Crisis Resources
Coping with Tragedy and Violence: Resources for Individuals & Families
Crisis Contacts
In case of a medical or mental health emergency: call (or text) 911, or go to your local ER
Maine Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112
The Maine Crisis Line (MCL) is the state’s crisis telephone response service for individuals or families experiencing a behavioral health crisis or having thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm. Trained crisis call specialists answer the line and provide free and confidential 24/7 telephone support and stabilization.
988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: CALL or CHAT/TEXT 988
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need.
The TREVOR Project Lifeline: Text START to 678-678, or call 1-866-488-7386
Child Abuse Reporting: DHHS 1-800-452-1999
Sexual Assault Response Services 1-800-871-7741
Information and referral service: Statewide Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211
If you are an educator in need of additional support, The FrontLine WarmLine is also available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week by calling 207-221-8196 or texting 898-211.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988.
StrengthenME is available to provide supports by connecting 1:1 and/or offer resources, StrengthenME: 24/7 at 1-800-769-9819.
Falmouth Schools Contact Information
For questions or to discuss concerns at the school level, please reach out to your building administration or Student Services team.
Student Services
The Student Services teams in all three schools support students in the areas of academics, social/emotional learning, interpersonal skills, resource connection, and student advocacy. The Student Services page includes a list of staff for each school as well as links to school-specific information.
School Administrators
School administrators can help facilitate interventions for students and families who need additional support. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Online Resources (Articles, Guides, Lists)
Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers – Thursday, 11/2/23 3:00-5:00 pm . More info and register here.
10 Tips for Helping Children Cope with Disaster: After a disaster, parents, teachers and caregivers look for advice on how to help children manage stress. These 10 tips from Save the Children’s emergency response experts can ensure that children get the support they need – well after the disaster is over.
APA: Resources for Coping with Mass Shootings
The Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS): A compiled list of resources for returning to school during and after a crisis
Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen: Guidance about things you can do to help your family navigate challenges.
Collection of Resources for Supporting Maine Schools During and After Crisis: Resources from Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention System)
GriefTalk: Talking to a Child or Teen to Let Them Know Someone Has Died: Guide for parents/caregivers from the National Alliance for Grieving Children
How to Explain Death to a Child, A Step-by-Step Guide: It may not be the easiest topic to discuss with young kids, but experts suggest this step-by-step advice for laying the groundwork now.
Healing Together: Supporting Victims and Families of the Tragedy in Lewiston
Helping Children Cope With Tragedy Related Anxiety | Mental Health America: Resources for educators and parents to support children of different age levels manage feelings of anxiety and helplessness following a tragedy
Resources for Those Affected by the Violence in Lewiston: Maine DHHS Behavioral Health
Supporting Youth in Grief After a Suicide or Traumatic Loss: Opening Up the Conversation: Guide for parents/caregivers from the Maine Suicide Prevention Program
Talking to Children about the Shooting: Shootings such as this tragedy evokes many emotions—sadness, grief, helplessness, anxiety, and anger. Children and adults are likely struggling with their thoughts and feelings about the stories and images of the shooting may turn to trusted adults for help and guidance.
Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen: Guidance to help you talk with children and youth after something scary or violent happens.
Talking to Teens When Violence Happens: Guidance for adults to help them talk with teens.
Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: US Department of Health and Human Services
Traumatic Events Resource List for Caregivers
Organizations
The Center for Grieving Children – Portland, ME: The Center for Grieving Children's mission is to provide loving support to grieving children, teens, families and the community through peer support, outreach and education.
Dougy Center (formerly The National Grief Center for Children & Families): Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and families who are grieving can share their experiences before and after a death. We provide support and training locally, nationally, and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief.
NAMI Maine (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Through support, education, and advocacy NAMI Maine is dedicated to building better lives for the 1 in 4 Mainers affected by mental illness.
National Alliance for Children's Grief: The NACG raises awareness about the needs of children who are grieving and provides resources for anyone who supports them.