ASU Center for Child Well-Being

Arizona youth in foster care are speaking up about what they really need to thrive — and we’re listening.

Through Nytd_az (the National Youth in Transition Database), young people share their experiences to help improve support services as they transition to adulthood.

It’s a chance for youth voices to directly shape better programs in housing, education, health, and more. Learn more at https://nytdaz.com/

Good Luck & Best Wishes, Emily!

We’re sad to see her go, but thrilled to celebrate Emily Saeteurn as she wraps up her time with CCWB and steps into a new role with the SSW Office of Practicum Education team effective June 8!

Emily has been an incredible asset to CCWB — contributing to so many important projects and bringing her positive energy as a valued member of the Staff Appreciation Committee. Her dedication and hard work have made a real difference.

Please join us in thanking Emily for everything she’s done and wishing her all the success and happiness in her new adventure!

You’ll be missed, Emily! Wishing you nothing but the best ahead! ✨

Small actions create big impact. 💛

Every child thrives when they have someone who believes in them, no matter the circumstances. At the ASU Center for Child Well-Being, we work every day to be those champions.

Do you have a quote that resonates with you today? Share it in the comments or tag a champion in your life

Child well-being isn’t just a goal—it’s the foundation for stronger families and communities. What does Child Well-Being mean to you? Comment below 👇

🎉Huge congratulations to Dr. James Herbert Williams, PhD on being named one of PHOENIX magazine’s 2026 Health-Care Heroes! 🏆

As Director of the Center for Child Well-Being at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work, Dr. Williams is a true pioneer—recently honored by the National Association of Social Workers as a Social Work Pioneer for his transformative work shaping child-welfare policy and improving outcomes for foster youth across Arizona.

Through community partnerships, training, technical assistance, and turning research into real-world impact, he and his colleagues are making a profound difference in the lives of Arizona’s children and families. “I have the privilege of working with an amazing group of colleagues whose one mission is improving the lives of Arizona’s children and families.”

So well-deserved! Thank you for your dedication and leadership.

Read the full list: https://www.phoenixmag.com/2026/05/07/2026-health-care-heroes/

It’s time for swimming pool fun! ☀️💦

But here’s the reality in Arizona: Drowning is the #1 cause of injury-related death for children ages 1–4 — and Arizona kids in this age group drown at nearly double the national average, mostly in backyard pools.

A water safety plan can save lives. Follow the ABCs of water safety:
✅ Adult supervision (designate a distraction-free Water Watcher)
✅ Barriers (4-sided isolation fence with self-closing, self-latching gate)
✅ Classes (swim lessons + CPR training)

Here are some free Arizona resources to help you build your plan:
💧 Phoenix Children’s “Playing It Safe” workshops + free water safety kits → https://phoenixchildrens.org/specialties-conditions/injury-prevention-program/programs-services/water-safety-program
💧 SRP Water Safety Checklist, Coloring Book & Water Watcher tags → https://www.srpnet.com/customer-service/safety/water-pool
💧 Swim lessons across the Valley (many free/low-cost options)
https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/classes-programs/aquatics-programs.html
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/azbest/page/programs/swimming-lessons
https://www.chandleraz.gov/explore/chandler-aquatics/swim-lessons/financial-assistance
https://valleyymca.org/programs/swim/

Do you have a water safety plan? Drop it in the comments or share one tip that keeps your family safe! Resources for other states are welcome and encouraged. Tag a parent or caregiver who needs this.

If you're looking for materials from the National Children of Incarcerated Parents Conference (April 2026), we've got you covered.

We've gathered all the key handouts, documents, and resources in one convenient location. Visit the page for the full conference program, useful terminology, organization overviews, and more:
👉https://childwellbeing.asu.edu/conference-resources
Bookmark it and check back often — we’ll be adding more documents as they are available.

Do you have a handout or resource from the conference you'd like to share? Reach out and we’ll add it!

Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and welcoming the future of the ASU Center for Child Well-Being.

Dr. James Herbert Williams (Retiring Director), Dr. Judy Krysik (Founding Director), and Dr. Justin Harty (Incoming Director) gathered together at the 8th Annual National Children of Incarcerated Parents Conference in Scottsdale.

Continuity and commitment to strengthening families, protecting children, and building safer, more vibrant communities in action! ❤️

Thank you for helping to make the 8th Annual National Children of Incarcerated Parents Conference a resounding success!

We extend our deepest gratitude to our outstanding Speakers for generously sharing their insights and expertise, our valued Sponsors for their vital support in bringing this event to life, and our dedicated Attendees for creating such a vibrant and meaningful atmosphere throughout the conference. Your collective contributions and participation were truly the driving force behind this year’s success.

We also want to recognize the invaluable guidance and dedication of the Advisory Committee, whose thoughtful input helped shape a conference that was both impactful and responsive to the needs of children and families affected by incarceration.