Past Speeches

David has given given keynote speeches and shorter talks, led workshops, and worked with governments, NGOs, and parent organizations throughout the world including the United States, Germany, Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand and Chile. Several examples of speeches are below.


Te Putahitanga Symposium 2021 (via Zoom – 35 mins)

Whanau Ora Annual Symposium

David was invited in April 2021 by the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency of the South Island of New Zealand to be the international keynote speaker at its annual symposium. The Commissioning Agency supports the Maori community.

Birmingham, England (via Zoom – 3 mins)

A Brief Introduction to Parent Advocacy

In February 2020 this event, organized by Parents, Families and Allies Network launched a new and innovative parent partnership project for families involved with West Midlands, England.


Wales, United Kingdom (webinar – 10 mins)

The Development and Growth of Parent Advocacy in Child Welfare

In November 2020 Parent, Families & Allies Network, in collaboration with the Northern Wales Safeguarding Board, hosted an event in support of parent advocacy in child welfare. David Tobis introduced the participants to the history and development of parent advocacy.


Please click image to watch video

Please click image to watch video

University of Maryland

Pariahs to Partners

David was invited by the University of Maryland, School of Social Work to give the 13th Annual Daniel Thursz Lecture in 2015. The lecture describes the efficacy of parent advocacy and the reforms in child welfare that parents and their allies brought about.


Part 1

Parent Advocates Initiative Forum
The New School University, New York City

Parent Advocates in the Child Welfare System

This forum brought together leaders in New York’s child welfare system—parents, state and city government child welfare commissioners, executive directors of child welfare agencies, social workers, lawyers, and foundation officers— to promote parent advocacy.

Panelists:
Commissioner John Mattingly: New York City Administration for Children's Service; Commissioner Gladys Carrión: New York State Office of Children and Family Services; Jim Purcell, executive director: Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies.


Part 2

Parent Advocates Initiative Forum
The New School University, New York City

Parent Advocates Panel

This panel presents parent advocates and allies talking about the role of parents with lived child welfare experience helping parents who are struggling with the child welfare system.

 

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

The Way Forward Project

David was invited by the United States Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to talk about the dangers of residential institutions globally and to present strategies to move toward community based services to support children and families.