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.

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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.