OKLAHOMA CITY -- A statewide conference to assist and support grandparents who are raising their grandchildren is scheduled for this fall in Oklahoma City. The event will provide a variety of resources for these families to help them cope with family and personal stresses.

The annual GRANDfamily conference will be Sept. 17 at New Covenant Christian Church, 12000 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City. Free child care is available with advanced registration. The event is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division.

The one day event will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. The program will feature professionals and specialists in areas such as Internet Dangers, Problem Solving, Gang Prevention, Legal Issues and Tax Benefits related to grandparents or other relatives raising grandchildren. The conference will conclude with a Resource Fair to offer information about different services and assistance available to grandparents. 

The cost to attend is $10 per person with financial scholarships available for qualifying grandparents who wish to attend. Lunch is included with paid registration. 

For more information about the GRANDfamily conference, contact the OKDHS Aging Services Division at (405) 521-2281. To register, contact Holly Cates at (405) 325-1316. 

According to the most recent American Community Survey, Oklahoma ranks among the top 10 states in the number of GRANDfamilies in which a grandparent or other relative is providing care for grandchildren or other kinship care.

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