YOUTH IN CARE WORKSHOP SERIES Addressing the prevalence of child sexual abuse, problematic sexual behaviors, prevention, and safety with a focus on children and youth in out- of-home placement Join us for a series of 5 trainings addressing the prevalence of child sexual abuse, problematic sexual behaviors, prevention, and safety with a focus on foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
We will be holding them on Zoom between September 25th to October 30th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The trainings will be led by Heather Tryon from Rape Response Services, which provides support and advocacy to people who have experienced sexual violence and their family and friends.
Sept. 25 – Age-Appropriate vs. Potentially Sexual Behavior in Youth
Oct. 2 – Perspectives on Youth with Problematic Sexual Behavior
Oct. 16 – Protecting Our Kids: Safety Planning and Having the Hard (for Us) Conversations
Oct. 23 – Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse
Oct. 30 – Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth Because of the nature of some of the topics, these conversations might be hard for some children to hear. If your children are around, it may be best to use headphones so all participants may speak freely.
Our annual Holiday Gift Giving Program is going to be taking request from Sept. 16th to Nov. 15th. Here is the link to sign up for The Holiday Gift Giving if you are in need this holiday season. We ask that you do not participate in this program if you are already participating in another holiday or Christmas program.
Understanding the Maine Child Protective Court System After this training participants will have the basic understanding of the court process and terms. Participants will feel more comfortable navigating the court system with having this basic understanding of the process and terms used. Register here: Trainings – RSVP – Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine (affm.net)
All resource families are required to take the mandated reporter training when becoming licensed. They also need to renew this training every 4 years! Join us here for mandated reporter training and receive 2 training hours towards recertification! Mandated Reporters are a critical part of Maine’s Child protection system and act as an early warning network to identify suspected child abuse and neglect; promptly enough to avoid serious and long term damage to a child. Professionals who frequently encounter children in their work are in the best position to recognize and report suspected child abuse and neglect and are required by law.
This training will assist families in asking “the right questions” prior to placement, provide helpful hints on what and when to document events, provide creative ways to prioritize and/or reduce conflicts between adults and children, provide a basic understanding of confidentiality rules, and the respecting and valuing of privacy. The training will also share the process of investigating an allegation in a foster home and what families can anticipate in terms of the process. Register here: Trainings – RSVP – Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine (affm.net)
MaineHousings first generation pilot program as a mortgage program for borrowers, who have never lived in a home, owned by their biological parents or legal guardians. The program is also available to borrowers who have been in foster care at some point in their childhood. This program makes it easier and more affordable to buy a home of your own by providing a low fixed interest rate, mortgage, down payment, and closing cost assistance , it also includes an educational class that offers valuable information to help you become a successful long-term homeowner. Trainings – RSVP – Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine (affm.net)
Damariscotta – F/A/K: Meets Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:30-7:00 P.M. at the YMCA (525 Main Street). On-site childcare is available with advance notice. RSVP IS REQUIRED EACH MONTH. RSVP by calling Sheila at 207-827-2331, email sheila@affm.net, or by clicking on the link below. The meeting is led by Pat Tavernakis, AFFM Trainer.
Milford – Kinship Only – Meets Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 P.M. at the Lewis S Libby School (13 School Street). On-site childcare is available with advance notice. RSVP IS REQUIRED EACH MONTH. RSVP by calling Sheila at 207-827-2331, email sheila@affm.net, or by clicking on the link below. The meeting is led by Bette Hoxie, AFFM Kinship Program Manager.
Belfast – F/A/K: Meets Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 5:30-7:00 P.M. at the Baptist Church (95 High Street). On-site childcare is available with advance notice. RSVP IS REQUIRED EACH MONTH. RSVP by calling Sheila at 207-827-2331, email sheila@affm.net, or by clicking on the link below. The meeting is led by Pat Tavernakis, AFFM Trainer.
