On behalf of the Children's Bureau Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (CB/OCAN) and the 18th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, there is a unique volunteer opportunity for students pursuing an education in social work, counseling, psychology, public health, health policy, and related fields. The CB/OCAN is hosting the 18th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect in Washington, DC, April 16 to 20 at the Washington Hilton Hotel. This Conference is unique, as it is the only federally-sponsored conference dedicated to the field of child welfare.

This year, the 18th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: Celebrating the Past -- Imagining the Future, will convene during the Bureau's 100th celebration year with an expected 2,000 attendees. The Conference will provide an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments and lessons learned, and to articulate a course of action that will steer the child welfare field towards an ever improving future. We look forward to the 18th National Conference as an opportunity to renew our commitment to continuous quality improvement and to strengthen our resolve to prevent child maltreatment.

We are inviting students to become part of the Children's Bureau's proud service legacy by volunteering for the 18th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. Student volunteers will receive a complimentary half day conference registration for each shift they complete. This will provide them with an opportunity to self-select workshops and training sessions that offer access to the latest research, technologies, and practice models. Furthermore, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with today's leading thinkers in the field.

This year, we are excited to offer a Conference Volunteer Web page specifically designed to provide volunteer information and volunteer registration at www.pal-tech.com/web/OCAN/volunteer.cfm?p=28.

Join the Children's Bureau in making the 18th National Conference a success. For additional information call 703.682.2136.