For Immediate Release                                                                                         Contact:  Rep. Paul Tittl

April 23, 2018                                                                                                      (608) 266-0315

Rep. Tittl to Host Foster Care Event in Manitowoc

Free event brings together community members, state and local officials


Madison:
Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc), in collaboration with three courageous grandmothers in the Manitowoc community, will host a foster care event titled, “In the Best Interest of the Child” on Thursday, May 3rd. The half-day session will focus on the devastating effects of the opioid crisis on families and the foster care system.

“Addiction affects more than just the addict,” said Rep. Tittl. “It creates complicated situations for children whose parents no longer have the ability or interest to care for them and other family members who are left to pick up the pieces.”

Each grandmother has been touched by the effects of addiction, now reentering the realm of parenting and raising their grandchildren. Because of the challenges they currently face, the women have bound together to overcome adversity and try to make things better for people facing similar situations in the future.

“All three of these women have an incredible story to tell,” said Rep. Tittl. “This event is only possible because they had the courage to share their experiences and advocate for change.”

Speakers at the event include First Lady Tonette Walker, Secretary Eloise Anderson from the Department of Children and Families, Elizabeth Hudson from the Office of Children’s Mental Health, and Julie Poehlman-Tynan from the Center for Healthy Minds. Following those speakers, there will be a panel discussion involving local officials.

“We are bringing together affected families, local officials who regularly deal with these issues in our communities, and state officials who can enact changes across Wisconsin. Each group has an important perspective to share,” Rep. Tittl said. “Our goal is not only to shed light on these issues, but also to generate real solutions to improve the lives of children, families, and providers alike.”

The free event will take place from 8:45am-noon on Thursday, May 3rd at the Manitowoc Holiday Inn and is open to the public. To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-the-best-interest-of-the-child-tickets-44157758043

If there are any additional media inquiries for Rep. Tittl or the grandmothers, please contact Rep. Tittl’s office at rep.tittl@legis.wi.gov or 608-266-0315.

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