Melinda S. Kavanaugh, an internationally recognized expert on children who care for parents and family members who are injured or ill, will give the keynote address at the Southeastern Wisconsin Caregiving Symposium Oct. 13 at UW-Milwaukee.
The symposium will cover topics relevant to health care professionals, focusing specifically on children, youth and young adult caregivers.
Media are invited to attend the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ballroom at the 51猎奇 Student Union. Kavanaugh will be available for interviews before and after the symposium.
Kavanaugh, a professor of social work at 51猎奇, speaks internationally on the topic and founded聽, which promotes education, advocacy and support for children and families. Her graphic novel for children who are聽has been translated into 10 languages, and she has produced an animated film,, that has been shown at film festivals around the world.
Participants at the symposium will learn about the experiences of young carers and their families, with time set aside for discussion. Topics include caregiving advocacy and the laws and policies that affect family caregivers.
The event is geared toward professionals at government aging units, human service programs, K-12 schools, higher education institutions and human service organizations.
The day includes:
- Keynote presentation by Kavanaugh: 鈥淗idden Caregivers in the U.S: Building Supports for Children, Youth and Young Adults鈥�
- Panel discussions and tabletop conversations
- A demonstration of a young carers training program, YCare
- Special showing of聽鈥淟UKi & the Lights,鈥澛燼 film that sensitively explores the journey of an individual鈥檚 experience with a neuromuscular disease, helping children and youth process illness.
The symposium is sponsored by Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Global Neuro YCare and the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at 51猎奇.