Safe Babies Training | First3years

Safe Babies 2026 Training Series

Embark on a transformative learning experience with our Safe Babies Training Series, meticulously designed to empower child welfare professionals. Throughout the year, our dedicated Safe Babies team orchestrates comprehensive training sessions aimed at equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills crucial for safeguarding the well-being of our youngest community members. Collaborating seamlessly with trusted community partners, we ensure the delivery of dynamic and engaging training sessions tailored to meet the diverse needs of all child welfare stakeholders. Join us on this journey of continuous education, as we strive to create a safer and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable in our community.

CEU certificate available after completion of post event survey.

Safe Babies Summit - Transforming Child Welfare for Infants & Toddlers

October 14-15, 2026
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas | $50 per attendee
9 CEUs available | Light Breakfast & Lunch included with registration

Summary:

The 2026 Safe Babies Summit: Transforming Child Welfare for Infants & Toddlers is a two-day professional learning experience designed to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to improve outcomes for our youngest children and their families. Grounded in infant and early childhood mental health, the Summit brings together leaders across child welfare, behavioral health, healthcare, early childhood, and community-based organizations to explore innovative, relationship-centered approaches that strengthen families and promote safety, permanency, and well-being.

Through evidence-informed presentations, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, attendees will examine the unique needs of infants and toddlers involved in the child welfare system while learning practical strategies they can immediately apply in their work. Topics include infant mental health, lived experience and family voice, attachment and connection, poverty and systems change, childhood trauma, kinship caregiving, pediatric sleep, and relationship-centered practice. Presentations feature national experts, community leaders, and professionals with lived expertise who will challenge participants to rethink traditional approaches and build systems that prioritize healing, hope, and strong relationships.

Past 2026 Webinars

Thursday, April 9, 2026

10:00AM-11:30AM

The Village Around the Baby: Kinship, Culture and Community Supports

Presenters: Reneé Mirick, MS, IMH-E® Natalie Alfandre, LMSW Crystal Shivers, IMH-E®

Thursday, May 21, 2026

10:00AM-11:30AM

Bridging the Gap the System Won't: Let's Talk About Why It's so Hard

Presenter: Heather Pugh, MS, IMH-E®

Thursday, July 9, 2026

12:00-1:30PM

Safe Isn't Enough: Advancing Infant Well-Being in Child Welfare Through IECMHC

Presenter: Marnie Stone, Program Administrator of Child and Family Network at MHMR of Tarrant County

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

1:00-2:00PM

Bridging the Gap the System Won't: And How People Do It Anyway

Presenter: Heather Pugh, MS, IMH-E®

Thursday, August 20, 2026

10:00AM-12:00PM

Listening to Little Nervous Systems: Understanding Social and Emotional Signals in Infants and Toddlers in Child Welfare

Presenter: Heather Pugh, MS, IMH-E®

Interested in more Infant Mental Health focused training? View our monthly webinars here.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

10:00am-11:00am

Hope Happens Here: Helping Children Heal and Thrive After Domestic Violence

Children who witness or experience domestic violence often carry invisible wounds that impact their emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of safety. While children are incredibly resilient, healing requires intentional support, nurturing relationships, and opportunities to rebuild hope.

This presentation explores the unique needs of children impacted by domestic violence and introduces practical, trauma-informed strategies that caregivers, advocates, educators, counselors, and community members can use to foster resilience. Participants will learn how hope, connection, play, emotional safety, and positive experiences can help children move from surviving to thriving.

Presenter: Jennifer Jones, Founder and Executive Director, Hagars Heart

Jennifer Jones is the Founder and Executive Director of Hagar's Heart, a North Texas nonprofit dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering survivors of domestic violence and the professionals who serve them. As a survivor herself, Jennifer transformed her personal journey of healing into a mission to ensure others feel seen, supported, and valued.

Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and trauma-informed education, she has helped expand Hagar's Heart's reach to thousands of survivors and service providers across North Texas. Jennifer is passionate about helping children and families move beyond survival and discover hope, resilience, and healing.