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.
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
The discounted rate room block is FULL!
Some rooms at the hotel venue may still be available.
CALL or CLICK below to access the hotel.
If the Best Western Premier completely sells out (it normally does!!!) here are some additional hotel options nearby:
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
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.
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.
EHR EDGE, enkompas – 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.
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.
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!
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.
Blockhouse – SPECIALITY SPONSOR
Durable, Functional, Customizable Furniture That Performs Time and Time Again. From a True Partner That Stands With You.
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.
CAI – BRONZE SPONSOR
As a privately held company with a global footprint, our 9,000+ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Lamb Insurance – BRONZE SPONSOR
As our mission says, we protect organizations that positively affect people’s lives. Leveraging our in-depth understanding of the nuances of this complicated niche, our clients view us as a trusted partner. Our experience and knowledge, combined with our many partnerships with carriers who also specialize in this space, allows us to minimize our clients’ exposure to risk and deliver coverage at the lowest possible cost.
Clear Vision Residential Treatment Services – BRONZE SPONSOR
Clear Vision is dedicated to providing ethical, professional and high quality individualized services to 13-19 year old adolescent females who are in need of placement outside of the home environment.
Clear Vision is a 25 bed staff secure residential service licensed by the Department of Human Services and is fully staffed 24/7.
Clear Vision Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility is a 6-bed staff secure group home setting licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drugs & Alcohol.
Pinebrook Family Answers – COPPER SPONSOR
At Pinebrook Family Answers our dedicated professionals are are committed to providing quality services to vulnerable families residing in the Greater Lehigh Valley and beyond. Qualified and highly-skilled, our staff and resource parents are recognized in the community for their commitment to helping children and families in need. They not only play a critical role in the lives of the children, young adults, families, and seniors we serve, but in the successful outcomes they achieve.
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.
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.
MHY Family Services – COPPER SPONSOR
MHY Family Services (MHY) offers a therapeutic campus environment supporting individualized education programs and community services where learning and healing occur for youth and families. Through MHY, youth and families have the opportunity to learn skills that help them to manage and cope with trauma-based issues and to remain engaged with home, school and community.
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.
Cove Prep – COPPER SPONSOR
Cove PREP’s treatment philosophy is based on the belief that sexual offending results from a combination of biological, social, psychological and experiential factors. Sexual offenders are not all the same. Therefore, comprehensive assessment is required to develop an understanding the causes, contributing factors and what maintains each youth’s pattern of sexually abusive behaviors. Successful treatment is based on accurate diagnosis. Please contact us for more information and to make a referral.
GDC IT Solutions – COPPER SPONSOR
GDC IT Solutions is your trusted partner for IT Transformation.
In today’s ever-changing technological landscape, navigating IT complexities can be overwhelming. That’s where GDC IT Solutions comes in. We’re not just a premier IT service provider established in 1995; we’re a team of passionate professionals dedicated to helping businesses like yours thrive in the digital age. We don’t just solve your immediate IT problems; we help businesses of all sizes achieve their full potential by providing comprehensive IT solutions and exceptional customer service.
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.
Bethany Christian Services – STUDENT SPONSORSHIP
Bethany Christian Services is a global nonprofit dedicated to helping families thrive through world-class social services. Bethany’s core domestic services include foster care, adoption through foster care, strengthening families, and pregnancy counseling. We also serve refugees who are fleeing violence and have been forced from their homes. Internationally, Bethany Christian Services partners with several countries to support children and families, right where they are. Bethany demonstrates the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting children, empowering youth, and strengthening families through quality social services. We believe every child deserves to be safe, loved, and connected through family.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FirstMatch – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR
FirstMatch is a software designed to enhance compatibility, inform decision-making, and deliver better outcomes for kids needing care or placement in the juvenile justice or child welfare system.
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.
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?
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.
