Baltimore City Circuit Court Holds Life Skills Conference for Foster Teens
Program trains teens to effectively manage in adult world
(Baltimore, Md. — Oct. 14, 2008) Baltimore teens who are in or have been in foster care are invited to learn how to prepare for the adult world, including applying to colleges, interviewing for jobs, and managing their money.
The Circuit Court for Baltimore City is hosting the Leadership Initiative For Teens – LIFT – Conference on Saturday, Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Loyola College Graduate Center, 2034 Greenspring Drive, Timonium. This free conference is open to teens, ages 15-18, who are involved with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Workshops during the daylong conference include money management, college and career preparation, conflict resolution techniques, job readiness, and interview skills.
“We want to help prepare these teens to enter adulthood with as many skills as possible,” said Baltimore City Circuit Judge Edward R.K. Hargadon, judge-in-charge of the juvenile division. “We hope that teens who have been in the foster care system will benefit from this kind of concentrated skills training. We want to help them begin to think about their future now.”
The conference is funded through a grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Administrative Office of the Courts and in part with funds provided by the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. “In addition, members of the Baltimore chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., have not only contributed financially, but are volunteering their time and expertise to ensure that the event is a success. The Baltimore City Department of Social Services has been instrumental in recruiting teens in foster care to participate in the conference,” said Master Claudette Brown, the conference organizer.
“These workshops provide exposure to critical life skills in order to promote successful transitioning into adulthood,” said Master Brown. “We are so excited about the conference. It’s what I would want for my own kids.”
The conference is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Master Brown, 443-263-2702, or Martina Washington, 443-423-5312.
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