Advocacy for Children and Families
Clicking on any the following links will exit you from the Ombudsman site. While we are not responsible for the content of these sites, we have found the information contained in them to be very helpful. Good luck in your search and please visit us again soon!
Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA)-Maine
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are a very special group of people who volunteer to act as guardian ad litem for abused and neglected Maine children involved in protective custody cases in the Maine District Court. CASA volunteers are appointed by the Judge and act as his or her neutral and impartial eyes and ears.
Web: http://www.courts.state.me.us/jobs/casa/
KIDS FIRST CENTER, Supporting Families of Seperation and Divorce
The Kids First Center's mission is to minimize the emotional and sometimes physical trauma children experience during the separation and divorce of their parents. The Center opened its doors in 1998, although our history goes back to the 1980's when a group of professionals saw the importance of filling a gap in Maine's social services. Our staff, as well as our volunteer board of directors, are thoughtful, caring people, committed to putting "kids first" during a challenging time in their lives. If you have questions about the Center, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us directly.
Web: http://www.kidsfirstcenter.org/index.html
Maine Equal Justice Partners
Maine Equal Justice Partners works in the legislature and the courts, to give low-income Maine people an effective voice on issues they care about, including:
- Parents as Scholars
- TANF & ASPIRE
- Food Stamps
- Health Care
- Employment
Web: www.mejp.org
Maine Parent Federation
Maine Parent Federation is a private non-profit organization that provides information, support and training to parents and professionals through numerous grant funded projects. In existence since 1984, MPF is physically located in Manchester, Maine, but assistance is available on a statewide basis. Through its projects, individuals can receive information about: specific disabilities, parenting issues, education, services, support groups and other resources available to assist families and professionals within the home, school and community. MPF services are offered at no cost to parents and professionals.
Web: www.mpf.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders.
Web: www.NAMI.org
NAMI Maine
Maine's voice on mental illness. NAMI Maine's website contains many local resources for families.
Web: http://me.nami.org
Disability Rights Center
Some of the services DRC provides are:
Information about rights and service systems
Referrals to appropriate services
Representation of individuals at meetings and hearings
Legal representation of individuals or groups
Training on rights and advocacy skills
Working towards broad systems change.
Web: www.drcme.org
C.A.R.E.S., Inc
Stephen Beam, Program Director
47 Water Street, Suite 104
Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 622-7055; (800) 773-7055 (V/TTY)
E-mail: capsite@aol.com
Web: www.caresinc.org
Updated: Jun 3rd, 2008 - 13:09:25
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