September 2026 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Community Response to Child Abuse Conference, October 8
- ECCS Touchpoints, September 8
- Court Improvement Program Recording
- The Future of Food Community Conversations
New Format. Same Important Mission. Registration is Open!
The Community Response to Child Abuse Conference is now a power-packed one-day experience.
Earn 7+ continuing education hours while choosing from a wide range of breakout sessions, hearing from inspiring keynote speakers, and connecting with peers—all in one day.
Attendees can look forward to keynote presentations from Derek Clark, opening the conference with Resilience and Redemption: The Power of Determination and the Spirit of a Child. Derek shares his personal journey, emphasizing the resilience that allowed him to overcome brutal trauma. The keynote takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, from the depths of despair to the heights of triumph, illustrating the transformative power of redemption. Additional keynotes will be provided by Frank Grijalva, Post Traumatic Growth, What the Dolphins Taught Me and Mike Kutzke, Resilience & Adaptability: Strategies to Thrive Through Change
Breakout sessions will include topics such as:
- Trauma and Stressor Disorders 101: Diagnosis, Screening, and Treatment Foundations
- Indigenous Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- The Stories We Believe: How Self-Worth Drives Behavior and Healing
- Everything is Connected: Understanding How the Early Childhood Environment Shapes the Central Nervous System
Additional conference highlights include:
- 15+ unique breakout sessions led by local and regional experts
- 3 general sessions featuring current best practices and nationally recognized speakers
- 7+ hours of continuing education units available
- Networking opportunities with professionals from across the region
- Registration of $125 includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages
📅 Join us October 8, 2026 in Sioux Falls! Registration closes soon!
South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative
CPCM is supporting the SD Healthy Nutrition Collaborative in partnership with Avera Research Institute and SD Department of Health in hosting community conversations to shape the future of food and nutrition in South Dakota and the publication of the the first South Dakota Food Landscape Assessment – a statewide resource that brings together data, research, and community perspectives to better understand the factors shaping food access, nutrition, and health across South Dakota.
The assessment highlights our strengths, identifies challenges, and explores opportunities to improve food and nutrition security. It does not belong to us, it is intended to be a resource for community members, organizations, healthcare providers, educators, producers, tribal communities, policymakers, and anyone committed to building a healthier South Dakota.
The community conversations will include a meal featuring local foods while learning about the report. Attendees will also explore FRANK (Food Resources, Access & Nutrition Knowledge)—a first-of-its-kind data dashboard.
These events take place at the following dates and locations:
Each event will include giveaways showing our appreciation to you and the communities who make improvements to food and nutrition in South Dakota possible.
Full details and the complete report are at:
https://www.sdhealthynutritioncollaborative.com/communityvoices
SD ECCS
The August session, South Dakota Children and the Food/Nutrition Landscape, is now available to view.
Join us for upcoming ECCS Touchpoints webinars:
Advancing Pediatric Medical Homes in South Dakota: Building Coordinated, Family‑Centered Care for Children presented by Jason Simon-Ressler, Child Health Coordinator, South Dakota Department of Health
Court Improvement Program
The August session, Child Welfare Proceedings & Courtroom Practice, is now available to view.
Join us for upcoming CIP Trainings:
Ethics in Child Welfare Representation presented by Nicole Laughlin, Laughlin Law
Understanding ICWA: The Gold Standard of Child Welfare – Improving Outcomes for Indian Families presented by Sheldon Spotted Elk and Dan Lewerenz
