Georgia Online Justice Community

The US Department of Human Health and Services is sponsoring a free virtual training on July 8, 2010:

Strengthening Partnerships & Enhancing Preparedness in Challenging Economic Times

The Virtual Leadership Training is a day long "on-line" event in response to the increasing demand for information about human services in disasters across the nation. The Forum is a unique opportunity for emergency management and human services leaders to discuss the delivery of human services during disasters, identify challenges as well as strategies and innovative approaches to address emerging issues.

Audience: government agencies, nonprofits, emergency responders

Click here to learn more: http://www.humanservicesepr.org.

AGENDA, TOPICS, & SPEAKERS

**ALL TIMES SHOWN ARE EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME**

11:00am - 12:00pm Introduction and ACF Priorities

The first hour of the Virtual Leadership Forum will highlight human services emergency preparedness and response priorities and will include an update from the National Commission on Children and Disasters as well as the ACF Disaster Case Management Program.

12:00pm - 1:00pm Strengthening Human Services Preparedness through
Collaboration

Representatives from large cities at risk of catastrophic disasters will discuss projects they host that are designed to build the capacity of and enhance collaboration among their emergency human services partners. Representatives from the Seattle Human Services Department, San Antonio Office of Emergency Management, and the San Francisco Foundation will talk about trainings, meetings, and other projects that help prepare community- and faith-based organizations and disaster human services partners prepare to sustain their daily operations in the event of a disaster. Presenters will talk about how the specific programs can be replicated in other communities, and the benefits of this level of community preparedness in assisting governments and relieving some of the immediate burden of responders in the aftermath of a disaster.

1:00pm - 2:30pm Children's Issues During Disasters

The impact of disasters on Children track will emphasize childrens' unique experiences during disasters. This track will provide specific examples on how to plan for children during disasters and will explore their social and emotional experience during disasters. Please join us to learn how children aren't just little adults, but have unique needs that require specific responses throughout the emergency from planning through recovery.

2:30pm - 3:30pm Human Services and Special Needs

This track will provide first-hand knowledge from disability advocates regarding the Disaster Recovery Case Management System (DRCMS). The panel will share how the DRCMS impacts children and families in recovery with varying types of disabilities and special needs as well as best practices. Additionally, national leaders for medical sheltering and sheltering operations will discuss leveraging resources and building partnerships to assist persons who are medically fragile, physically and mentally challenged and often disproportionably impacted by the disaster.

3:30pm - 4:30pm Faith-based and Community Partnerships

Will emphasize the important role of faith-based and community partnerships in disasters and discuss best practices and strategies to engage them in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities in their communities. This is particularly important as both governmental and non-governmental organizations feel increasing pressure to maximize their resources and stretch their budgets in an era of declining funding sources

4:30pm - 4:45pm Closing