Thank you to all of our 2025 conference sponsors!!!

If your organization is interested in being one of our sponsors, please check out our currently available sponsorship opportunities.

Brown and Brown – PREMIER SPONSOR

Brown & Brown provides risk management solutions to help protect what our customers value most.

Visit Brown & Brown’s site →

George Jr. Republic – PLATINUM SPONSOR

George Junior Republic is dedicated to changing the lives of at-risk youth through a broad continuum of programs that engage the entire person and support the mental, physical and emotional needs while teaching responsibility, citizenship and skills that will help them grow into productive members of society.

Visit George Jr’s site →

enkompas, EHR EDGE – GOLD SPONSOR and NAME BADGE SPONSOR


enkompas is a leading consultancy that provides organizations with the technology guidance and support that drives organizational efficiencies, resiliency, cost control, and revenue improvements.

Visit enkompas’ site →

Visit EHR EDGE’s site →

Binti – GOLD SPONSOR

Reinvent child welfare with us. Grounded in extensive research with youth, families and social workers, Binti’s mobile friendly platform promotes partnership, drives better outcomes and saves social worker time.

Visit Binti’s site →

Bethany Children’s Home – SILVER SPONSOR

In our unique and specialized programs, youth have access to a variety of therapeutic, spiritual, and cultural services in addition to recreational activities. Youth reside on campus in one of our historic cottages with a family comprised of house parents, support staff and resident advisors. Explore the tabs above to learn more about Bethany Children’s Home, how we support local youth, and how you can help us help youth succeed in their goals to be reunified in the community!

Visit Bethany Children’s Home site →

Children’s Home of Reading – SILVER SPONSOR

The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) is a multi-faceted social service nonprofit offering specialized residential, educational, and community-based programs to help both at-risk children and their families.

Visit Children Home of Reading’s site →

Blockhouse – SPECIALITY SPONSOR

Durable, Functional, Customizable Furniture That Performs Time and Time Again. From a True Partner That Stands With You.

Visit Blockhouse’s Site →

Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers – BRONZE SPONSOR and TOTE BAG SPONSOR

DTAC’s vision is to be the premier provider and leading innovator of child and adolescent mental health treatment through assessing community needs, allowing us to grow and evolve with the changing demands of the individuals we serve. Through integrity, kindness, empowerment, and respect, we are changing the lives of individuals in our community.

Visit DTA Center’s Site →

CAI – BRONZE SPONSOR

As a privately held company with a global footprint, our 8,500+ associates have the freedom and the focus to do what’s right for our clients, colleagues, and communities. We have a 40-year history of combining our dual strengths of talent and technology to deliver lasting results across the public and commercial sectors. And for nearly a decade, we’ve been national trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise. Let’s explore how we can power the possible—for you.

Visit CAI’s Site →

The Academy – BRONZE SPONSOR

The Academy Schools is a proud network of award-winning schools for at-risk youth. Established in Western Pennsylvania and managed by leaders and innovators in the field of juvenile justice, these schools are both community-based and residential, serving both local and out-of-state students.

Visit The Academy School’s Site →

Hoffman Homes – BRONZE SPONSOR

Hoffman Homes is a non-profit organization that provides both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health treatment, educational services and other county-funded residential-based services to youth, young adults and their families across the commonwealth.

Visit Hoffman Home’s Site →

Families United Network – BRONZE SPONSOR

Families United Network embarked on its mission on July 1, 1996, establishing itself as a premier provider of private foster care. We operate as a voluntary child welfare agency. Initially, the agency commenced its operations by offering foster care services to a modest number of children across various counties, focusing on the central, western, and north central regions of Pennsylvania. Presently, Families United Network extends its care to over five hundred children, encompassing foster care, adoption, and residential services across numerous offices and residential facilities throughout the state.

Visit Families United Network’s Site →

NetSmart – COPPER SPONSOR

At Netsmart, we believe providers and organizations need capabilities that extend beyond relying solely on an EHR solution and software. We are dedicated to digitizing your enterprise, helping your organization successfully thrive in today’s healthcare landscape.

Visit NetSmart site

Gemma Services – COPPER SPONSOR

At Gemma, we help people know they matter by accompanying them through hard times. We provide education, mental health services in residential and community settings, foster family care, adoption and permanency services, and prevention programs for thousands of individuals each year.

Visit Gemma Services Website →

Qualifacts – COPPER SPONSOR

The modern end-to-end behavioral health EHR software you need to bring your vision to life and optimize your client journey.

Our configurable software and services equip providers with the tools and technologies they need to deliver exceptional client care.

As the market leader of rehabilitative, human services, and mental and behavioral health EHR solutions, we continuously invest and innovate to better serve your evolving needs.

Visit Qualifacts Site →

CONCERN – TRIVIA NIGHT SPONSOR

CONCERN is a multi-service private non-profit 501(c)(3) human services organization that provides services to children, youth, and families encouraging growth, and promoting positive healthy lives. CONCERN’s services include foster care, adoption, and permanency, community-based prevention programs, behavioral health, and residential treatment. 

