Registration Form

Building Better Outcomes for Child Welfare: Strengthening Systems Through Informed and Collaborative State Leadership

Nov. 12-13, 2026
(optional reception from 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 11 at host hotel) 

• Meeting Site: Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL
• Host Hotel: Chicago Marriot Naperville
• Meeting Dinner: Evening of Nov. 12, location TBD 

This workshop is for legislators interested in strengthening their states’ child welfare systems and improving long-term outcomes for children and families. Participants will explore the elements of a well-functioning child protection agency, as well as state laws, programs and investments that support families, protect children, and safely reduce foster care populations. Workshop attendees will leave the workshop prepared to lead on child welfare policy in their states, in 2027 and beyond.

This program is made possible by a CSG Midwest partnership with Casey Family Programs (Casey), the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care. Experts from Casey and other child welfare organizations will share insights, data and research. At this interactive workshop, legislators also will have an opportunity to share insights and ideas with one another.

Programming will be offered on the morning and afternoon of Nov. 12 as well as on the morning of Nov. 13 — all at the picturesque Cantigny Park in Chicago’s Western suburbs. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on-site. Legislative attendees also are encouraged to attend an evening reception on Nov. 11 and a workshop dinner on Nov. 12. There is no registration fee. A travel scholarship of up to $1,200 is available for legislative attendees and can be used to defray travel-related costs such as lodging, mileage and/or airfare. Note: There is a limit on the number of attendees and travel scholarships.

CSG Midwest has secured a group rate at a hotel near Cantigny Park. Click here to reserve your room at the host hotel, the Chicago Marriott Naperville. Note: CSG Midwest will provide transportation to and from the host hotel and meeting site (Cantigny Park).

A preliminary workshop agenda will be available soon. Please contact CSG Midwest's Tim Anderson, tanderson@csg.org, or Cathy Malloy, cmalloy@csg.org, or call the CSG Midwest office at 630.925.1922 if you have questions about the workshop.

To register, please fill out this form and hit "submit" at the bottom of this page.

An optional reception will be held on the evening of Nov. 11 at the Chicago Marriott Naperville from 4 to 6 p.m.. Please indicate whether you will be attending the reception and whether you will be bringing a guest. The reception will include drinks and hors d'oeuvres. 

We hope you join fellow workshop attendees for a complimentary dinner on Nov. 12. It’s a chance to network with and learn from legislative colleagues in an informal setting. The exact location of the dinner is still to be determined, but it will be held close to the host hotel. Please indicate whether you will be attending the dinner and whether you will be bringing a guest.