Registration Open for GRANDfamilies Conferences

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Registration is underway for two conferences for grandparents raising grandchildren in Oklahoma. The GRANDfamilies conferences will be held in Oklahoma City on Oct. 12, 2011, and in Ponca City on Oct. 28, 2011. Presenters will share information about caregiver self-care, education, bullying, internet safety, mental health issues, and OKDHS services. The events will also feature Resource Fairs with information about local resources and help available to grandparents. The conferences are sponsored by the OKDHS Aging Services Division (ASD).

"Raising a child under traditional circumstances can be daunting, but raising a grandchild poses even more challenges and stresses for grandparents. Lives are altered and children have many diverse needs. We're happy to support these families in their efforts," said ASD Director Lance Robertson.

The Oklahoma City conference is Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011 at Crossings Community Center, 2208 W. Hefner Road. The Ponca City conference is Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 at First Christian Church, 210 N. 5th Street.

Registration is $10 per person and financial scholarships are available. On-site registratiaon and continental breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m., and lunch is provided. Free on-site child care is available with advance registration.

Oklahoma ranks among the top ten states in the number of families with grandparents or other relatives raising grandchildren. In Oklahoma, almost 76,000 grandparents live with children under age 18, and nearly 43,000 of those grandparents are solely responsible for those children.

###