Highland County Family and Children First is partnering with local agencies and organizations from Highland and surrounding counties to present the Southern Ohio Kinship Conference.

This free conference is scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Emmanuel Christian Church, 12281 Cameron Drive, Greenfield, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and professional childcare will also be provided at no cost to the conference attendees.

A kinship caregiver is an individual who is caring for a child or children other than their own. Often times these kinship caregivers face difficulties such as locating legal assistance, awareness of community resources, dealing with the effects of trauma, and understanding addiction. The conference will seek to address these issues and more, while offering a community resource fair, networking opportunities, door prizes, and an environment to relax and have fun.

The Highland County Health Department will also be attending the conference with their Hidden in Plain Site program, where attendees are invited to explore and interact with a display designed to resemble a teenager’s bedroom. This exhibit features items that may suggest high-risk behaviors including substance abuse and underage drinking.

Those interested in attending this event are encouraged to register by visiting the Highland County Family and Children First’s website: Highlandfcfc.weebly.com or by calling 614-989-9642.

Submitted by Sarah Cooper, public health educator, Highland County Health Department.