Allen Superior Court and Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES will host the 27th annual Conference On Youth on Thursday (Oct. 13, 2016) at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The conference takes place from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the Coliseum Expo Center.
Focus of this year’s conference is Building Resilient Youth and Youth Workers. Topics will concentrate on the impacts of trauma on a child’s emotional, behavioral, educational, and physical development. Those providing care are also at risk for secondary trauma and fatigue. Speakers will deliver the latest information on evidence-based practices designed to deal with both the child’s trauma and the stressors experienced by caregivers.
Last year’s Conference On Youth attracted a record 956 attendees from throughout the region, including representatives of 64 different service providers.
In addition, the conference will feature the debut of a locally produced music video promoting adoption. The music video, produced by Allen Superior Court and Great KIDS, is called “Shine.” The music was written and performed by Fort Wayne band 4 Clicks North. Travis Tracey, guitarist in the band, was adopted as an adolescent. The video is based on his story, but is reflective of the story of many children needing an adoptive home.
The message is that these young people have great potential and many talents/passions/interests, and that the love and support of adoptive families is what often allows these kids to “SHINE.”
Media are welcome to attend any portion of the conference. Speakers and organizers are available for interviews. Copies of the music video will also be available.
The conference brochure is attached. Links to additional information on the keynote speakers can be found below:
First Keynote – Jim Sporleder is the principal featured in the documentary “Paper Tigers”
http://kpjrfilms.co/paper-tigers/
Last Keynote – Kenneth Ginsburg, MD
http://www.fosteringresilience.com/about.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGgyvxyZqwU
http://6abc.com/family/lighthouse-parenting-the-best-way-to-raise-your-kids/610884/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2K9sqvU_lY
Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES is Allen County’s positive youth development initiative, offering training and support to youth workers and youth serving organizations. Developed by and under the supervision of Allen Superior Court, Family Relations Division.