CONCERN began in 1978 as a foster care agency in Fleetwood, PA. Since then, CONCERN continues to meet the growing needs in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  Currently, 15 sites bring hope, offer opportunity, and inspire change to over 7,500 individuals each year.

Visit CONCERN’s Website

Bethanna – STUDENT SPONSORSHIP

Bethanna is a Christian organization that provides the highest quality system of care for children and families in order to ensure safety, restore emotional wellness, and build family stability.

Bethanna provides adoption, child welfare services and behavioral health care in Philadelphia, Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Bethanna strengthens families, promotes resilience and offers hope in times of need. Contact us to find out how you can help lead the way home for children and teens in your community.

Visit Bethanna’s site

Tabor Children’s Services – STUDENT SPONSORSHIP

Tabor remains committed to seeing that each child or young person develops a sense of security with a positive environment and family for life.

Tabor remains focused on ensuring that communities and children/family with which they work are provided resources that assist with coping and adapting to sudden changes in lifestyles.

Tabor remains devoted to ensuring the mental, physical and emotional needs are appropriately addressed with youth and families to decrease breakdowns of the family unit.

Visit Tabor Children’s Services site

Pressley Ridge – ROOM SPONSOR

Providing individuals and families with hope and support through life’s challenges.

Through collaborative and inclusive relationships, Pressley Ridge empowers children and families to transform their lives and develop to their full potential. We believe our differences are our strengths, and we are committed to embracing a culture of respect, dignity and inclusivity.

Visit Pressley Ridge’s site

Children’s Home of York – ROOM SPONSOR

For over 150 years, Children’s Home of York has been evolving to care for children and families in need.

What started as an orphanage for displaced youth during the civil war is now a multi-faceted social service organization that services our most vulnerable children, youth, and families throughout Pennsylvania. 

Children’s Home of York empowers children to thrive, strengthens families, and enriches communities. Our success is measured in the number of people we help with the quality of the programs and services we provide. 

Visit Children’s Home of York’s site

Bruce Fagan – ROOM SPONSOR

Since 1994, Bruce Fagan Promotions has been dedicated to enhancing the marketing, development, public-relations, and branding of businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions. We strive to provide the highest quality promotional marketing products, printing, and design services while maintaining affordable pricing.

Visit Bruce Fagan’s site

Sarah Reed Children’s Center – PROGRAM SPONSOR

Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center is a center of excellence located in Erie, Pennsylvania that specializes in mental and behavioral health care for children, teens, families and individuals. We specialize in trauma informed care by providing innovative evidence-based treatment and services through research, clinical practice and professional training. We serve a diverse population of over 1,700 people from 48 counties annually in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

Visit Sarah Reed Children’s Center’s Site →

Children’s Home of Easton – Wi-Fi SPONSOR

We believe all children deserve compassion and respect. Given the right tools and support system, those children can reach their full potential.

Visit Children’s Home of Easton’s Site →

a glass block with the words thank you on it

Robert Haussmann, Ph.D.

PCCYFS thanks Dr. Haussmann for his generous sponsorship of the 2025 conference!!

Harborcreek Youth Services – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR

Harborcreek Youth Services is a trauma-informed behavioral healthcare agency that provides a wide range of residential and in-home services to children and their families from across Pennsylvania.

Visit Harborcreek Youth Services’ Site →

Prevention Learning Portal – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR

The Prevention Learning Portal is a comprehensive resource to broaden your knowledge, develop skills, and improve your ability to implement evidence-based prevention methods in your work and practice.

Visit Prevention Learning Portal’s Site →

Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR

The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance is a statewide child abuse prevention organization. We provide education, support, and training programs to make Pennsylvania safe for children. Our vision is for all children to grow and thrive free from abuse and neglect.

Visit PFSA’s Site →

To sponsor or for more information contact PCCYFS hbgoffice@pccyfs.org or 717-651-1725.

Check Out the 2025 Conference Session Schedule!

Registration – NOW LIVE!!!

Simply select your one or two day ticket based on your member, non-member, or full-time student status. Click the “+” sign next to each ticket to identify how many of each ticket you would like to purchase, and then click the blue “Get Tickets” button at the bottom of the page.

To complete the ticket purchase, you will need each individual’s name, e-mail, organization, and title (for their conference name tag). You will select each person’s sessions for the conference days, however you WILL be able to change your mind later during the conference. Rough counts for each individual session are important for assuring large enough rooms are allocated for the sessions at the conference.

At the end of the checkout, you can select to pay via PAYPAL, or you can select INVOICE ME to have an invoice e-mailed to you. Note: you do NOT need a PayPal account to pay via PayPal. PayPal allows use of a credit card to complete the purchase without a PayPal account. If you select PayPal, you will be taken to their secure website to complete the transaction.

