Healing Trauma. Strengthening Families. Leading the Next Generation

The 27th International Families & Fathers Conference

April 13–16, 2026 | Los Angeles, California

For twenty-seven years, the International Families & Fathers Conference has brought together professionals committed to strengthening families, breaking cycles of trauma, and improving outcomes for children and communities. In 2026, we continue this legacy with a powerful four-day gathering in Los Angeles designed for leaders in child welfare, early childhood education, behavioral health, juvenile justice, father-engagement programs, public health, and all family-serving fields.

The work of trauma healing and ACEs prevention is complex. This conference offers an opportunity not only to learn, but to reconnect with purpose, restore your vision, and renew your commitment to the families and communities you serve.

Below are ten spotlight sessions selected for their relevance to trauma-informed practice, ACEs science, mental health, and family resilience—each condensed to a clear two-sentence summary for fast reference.

Spotlight Sessions for Trauma, Mental Health, and ACEs Professionals

Dr. Roderick Logan – “I Was Loved: Embracing Positive Parenting to Foster Resilient Children”

This keynote explores how unconditional love, secure attachment, and attuned parenting protect children from long-term effects of trauma and ACEs. Dr. Logan introduces a resilience-focused framework to strengthen emotional safety and relational well-being.

Dr. Ovett Chapman Jr. – “The Reframe Files: Trauma, Cognition, and Identity Repair”

Dr. Chapman presents a trauma-informed model that transforms limiting beliefs and generational narratives. Participants learn practical reframing strategies that support identity restoration and long-term healing.

Dr. Alicia L. Jackson – “Because Every Life Matters: The Power of QPR Suicide Prevention” (Certification)

This certification empowers professionals to identify early suicide risk, ask lifesaving questions, and connect individuals to immediate help. Dr. Jackson provides evidence-based tools for high-risk youth, adults, and families.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez – “The Power of DiSC + Ikigai + Kintsugi: Unlocking Purpose, Healing, and Leadership”

This certification integrates behavioral science with purpose-driven and resilience-building philosophies. Attendees learn how trauma-informed leadership transforms adversity into growth and renewed service.

Chandra Brooks – “AI Certification: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Family Mental Health & Community Engagement”

Chandra Brooks leads a forward-thinking certification focused on ethical and effective uses of AI in trauma-informed family services. Participants learn how innovative tools can reduce workforce stress, improve engagement, and strengthen support systems.

Samuel Rangel – “Fatherhood and Breastfeeding: The Power of Paternal Support”

Samuel Rangel, one of California’s few male Certified Lactation Counselors, reframes breastfeeding as a shared family practice that strengthens bonding and maternal well-being. Professionals learn strategies to include fathers from the earliest stages of life.

First 5 California & Rescue Agency – “The Power of Fatherhood: Giving Our Children the Strongest Start”

This session highlights father engagement as a critical protective factor that reduces ACEs and improves child developmental outcomes. Participants gain communication strategies and practical tools to elevate equity and strengthen family systems.

Tammy Daughtry – “One Heart, Two Homes: Coparenting Strategist Training”

This training offers concrete strategies to reduce trauma for children navigating separation and multi-home transitions. Tammy Daughtry provides tools and assessments that stabilize emotional security during family restructuring.

Ward Williams & Ronald Wyers – “Spiritual Strength for Fathers and Families” (Project Abraham)

This session uses spiritual mentorship and culturally grounded approaches to strengthen fathers’ emotional resilience and leadership. Participants explore how purpose, values, and identity influence healing and family well-being.

Madeline Anderson – “Building Your Legacy Through Fatherhood” (Keynote)

This keynote connects neuroscience, parental presence, and the long-term impact of daily fathering practices. Attendees learn how intentional fatherhood creates generational resilience and community transformation.

Why This Conference Matters

Professionals today face rising caseloads, workforce burnout, and increasing exposure to secondary trauma. Families are navigating higher levels of adversity, mental health distress, and generational cycles that require trauma-responsive support.

This conference provides:

• Evidence-based trauma and ACEs tools

• Multi-system collaboration strategies

• Healing-centered engagement practices

• Suicide prevention and mental health training

• Father inclusion frameworks

• A national community of professionals committed to impact

For those who serve children and families, these four days offer both practical learning and personal renewal.

Your Next Steps

Explore the full conference program:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences.html

Register now at the Super Early Bird rate of $375:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/conference-registration-and-fees.html

View the full four-day schedule:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/27th-international-families-and-fathers-conference-schedule.html

Read every workshop and session description:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/27th-international-families-and-fathers-conference-schedule/ffca-full-conference-session-details.html

Meet the 2026 presenters:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/2026-speakers-wall.html

Download the official conference app:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/27th-international-families-and-fathers-conference-schedule/2026-conference-app.html

A Personal Invitation

To every professional who works in homes, classrooms, clinics, courtrooms, shelters, community programs, or tribal communities—you are the heartbeat of this movement. Your commitment to healing, prevention, and family strengthening is creating generational change.

I invite you to join us in Los Angeles for four days of powerful learning, meaningful connection, and renewed purpose. We look forward to welcoming you to the 27th International Families & Fathers Conference.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

I remain at your service...
Me quedo a su servicio,

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & CEO
Fathers and Families Coalition of America

www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
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+1-424-225-1323