About : Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine

About AFFM

Who We Are And How We Can Help

Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc. (AFFM) provides support services for adoptive and foster parents, and kinship providers. AFFM provides the training, guidance, knowledge, and resources needed to handle complex issues as families open their hearts and homes to children. The services are for all adoptive and foster families who are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or have DHHS approval to adopt. Special services from Maine Kids-Kin are available to kinship providers. Child welfare is dependent upon a myriad of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Decisions concerning families and innocent children are rarely easy, and are usually fraught with highly emotional issues. AFFM is dedicated to assisting families to help children find the security they deserve. Every situation in fostering and adoption is unique. AFFM helps prepare families for the challenges they will face, and is a resource that is easily accessible.

AFFM believes that Maine's children have the right to be a permanent member of a stable, healthy family. For adoptive and foster parents to provide the best parenting and a quality home environment, they need to add to their own strengths through training and the unconditional support of AFFM. AFFM believes that when decisions are made that affect the rest of a child's life, there is no room for politics or personalities. AFFM believes that families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to provide for Maine's children must have total support. We believe that access to services that enhance their abilities and help them to develop new skills is imperative.

How AFFM Does It

Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine is supported by donations, grants, a contract with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and a sub-contract with Families and Children Together (FACT) to provide kinship support. The association maintains a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status.

Training Programs

AFFM holds an annual spring training conference in April. The conference provides training designed specifically for families looking for unique and advanced learning opportunities. It is also an opportunity to network with families and other providers from across the state. In addition to the conference, AFFM offers numerous training programs.

AFFM works collaboratively with DHHS and other agencies to sponsor workshops and training's that are designed to meet the needs of adoptive and foster families.

Allegation Support

AFFM provides an »Allegation Support Team. Nearly every foster parent will experience an allegation at least once during their foster parenting career. Allegation Support Team members are trained to offer non-judgmental listening, a place to vent, and an explanation of the DHHS investigation process. Team members can also help when preparing to meet with DHHS staff. The Allegation Support Team maintains confidentiality consistent with Maine Law.

Collaborations

AFFM is represented on numerous child welfare, foster care, adoption, and kinship related »committees.

Kinship - Kinship support services are offered through collaboration with Families and Children Together (FACT) called "Family Connections."

Support Groups and Mentoring

AFFM works to promote existing support groups as well as training to help form new support groups. AFFM provides "mentors" to new and veteran foster parents. »Support Group Listing

Liaison Services

AFFM Liaison Program Director, Bette Hoxie, is available to attend meetings with foster and pre-adoptive parents. It is often useful to have someone who is not personally caught up in the issues to provide neutral clarity after a meeting.

Lending Library

The library is a huge resource. Books, videos, DVD's, and audiocassettes that cover a wide range of topics related to issues of foster care, kinship, and adoption are available to borrow. The library has items of interest for all ages, from very young children to grandparents.

AFFM is a phone call or a click away, call us at 800-833-9786.

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