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Volume 9, No. 10 |
NEWSLETTER |
October 2006 |
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FEDERAL LAW TAKES EFFECT
On July 27th, 2006, the Federal Government signed into law the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.
The purpose of this Act is to protect children from violent crimes, with particular
emphasis being placed on preventing sex offenders access to children.
Effective October 1st, 2006, the State of Maine is required to conduct criminal background checks (including fingerprinting) using the Maine Child Abuse and Neglect Registry, as well as the registries of any state where prospective foster/adoptive
families have resided for the past five years. This process must be completed "before the prospective foster/adoptive parent may finally be approved for a child".
This is different from the current licensing standards which the State of Maine enforces. Under the current program, fingerprinting does not occur until just before adoption is finalized.
The new standard presented by the Federal Government, while keeping the safety of children first and ever foremost, will also make for a smoother adoption when the time comes, as the background check is already complete and there are no surprises in store. It is our understanding that this new law applies only to incoming foster and adoptive families and anyone living in their homes over the age of 18.
Although we do not anticipate any changes for current foster/adopting families, please
continue to watch our monthly newsletter for further information, and as always, feel free to call with any questions. |
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Calling all emails
The staff at AFFM is developing an email address book to better serve you. We receive several notifications and announcements last minute, and have no way of getting the word out quickly, (until now!)
We are asking everyone who receives this newsletter to send us your email address. ( We
promise that this information will be used by Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine staff only, and will not be sold or given to any other company) The first 50 people to send us their email
address will win a prize (to be announced by email at a later date!) So go ahead and click here to bombard us, and thank you in advance for your
cooperation. |
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"A LITTLE SUNSHINE" is here!
Do you need any?
This is the question that Melanie Rounds (a foster parent out of the Lewiston office) is asking all foster and adoptive families. We all know how hard it is when a child/children come into a home and are in need of so much. Vouchers help, but usually are not enough.
That is why Melanie has turned her garage into a resource room for all foster/adoptive families, EVERYTHING IS FREE!!
So if you need anything or have any items to donate, please call Melanie Rounds at
897-2872, 353-5369 or 577-8457.
Melanie can also be reached at
melanierounds@yahoo.com. A
more complete list of items needed, is available here.
AFFM always appreciate what the fostering/adoptive/kinship families in Maine are doing for the children, but it's extra amazing when we realize how endless their love is!
Keep up the good work, Melanie! |
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RESPITE PROVIDERS WANTED
UCP of Maine is currently accepting
applications for respite providers throughout Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington counties. Respite is planned care of an individual with
developmental or emotional disabilities for the purpose of providing relief to the primary caregiver. Clients range in age from birth to 18. Although children/families in foster or residential care or DHHS custody are not
eligible for respite services, fostering and adoptive parents can become certified respite providers. The certification process includes an in home training course with modules on communication, understanding children and youth with severe emotional disabilities, etc, as well as background checks and personal references. C.P.R. and first aid cost will be reimbursed, all other training materials are provided at no cost. For further information, please contact the Alicia Allen at the respite office, 1-800-686-9649, or email her at Alicia.allen@ucpofmaine.org |
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A huge THANK YOU to the anonymous
donor of the eight handmade quilts that were
received by AFFM. They are absolutely
gorgeous, and are sure to be a favorite "blankee" for years to come to the lucky little ones who
receive them! |
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AFFM is sad to share the news of the death of Stephanie Hoxie Benoit. Stephanie was the adopted daughter of Bette and the late Joseph Hoxie of Old Town. In addition to her mother, Stephanie will be sadly missed by her husband, Richard, their seven year old son, Joseph Peter Benoit, numerous brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Those who wish to contribute to her memory and in support of Joey or who wish to send cards of condolence may do so c/o Richard Benoit, 3402 Treasure Lane, Margate, Florida 33803. |
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Upcoming events
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The Learning Disabilities Association of Maine will hold its annual conference Nov.3 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The theme of the conference is "Lifelong success"
Thirteen full and half-day workshops will be held. Dr. Mark Griffin, headmaster of the Eagle Hill School in Greenwich, Conn., will deliver the keynote address. The conference will also feature exhibitors, book signings, videos and a silent auction.
For more information or to register, call 465-7700, or visit the LDA website at www.ldame.org.
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Community Health and Counseling Services is pleased to offer "Overcoming the wear and tear of foster parenting" .The training will be held on Wed. Nov. 8, at 42 Cedar Street in Bangor, from 5:30-7:30 pm. Please call Susan McDonald at 947-0366 for more info
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 Meet Jenessa
Jenessa is an intelligent and beautiful 15 year old girl who enjoys going to the beach and the library. She is energetic, fun loving and enjoys doing a variety of
activities.
Jenessa does well in school. She is in a self contained classroom during the school day so it is easier for her to focus and get her work completed. Jenessa has very high expectations for herself and aspires to be a doctor when she grows up. She has done a lot of work at school to catch up to her classmates over the past several months. Jenessa knows what is expected of her at school and does well in the structure the school provides her.
Jenessa has participated in team sports in the past, and is currently on the school soccer team. She
participated in softball and track when she was in middle school. Jenessa gets along well with her peers and enjoys "hanging out" with her friends, doing each other's hair and telling stories.
Jenessa likes scented lotions and pictures of people in her room. Her bedroom is very "homey" and she likes to spend time in her room, reading and spending quiet time alone. However, Jenessa is very outgoing and
enjoys spending time with her friends. She is also very aware of her feelings and is quick to apologize if she has done something wrong. Jenessa hopes to visit Paris someday because she has seen pictures of the city and thinks it is very pretty.
The best family for Jenessa would be one that is active and enjoys doing things together. She enjoys other children and would like to have siblings.
Adoptions subsidy may be available through the Department of Health and Human services. For more
information, contact Jennifer Milinski, Adoption Caseworker, at 208 Graham Street. Biddeford, Maine 04005,or call 1-800-322-1919 |
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FAMILY TIES the Newsletter of Adoptive &
Foster Families of Maine, Inc.
Published with support from
: the Maine Dept. of Human Services
Please direct comments to:
Editor, Family Ties
Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine
294 Center Street, Unit 1
Old Town, ME 04468.
Or click here
to fill out our web form. |
The little boy and the old man
BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the little old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.
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