A conference planned for Saturday will include more than 26 workshops focusing on teen pregnancy, helping children with special needs, mental illness, bullying, dating violence, social media and Internet safety, finances and talking to children about substance abuse.

The Vision & Voice Family Engagement Conference will take place at The Well next to West Rome Baptist Church, 914 Shorter Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

State Schools Superintendent John Barge, who lives in Floyd County, is slated to kick off the free conference, and parents, teachers and volunteers throughout the community are invited to attend.

Registration is still open for the conference, which aims to provide parents and teachers with information on how to assist children with their journeys through life. The workshops will be set up in 45-minute blocks.

The conference has been organized by the Rome-Floyd County Collaboration Team, which is comprised of representatives from local service agencies and organizations, Floyd County Schools and Rome City Schools. A box lunch will be provided to all who are registered.     

Other topics include how to save money on energy, parenting styles, empowering children, developing literacy skills, adult education and the state’s new Common Core State Standards.

Workshops presented in Spanish will also take place and will focus on behavior, dealing with trans-cultural language, teaching your child the value of money and the program “STOP and See Your Future.” 

Presenters include Angie Robinson of Northwest Georgia Public Health; Lisa Drake, counselor at Midway Primary School; Amy Weaver of the Hospitality House for Women; and Carol Willis of the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.

“We started with the goal of building a partnership between parents, schools and community agencies that would connect these vital resources for the benefit of children,” said Tina Black, parent involvement specialist for Floyd County Schools.

“If we face these issues as a community, we will uncover solutions as a community.”

Conference organizers urge those interested to register as soon as possible. Registration will help organizers know the number of lunches to provide.

You may register online by visiting the Floyd County Schools website at www.floydboe.net. Click on “Vision and Voice Conference” listed under “Quick Links.”

A listing of all presenters along with a brief description of the workshops can also be found on the website. To register by phone, contact Black at the Floyd County Schools central office at 706-234-1031.