Family+Support+and+Resources

**Topic:** This page is designed to help parents, professionals and individuals be aware of resources in Maine that are readily available to children with developmental disabilities. The page will provided resources to help make individuals knowledgeable of available supports and funding. There are many resources that Maine provides; a selected few will be provided bellow. Children all develop at different levels causing treatments to vary. Since this is a case some resources may seem more helpful to some than others.

**Resource 1:** [] This website lets individuals and families understand their rights and recipients of mental health services for children in need of treatment. It talks about parental rights as well as receiving an individualized treatment plan for your child. Having this document allows child and family to understand their rights. It insures that they are receiving all the services that are to be provided to them.

**Resource 2:** [] The next resource provided is a way to apply to MaineCare. Maine care is a health insurance program for Maine residence that fit qualifications. MaineCare will provide funding services for hospital care, doctor visits, medications, substance abuse services, personal care services, physical/occupational therapy, and transportation to appointments. It is there to make sure that individuals and families are able to have supports so every resident can live comfortable in the least restrictive environment.

**Resource 3:** [] This resource gives information on respite and how to receive it. Respite is for individuals who are primary caregivers for a child that is aged 0-5 and is considered “at-risk”, a child who has either emotional and behavioral diagnosis, or a child birth to age 21 that has significant delays. Respite is an allotted time given to caregivers by the state to have your child watched in your home by a person employed by the state.

**Resource 4:** [] This is a listing of supports that Maine has available to help individuals who have recently moved or are not familiar with English. There are different classes and translators availably to help communication and provide supports. There is a brief description of the place and what they provide for support revolving English language learning. The places provided range from helping preschool aged children up through adults. Contact information and location is provided so that individuals are able to find resources close to them.

**Resource 5:** [] This refers you to the Maine Parent Federation which is a non-profit organization that provides services to parents for free. It provides information, education, and training to parents and professionals to help improve knowledge of developmental disabilities. It is located in Augusta Maine but assistance is available state wide.

Page provided by: Trinity N. Macomber