Cherish the Child symposium to host child protection conference in Harford County

The planning committee for the Cherish the Child Symposium just announced that it will be bringing its 16th annual event to Mountain Christian Church, located at 1802 Mountain Road in Joppa, on Friday, April 24. Registration is now open.

Since 2005, the Cherish the Child Symposium has been bringing together professionals from the fields of child welfare, mental health, education and many other disciplines for a day of learning and networking. The symposium has grown incredibly since its first year and now hosts over 600 individuals from all over Harford County and surrounding jurisdictions. The day features a keynote speaker, breakout sessions and an ending plenary speaker.

With the Harford County Department of Social Services as the lead agency, the committee is comprised of professionals and community members from throughout Harford County who share the mission of educating the community on the importance of child protection and treatment. The event is held every year, appropriately, during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Committee Chair, Erica Rutka, from Harford County DSS, states, “This year, with our keynote presenter our theme is the Power of One. The idea that sometimes it only takes one individual to dramatically change the life of a child in need. This conference remains committed to this goal and the people that are behind the scenes have put together a wonderful line up of speakers for this year’s symposium. It is not to be missed.”

Headlining this year’s symposium will be Josh Shipp. Josh was a foster kid, class clown, a troublemaker. He was written off, kicked out, and every adult’s worst nightmare. However, thanks to just one caring adult, he turned his life around and learned to thrive.

Thanks to the support of teachers, counselors, and a wonderful set of foster parents, Josh went on to be listed on Inc. Magazine’s 30 under 30 list, and is now a postgraduate student at Harvard himself, further honing his skills in persuasive communication. In his trademark playful yet authoritative style, Josh delivers practical ways that people can make a difference in a kid’s life.

For additional information regarding the Cherish the Child Symposium, or to register for this year’s event, please check out the website at: www.cherishthechildsymposium.com