2026 Michigan CASA State Conference
October 26-27, 2026 | Holland, Michigan
Conference Begins In...
About the Conference
Each year, the Michigan CASA State Conference brings together hundreds of CASA staff, volunteers, social work professionals, educators, and community members from across Michigan to learn, grow, and strengthen the statewide CASA network.
This two-day event features keynote speakers, professional development workshops, networking, and peer learning - all in service of ensuring more Michigan children have a consistent, caring advocate in their corner. Whether you're a seasoned CASA program leader or new to the network, this is your opportunity to connect with the people doing this work across the state.
What To Expect
Keynote Speakers
Nationally recognized voices in child advocacy and foster care
Professional Development
Practical breakout & plenary sessions for CASA staff, volunteers, & other child welfare professionals
Peer Networking
Connect with leaders from local CASA programs representing 30+ counties across Michigan
Awards and Recognition
Celebrating impact across our statewide network
Social Work CEUs & SCECHs for Educators
The Michigan CASA has applied for Social Work Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) for eligible attendees.
Whether you're a licensed social worker maintaining your professional license or an educator renewing your Michigan certificate, the conference provides valuable learning opportunities that support your continuing education requirements while strengthening your advocacy for children and families.
If you would like to receive continuing education credits, please indicate this during registration.
Keynote Speakers
Conference Schedule
Monday, October 26
10:00 AM: Registration & Networking
11:00 AM: Lunch & Opening Remarks
11:30 AM: Keynote Speaker: Maria Bryan, "Bearing Witness Without Carrying It All"
12:45 PM: Break
1:00 PM: Judicial Panel facilitated by Susanna G. Patterson, featuring judges & referees from Ottawa & Kent Counties.
2:00 PM: Break (Snacks & Beverages provided)
2:30 PM: Breakout Session I (75 Minutes)
- Deal or Disconnect: A Simulation on Sibling Placement Decisions in Foster Care
- Bridging the Gap CACs and CASA: Supporting Children After Sexual Abuse
- Maintaining Family Roots
- From Understanding to Action: Supporting LGBTQIA2S+ Youth and Families
4:15 PM: Plenary Session: Trauma Informed Advocacy by Apryl Pooley
5:45 PM: Dinner on your own
8:00 PM: Trauma Informed Yoga for Self Care
Tuesday, October 27
7:30 AM: Breakfast Buffet
8:30 AM: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tony Hynes, "Connections That Last: Building Belonging, Identity, & Lifelong Relationships for Adopted Persons"
10:00 AM: Breakout Session II (75 Minutes)
- The CASA's Opportunity: Bringing HOPE to Hard Places
- The Real-Time Advocate: Co-Creating Tools for Child-Centric Recommendations
- Where Do You Belong? Building Belonging for Teens in Foster Care
- Rising in Inclusion & Belonging
11:30 AM: Breakout Session III (75 Minutes)
- Conversational Strategies for Identifying and Resolving CASA Kids (and Key Partners) Needs.
- More Than a Statistic: The Human Impact of Racial Inequities in Child Welfare
- Rights of Youth Experiencing Foster Care
- Healing Connections: From Trauma to Resilience
12:45 PM: Awards of Excellence Luncheon & Raffle Drawing
2:30 PM: Conference Concludes
*Note that schedule changes may occur, please check back for updates ahead of the conference.
Register for the Conference
Individual Attendee
- General conference admission (Oct 26-27)
- Access to all keynote sessions and breakout sessions
- Awards luncheon and optional bonus sessions
Annual Partner
- Logo on all promotional materials
- Featured social posts
- Acknowledgment throughout event
- Customized based on your needs
Book your Hotel Room
The 2026 Michigan CASA State Conference will be held at the Haworth Hotel!
Book your room by September 25th.
Block code: 1026CASA (automatically applied with this direct link below)
Due to limited space at Haworth Hotel, we have an additional room block at the Courtyard Marriott, which our team timed as a 4-minute walk from our conference space. Book by September 25th. (No Block Code required; just follow direct link below)
Become a 2026 Partner
It takes all of us to ensure every child has someone in their corner. When your organization partners with Michigan CASA, you connect with hundreds of child welfare professionals, CASA volunteers, and community advocates - and you send a clear message that your community takes care of its children.
| Partnership Tier | Investment | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Stand Up Sponsor | $6,000 | Event recognition at all 2026 events, speaking opportunities, newsletter feature, vendor table |
| Show Up Champion | $3,500 | Event recognition, newsletter feature, vendor table, gala table |
| Speak Up Advocate | $1,500 | Event recognition, vendor table, social media recognition |
| Transformation Champions | $500 | Small business recognition across platforms, year-round website recognition, 2 gala tickets |
Conference Venue Information
Haworth Hotel & Conference Center | 225 College Avenue, Holland, Michigan 49423
Additional parking details will be made available closer to the conference date. Stay tuned!
Our Partners
About Michigan CASA
Michigan CASA is the statewide association supporting a network of 30 local CASA programs across Michigan. Since 1984, we have trained and supported Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children in foster care. At the state level, we provide funding, training, and capacity building so that every local program can serve children effectively - and so that every child who needs a CASA, has one.
Current Michigan CASA Volunteers
Michigan Children Served
Michigan Youth in Foster Care
Questions, comments, or feedback? Email carlos@michigancasa.org
