Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What is MAPP?

Someone asked me what MAPP was after I sent the email out the other day,. I liked this explanation I found so I am sharing :-)
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!

"What is MAPP training?" is the question that many people ask when they learn that they need this 8-session (24 hour) course to foster or adopt a child from the Department of Children and Families (Formerly the Department of Social Services).

MAPP (Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) is adapted from a program developed at the Child Welfare Institute and has been redesigned by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in 2001.

Typically, the instructors are experienced social workers along with an experienced foster or adoptive parent. This course must be started before the homestudy begins and it covers the information necessary to make an informed decision about adopting a waiting child from DCF.

The approximate Course Schedule is as follows:

The first meeting provides an overview of the course; an overview of the caregiving process and the permanency planning for children in state care. As well, there is a discussion that MAPP is the first step in the "mutual assessment" process; both the social worker and the parent need to assess if this adoption path is the most appropriate path.

The second meeting addresses a child's transition into foster placement; understanding the move from both the child and birth parent's perspective and learning about the experience of loss and the stages of grieving.

The third meeting discusses children's development; assessing "normal" development, the effects of maltreatment on development, the importance of "attachment" and the cycle of attachment.

The fourth meeting outlines approaches to behavior management; different management techniques, their implementation and special considerations for children who have been abuse and neglected.

The fifth meeting addresses the special needs of children in care; the importance of their health and safety, the need of children who have been sexually abused and the need of children that have been exposed to domestic violence.

The sixth meeting explores the importance of maintaining and supporting connections; to birth family, to culture, to foster parents and to the memories of caretakers.

The seventh meeting is typically a panel discussion with panel guests that are foster parents, adoptive parents, therapists, DCF lawyers, or other involved people in the adoption process. Class members are encouraged to bring family and friends to this meeting.

The last meeting in MAPP is a chance to revisit the information presented, the impact of placement on the foster/adoptive family and how to make the decision about fostering or adoption.

Carla King
Foster Parent Recruiter
Department of Children and Families (formerly known as Dept Social Services)
Cape Ann Area Office
45 Congress Street, bldg #4
Salem, MA 01970
978-825-3862 direct DCF ext 33862

Monday, July 19, 2010

Two New Psychiatrists available to us


It is with great pleasure that I announce the addition of two Psychiatrists to South Bay’s Salem Team! Dr. Jeffrey Speller, MD., adult psychiatrist along with Dr. Jeffrey Bucci, MD., a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Both Psychiatrists have provided services to consumers in our other Northeast Clinics and we are happy to have them joining us in Salem beginning on August 2nd. Both doctors are currently accepting new referrals for psychiatric medication management with appointments starting on August 2nd.

Therapy is an integral part of the treatment for clients receiving medication at South Bay. All clients being prescribed medication through South Bay continue to participate in therapy twice per month with their clinicians. In order to begin and continue to receive psychiatric consultation and/or medication at South Bay, it is the responsibility of the clients to remain active participants in all aspects of their treatment and to keep scheduled appointments with therapists and doctors.

Please note that South Bay currently has no waitlist for individuals seeking Outpatient Mental Health services or CBHI In Home Therapy Services. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at (978) 688-5222 or via email.

Jennifer McLean, MA, LRC

Clinical Director South Bay Mental Health Center

Salem and Cape Ann Area

Phone: (978) 688-5222 ext. 325

Fax: (978) 542-1954

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MAPP training

Hi folks.
For those that dont know... MAPP training is the training required to become and unrestricted foster home. Kinship/Child Specific are not always required to go, but are offered the oppurtunity. Those who have taken the class enjoy it and it helps to not only gain an better understanding of the Dept but also to bond with others who you can use as support. I would highly reccomend to anyone fostering at this time, as well as anyone who wants to do more foster care in the future!
We are starting a MAPP Aug 5th in Danvers. If you are interested let me, or your homefinder know!
Thanks
Carla
Carla King
Foster Parent Recruiter
Department of Children and Families (formerly known as Dept Social Services)
Cape Ann Area Office
45 Congress Street, bldg #4
Salem, MA 01970
978-825-3862 direct DCF ext 33862