Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home can have long-term physical, psychological, behavioral and economic consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study demonstrates the connection between childhood trauma and a wide array of physical & mental health problems. Despite the trauma in their lives, children can survive […]

held virtually every Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. 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 providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns. Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network […]

March 9 and 16, 2024 from 9 a.m - 3 p.m. G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising […]

Communicating with teens today is more challenging than ever but not impossible! This workshop will explore modern technology and give you some new ideas to peek into your teen’s world. The framework of the 40 Developmental Assets® will also be shared. Minneapolis-based Search Institute® has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development – known as […]

Save money and reduce your family’s exposure from toxic household cleaners! Join us and learn how to avoid using toxic cleaning chemicals and still provide a clean, healthy and comfortable home; how to save money and time with simple cleaning technique; easy and inexpensive recipes to make safe and effective homemade household cleaners. The G.E.A.R. […]

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 providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns. Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health […]

Held virtually every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30–5 p.m. If you are a parent, caregiver or working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child/youth, please join us for this FREE 12 week program. You will explore hands on […]

held virtually every Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. 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 providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns. Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network […]

All children and youth have outbursts from time to time, however some do have much difficulty in their ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors even when adverse consequences may occur. This lack of self-control can cause significant distress or impairment in a child’s or youth’s life. A number of different diagnoses are unified by […]

What does it mean being a good advocate? Many parents and caregivers have faced challenges in getting their child’s or youth’s behavioral health and educational needs met. Having your heart in the right place is very important, but is only the beginning. It is also important to know that the advocacy process doesn’t need to […]

Why is environmental health so important? Consider the following information: At least 1 in every 59 children has one or several learning disabilities. In the 1970s, autism was estimated to have affected about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 children. In 2022, the rate was 1 in 44 and today it is 1 in 36. Boys […]

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! Our children and youth are our future and child abuse and neglect is everybody’s business! In this workshop learn what is considered child abuse; state and national statistics; what Maine law is and how to report child abuse or neglect; the difference between “punishment” vs. “discipline”; child behavioral management […]