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| Volume 16 Issue 2 |
August 2020 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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Stages of Change Training:
Learn to Help a Loved One With a Substance Use Disorder
 If you have a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem, it can be hard to understand why addiction happens and why it is so hard to escape the cycle of substance use. You may want to help, but feel unsure where to start or what to do. Maryland Coalition of Families is here to help!
On Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM, MCF staff will present Exploring the Stages of Change: Regrounding Our Response. This free online workshop is designed to help participants understand addictive behaviors and the process behind intentional behavior change. Topics to be covered include:
- Defining “addiction”
- Learning the Stages of Change
- Matching interventions to the current stage of readiness
- Increasing motivation in the early stages
- Practicing harm reduction in the pre-action stages
- Managing potential challenges
Click here for more information and to register for the workshop.
Read More About the Stages of Change |
A Kindness Practice for Families
It is neurologically impossible to be both stressed out, and really loving and kind at the same time. When members of our family feel stressed - even young children - their ability to be empathetic and compassionate towards others dwindles awa y. This results in short tempers, selfish behaviors and hurt feelings all around.
While it is just not possible to be perfectly loving beings at all times, there are tools that we can use to spend more of our time in that space. A “kindness practice” is one of the tools that requires only a few minutes and can be used by children and adults of all ages and with different abilities.
Read More
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What is an Emotional Disability?
 “Emotional Disturbance” is a term used in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that ensures students with a disability are provided with a free, appropriate public education that is tailored to their needs. Because the term “emotionally disturbed” is so stigmatizing, in 2010 a group of advocates spearheaded by MCF pushed for legislation that changed the term in Maryland Code from Emotional Disturbance to Emotional Disability. Some conditions that might be present in students found
to have an Emotional Disability are anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia.
Read More
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Children With Emotional Disabilities Fare Worse Than Other Students Receiving Special Education
 The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) collects and monitors data on children and youth with disabilities. A recently published data report on children identified with an Emotional Disturbance (termed “Emotional Disability” in Maryland) brings to light some concerning facts.
Students identified with an emotional disability are likely to fare far worse than their counterparts in special education. Nationally, they are:
- twice as likely to drop out (16% of students with other disabilities drop out vs. 32% of students coded with an Emotional Disability)
- four times as likely to be educated in a separate school (3% of students with other disabilities vs. 12% of students coded with an Emotional Disability)
- many times more likely to be removed from their educational placement for disciplinary purposes, including for suspension and expulsion
For more information, access the full USDE report. This report illustrates why it is so important for families of a child identified with an Emotional Disability to advocate for their child to ensure that they get the supports they need to be successful in school. For assistance, you can connect with an MCF Family Peer Support Specialist by calling 410-730-8267 or emailing [email protected]
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Disability Rights Maryland Wants to Hear From You!
Every year, Disability Rights Maryland seeks feedback from the disability community, families, partners, and stakeholders about their service plan for the coming year. Please share your thoughts about what legal issues you would like them to address for 2021 by taking their annual Advocacy Service Plan Survey. Contact them at 410-727-6352 (ext. 0) to access the survey in alternate formats or to request a paper copy. You can also print the survey and mail it to their office by September 9, 2020.
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Get Connected With Our Online Support Groups
 MCF now offers many online support groups to provide a safe space for you to learn, share and receive compassionate help. All are facilitated by trained Family Peer Support Specialists who have dealt with similar challenges in their own families. Current groups are available for:
- Parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges
- Young adults ages 18-26 struggling with behavioral health challenges
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with substance use (alcohol or drugs)
- Parents who have lost a child to overdose
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with problem gambling
Groups are free for all participants and are held on different days of the week and different times of day. Find one or more that can work for you and join us soon!
Find a Support Group
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Also online:
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Upcoming Trainings & Events:
Exploring the Stages of Change: Regrounding Our Response
Join Maryland Coalition of Families for a free virtual training for families and loved ones of those struggling with substance use disorders. Learn how to support yourself and your loved one by understanding addictive behaviors and the process of intentional behavior change.
When: Tuesday, August 11
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: Online
Read More and Register
Surpassing Obstacles Autism Retreat
This online, five-part educational series is designed to help parents and caregivers learn how to help and advocate for their child with autism. Participation in all five sessions is strongly encouraged. This program is free for family members.
When: Fridays in August (Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28)
Time: 10:00 AM – Noon (additional afternoon session from 12:30 to 2:30 on Aug. 28)
Where: Online
Read More and Register
Western Maryland Overdose Response Training
Join MCF for a free, interactive online training and gain the skills necessary to save a life in case of an opioid overdose. Participants will receive a free Naloxone kit.
When: Tuesday, September 1
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Online
Read More and Register
For a complete list of upcoming trainings and events, visit our web site.
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MCF Employment Opportunities
MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have job openings for:
Substance Use/Problem Gambling:
Mental Health
Early Childhood
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