Central ND News

Registration remains open for the fifth annual North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference, which will take place from October 20 to 23 at the Bismarck Event Center. The event will also be accessible through an online livestream.

The conference aims to bring together behavioral health and child welfare professionals throughout North Dakota for networking, sharing best practices, and professional development. Attendees are expected from various sectors, including behavioral health advocacy, service provision, child welfare, business and community leadership, faith-based organizations, first responders, law enforcement, and tribal groups.

The 2025 theme is "Empower 2025," with more than 20 speakers scheduled to present on a variety of topics related to behavioral health and child welfare. An ethics preconference will be held on October 20 and a supervision post-conference on October 23. The main conference programming starts Tuesday, October 21 with eight keynote addresses followed by 15 breakout sessions over three days.

Speakers include Lara Love Hardi presenting "Hidden Stories, Second Chances"; David Ambroz with "A Place Called Home"; Thad Shunkwiler leading both the ethics preconference and sessions titled "Rediscovering Your Why" and "The Rise of Gambling in Teenagers"; Jessica Lahey presenting "The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence"; Dr. Kathryn Gordon addressing "Suicidal Thoughts: Reducing Stigma, Enhancing Communication and Cultivating Hope"; and Matthew Anderson discussing "Using the Superpower of Relationships to Foster Workplace Engagement."

Continuing education units (CEUs) are available for professionals licensed by the North Dakota Board of Licensed Addiction Counselors, North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners, North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners, North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapist Board as well as HHS Certified Peer Support Specialists.

For the first time in 2025, two awards will be presented at the conference: The Fearless Roughrider Team Award recognizes provider or agency teams that show courage, innovation, adaptability and commitment to doing what is right; while the Legendary Service Award honors a professional with more than ten years of service who has made a significant impact on vulnerable populations in North Dakota.

Registration costs $200 for full access or $50 for university students as well as kinship providers or foster/adoptive parents. On-site registration will be offered at the Bismarck Event Center located at 315 Fifth St., Bismarck.