The 5th Annual Child Welfare Conference and Awards Luncheon, to be held on April 19, will feature national and local experts in child welfare.

The theme of the daylong conference is "Building Hope: Strength and Resiliency in Child Welfare." It will be held at the Flamingo Hilton Convention Center, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd.

UNLV's School of Social Work Alumni Association is sponsoring the event. Additional sponsors include the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services and Clark County's departments of Social Service and Family and Youth Services.

Nancy Saitta, Clark County district judge, will be the keynote speaker at the awards luncheon. County Manager Thom Reilly will be presented the 2002 Pacesetter Award.

The Social Work Professional of the Year Award will be given to Joan Lindsey, Henderson site manager for the Division of Child and Family Services. The Student of the Year Awards will be presented to master's degree candidate Shannon West and undergraduate Leah Ammazzalorso.

The conference's numerous workshops will include a presentation by Shay Bilchik, president and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. His seminar is titled "Are Children a U.S. Priority? Three Reasons to Hope." James Farris, a retired family court judge, will present "Building Hope: Best Done by Teamwork."

The cost to attend the conference and luncheon is $50 for participants who register by April 12. The cost after April 12 is $55. Participants may also register for the conference only or luncheon only for $40.

For more information, contact the School of Social Work at 895-3311.