Join the Alabama Life Research Institute and the University of Alabama School of Social Work for a solution-focused summit that brings together mental health practitioners, system leaders, and policymakers to address the urgent mental health needs of children and adolescents in our state.
Through panel discussions, collaborative breakout sessions, and data-driven dialogue, participants will explore the realities of childhood trauma, system gaps, and opportunities for cross-sector change. Attendees will leave with concrete, actionable strategies to implement within their own agencies and organizations.
Together, we will create a unified vision for supporting Alabama’s youth and building more responsive, effective mental health systems that truly serve our communities.
Event Details
November 12, 2025
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Bryant Conference Center
Agenda
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 a.m. | Registration & Welcome Breakfast and networking Welcome remarks from Alabama Life Research Institute and School of Social Work leadership |
| 9:30–10:15 a.m. | Opening Keynote:“The State of Youth Mental Health in Alabama: Challenges and Opportunities” Current data on child/adolescent mental health needs in Alabama with a focus on childhood trauma Overview of existing systems and gaps Setting the stage for collaborative action |
| 10:15–10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30–11:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions (Choose one) Track A: Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Track B: Policy Solutions and Advocacy Strategies Track C: Innovative Service Delivery Models |
| 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Lunch & Learn: “Voices from the Field: Multi-Sector Perspectives” Practitioner perspective: Frontline experiences and needs Administrator perspective: Systems-level challenges and resources Legislative perspective: Policy landscape and opportunities Survivor and Parent Perspective: Experience with trauma-related services Moderated Q&A with audience |
| 12:45–1:45 p.m. | Action Planning Workshop “From Ideas to Implementation” Small group work: Identifying needs in your community and developing concrete next steps Resource mapping and partnership opportunities Commitment to action planning |
| 1:45–2:00 p.m. | Break |
| 2:00–2:45 p.m. | Large Group Debrief and Problem Solving Report out from action planning groups Resource sharing and contact exchange |
| 2:45–3:00 p.m. | Closing & Next Steps Follow-up commitments and plan for ongoing communication |