Free Kinship Family Caregiver Conference and Resource Fair on November 3

September 26, 2018 - Currently, over 68,000 children in Minnesota are being raised by people other than their parents and include extended family members and friends, creating kinship families. 

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota offers specialized education and support for these unique families through a division called Kinship Caregivers Family Support and will be hosting a free Kinship Family Caregiver Conference and Resource Fair for caregivers and their children on Saturday, November 3, from 10:45 am to 3:15 p.m. at The Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. 

“There is a big need in the Twin Cities for services to these unique families,” explained Janet Salo, program coordinator for Kinship Family Support Services at Lutheran Social Service. “Often, children can arrive unexpectedly in the home of a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt or uncle, cousin, sibling or even a family friend and these new caregivers may not be aware of the resources that are available for the children. The resource fair will help kinship caregivers understand what’s available to address financial needs, legal issues, medical care and educational support for parents and children.”

A variety of presentations will be offered to promote greater understanding about the most pressing issues facing kinship caregivers. As well, more than a dozen representatives from government, nonprofit and private organizations will be on hand to consult with kinship caregivers on legal issues, mental health concerns and caregiver resources that caregivers commonly request.

Child care may be available with advance registration. Individuals and families are invited to register by calling 651.917.4640.