The nation’s urban service systems for children and families often struggle with conflicting goals, inadequate resources, and intense but temporary public attention during turmoil and tragedies.

This forum will examine the many challenges of systems reform -- through the lenses of education, health care and child welfare -- and the steps, partnerships, and strategies required to help foster the successful development of vulnerable children and families.

Join us as we investigate such issues as: What does it take to reform urban systems? What are the lessons for suburban and rural services? What can one service system learn from another? And how can research on practices and policies contribute to reform?

Panelists

Juanona Brewster, director of Early Childhood Development Projects at the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Olivia Golden, Institute fellow at the Urban Institute and former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

John Simmons, president of Strategic Learning Initiatives

Cheryl Smithgall, research fellow, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

Moderator: Matthew Stagner, executive director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago