July 28, 2003

NASHVILLE, TENN. - Over six hundred Tennesseans will attend the annual Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Care Association Conference being held this Friday thru Saturday, August 1, 2 & 3. The conference will include seminars, workshops, and fellowship for foster and adoptive parents.

"We are all excited about the numerous topics offered at this year's conference and the opportunity to share this knowledge with our membership," said out-going TFACA president Betty Hastings. The new TFACA president will be inducted during the conference.

Hastings has served as TFACA president for six years and is credited for much of its' success in local association expansion.

"Under Betty's leadership, TFACA grew from just thirty-eight local associations in 1997, to seventy today, which serve all 95 counties" said Department of Children's Services Foster Care Director Michael McSurdy. "She has been a great voice for our children and families."

An awards ceremony on Sunday will honor the Foster Parent of the Year, the Child Welfare Worker of the Year, and scholarship awards will be given to eight graduates to further their education

The TFACA conference is co-sponsored by the Department of Children's Services and The University of Tennessee College of Social Work Office of Research and Public Service.

The media is invited to attend. Visit www.tennessee.gov/youth for a complete agenda of the conference activities.

WHO Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parents

WHAT Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Care Association Annual Conference

WHEN Friday, Saturday & Sunday - August 1st - 3rd

WHERE Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel - 600 Marriott Drive, Nashville