Maine Parent Federation

Maine Parent Federation (MPF), in existence since 1984, is a private non-profit organization. MPF provides information, referral, one on one telephone support, and training to parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs and the professionals who work with these families through numerous grant-funded projects. Our services are offered at no cost to parents and are available statewide.

SPIN (STATEWIDE PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK)

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, SPIN’s mission is to provide parents of children with disabilities training and information to ensure children are prepared to lead productive independent lives. The SPIN staff have experience as parents of children with disabilities and have access to a wide range of information. They are available to answer requests for information or to help parents find the answers to more complex problems. SPIN staff also collaborate with parent organizations, state agencies and other organizations in Maine to expand opportunities available to families. Basic services include one-on-one information to parents and professionals concerning needed services, educational rights, and specific disabilities through a toll free statewide telephone number, 1-800-870-7746. SPIN also maintains a TDD, a telecommunication device for individuals with hearing impairments. Other services include educational workshops on a wide variety of topics specific to parent needs as well as core trainings on special education law.

At the SPIN office families can borrow library books and video tapes on topics related to education and disabilities as well as signup for the quarterly newsletter, Parent Connection. This website hosts workshops, informational packets, upcoming events and much more.

The project’s objectives are to:

• Provide parents with an array of training and educational opportunities enabling effective participation in developing and implementing their children’s educational program
• Provide the broadest possible access to current information and resources at all levels; and,
• Create collaborative networks of parents, advocates, providers, educators and other support organizations. MPF’s Statewide Parent Information Network (SPIN) serves all Maine families of children with disabilities ages birth through age 26 as identified by IDEA. Special emphasis is placed on under served populations and isolated areas.The contents of this website were developed under a grants from the U.S, Department of Education, H328M150038 However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Carmen Sanchez

Family Support Navigator Program

“Connecting Families to a Network of Support and Information”

• Experienced parents in your area who are available for one-on-one help and support in a variety of ways
• A confidential ear that will listen to you and your family
• Support for meetings by helping you organize and prepare for the meeting and attending with you if needed
• Help to understand the resources and services available to your family
• And much more

Project REACH F2F Health Information Network (F2F)

Project REACH (REsponsive Advocacy for Children’s Health) is Maine’s federally funded F2F Health Information Network grant. This program builds upon and strengthens the partnership between the Maine Parent Federation (MPF) and Maine’s Maternal and Child Health Title V Children with Heath Special Health Care Needs Program.

The goal of the program is to assure that Maine’s families of children with special health care needs partner in decision-making at all levels and are satisfied with the services they receive. In addition, families also receive a wide variety of information, education, referral, training, advocacy and a range of family supports.

Central to success is the nationally acclaimed parent-to-parent support model. Under the model a volunteer cadre of specially trained parents (who also have children with special health care needs) having the gifts of empathy and common experience help other parents walk through the multiple challenges of accessing care and supports. Centers also provide information, education, referral, training, advocacy and a range of family supports.

Maternal and Child Health (MCHB)

With a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Parent Federation provides staff for a Family Consultant Position and Regional Coordinators. The Family Consultant provides education to families, CSHN staff and the community on the principles of family-centered care and provides leadership in the development of policies that effect CSHN and their families, Individuals must be a parent/guardian of child with special health care needs and knowledgeable about the special delivery system for CSHN, including health care needs and social services.

Regional Coordinators for the Parent to Parent program employed by MPF provide resources and information to families, health care providers, community-based-agencies and others serving CSHN includes but is not limited to insurance, medical home, transition to adult health care services and linking people to services at the state and community level. Individuals must be parents or guardians of a child with special health care needs.

keywords: PTI, parent training and information