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Afterhours Family Assets Program


Police Manual Afterhours Family Assets Program (AFAP) is a unique program developed by families and parents to promote discussions and develop working relationships among law enforcement, families, youth, and providers across the state.  Since February 2008 we have been meeting and strategizing ideas to identify and strengthen developmental assets in the community and in the family to assist children and youth with emotional and behavioral health challenges.  We are a National Search Institute Developmental Assets Initiative and have the backing of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health as well as the International Association of Chiefs of Police.Tips

Some of the tools and goals we have implemented:
 

  • Family informational kiosks at both Long Creek and Mountain View Developmental Centers were installed and are maintained by G.E.A.R. staff. Mountain View Youth participated in the construction of their kiosk.
  • A New England Adult Prison Survey was developed and administered to identify areas of concern.
  • Family Tip Sheets for effectively using 911 including tips to prevent a crisis have been developed and distributed statewide.  Long Creek youth participated in the development of graphics for these tip sheets.
  • A Law Enforcement Manual has been developed for the State of Maine Police and is currently being distributed statewide.
  • A presentation on Supporting and Engaging Families through a police intervention has been co-developed and co-presented by family members and Law Enforcement.  
  • G.E.A.R. staff participated in a Cross Systems Collaboration work group as part of the IACP National Conference on Building Safer Communities; Improving Police Response to Persons With Mental Illness.  
  • G.E.A.R. staff continues on the National Workgroup of the IACP implementing these strategies.
  • G.E.A.R. staff participates in other law enforcement/youth initiatives as they strive to improve communication and strategize better outcomes for families and youth.

 

Check out the Afterhours downloads or join us at our next meeting.