---

Below are some links to more useful resources. If you would like your link added, please email your information to: depperson@mpf.org.

• https://www.mesothelioma.com/ - The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is the top online provider for all questions, next steps, and information on mesothelioma cancer and asbestos. Many people across the country are unaware of asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma cancer and how the latency period can take years until a patient shows symptoms. the MCA site provides patients, families, and caregivers with the answers they need on the rare cancer and the steps that can be taken to prohibit asbestos exposure in the United States. Their mission is to educate every family possible and provide resources to those in need.
  
  Contact Info: 1-203-265-2424 by Phone and webmaster@mesothelioma.com by e-mail.
• http://www.parentcenterhub.org - The CPIR is pleased to serve as the centralized hub of resources for the 90+ projects in the Parent Center network. This page offers you a quick way to find CPIR-produced resources, including its webinars, its newsletter Buzz from the Hub, and stand-alone pages and publications you can share with families, professionals, and your staff.
• https://rarediseases.org - Every day in America, 30 million people wake up to fight the battle with a rare disease. The vast majority are children. For most, there are no cures and few, if any, proven and effective treatments. NORD provides a unified voice for those courageous individuals, and the parents and other caregivers seeking to help them, so that they won't have to fight that battle alone.
• http://www.asmonline.org - The Autism Society of Maine offers an information Specialist Program that directly supports parents or individuals with ASD. This program offers one on one support to attend a school IEP meeting and can help with PCP planning with adults. Meeting with an ASI who understands what you are going through can help navigate the state systems for both children and adults.
• https://www.understood.org - Parents want the best for their children. We do, too. For the first time ever, 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.
• http://drme.org - Disability Rights Maine (DRM) is Maine's Protection & Advocacy agency for people with disabilities. This means we represent people whose rights have been violated or who have been discriminated against based on their disability. We also provide training on rights and self-advocacy and we advocate for public policy reform.
• http://www.gearparentnetwork.org - Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family's strengths and to advocate for their family's needs.
  FREE support available to parents and families include:
  • Support by phone at 1-800-264-9224
  • Monthly support groups
  • Workshops on topics related to emotional and behavioral health
  • One-to-one, short-term in-home support and education
  • Opportunities to network with other families
  • Information on resources and public services available to you and your family
  • Programs for passing on your knowledge and assisting other families
  • Leadership skills and quality assurance advocacy through the F.A.C.E.S. Council
  We are parents helping each other; we offer unconditional support - no blame, no shame and no judgment. We want you to know that you are not ALONE!
• http://www.kidslegal.org - KIDS LEGAL is a project within Pine Tree Legal Assistance. We specialize in legal services addressing the needs of low-income children and youth in Maine. Our services are free.
• http://www.pinetreesociety.org - Pine Tree Society began as Pine Tree Society for Crippled Children. In December of 1935, a group of 25, including doctors, officials associated with state government and other interested parties, met at the State House in Augusta. Their purpose was to form a Maine Society for crippled children. After the Social Securities Act was established, it seems like it was a national trend that each state would then establish their own organization for crippled children.
• http://www.maine.gov/doe/cds/ - The Child Development Services system is an Intermediate Educational Unit that provides both Early Intervention (birth through two years) and Free Appropriate Public Education (for ages three through five years) under the supervision of the Maine Department of Education. The CDS system ensures the provision of special education rules, federal and state regulations statewide, through a network of regional sites.
• http://www.maine.gov/doe/specialed - The Office of Special Services is responsible for the state's oversight and support for the delivery of all special education services provided in Maine under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes early intervention services to eligible children age birth to under age three and their families, provided under IDEA, Part C, and Free Appropriate Public Education to eligible children age three to 20, provided under IDEA, Part B. The Office of Special Services is also responsible for meeting the state's responsibilities under IDEA
• http://www.namimaine.org - NAMI Maine is a grassroots, membership-based organization established to enhance the lives of everyone impacted by mental health concerns by offering support, education and advocacy statewide.