Children’s Network celebrates 40th anniversary conference

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Children’s Network hosted its 40th annual conference at the Ontario Convention Center from Sept. 2-3, bringing together more than 400 community members, youths, parents and healthcare professionals for 53 workshops and presentations from two keynote speakers.

The annual conference supports Children’s Network’s continued mission to strengthen and promote the well-being of children, families and communities.

“For four decades, this conference has brought people together across professions, agencies and communities. That history matters because protecting children and strengthening families have always required partnership,” said Children’s Network Officer Ashley Brooksher. “No single department, program or organization can do this work alone.”

Each day opened with powerful stories from keynote speakers about hope and metamorphosis through adversity.

Lori Poland shared her experience about being kidnapped as a young child and how that journey led her to become an advocate and an activist for children and families.

Ryan Stream, a dynamic motivational speaker and singer, commanded the room with his presence and songs, sharing his story of adversity, overcoming homelessness and drug abuse and becoming a veteran, business owner and father.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit with more than 70 vendors and attend various workshops spanning topics such as human trafficking, child development and fatherhood engagement. The Val Verde Dance team performed during the lunch hour, dazzling attendees with their solo and group routines.

“Forty years is more than a milestone. It is thousands of conversations, partnerships, trainings, referrals, difficult decisions and everyday acts of care that have helped children and families grow stronger,” said Associate Network Officer Hillary Steenson-Ray. “To everyone who helped plant the early roots of this conference, to those who nurtured it across the decades, and to those carrying the work forward today, thank you.”

The Children’s Network’s annual conference is the Inland Empire’s premier training conference for professionals in the fields of social work, mental health, juvenile justice, child development and child welfare.

Children’s Network is dedicated to strengthening and promoting the well-being of children, families and communities in San Bernardino County. Through active collaboration with county and community partners, we coordinate preventative programs and services, provide relevant training opportunities for service providers, and raise public awareness about the risk factors of child abuse and neglect. Our vision is to achieve positive outcomes for children and families in the region.

Additional County Update News – September 17, 2026