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
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.
Current Speaking Topics
CHILD WELFARE IN NYC
The experience working with parents to reform New York City’s child welfare system
PARENT ADVOCACY
How to engage parents involved in the child welfare system in your community
CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM ASSESSMENTS
How child welfare systems can better meet the needs of children and families