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Two Day-Non-Member
$ 400.00
Two Day-Member
$ 325.00
April 09 - Non-Member
$ 260.00
April 09 - Member
$ 200.00
April 10 - Member
$ 200.00
April 10 - Non-Member
$ 260.00
Two Day - Student
$ 100.00
April 09 - Student
$ 50.00
April 10 - Student
$ 50.00
Is the conference in-person? Where is it being held?

 

We are pleased to offer the PCCYFS 2025 Conference in-person at the Best Western Premier Hotel, located at 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA  17111.  The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 83.  

 

How do I access the group room rate information?

Make your reservations online here.

Or call 717-561-2800, choose option #4 and then option #1. Then ask for the PCCYFS group rate.

Where can I reserve a room if the hotel is full?

The following hotels are located close to the venue.  

The Hampton Inn at 4230 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Or call 717-545-9595.

The Comfort Inn and Suites Harrisburg-Hershey West, 1001 Briarsdale Rd, Harrisburg PA 17109, 717-558-8535

The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot Harrisburg Hershey, 1018 Briarsdale Rd, Harrisburg PA 17109, 717-412-4326

Do I have to be a PCCYFS member to register?

No!!!  Members and non-members are welcome to attend the conference.  Every year, many non-members attend the conference.  

Where do I direct questions about my conference registration?

Questions can be emailed to hbgoffice@pccyfs.org. During the event, you may also stop by the conference registration table and PCCYFS staff will help you.

What is the registration fee?

The registration fees vary.  They can be located on the conference page under the “Registration” tab.  Any questions can be directed to hbgoffice@pccyfs.org.   

 

What methods of payment do you accept?

You may make your reservation using a credit card, PayPal or request to be invoiced. You do NOT need to create a PayPal account to use a credit card.  If you choose to pay via PayPal/credit card, our website will pull you to a secure PayPal website page where you can complete your purchase using a credit card. 

Again, you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to complete the checkout via the PayPal website.  

Are the sessions eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

Yes, many of our sessions are eligible for CEUs. Their eligibility is indicated by the course description in the program. Credits are $10 per day, regardless of how many CEU’s you acquire during that day.  

The Pennsylvania Council of Children Youth & Family Services (PCCYFS) #SWPR004114 is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors to offer continuing education for social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. PCCYFS maintains responsibility for the program(s).

PCCYFS will maintain electronic and on-site records for 2 years; after 2 years, records will be sent to storage. You may apply for CEUs if the evaluation was completed in a timely manner. Please note that you may only apply for CEUs for courses where noted in the registration information. You may not receive more than one type of credit for a single course.

Are there any networking events?

Yes, this year’s conference offers many opportunities for networking.

On Tuesday evening, early arrivals may join PCCYFS staff and other conference early arrivals at the hotel bar/restaurant for Tuesday Trivia Night. PCCYFS will host trivia from 7 to 9 pm and award prizes. Play individually, as your own group, or pair up with PCCYFS staff to play.  

On Wednesday, PCCYFS is hosting a Murder Mystery Theatre Performance, sponsored by George Junior Republic.  Actors in full costume will put on a show where attendees can interact with the performance or simply sit back and enjoy the show.  Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and have a drink in our private reserved bar area for conference attendees.  

How do I cancel my registration?

All requests for cancelling registrations must be e-mailed to HbgOffice@PCCYFS.org by the end of the day on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. All non-cancelled no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.

How can I sponsor the 2025 Conference?

Information on sponsorship opportunities can be found on our conference website page in the “Sponsors” tab.  You may also e-mail hbgoffice@pccyfs.org for more information.  

 

How do I become a member of PCCYFS?

Click this link for information about membership.

Join as a Member – PCCYFS

 

How can I offer feedback or ask a specific question?

Email the PCCYFS office at hbgoffice@pccyfs.org.

Can I use social media at the conference?

Yes.

Social media guidelines and best practices

We welcome social media use at PCCYFS’ Annual Conference, including live tweeting. Use includes all public settings such as the exhibit hall and receptions, and presentations and keynotes.

Use the appropriate meeting hashtag, e.g. #PCCYFSCon2025 for PCCYFS Annual Conference 2025.

Employ commonly used hashtags that relate to the content to increase engagement.

Treat all participants, attendees, staff, and vendors with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.

Credit (identify) presenters by name.

Do not take or share photographs of individuals under 18 on social media without explicit verbal or written permission of a parent or guardian.

Photography guidelines and best practices

Photography by individuals for personal use and for social media is allowed at social events, in the Exhibit Hall and in public spaces throughout the PCCYFS Annual Conference.  

The presenter must be identified by name when a photograph of the presenter, presenter’s slides, or poster is shared on social media or elsewhere.

Attendees should be respectful and considerate of others. Do not use flash, block attendees view of presenters when capturing photos, or otherwise disrupt presentations.

Do not photograph individuals under 18 years of age without explicit verbal or written permission of a parent or guardian. If in doubt, ask.