OKLAHOMA CITY - “HELP is on the Way” is a half-day event Saturday, September 17, created for central Oklahoma foster and adoptive families*--and those considering it--to connect them with the many resources available to help ensure success in their journey. This free event is sponsored by The Anna’s House Foundation and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and will be held at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 14500 N. Western Avenue in Oklahoma City.
A 2007 study done in Oklahoma cited over 21 percent of foster homes will quit in the first year; over 75 percent quit by year five. One of the most important factors in the success of any foster home is access to resources and support. HELP is designed to fill in that gap of knowing about the many available resources.
Dr. Deborah Shropshire, director of the Fostering Hope Clinic, the Honorable Judge Richard Kirby, along with several others including Elizabeth and Greg Harkins, co-founders of The Anna’s House Foundation will be presenting. Topics include: “The Foundations of Infant Mental Health;” “Home Educating Your Children;” “Fostering the Medically Fragile Child;” “Courage in the Courtroom;” “Advocating for Your Foster Child;” “Kittens with Claws-Fostering Children with Attachment Disorders," and several others.
“HELP” registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and includes lunch. The event is free but registration is required. Childcare is available only with advanced registration. For more information or to register go to: http://www.annashousefoundation.org (link opens in new window).
* OKDHS refers to foster and adoptive families as Bridge Resource Families which has a child-centered focus to keep children connected to kin, culture, and community in order to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being.
