Eating Disorder Awareness and Tips for Parents
2022-01-19 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Go-To Meeting
We can help our youth feel safe to tell someone about what they’re experiencing by gaining a better understanding of eating disorders. This workshop is intended to provide an overview of the types of eating disorders, common causes and signs/symptoms. Parents/caregivers can increase awareness by having an understanding of prevention, intervention, and treatment. Through learning about tips and resources, parents/caregivers will have some knowledge of what to do and how to access help
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop Video Presentation by Author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed
2022-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
This unique and interactive program allows participants to experience the same Frustration, Anxiety and Tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. See how teachers, social workers, psychologists, parents, and friends who have participated in Richard Lavoie’s workshop reflect upon their experience and the way it changed their approach to children who have a learning disability.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Team Up for Your Child/Family Roadmap
2022-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Go-To Meeting
Getting services for a child with behavioral health needs can be overwhelming. “Team Up for Your Child/Family Roadmap” is a step-by-step guide designed to help families navigate confusing service systems and work smarter with doctors, schools, agencies and insurers. When a child has serious behavioral health issues, you suddenly have a team of professionals in your life who provide a variety of services. This team could include doctors, therapists, health workers and teachers but remember that the coach of this team is you – the parent. You are the only one who takes care of the whole child. Learn how to identify your child’s strengths and needs, make sense of reports and evaluations, understand your child’s treatment plan, track your child’s progress and translate the Individualized Education Program. Note: This special virtual workshop is offered free of charge to parents, grandparents or guardians who are currently parenting a child/youth with behavioral health needs.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Impulsivity & Disruptive Behaviors in Children & Youth
2022-02-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
All children have outbursts from time to time; however, some children have chronic problems in their ability to regulate emotions and behaviors even when adverse consequences may occur. This lack of self-control can cause significant distress or impairment in a child’s or youth’s life. A number of different diagnoses are unified by impulsive and disruptive behaviors, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and impulse control disorder (ICD). In this workshop you will learn more about the disorders defined in the chapter on disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), what treatments are available, and what parents/caregivers can do to better respond to disruptive behavior.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Substance Use Disorder – Recognition and Intervention
2022-02-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Substance use among youth can cause or increase mental health related issues, lead to problems at school and home, and put them at risk for involvement with the Juvenile Justice System. Substance Use Disorder impacts the entire family. This workshop will explore the risk factors, signs/symptoms and prevention/intervention associated with Substance Use Disorder. Information on how to communicate with children about Substance Use Disorder will be discussed to prepare parents/caregivers for these important conversations with youth.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

