Imagining Change in Child Welfare: TAMUCT Hosts Annual Title IV-E Conference
Title IV-E Conference Nov. 7, 2025: Scott Cooley, left, Senior Staff Attorney for the Texas Children’s Commission, and Brody Burks, Assistant Attorney General of Texas.
Texas A&M University–Central Texas welcomed child welfare professionals, students, and community partners for its annual Title IV-E Conference on Nov. 7, an event dedicated to advancing dialogue and solutions for child welfare in Central Texas. Held at the Bill Yowell Conference Center, this year’s theme, “Imagining Change in Child Welfare,” underscored both the challenges and opportunities shaping the system statewide.
Organized by Kathryn Crittenden, coordinator of the Title IV-E Program at A&M–Central Texas, the conference serves as a cornerstone for continuing education and professional development. Social workers, foster and adoptive parents, ad litems, and advocates gathered alongside representatives from DFPS, STARRY, CASA, Fort Hood, and regional medical centers.
Dr. Michale Daley, director of the university’s social work program, said the annual conference highlights the program’s commitment to community service.
“Our engagement in community service, well established for many years, extends learning beyond the classroom and strengthens partnerships with local agencies,” Daley said.
In a highly anticipated session, Brody Burks, Assistant Attorney General of Texas, addressed urgent issues such as human trafficking, transnational organized crime, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in child exploitation. Burks, a returning speaker, is known for sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees working on the front lines of child protection.
The conference also showcased diverse perspectives from A&M–Central Texas faculty and students. Vené Baggett and Dr. Tamara Fields led sessions on bridging communication gaps within the child welfare system. Social work student Sarah Sanchez, a prospective Title IV-E stipend recipient, shared personal insights into foster care, adding a powerful firsthand perspective. Student volunteers supported the event and gained valuable exposure to professional practices.
Organizers aim to expand future conferences to include more community members—such as foster families, adoptive families, mentors, and advocates—who play critical roles in the child welfare network. The Title IV-E Program remains committed to fostering education and collaboration to strengthen child welfare across Central Texas.
