Written by Ellie Roberts, Education Specialist, Prevent Child Abuse Utah
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Joining Forces Conference hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Utah. The virtual conference was held on April 22 and 23, 2025. It is a gathering focused on exploring strategies to strengthen protective factors and enhance the resilience of Utah’s families. Together, these professionals prepared and discussed a wide variety of topics focused on ways to protect children and families in Utah.
The two-day event featured a variety of presentations and panels. These sessions were tailored for professionals, parents, and engaged community members.
Day One Highlights
The conference began with a keynote address by Dr. Bart Klika, Chief Research Officer at Prevent Child Abuse America. Dr. Klika focused on shaping child sexual abuse prevention strategies through state policies. He emphasized one crucial point: “Child sexual abuse is a preventable public health problem.” Check out more about Dr. Klika’s work and research in child sexual abuse: Evaluation of the effects of child sexual abuse prevention policies on adult perpetrated child sexual abuse.
Breakout sessions on the first day covered a range of important topics. This includes fostering resilience in families, preventing child maltreatment, addressing the needs of working parents, and strengthening couple and family relationships.
I want to highlight one breakout session that I personally attended, the breakout hosted by Joey Thurgood, Assistant Director of Home Visiting for Prevent Child Abuse Utah, titled “Bringing the Protective Factors to Life: A Conversation with Parents and Resource Organizations About Resilience” A panel of parents shared their personal stories and strategies for fostering resilience and it sent a powerful message and insights to all professionals attending, especially those who are parents themselves.
Day One ended with a plenary session titled, “Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda: What Survivors of Abuse Whish You Knew”. The discussion featured a powerful perspective directly from survivors as they shared experiences and personal insights. Rabbi Avremi Zippel and Prevent Child Abuse Utah’s Education Program Administrator, Emily Sparks answered questions from moderator, Deondra Brown. Check out Rabbi Zippel’s website for info about his life, his recent book release, his speaking engagements, and more!
Day Two Highlights
Day Two started with a plenary by Mary Beth Vogel-Ferguson titled “Navigating Stress: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!”. She expertly discussed how stress impacts the brain, the body, and human behavior. It was a wonderful start to the day, as we discussed as a group, healthy ways to navigate high levels of stress.
Day two breakouts continued with topics such as the prevention of child sexual abuse and public policy, child justice centers crucial support for child abuse intervention and secondary prevention, and engaging with children in developmentally appropriate ways.
Keynote speaker, Roger Sherman from Prevent Child Abuse Idaho, discussed how to build Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) to overcome Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Check out an important Op-Ed that Roger wrote that even discusses work that was done in Utah: Idaho Capital Sun Commentary – Roger Sherman“
It was inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals, parents, and community members come together to learn and collaborate on such critical issues. I left the conference feeling energized and equipped with new knowledge and strategies to support the well-being of Utah’s families.
Do you wish you could learn more about keeping your children safe from abuse? Take Prevent Child Abuse Utah’s new online course for adults, Boundary Town.