The Motivation Breakthrough: Six Secrets to Turning on the Tuned Out Child by Author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed
2022-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
This video workshop explores proven techniques, strategies and scripts – based on six possible motivational styles – that will revolutionize the way teachers and parents inspire children to succeed and achieve. Rick Lavoie explodes common myths and gives specific advice for motivating children.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Understanding Child Birth Order
2022-02-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Research shows that a person’s birth order has a direct link with his or her personality. These stereotypes on birth order may sound silly, but there is an interesting degree of scientific accuracy in their foundation. But does birth order influence personality, or is personality shaped based on the ages of siblings around them? Understanding birth order positions allows parents, guardians and teachers to guide and support children and strengthen positive attributes.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Restorative Practices: Restorative Approaches in the Family and Family Group Decision Making
2022-02-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
What do restorative practices mean and how can families utilize them at home? This workshop and discussion will explore the meaning and reasons for restorative practices at school, within juvenile justice and how families can benefit from these practices at home.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Surviving Parenting: Self-Care is NEVER Selfish
2022-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Self-care often becomes an afterthought for parents and caregivers. The ability to treat and understand oneself with respect and kindness can be especially elusive when raising a family. In this workshop, you will learn how stress and anxiety affect all of us and what you can do about it. You will do a self-care checkup and tools will be shared to create positive thinking. Join us to discover how to cope when your life is full but your energy tank is running on empty.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Team Up for Your Child/Family Roadmap
2022-02-26 09:00 - 14:00 | Go-To Meeting
Getting services for a child with behavioral health needs can be overwhelming. “Team Up for Your Child/Family Roadmap” is a step-by-step guide designed to help families navigate confusing service systems and work smarter with doctors, schools, agencies and insurers. When a child has serious behavioral health issues, you suddenly have a team of professionals in your life who provide a variety of services. This team could include doctors, therapists, health workers and teachers but remember that the coach of this team is you – the parent. You the parent/caregiver are the only one who takes care of the whole child. Learn how to identify your child’s strengths and needs, make sense of reports and evaluations, understand your child’s treatment plan, track your child’s progress and translate the Individualized Education Program. Note: This special virtual workshop is offered free of charge to parents, grandparents or guardians who are currently parenting a child/youth with behavioral health needs.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Parenting with Dignity-Picking up This Ball Is a Victory for All (5 days)
2022-03-07 18:00 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting
G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children. Topics include:
Session 1: A Model of Human Performance and Five Rules for Parents – Monday, March 7, 2022 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 2: Discipline, Deciding what you Want-Part 1 and 2 –, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 3: Sending a Constant Message of Love – Part 1 and 2 – Monday, March 14, 2022 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 4: Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting – Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 5: The Reasons Punishment Doesn’t Work – Monday, March 21, 2022 from 6-8:30 p.m.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Last One Picked – First One Picked On: Learning Disabilities and Social Skills by Author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed.
2022-03-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Do you watch your child struggle with social isolation and rejection? This workshop will provide parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies for teaching our kids the social skills they will need for success in social interaction. Participants will learn about positive traits for peer acceptance, student traits that teachers like, and the “hidden curriculum.”
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Helping Your Child Manage Their Meltdowns
2022-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Are you feeling like you are always walking on eggshells when dealing with your young child’s meltdowns? (Professionals sometimes call these behaviors “dysregulation”) Are you at a loss about how to help your child to be successful? You’re not alone! Join in the discussion about what meltdowns are and strategies that can be used to help your child better manage these meltdowns.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect?
2022-03-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Our children are our future and child abuse and neglect is everybody’s business! In this workshop learn what is considered child abuse; state and national statistics; what Maine law is and how to report child abuse or neglect; the difference between “punishment” vs. “discipline”; child behavioral management examples and what are family and child protective factors; in addition to sharing stories of parenting lessons learned.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Take Action Against Bullying
2022-03-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long-term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

ADHD 101 – What We Want to Know but Forgot to Ask!
2022-03-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
This workshop will offer the framework to help us understand what Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is, what causes it, how to diagnose and who can diagnose it; the symptoms, what helps, supports; and treatment and management. Come and join in the conversation as we journey together toward greater success.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Building Stronger Families Through Effective Communication
2022-03-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Effective communication skills are vitally important for thriving family relationships. Using tools such as non-violent and non-verbal communication can improve our ability to resolve conflicts that arise and strengthen bonds within families. As parents, we can master these skills and model them for our children. Join us for an educational afternoon that will cover the various strategies that are at the heart of good communication.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

“Do You Speak Teen? ‘mnE Ps dnt bleev der is a gNR8N d/c b/t em n thr teen”
2022-04-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
Communicating with teens today is more challenging than ever but not impossible! This workshop will explore modern technology and give you some new ideas to peek into your teen’s world. The framework of the 40 Developmental Assets® will also be shared. Minneapolis-based Search Institute® has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development – known as “developmental assets” – that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring and responsible adults..
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery (Somerset)
2022-04-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
If you are a parent or caregiver working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child, join us for this FREE 17-week program.
You will explore hands-on activities and guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences.
Together we will:

Explore ideas and build skills.
Strengthen your connection with your child.
Increase your and your child’s healing.

