Contact: For Immediate Release
Cindy Seekins, Staff Supervisor Through Sept. 27, 2008
1-800-264-9224
ANNUAL “WHAT FAMILIES AND YOUTH WANT” CONFERENCE TO FEATURE
NATIONAL SPEAKERS AND TWO-TRACKS OF WORKSHOPS
– FREE FOR FAMILY AND YOUTH –
Family members, youth and providers are invited to the 2008 “What Families & Youth Want Conference,” to be held Friday, September 26th and Saturday, September 27th at the Ramada Inn in Bangor, Maine. The conference, underwritten by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Children’s Services, is expected to be attended by more than 200 individuals and is free to families and youth.
The Friday evening keynote will be provided by DaShawn Patrick, whose personal story of growing up in the child welfare system is informative and inspirational. Barbara Huff, currently a project coordinator and consultant for and former President and Ex. Dir. of the national Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, will present the keynote address Saturday morning, emphasizing the importance of professionals and families developing strategies to work together effectively
A two-track series of workshops, one for youth and one for families, will feature professionals from various agencies, including the Anchor ACT Team, Autism Society of Maine, G.E.A.R. Parent Network/Crisis & Counseling Centers, NAMI Maine, Maine Parent Federation, Wings for Children and Families. The conference keynote speakers will also conduct workshops on Saturday; Patrick will present in the youth track, and Huff in the family track. The first 50 youth to attend DaShawn Patrick’s workshop will receive an autographed copy of his book, And Some Rise Above It. An additional 25 autographed copies will be given away as prizes to conference attendees throughout the day on Saturday, along with other door prizes.
The conference planning committee, comprised of staff and program participants of host agencies G.E.A.R. Parent Network and THRIVE System of Care, surveyed youth and families and designed the conference based on that input. (Attached conference schedule includes workshop topics and times.)
Families, youth and providers may register online at www.gearparentnetwork.com or call 1-800-264-9224 for a brochure or for more information. Registration deadline date is 5 p.m. September 12th. Vendors wishing to register for an information/display table, please call 1-800-264-9224.
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Are you worried about your child’s emotional well-being? Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs. Free services available to parents & families include information and support by phone, monthly support groups, and workshops throughout the year. We are parents helping each other; we offer unconditional support – no blame, no shame and no judgment. We want you to know that you are not ALONE! For services or more information, please contact: G.E.A.R. Parent Network 1-800-264-9224
G.E.A.R. Parent Network is a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers
and is funded by the Department of Health & Human Services, the United Way and private donations.