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Planning is under way for AFFM’s Annual Conference to be held April 11th and 12th, 2008 in Portland. The title of this years conference is “Safe and Sound, Practice Prevention.” We are very excited about the workshops lined up for this years conference. From CPR, First Aid, to issues surrounding Substance Abuse, there will be a variety of workshops that will give participants useable tools to ensure the safety of their families and the families we work with.

As part of our Annual Conference, AFFM takes the opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work done by many. Foster, Adoptive, and Kin providers are given awards by District, relating to the theme of the conference. These award nominees are chosen by the staff of the 8 DHHS Districts.

AFFM recognizes the team effort that contributes to the outcome of each and every child. AFFM wants to give the Foster, Adoptive and Kinship providers the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of those in the Child Welfare System by asking for nominations of individuals in the following categories:

Program Administrator
Licensing Worker
Children’s Services Worker
Protective Worker
Adoption Worker
Independent living Worker
Private Agency Staff
Guardian Ad Litem

Nominations should be directed to Barbara Ford at fstrdad@aol.com or 223-4472.                                            

AFFM is sad to report the passing of Eileen Monk of Arundel.

Eileen became a foster parent in 1992, along with her husband, who passed away in 2004.
Eileen was a dedicated foster mother, who cared for children in custody who mostly were medically and developmentally needy. She was honored in 2007 as the Foster Parent of the Year.
Eileen, who passed away Nov. 19 at the age of 61, is survived by her children and grandchildren.

Special thanks to all the agencies who participated in Adoption Awareness Month activities through out the State!

Ten adoptions were finalized in the 1st Adoption Day held at the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor, and 20 were finalized in Portland at the Children’s museum.
Bangor DHHS held it’s 5th annual appreciation banquet, and several agencies collaborated on an adoption awareness candle light vigil, held in Bangor. Allison Geaghan from Senator Olympia Snowe’s office read a statement from the Senator, and Richard Stone read the proclamation from the City of Bangor. All who attended were also treated to a performance by the choir from Bangor Baptist Church.
In Augusta, families were treated to the Hall of Flags event, featuring Cedric Riley on November 13th, and Tea with First Lady Karen Baldacci on Nov. 15th.
A big thanks to all who worked so hard to make all these events successful.

If your family or agency celebrated National Adoption Awareness month, and you would like to see it featured in Family Ties,
Please forward information and/or pictures to Barbara@affm.net.

There are changes in the Special Education
Regulations that you should know about!
Plan to attend this presentation to learn about some of the changes.

Date: Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 from 6:30-8:30 pm
WINGS Office, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor

Date: Thursday, January 17, 2008 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Mayo Regional Hospital, Boarstone Conference Room, Dover-Foxcroft

Helen Jones, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington Counties
1-800-264-9224 or 564-3361
Gearregion3@verizon.net
For professional staff, there is a $10.00 fee at the door, or you may attend free– if you bring a parent!

Jimmy and Ashley are in need of a forever family!

Ashley (DOB 7/95) and Jimmy (DOB 6/94) have a team working with them who are committed to identifying a forever home where the children can be together and experience the security and love that only a permanent family can provide. They have been through a lot together and keeping them together in an adoptive home is very important.

Jimmy is a handsome young man who has a good sense of humor. During the past year Jimmy has really begun to enjoy playing out of doors. In the past he has preferred playing video games and playing with his game boy. However, his current foster parents have encouraged him to play outside and to try different activities. As a result, he now enjoys being outside, riding his new bike and swimming. Jimmy also takes therapeutic horseback riding lessons, which he really enjoys.

Ashley is a young lady who is quite adventurous. She loves playing outside with her friends. She too has enjoyed taking horseback riding lessons. In addition, she is beginning her second year of participating on a swim team. During the past year her foster family has provided the opportunity for her to have many different experiences and have found her to be open to trying just about anything. She has enjoyed going camping, snow skiing, swimming etc. She has requested a family that is active and “energetic”.

Ashley and Jimmy enjoy animals. In addition to their affection for horses, they have also done very well with the dogs and cats that they have lived with throughout the years.

Jimmy and Ashley both struggle a bit in school. They both receive special education services. Their adoptive parents will need to be actively involved in their school programming as well as in assisting the children with their school work in the evenings.

Ashley and Jimmy will do best in a family that is very patient and has time to do activities that will help them to bond as a family. Spending individual time with each child is also important. Their family must realize that the children will test their commitment. Participating in therapy that is focused on building their relationships is also strongly recommended.

Adoption subsidy is available for the appropriate family. Those interested in learning more about Jimmy and Ashley should contact Nancy Bolduc at the Department of Health and Human Services, 161 Marginal Way, Portland, Maine 04101 or by calling (207) 822-2289.