The Somerset county group is for those living in the county and surrounding areas. There are seventeen sessions, all about 90 mins, which will take place on Zoom on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in this free program, please contact Elisa Sousa at (207) 446-4778 or Anne Osolinski at (207) 859-2521 for more information or to register.
You may also register online here >> https://tinyurl.com/2p8hzshm

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery (Kennebec)
2022-04-26 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-05-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-05-10 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
If you are a parent or caregiver working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child, join us for this FREE 17-week program.
You will explore hands-on activities and guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences.
Together we will:

Explore ideas and build skills.
Strengthen your connection with your child.
Increase your and your child’s healing.

The Kennebec county group is for those living in the county and surrounding areas. There are seventeen sessions, all about 90 mins, which will take place on zoom on Tuesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
If you or a loved one is interested in participating in this free program, please contact Elisa Sousa at (207) 446-4778 or Jenny Freudlich at (207) 895-1580 for more information or to register.
You may also register online here >> https://tinyurl.com/2p8fu9jr

Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference – Youth Track
2022-05-02 12:30 - 17:30 | Go-To Meeting
Join us on May 2nd for our Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference!
Previously called Children’s Mental Health “Awareness”, in 2022 we’re changing the “A” to Acceptance. This significant shift to “acceptance” speaks more directly to our goal to eliminate bias and discrimination that individuals with a mental illness diagnosis or symptoms experience. We believe the term acceptance more directly combats prejudice. Mental health exists on a spectrum and almost everyone experiences challenges at some point in their life. Recognizing that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and accepting individuals who struggle for a period – or a lifetime – is critical to reducing the fear, worry, blame, and shame that families and their loved ones experience – and increases the likelihood that those who are in need will seek te support and treatment they deserve.
Conference Agenda
12:30 – 1:45 / Sharing Your Story – AJourney in Ownership, Building Community and Reducing Stigma
Presented by: Kevin Segal, Markus Perry, Elias Peirce, Saras Yerlig, PIER Program Speakers’ Bureau
There is much value in encouraging youth and young adults to have open conversation about mental health and challenging life experiences. Join us to hear from a group of young adults and peer support specialists who speak publicly about their mental health and have learned that in doing so it has helped with owning their own narratives, allow them to grow as individuals and to build community among people with share experiences. In this presentation, youth and young adults will learn considerations when preparing to speak publicly about your mental health experiences, what ideas you might include and strategies for reflecting and debriefing after sharing your story. To be oneself and be seen as oneself can be a form of healing and transformation.
2:00 – 2:15 / I’m Worried About My Mental Health – What Should I do?
Presented by: Izetta Story, Maine’s System of Care Steering Committee Youth Member
Are you feeling alone? Concerned about your mental wellbeing? We all need support throughout our lives and building a group of supports is essential in maintaining good wellbeing. Please, join me as I share the important message of you are not alone, who can help me, and when to ask for help. We are all in this together.
2:30 – 3:45 / Centering Youth Voice in Treatment Planning
Presented by: Katrina Ringrose, Advocacy Director, Disability Rights Maine; Maggie Bouchard and Christopher Buysse, Youth Peer Support Partners, Youth Peer Support Statewide Network
Empowering young people to engage in treatment begins with ensuring their voice is heard and valued in decisions that impact their lives. In order to meaningfully do this, we must make youth feel like they belong in spaces where their needs are discussed and that their contributions matter. This is not only their Right, it achieves better outcomes. Presenters will share practical ways adults can genuinely partner with youth through very “adult-centric” processes and incorporate strategies to develop self-determination and decision making skills. Also, learn more about Maine’s Youth Peer Support services and the Rights youth have when receiving treatment.
4:00 – 5:30 / Introducing Transformative Justice to Youth
Presented by: Bruce King (Co-Executive Director), Darryl Shepherd (Project Facilitator and Transformative Justice Lead), and Adan Abdi (Project Facilitator), Maine Inside Out
There has been a push for Restorative Practices in recent years as a means to create alternative sentencing possibilities around legal infractions. This usually sees facilitators stepping in resulting from referrals from system contacts. However, how do we address harms that have not risen to the level of system intervention? When conflict is escalating but have not resulted in anything that requires immediate disciplinary action, how do we utilize similar principles to create a more receptive and cohesive culture? Transformative Justice is an approach to creating a safe culture through teaching kids to conquer conflict with deep listening and careful response to harm that they may embody and practice actively.

Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference – Parent/Provider Track
2022-05-05 09:00 - 14:00 | Go-To Meeting
Join us on May 5th for our Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Virtual Conference!
Previously called Children’s Mental Health “Awareness”, in 2022 we’re changing the “A” to Acceptance. This significant shift to “acceptance” speaks more directly to our goal to eliminate bias and discrimination that individuals with a mental illness diagnosis or symptoms experience. We believe the term acceptance more directly combats prejudice. Mental health exists on a spectrum and almost everyone experiences challenges at some point in their life. Recognizing that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and accepting individuals who struggle for a period – or a lifetime – is critical to reducing the fear, worry, blame, and shame that families and their loved ones experience – and increases the likelihood that those who are in need will seek te support and treatment they deserve.
Conference Agenda
9:00 – 10:30 / Celebrating Difference: Unpacking Implicit Bias to Help Youth Thrive
Presented by: Tess Macoy, LMSW-CC, Clinical Manager for Crisis Services, Crisis and Counseling Centers and Elisa Sousa, LSW, MEd, Manager of Community Case Management Services, Crisis and Counseling Centers
It’s okay not to know what to say! Existing in a polarized culture can be confusing for everyone, but for kids, the struggle can literally be life or death. Mental health outcomes are significantly worse among marginalized youth including those who live in poverty, are LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, experience disabilities, and people of color & ethnic minorities. While two presenters cannot speak to all these diverse experiences, we invite you to explore your implicit biases and learn some simple steps to foster compassionate curiosity as a first response.
We will do a deeper dive for one community, LGBTQ+ youth, to understand risk and protective factors for suicide prevention and how positive identity development can save lives.
10:45 am – 12:15 pm / Empower ME System of Care Grant
Presented by: Kathryn Temple, SOC Director, Ronnie Lowell-Sirois, SOC Lead Family Coordinator; Jennifer Smith, Sue Gagne and Jamie Ploss-Story, G.E.A.R. Parent Network Family Peer Specialists
This presentation will provide an overview of the Empower ME System of Care Grant, four-year grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA.) The goal of the grant is to ensure Maine families have access to community-based services for children, youth and young adults with mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs that is coordinated across systems, individualized to a family’s unique needs, strengths, and culture, and where the families are the primary decision makers in the care of their children. Through partnerships with providers/agencies and the community, our intention is to build upon System of Care values and principles while empowering families to work together.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm / Suicide Prevention
Presented by: Mike Mitchell, LCSW, CEO, Crisis and Counseling Centers
This workshop will discuss the warning signs and practical approaches to address suicide prevention in children and youth. Participants will have a working understanding of what to look for and how to best address concerns to stem the grown momentum of suicides in our youth.

“ACEs, Being a Trauma-Informed Parent: Linking Childhood Trauma to Long-Term Health & Social Consequence”
2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home can have long-term physical, psychological, behavioral and economic consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study demonstrates the connection between childhood trauma and a wide array of physical & mental health problems. Despite the trauma in their lives, children can survive and even thrive. Protective factors, including healthy relationships with parents and caregivers, foster resilience in children and help them to overcome early adversity.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

“Impulsivity & Disruptive Behaviors in Children & Youth”
2022-05-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting
All children have outbursts from time to time; however, some children have chronic problems in their ability to regulate emotions and behaviors even when adverse consequences may occur. This lack of self-control can cause significant distress or impairment in a child’s or youth’s life. A number of different diagnoses are unified by impulsive and disruptive behaviors, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and impulse control disorder (ICD). In this workshop you will learn more about the disorders defined in the chapter on disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), what treatments are available, and what parents/caregivers can do to better respond to disruptive behavior.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.

“ADHD 101 – What We Want to Know but Forgot to Ask!”
2022-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
This workshop will offer the framework to help us understand what Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is, what causes it, how to diagnose and who can diagnose it; the symptoms, what helps, supports; and treatment and management. Come and join in the conversation as we journey together toward greater success.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
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.
