The Southwest Louisiana Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 2013 Conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Allen P. August Multi-Purpose Annex, 2000 Moeling St.

The free conference, hosted by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department, is for grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Officials with several local agencies will discuss topics like parenting skills, coping with abandonment, custody issues and grandparents’ rights.

Adele Mart, human services operations manager, said 11 percent of children in Louisiana live with their grandparents — the third-highest percentage in the U.S. She said the conference will help educate grandparents and other relatives who are raising children on their own.

“It will provide training and support to empower grandparents,” she said.

People must register for the conference by Friday to get a lunch ticket. Forms are available at these locations: Allen P. August Multi-Purpose Annex, city of Lake Charles (Community Development and Services), Calcasieu Council on Aging, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana and CASA Family and Youth Counseling.

Forms can also be found at the Police Jury’s website — www.cppj.net/seniors — and should be emailed to amart@cppj.net.

Other entities partnering with the conference include the city of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Council on Aging, Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of Louisiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.

(mgnonline.com)