In this episode, three members of the Maine team who participated in the Prevention Mindset Institute take us behind the scenes of the bold new vision to create a culture of shared responsibility for the safety and well-being for children and families in Maine.

Listeners will hear how this mindset shift is gaining momentum— from the Governor’s office to local Prevention Councils to individual parents and practitioners—creating a wave of change across the state. At the heart of this effort is building trusting partnerships with parents through authentic engagement and shared language. Tune in to discover how collaboration, relationships, and truly listening are driving this transformative work.

FRIENDS PAC members Valerie Lebanion and Michael Cupeles wrap up the episode by sharing their key takeaways from this inspiring and insightful discussion. If you're passionate about strengthening families and creating lasting change, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Hosts:

Paula Bibbs-Samuels, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member

David Armstrong, FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member

Participants:

Heidi Aakjer, Executive Director of the Maine Children's Trust

Christine Theriault, Family First Prevention Services Program Manager, Maine Office of Child and Family Services

Joe Whitmore, Parent Leader, Penquis Prevention Council, and FRIENDS National Parent Advisory Council Member

In this episode, Dr. Paul Lanier has a conversation with Dr. Lindsay Huffhines about unique stressors for families during these difficult times and practical tips parents can use to support infants and toddlers in handling stress and emotions. Parents and caregivers will find this podcast helpful.

Dr. Paul Lanier is the Wallace Kuralt Distinguished Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Lindsay Huffhines is a postdoctoral fellow at Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University

(Originally shared May, 2020)

Experts:

Dr. Paul Lanier

Associate Professor/School of Social Work

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Dr. Lindsay Huffhines

Postdoctoral Fellow, Clinical Psychology

Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University

Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/

https://friendsnrc.org/prevention/protective-factors/

https://newmomhealth.com/

In this episode, Dr. Paul Lanier has a conversation with Julie Smith and Brooklyn Crawford, Clinical Home Visitors, based in eastern North Carolina about challenges families are facing with parenting young children during difficult times. This conversation is followed by one with Maxine Eichner, the Graham Distinguished Professor of Law at University of North Carolina School of Law, about federal policy changes needed to create stronger supportive systems for children and families.

Administrators, other leaders, and advocates for families and children will find this podcast most helpful.

Dr. Paul Lanier is the Wallace Kuralt Distinguished Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

(Originally shared May 2020)

Experts:

Dr. Paul Lanier

Associate Professor, School of Social Work

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Brooklyn Crawford

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Easter Seals Newbern

Child First Clinician

Julie Smith

Licensed Clinician

Child First

Maxine Eichner

Professor of Law,

University of North Carolina School of Law

Resources: https://jordaninstituteforfamilies.org/ and https://friendsnrc.org/media-library/

https://friendsnrc.org/prevention/protective-factors/

The Free-Market Family: How the Market Crushed the American Dream (and How It Can Be Restored) by Maxine Eichner available at Amazon or your bookstore.