Free Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference Announced

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- With the number of Oklahoma grandparents raising their grandchildren increasing, Oklahomans are invited to attend the annual GRANDfamilies conference Oct. 20-21 at New Covenant Christian Church, 12000 N. Rockwell, Oklahoma City.

Grandparents and other relatives who are raising grandchildren have an opportunity to attend the free conference. The conference will provide resources for families to help them cope with family and personal stresses. Free child care will be available with advanced registration.

The first day of the conference, OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick will make opening remarks. Tuesday's keynote speaker will be Sandy Ingraham, a noted attorney, who will focus on legal issues relatives may face, and how to navigate the state’s legal maze when child custody issues are involved. Wednesday’s sessions will feature topics on grief and loss, mental health and wellness, family support services, child development and school support services. During lunch, attendees will have the opportunity for a question-and-answer session with state legislators.

Oklahoma ranks among the top ten states in the number of grandparents or other relatives who are providing care for grandchildren or other kinship care, according to the 2005-2007 American Community Survey 3-year estimates.

The event is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division. For more information about the GRANDfamilies conference, contact the Aging Services Division at (405) 521-2281.

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