                To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world!

Now’s the Time

By Paul Tormey

When a child was in need of comfort
You raised your hand and said
“I will do whatever it takes”
You didn’t hesitate because you know when the phone rings,

Now’s the Time

Even when this child’s good days
Weren’t so good
You were patient and generous
You didn’t falter because you know that anytime a child needs you,

Now’s the time

You know some people who would
Lovingly accept a child as you did
You wonder if you should tell them so.
There are more children in need of more people like you,
don’t be shy—

Now’s the time

It’s not a 9 to 5 job you’ve taken on
So much is asked of you
But you’re making such a difference
We want to make sure you know it-
anytime we can show our gratitude,

NOW’S THE TIME!!

Any families still in need of a winter coat are encouraged to call the AFFM office at
1-800-833-9786.

We have a limited supply, and will do our best to successfully complete each need.

Katherine Ratliff, former Administrative Assistant at AFFM, was indicted December 5th on 1 count of theft by unauthorized taking in the amount of $83,500. A trial date is anticipated for February.

Being short a full time employee has significantly increased the work load on the remaining 2 employees. Connie Ireland, former administrative assistant, has graciously offered to
return to AFFM so she can help with the current situation. Connie is driving in from Greenville to Old Town 2 days a week (4 hours round trip!) so that AFFM can continue to serve out it’s mission. We certainly appreciate the dedication that Connie has shown, both to AFFM and it’s families, and it sure is nice to have her back! Thank you, Connie!

At this time, we need to acknowledge the financial strain that this situation has put on us. We wish to thank all of you who have so graciously sent donations! Every little bit helps, as we are currently relying heavily on donations.

As a result of the increase work responsibilities and the financial challenges, we were
unable to mail the November newsletter until the 21st of that month, (the cost for mailing the newsletter is about $425.00 monthly). We appreciate the feedback we received as a result of the delay in mailing, and ask that you all continue to remain patient with us. We also encourage you to check the website at www.affm.net, for current programs and activities.

Thank you all for your cards and well wishes. We hope that you all have a safe, healthy and happy Holiday Season.

We are still collecting receipts from Shaw’s Supermarkets!
Shaw’s has graciously agreed to donate 1% of total receipts collected to AFFM. Please send your original receipts to:

Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc
294 Center Street, Suite 1
Old Town, Maine 04468

This campaign is ongoing, so keep them coming!
Receipts cannot be returned

Did you know that the IRS will give you money back just for having a child living in your home? Three tax credit programs give extra money to people who are raising children. That includes grandparents and great grandparents. If you qualify, you may be able to pay less to Uncle Sam each year.
Keep in mind that a tax credit is better than a tax deduction. So don't miss the chance to claim these credits. What's so great about a credit? Plenty! You get to subtract a tax credit from any federal income tax that you owe. A deduction only reduces the income that you use to figure out the taxes you owe. Simply put, a credit keeps more money in your pocket.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit—or EITC—is for low-income people and families. You don't have to be raising a child to receive this tax credit. But people who are raising children get a bigger tax break. Is your tax credit greater than the tax you owe to the government? Good news! You will get a refund from the IRS.
NOTE: To get the EITC, you must work during the tax year. You must also file a federal tax return. Plus, you can only earn so much money. For the 2003 tax year, these were the income rules: See IRS publication 596 for specific EITC program calculations.

There are age limits for the children you claim when you take your tax credit. Are your grandchildren full-time students? Then you can claim them until they turn 24. Otherwise, you can only claim them until they turn 19. Children of any age can qualify if they have a disability. Do you have at least one child at home? Then you can receive advance payments of the EITC in your weekly paycheck. To receive your credit in advance, you must fill out a W-5 form at work.
Child Tax Credit
Does your family earn too much money to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit? You may still be able to get the Child Tax Credit. You take this credit right off your tax bill. But you won't get money back if you don't owe any taxes. The child for whom you take the credit must be under age 17. You must claim that child as a dependent on your federal income tax return.
Until the year 2005, you will be able to take a $1,000 tax credit for each child who qualifies. From 2005 until 2008, the tax credit will be reduced. During those years, you will only be able to claim a credit of $700 per child.Are you raising three or more children? You may be able to get the "Additional Child Tax Credit." This will give you a larger tax benefit.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
The Child and Dependent Care Credit helps families pay for childcare so they can work or look for work. This tax credit does not give you a tax refund if your credit is greater than the taxes you owe. The amount of your credit will depend on the number of children you are raising. It will also depend on your income and the amount you pay for child care. Your grandchild must be under the age of 13 or have a disability.

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child, there are seven million

~ Walt Streightiff

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.

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