91ÖÆƬ³§

History and Purpose

The Annual Forum on Child Abuse and Neglect has been taking place at 91ÖÆƬ³§ since 1991. The Forum began as a two-hour meeting to convene a small group of local stakeholders on child abuse and neglect issues. It has evolved over these many years to become one of the premier child abuse prevention events in Northwest Indiana.
Each year, the Forum provides hundreds of human services professionals, foster families, and other caregivers with:

• High-quality continuing education and professional development training that qualifies for Social Work continuing education units (CEUs).
• Opportunities to network and to connect to a community of practice.
• A platform to address and discuss relevant public policies.

Save the Date

Friday, April 24, 2026
91ÖÆƬ³§

Agenda and registration link coming in early 2026.

The Forum is seeking exhibitors to setup in the IUN Savannah Center lobby throughout the event. This is a FREE opportunity.

The Forum Planning Committee is made up of representatives from health care, human services, child welfare, and education. All members of the planning committee volunteer their time and talents.

Committee Members

• Richard Hug: Committee Chair, Associate Professor Emeritus, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 91ÖÆƬ³§
• Elizabeth Guzman-Arredondo: Human Services Program Director/Associate Professor, Human Services Program, Calumet College of St. Joseph
• Tammy Hajduk: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Coordinator, Lake County
• Marshelia Harris: Bachelor of Social Work Program Director/Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, 91ÖÆƬ³§
• Wendy Hensley: Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships, Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana
• Sarah Johnson: Child Abuse Prevention Councils Director - La Porte and Porter Counties, Dunebrook, Inc.
• Kathryn Malone: Family Case Manager Supervisor IV, Indiana Department of Child Services
• Brittany Sanetta: Program Manager, Geminus Community Partners, Region 2
• Rob Seals: Audio Visual Services Manager, UITS, 91ÖÆƬ³§
• Amanda Smith: Assistant Director, Center for Urban and Regional Excellence, 91ÖÆƬ³§
• Douglas Thames: Program Manager, Geminus Community Partners Region 1
• Julie Villarreal: Senior Regional Director for Northwest Indiana, The Villages of Indiana
• Rachael Whitworth: Behavioral Specialist, Portage Township Schools
• Jeffrey Wittman: Prevention Program Manager, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana