Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

2024 Location:
Mt Zion Baptist Church, Austin

Save the date for March 2nd, 2024! This year, A Future & A Hope Conference will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church for a day of learning, community building, resource gathering, and fun! We're in this together! A Future & A Hope Conference is an adoption and foster conference that has been a part of the Austin community for many years. This transformative event is meant to encourage and inspire foster, adoptive, and kinship families, as well as help provide some clarity for those who are considering how they can be involved in impacting the child welfare space. You'll hear from great speakers and breakout presenters who will help you see how every person can have a role in making sure there is a healing home for every child.

General Sessions

Over the years, AFAH has proudly showcased a diverse range of keynote speakers. These speakers generously share heartwarming stories rooted in their wisdom-rich expertise in the child welfare domain. They bring to light the glimmers of hope that shine through the trials of adoption, foster care, kinship care, and the uplifting potential of trauma-informed strategies. Whether you're a seasoned caregiver, a community champion, or just embarking on this journey, these presentations are tailored to resonate with every individual.

Breakout Sessions

AFAH conference features focused breakout sessions catering to different roles and needs. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore foster care, kinship care, adoption, and post-placement/adoptive family support. These sessions will offer practical advice, real-life insights, and strategies for navigating the challenges associated with these roles. AFAH recognizes the critical intersection between foster care and homelessness, youth incarceration, and other systemic issues. Through thought-provoking discussions, participants will gain insight into how past traumas impact the present day and how these broader social problems are interconnected. Sessions will delve into topics like compassion fatigue and maintaining a sense of purpose while supporting kids from hard places.

Eye-Opening Statistics

We believe that awareness is the first step towards change. Shocking statistics underscore the urgency of addressing the issues covered by the conference:

• 88% of trafficked victims were once in foster care.

• Approximately 40% of the homeless population has a history in foster care.

• 50% of youth in foster care will have an arrest or conviction by the age of 17.

• 70% of girls who age out of foster care will become pregnant within the first year.

Be Part of the Solution

A Future & A Hope Conference is a rallying point for those who believe in collective action to create a brighter future. By attending, you become part of a community committed to making a positive difference. Together, we can shatter stereotypes, address root causes, and advocate for effective policies that support marginalized individuals.

AFAH 2024 is not just a conference; it's a call to action. Join us on March 2nd at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin to learn, connect, and ignite change. With a rich tapestry of sessions, insightful discussions, and practical workshops, you'll leave inspired and equipped to play an active role in fostering hope and driving transformation within our community.

Register now for the A Future & A Hope Conference, and let's work together to create a future that holds promise and opportunity for all.