October 4, 2024
Parental substance misuse has been described as a critical “missing link” that stands in the way of safety, permanency, and well-being for many families. Substance misuse is prevalent among child welfare-involved families, yet historically, child welfare systems have been ill-equipped to respond to the complex behavioral health needs facing these families. Growing state and national attention to prevention and family preservation has led to promising policy and practice innovations. Join us for a discussion about efforts underway to address parental substance misuse in Southeastern Wisconsin, highlighting Family Drug Treatment Courts, drug affected infants, and the amazing work of our Title IV-E Scholars and community partners.
Watch the recording here
Agenda
- 12:30-12:45pm – Welcome
- 12:45-2:00pm – Keynote Address – Robyn Ellis and Judge Mary E. Triggiano
- 2:00-2:20pm – Break
- 2:20-4:30pm – Community Panel Presentation: Experiences in supporting parents with substance misuse in child welfare
Keynote Address
Robyn Ellis
Robyn Ellis is first and foremost a person in recovery, graduating from Milwaukee’s Family Drug Treatment Court and Meta House in 2014. After getting some life experience as a sober mom, Robyn decided to pursue her passion in giving back and helping others. In 2017, she became a certified Peer Support Specialist at Meta House, where she was able to use her own experience to professionally assist women who were beginning their recovery journey. She continued her career path at Meta House and moved into the position of Recovery Community Coordinator, overseeing all transitions in and out of the housing program. Robyn also facilitated a support group for participants of Family Drug Treatment court from 2018-2020. Since graduating from Family Drug Treatment Court in 2014, Robyn has had the opportunity to travel and share her personal experience with many professionals around the state alongside Judge Mary Triggiano and Rebecca Foley. Robyn also continued her education throughout this time and graduated from UW-Milwaukee in August 2024 with her master’s degree in Social Work. She has since moved into a therapist role at Meta House’s residential program.
Judge Mary E. Triggiano
Director, Andrew Center for Restorative Justice
Marquette University Law School
Former Chief Judge, Milwaukee County
Judge Mary Triggiano is the current director of the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School. She was the Chief Judge of Milwaukee County Circuit Court until joining the law school in June of 2023.
Mary Triggiano is a graduate of UW-Madison Law School and was a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge from August 1, 2004 – June 2023. She served as judge in Children’s Court for nine years of those years. At Children’s Court, Judge Triggiano led the Family Drug Treatment Court and created the first of its kind in Wisconsin – Healthy Infant Court. She was also assigned to the Domestic Violence Court and Civil Division at various times. Judge Triggiano was Deputy Chief Judge for Chief Judge Maxine White for over four years. In February 2020, the State Supreme Court appointed her the Chief Judge, District 1 Milwaukee County. She held that position until June 2023.
Community Panel Presentation
Laura Baker
Laura Baker has been employed with the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services for the past 14 years. She has 17 years working in child welfare. Ms. Baker is currently an Initial Assessment Supervisor for a unit specializing in substance exposed infant and neonates and drug endangered children. She has worked in this capacity since 2015. Ms. Baker partners with local community agencies, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health and the Milwaukee County Overdose Public Health and Safety Team to be able to forge ongoing relationships in the county to best serve those with SUD’s.
Ashley Hoople
Ashley Hoople has been working in Child Welfare in Milwaukee for the last 10 years as a Case Manager for 7 years and currently on Ongoing Supervisor for the last 3. Ashley has worked within the Family Drug Treatment court for 8.5 of her 10 years of employment and is the current liaison between Wellpoint Care Network and the FDTC program. Ashley has been involved with policy writing and training at the agency level surrounding the FDTC and case management participation.
Alison Mansky
Alison Mansky is licensed as an Advanced Practice Social Worker in the state of Wisconsin. She attended University of Wisconsin Whitewater and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Work in 2008. In 2018, Alison earned her Master of Social Work from Aurora University at George Williams College. Alison has spent the last 15 years working for Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services. Alison worked as a child protective service social worker doing direct practice for 11 years and has been a supervisor in Child Welfare for the past 4 years. Alison specializes in working with families impacted by child abuse and neglect along with substance use. Alison has been working with the Walworth County Family Treatment Court since it’s inception. In her free time Alison enjoys traveling with her husband and two children.
Jacob Meyer
Jacob Meyer is a field coach on the training team at Wellpoint Care Network. He was a Child Welfare case manager on the Family Drug Treatment Court team in Milwaukee Children’s Court from 2016-2022. He has been on work groups and helps write policies for Family Drug Treatment court and SUD related topics for Wellpoint.
Eileen Sperl
Eileen Sperl has provided clinical services to children, youth and families impacted by Substance Use Disorders, Behavioral Health issues, and trauma for over 35 years. She earned an MSW at UW-M and then earned an LCSW in 1988. She is also a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor and an endorsed Infant Family Reflective Supervisor. Eileen is the Director of Child and Family Services at Meta House Inc. and has supervised BSW and MSW students from UW-M for the past 20 years.