Holly Schlaack

Holly Schlaack stands strong and tall as a voice for children who often have none. Deeply moved by the plight of invisible children in the foster care system, she has tirelessly advocated in the courts on their behalf. She has put her time and energy on the line, acting as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and gone the extra mile to ensure the best interests of abused and neglected children are served. Ms. Schlaack also has extensive experience supervising CASA volunteers, mentoring and encouraging them to excellence in assisting the children in their charge.

In 2000, she developed Building Blocks: Specialized Advocacy for Abused and Neglected Infants and Toddlers, a model of quality advocacy for CASA programs around the country. She co-founded and served as president of the Southwest Chapter of the Ohio Association for Infant Mental Health (OAIMH) and has presented at various conferences on young children and the juvenile court system.

Friday October 14

10:30-Noon 

Listening Between the Babbles
Holly Schlaack, Author of “Invisible Kids: Marcus Fiesel's Legacy,” Cincinnati, OHInfants and toddlers are the largest single group of children entering foster care. This comes at a time of rapid growth and can have long lasting implications on cognitive, social and emotional development.  Babies and toddlers have a lot to tell us, if only we know how to listen to what they are trying to say.  In this session, learn how you can successfully advocate for children who truly have no voice of their own. 

Track: V,S      Room Name: Veramendi GH       CEU .15B2 

Friday, October 14
1:45-3:15 pm

B2 Hand in Hand: The Power of Relationships
Holly Schlaack, Author of “Invisible Kids: Marcus Fiesel's Legacy,” Cincinnati, OH

Healthy, loving relationships with adults are a basic need for children as they learn and grow. Likewise, building good relationships among team members is crucial to achieving successful outcomes for vulnerable children. In this session, learn how relationships shape our children and how this knowledge can improve your advocacy.

Track: V,S   Room Name: Veramendi GH       CEU .15