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 […]

Are you raising a second set of children or youth at a time you thought you would be planning your retirement? This discussion will focus on specific issues that may be challenging for grandparents today and uncover ideas and solutions for greater success and less stress. The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & […]

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 […]

Join us again this year for our Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Tailgate Kick-Off event which is organized by parents to bring acceptance about the importance of social justice and to show that positive mental health is essential our kids healthy development throughout their lifespan. Hear parents and youth share their lived experience of their […]

Join us for this special Children’s Mental Health Acceptance presentation that you will find informative and enlightening about the person-centered approach to living! All individuals have a unique potential to live meaningful, purposeful lives. Let's learn how to become more aware of accepting individuals for who they are, what their vision & goals are and […]

Robert is an adoptive parent of two special needs children (now adults). Dr. Walker has almost forty years of experience training and supporting parents and professionals in the areas of adoption, foster care, and attachment related trauma. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. His Ph.D. work […]

Effective communication skills are vitally important for thriving family relationships. Using tools such as non-violent and non-verbal communication can improve our ability to resolve conflicts that arise and strengthen bonds within families. As parents, we can master these skills and model them for our children. Join us in learning the various strategies that are at […]

Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know how to help your child? Children with behavioral health needs do not come with a manual! This workshop will offer a framework to understand the nature of your child’s behavior and methods to flexibly respond to the needs your child presents. Positive behavioral supports emphasize practical ideas […]