The Association for Training on Attachment and Children (ATTACh) concluded its annual conference April 10.
With the ATTACh Conference in the rearview, Arrow Child and Family Ministries is celebrating a week of collaborative learning and clinical presentation aimed at strengthening the foster care community. The conference, themed “Healing Connection: The Heart of the Matter,” brings together international professionals and caregivers to address trauma through the power of safe, supportive relationships.
Arrow played a significant role in this year’s event, with multiple departments including Clinical Development and Residential Services presenting together. This integrated approach highlights the organization’s commitment to providing seamless behavioral health and therapeutic services for children with complex mental, behavioral and medical needs.
“The collaboration across departments reflects our commitment to truly integrated, holistic care,” said Kellee Walker, Arrow Senior Vice President of Clinical Services. “We are presenting together because it mirrors how we work every day. It takes everyone fully engaged and aligned to help kids heal.”
Walker, who served on the conference planning committee, noted the unique value the event brings to Texas. By partnering with the Texas Alliance for Children and Families and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the conference created a space for local providers to unite around shared goals.
A primary focus for Arrow this year was increasing accessibility for families. With the conference in San Antonio, Arrow worked to remove financial barriers through scholarships, ensuring more caregivers could attend and gain practical, relationship-based skills.
“The mission of the ATTACh conference strongly aligns with Arrow’s commitment to helping kids and strengthening families,” Director of Clinical Development, Nicole Greene said. “The intentional inclusion of caregivers alongside professionals reinforces the understanding that healing happens within the context of safe, supportive relationships.”
As a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics site, Arrow planned to utilize the conference to promote a neurobiologically informed model of care. This approach prioritizes interventions that align with brain development, focusing on body regulation and sensory processing.
“I hope attendees walk away with more tools, knowledge and understanding to support the kids in their care,” Clinical Development Specialist, Brianna Cartwright said. “More importantly, I hope they leave with a renewed sense of hope that the work they are pouring into these children truly matters and is making a difference.”
In addition to clinical presentations, Arrow contributed a “Top Recommended Items” basket to the conference silent auction. The basket featured sensory tools and foundational literature, such as “What Happened to You” by Dr. Bruce Perry, designed to provide families with hands on resources for regulation and trauma informed care.
