The Family Enrichment Council of Somerset & Kennebec Counties

The Family Enrichment Council (FEC) is the Child Abuse and Neglect Council for Somerset and Kennebec County. The Family Enrichment Council has an information line and resources available to parents and service providers. Materials include: pamphlets, videos, and books available to parents of children of all ages on a wide variety of topics.

If you are a parent or a service provider, please call 1-800-542-8227 ext. 1514 if you would like to borrow any of these materials or utilize the information line.

For Schools

Baby Think it Over – uses computer simulated babies to assist in teaching adolescents about the challenges of parenting, and child abuse prevention skills.

Personal Body Safety - where children Pre-K through 5th grade learn about touching safety and safety in general.

Training for Professionals and Community Groups

Mandated Reporter Training - A 3-hour workshop where topics include: understanding your role as a mandated reporter, learning to recognize indicators of abuse and neglect, and when, where and how to make a report. To schedule training call Ruth Lessard at 859-1514.

Classes & Workshops for Parents & Care Providers

1,2,3,4 Parents
For parents of children ages one through four. Learn discipline methods that work, how to prevent tantrums, establishing routines to make life easier, and much more. For a fee of $10 a parent guidebook can be purchased.

Tuesday, June 3, 10 & 17 from 9-11 a.m.
Marti Stevens Rm. – Skowhegan KVCAP – Presented by Ruth Lessard

Wednesday, August 5, 12, &19 from 9-11 a.m.
Augusta Board Room – KVCAP – Presented by Deb Rich

Positive Parenting Tips

This two-hour workshop will be oriented for parents of young children and will help you identify your parenting style, understand the ages and stages of your child’s development, learn discipline methods that work, how to establish routines, and how to become a calmer parent.

TBA

Eating, Sleeping, Potty Training: Helping Your Child with the Basics

A two-hour workshop for parents of children ages 1-4 covering strategies for eating, sleeping, and pottying challenges.

TBA

Active Parenting Now
This series of six classes combines video, activities and discussion to help parents raise responsible children who are able to resist negative peer pressure. Designed for parents of children ages 5 to 12, the program also demonstrates non-violent discipline techniques and effective encouragement skills.

Wednesday, May 13, 20, & 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Madison Adult Ed. – Presented by Ruth Lessard & Deb Rich

Wednesday, June 3, 10, & 17 from 1-4 p.m.
Augusta Board Rm. – KVCAP – Presented by Deb Rich

Tuesday, June 16, 23, & 30 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
UU Church, Pittsfield - Presented by Ruth Lessard & Deb Rich

Active Parenting for Parents of Teens
In each of the three sessions parents will learn about current teen issues, problem solving as a family, reinforcing your teens courage and inner strength, building your teen’s sense of responsibility, communicating effectively with or without your child’s assistance.

Guest speakers will be available to discuss how to talk with your adolescent about tobacco, substance abuse, and pregnancy prevention.

Monday, June 8, 15, & 22 from 1- 4 p.m.
Shirley Damren Rm. – Waterville KVCAP – Presented by Ruth Lessard & Deb Rich

For information and to register in advance please call Ruth Lessard at 859-1514 or Deb Rich at 859-1580.

Kids First!

This four-hour workshop is designed to help parents address problems and promote reduction of the negative effects of divorce. The workshop will address:

• Children's needs as the marital and family roles change
• The effects of divorce on children and children's reaction to divorce
• Making decisions about parenting arrangements
• Dealing with conflict without involving children
• Helping children adjust to differences between households

Participants are encouraged to attend this program as early in the separation or divorce process as possible.

All workshops are held on Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm. There is a fee of $60 per person to attend. Financial assistance is available. Early registration is required.

Please click here to view or print a Kids First brochure.

Class dates are:

Augusta Classes
December 20, 2008
January 17, 2009
February 21, 2009
March 21, 2009
April 18, 2009
May 16, 2009
June 20, 2009
July 18, 2009
August 15, 2009
September 26, 2009
October 10, 2009
November 7, 2009
December 19, 2009

Skowhegan Classes
February 7, 2009
April 11, 2009
June 6, 2009
September 5, 2009

Waterville Classes
January 24, 2009
March 28, 2009
May 23, 2009
August 22, 2009
October 24, 2009
November 14, 2009

Please call Ruth Lessard at 859-1514 for more information.

Our Affiliations:
Member: Maine Association of Child Abuse and Neglect Councils
Affiliate: Prevent Child Abuse America
We are partially funded by:
Maine Children’s Trust
Maine DHHS Community Services Block Grant