Links

Blending Traditions and Values in Adoptive & Foster Families

Foster and adopted children bring their own cultural heritage to their new families, which can be challenging for everyone.With this training, participants will learn about the pervasiveness of stereotyping in our society and resources that support a culturally relevant approach to parenting children in their care. At the end of this training, participants will gain a greater awareness of how culture affects their values, attitudes and behaviors. Participants will learn how to reorganize their family so that it reflects the uniqueness of each family member while the whole family unit is strengthened.

This free workshop will be held Thursday, December 8, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center in Presque Isle. To register, contact the Staff Education and Training Unit at 287-9355 or DHHS.setu@maine.gov.

Family Strengths and Resiliency Workshops

There will be a full day of workshops divided into "Life Happens! Parenting Resilient Kids" in the morning and "Resilient Youth in Our Community" in the afternoon. The first workshop is presented by Chris Trout, President of Strengths in Focus. This is a fun and inspiring workshop that will focus on the capacity to see what's going right and build on it, what helps both kids and parents thrive when the road gets rocky, how to set limits without setting off fireworks, how to find the balance between safety and independence, and how to communicate effectively. The second workshop will consist of a panel of adolescents and young adults who have been able to bounce back from adverse situations in their lives. Prepare to be inspired by this youth panel who are able to openly discuss their success, motivation, and ability to bounce back from stress and diversity.

This free workshop will be held Saturday, December 10, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston.

For more information and registration, call 800-264-9224.

Developing and Implementing Behavior Plans

Community Health and Counseling Services is holding this free training session presented by Max Werner, LCPC.

The training will be held Tuesday, December 13, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Community Health and Counseling Services, 40 Summer St., in Bangor.

For more information and registration, call Susan McDonald at 947-0366 ext. 6347.

Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

Dr. Podraza, a psychologist at Maine Rehabilitation Neuropsychology Service, will provide participants with information on what non-verbal learning disability (NVLD) is. NVLD is a developmental disability, which all too often goes undiagnosed. These children and youth are often bright but may have difficulty interacting with peers, acquiring self-help skills, have difficulty adapting to new situations and struggle with motor coordination. The workshop will also include an overview of brain structure and functions, developmental manifestations, assessment and intervention/remedial techniques for both home and the classroom. This workshop will help parents understand why children with NVLD act the way they do as well as the impact that brain trauma can have on a child's behavior and cognitive functioning. There will be lots of opportunities to answer your specific questions!

This free workshop will be held Wednesday, December 14 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the University College Center, 201 Texas Ave., in Bangor.

To register, contact Jeanine Brown at 626-5285 or jeanine.brown@maine.gov.

Losses, Moves, & Attachment

Children brought into the foster care system experience major loss in their lives. They often experience several placements while in care. By acknowledging and learning about the impact of this on children, participants will be able to better support children and families. The training, presented by Louise Harrington and Dan Hughes will offer techniques which will assist the adults in children's lives through some of the difficult times.

This free workshop will be held Wednesday, December 14 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Maple Hill Farms in Hallowell.

To register, contact the Staff Education and Training Unit at 287-9355 or DHHS.setu@maine.gov.

Creating Your Own Personal Toolbox for Promoting
Learning for Students with Asperger Syndrome

In this interactive workshop, you will acquire intervention strategies and tools that you can use daily. Although many students with Asperger Syndrome see only in black and white, through emersion in the topic the techniques that you learn in this professional learning opportunity will be successful with a wide range of children. Look forward to many "ah hah" moments as you learn from interaction, presentation and design. By the end of this three hour workshop, you will have a better understanding of Asperger's Syndrome and it's characteristics, have a better understanding of structural intervention strategies, have better tools to recognize and respond to varied characteristics of students with Asperger's Syndrome, and feel energized by working with and learning from peers. This workshop is presented by Terese Bernier Burns, who consults state wide in a number of areas, including positive behavioral support, differentiated instruction, and developing personalized school improvement plans. Her professional background includes 25 years of meeting the needs of all learners. She is currently the President of the Maine Federation of CEC and the Assistant Director of the Maine Support Network. This workshop is $45 and includes munchies and materials.

It will be held Wednesday, December 14 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM in the Bangor High School Cafeteria.

For more information, call 685-3171. Register online at mainesupportnetwork.org.