Hinton: Conference offers clergy training in child trauma

Several faith organizations and other agencies are joining forces to offer a special clergy training conference.

The "Faith Communities Protecting Children: Recognizing and Responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences Conference" is set for 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 2, 2019, at Metro Tech Business Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Drive.

"We strongly believe that faith-based organizations can and do play an important role in the prevention and healing of children who have experienced trauma. This conference will address ways in which members and staff can become more trauma-informed and trauma-responsive as they seek to support all individuals who have trauma histories," said Pat Potts, co-founder of Potts Family Foundation, one of the sponsoring organizations.

Organizers said Oklahoma children are among those at greatest risk for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), according to recent America's Health rankings.

The Faith Communities Protecting Children Conference is geared toward faith leaders or groups who work with children or youths in houses of worship. It is designed to help them recognize and respond to conditions such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect and other trauma that impairs children. Speakers include national and internationally recognized experts on these topics. The Rev. Darrell L. Armstrong, a pastor and expert in prevention of child abuse and a respected voice in the national and international child welfare/family strengthening communities, will be keynote speaker.