G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents who have kids ages 0-21 providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
We are parent-to-parent support. Here is how we can help you.
No parent should suffer alone and in silence when a child is struggling with his or her mental health.
Parenting can be challenging under the best of circumstances. But when a child, teenager, or young adult struggles with emotional, mental or behavioral health problems, parenting can be overwhelming and isolating.
We provide parents and caregivers who are concerned about their children’s mental health with an opportunity to find and support each other in a confidential and safe space.
We provide NO COST support to parents and families who have kids ages 0-21. Our supports include:
- 1:1 parent-peer support to parents/caregivers
- Emotional support and family-centered training
- Educational workshops and conferences
- Positive parenting skills education and peer mentoring
- Social and networking events to reduce isolation, enhance natural supports, and promote resiliency factors
- Increased awareness of children’s behavioral health needs
- Advocacy in the Maine’s system of care for comprehensive, coordinated, community-based, trauma-informed and family/youth-driven services.
Download our guide for how we help.
Are you a parent of a child/youth who has behavioral health concerns and you are looking for employment as a parent/family peer specialist?
Maine’s Certification training for Parent/Family Peer Specialists who work in Maine Behavioral Health Homes.
The Institute was developed and formatted by families for families with consultation and shared materials from the National Federation of Families, their state organizations and chapters. We believe that meaningful and effective parent/family participation as partners in the support of our children require specific skills that harness and enhance the valuable contribution of the parent/family perspective.
These skills are embodied in the following:
- Effective parent/family involvement requires a working knowledge of children’s mental health, the needs and experiences of parents and family members, and the issues affecting the system of
- The presentation of the individuals and organizations expressing the parent/family voice must enhance the credibility, value, and opportunities for meaningful inclusion.
- To provide effective parent‐to‐parent support in a variety of settings.
- To develop and sustain an effective local and statewide network of parents and champions of children’s behavioral health needs.
- To effectively participate in micro and macro level of system change.
- To provide consistency across the state with regard to parent-peer support providers hiring practices, qualifications, necessary skill sets, job duties, and supervision.
We are now accepting applications for our September 2024 training.
Upcoming Dates: September 23rd, 25th, and 27th 2024
Location: Crisis and Counseling Centers @ 10 Caldwell Road, Augusta, Maine 04330
Time: 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break on your own
Cost: $450
Questions: Contact G.E.A.R. Parent Network Director Cindy Seekins at 207-441-7216 or cseekins@crisisandcounseling.org
My parent peer support helped me immensely. Not only was she knowledgeable in resources, but she was someone who could relate to what I was going through. That alone helped me more than anyone could ever realize. There were very difficult days and she would be there to talk me through it, help me understand and answer questions. She wasn’t a stranger I went to see at an office every once in a while. She became a friend, who sat with me in the comfort of my home. I think people forget parents need someone too. For me, G.E.A.R. Parent Network was an essential piece to helping my family learn, understand and grow.
Administrative Offices
10 Caldwell Road
Augusta, Maine 04330
Proud member of the National Federation of Families
