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| Volume 16 Issue 10 |
June 2021 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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MCF Offers Parent Partner Program in Washington County
 Maryland Coalition of Families is partnering with the state's Social Services Administration (SSA) to offer Parent Partners, a pilot program in Washington County to support families involved with child welfare.
Parent Partners have been used in other states across the country to help create successful outcomes for families. In this model, parents who become involved with child welfare are offered an opportunity to work with a Parent Partner--another parent who has lived experience with the child welfare system that resulted in a successful case closure. This model aligns with MCF's approach to helping families by using peer support.
Read More
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Self-Talk as Self-Care
Many of us are aware of our inner voice or "self-talk" that provides a running monologue on our lives throughout the day. This self-talk combines conscious thoughts as well as unconscious beliefs and biases. It provides a way for the brain to interpret and process daily experiences. When our self-talk is cheerful and supportive, it can calm our fears and increase confidence. Human nature, unfortunately, is prone to negative self-talk, and we end up thinking things like, "I can't do anything right" or "I'm a complete failure."
The problem with negative self-talk is that it typically does not reflect reality. It can convince us, wrongly, that we are not good enough and maybe will never be better. The good news is that you can actually silence this inner critic and that even harsh self-talk can be effectively challenged and sidelined.
Read the Online Article
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Do You Know How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose?
Due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time in more than a decade, opioid-related fatalities increased in Maryland in 2020, according to the state Opioid Operational Command Center. A total of 2,499 Marylanders lost their lives to opioid-related deaths last year, the largest annual total on record.
"If you care about someone who has an opioid addiction, one of the best things you can do is learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose," says Trish Todd, MCF's substance use program manager. "Knowing how to deliver Naloxone can make the difference between life and death in an overdose situation."
Maryland Coalition of Families is offering a FREE virtual Overdose Response training on Friday, June 11 at 2:00 PM. Participants will learn to recognize various forms of opioids, identify and respond to an overdose, learn about Maryland's Good Samaritan Law and receive a FREE Naloxone kit.
Click Here to Register
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American Rescue Plan Provides Cash Payments to Families With Children
The White House recently announced that qualifying American families with children will begin receiving direct cash payments in July under a new child benefit created by the American Rescue Plan.
The recent legislation, designed to help low and middle-income families, increased the maximum annual credit from $2,000 per child (under age 17) in 2020 to $3,000 per child (under age 18) or $3,600 (children younger than six years) for 2021. While the 2020 credit was partially refundable, the 2021 credit is fully refundable. In addition, half of the 2021 annual child tax credit will be distributed to eligible taxpayers in advance payments from July to December 2021.
Read More
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University of MD Baltimore Seeks Teens and Parents to Participate in Study of Mobile App Use for Teens With Depression
The University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy research team is conducting a study to understand if mobile health technologies can be used to learn more about mood, sleep and physical activity in teens with depression. The information collected will guide the development of future research to improve the health of teens with depression.
Participants in the study must be:
- ages 12-17 years old
- currently taking or about to start treatment with antidepressants
- able to access a smart phone or tablet with a data plan or WiFi
Participants will receive a FitBit wrist band which they will be able to keep at the end of the study. In addition, teens and parents may receive compensation up to $300 at the end of the study, based on level of participation.
View Video for More Information
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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 with behavioral health challenges
- Anyone who cares for a person with a substance use issue (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:
Managing Challenging Behaviors
If you have a child age 8 or younger, join us for this FREE two-part webinar on June 12 and 19 to get the scoop on how to handle challenging behaviors! Presenter is Latrice Gray, MSW, LCSW-C, founder of Creative Space Child Therapy, LLC.
When: Saturday, June 12 and Saturday, June 19
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Online
Click Here to Register
Getting Personal: How Gambling Affected My Family
Hear from MCF Staff about their experiences with loved ones who gamble and learn about the supports we can provide to families dealing with this issue during this FREE webinar.
When: Monday, June 14
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Online
Click Here to Register
Create a Bright Futures Binder:
A Workshop for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children (birth to 5 years)
In this FREE online workshop, create a special binder to record and organize your child's progress as they grow. Store notes from evaluations, medical information and more as you track your child's developmental milestones. Materials supplied.
When: Tuesday, June 22
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: Online
To register and receive Zoom link, contact Ula Slider at [email protected] or 240-818-3534.
For a complete list of upcoming workshops and events, please visit our events page.
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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:
Statewide/Central Office:
Substance Use/Problem Gambling:
Mental Health
DJS/Substance Use/Mental Health
Kinship Navigator:
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