The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) is excited to host its inaugural national Defending Families, Protecting Futures: The Frontlines of Defense Advocacy Skills Training at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle, WA, from September 10th to 12th. This significant event is a collaboration between NAPD, the Washington State Office of Public Defense, and Akin Parents for Parents.
This national conference is designed to offer intensive skills training and valuable networking opportunities for all public defense professionals dedicated to working with families. Whether you are an attorney, investigator, parent peer, social worker, or dispositional advocate, this conference is tailored to your needs. The dynamic agenda will feature a variety of learning formats, including plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, and small group breakouts, led by recognized experts from both national and local levels.
A central theme of the conference will be the development of practical skills for client-centered representation in family defense. Attendees will gain and refine effective techniques to best advocate for parents, acknowledging the comprehensive approach necessary for positive outcomes in child welfare cases.
Our partnership with the Washington State Office of Public Defense emphasizes a shared commitment to excellence in public defense. Additionally, Akin Parents for Parents, an organization focused on reuniting and empowering families within the child welfare system, will contribute crucial insights and a vital parent-centered perspective to our discussions. This collaboration highlights the significant role of parent allies and support in dependency actions.
We anticipate that attendees will leave the conference with enhanced practical skills, innovative strategies, and a strengthened network of colleagues committed to delivering high-quality, client-centered representation and support to families navigating complex legal challenges in family defense and child welfare cases.
Registration
Don’t miss this opportunity, registration closes August 15, 2025!
Need help with this registration process? Watch this video.
Be sure to review NAPD’s Event Policies to learn more about our attendance and cancellation policies.
Costs
- Member Early Bird: $350
- Member Regular: $475
- Non-Member Early Bird: $500
- Non-Member Regular: $600
Early-bird registration deadline – July 15, 2025.
Hotel Reservations
We have worked with the Hyatt Regency (the venue of the conference) to secure a block of rooms. Book your room using this link before 8/20/25. We recommend booking early!
Transportation to & from the Airport
Ride-share, door-to-door vans, and airport shuttle services are available to passengers at the Ground Transportation Plaza on the third floor in the SEA Airport parking garage. Premier Airport Shuttle Seattle offers shared and private shuttle service starting from $34.35 per person to Downtown Seattle hotels and also offers regularly scheduled Seattle cruise ship transfers. Hotel courtesy shuttles pick up and drop off passengers on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage at Islands 1 & 2.
Additional information can be found here – https://visitseattle.org/visitor-information/getting-around/
