Children's Behavioral Health Services

FIS Brochure In Word* | PDF*(free viewer)

Family Information Specialist (FIS)

Staff you may speak with when you first call your local office.  Often you will be speaking with a parent who has raised a child with special needs. They can give you lots of information about resources that you may need as a parent of a child with special needs.

What we do

• A Family Information Specialist (FIS) is a parent of a child with special needs that works with families to meet the needs of the children.
• We provide information and referral services about resources that you may need as a parent of a child with special needs. We have many resource lists such as summer camps, support groups, medical professionals, case management, and home & community based services.
• We also work closely with many different professionals that assist with many situations that may arise with families.
• We will try our hardest to give helpful information for you and your family when you call. We are here for you.
• When you call our office and speak with a FIS, you are speaking to a parent who knows what you are going through. We are always willing to listen.
• We have information about services and programs such as Respite Services, and Recreational Services for children with special needs.
• Respite Care offers planned, temporary relief of constant care giving. Respite Care allows the family to go shopping or to a ball game, attend a meeting or have a relaxing weekend away.
• Recreation Services are available to children with special needs to participate in activities with other children.
• Special Needs Children are children with Mental Health or Intellectual & Developmental disabilities that are affecting their lives
• We accept phone calls from families, schools, physicians, childcare centers and other community services.

To find out more information about services in your area, call the contact person in your county.

• If you live in York County
  Michelle Armstrong
  Phone: 1-800-492-0846 or 822-0243
  TTY: (207) 822-0272
• If you live in Cumberland County
  Lisa Salger
  Phone: 1-800-492-0846 or 822-0249
  TTY: (207) 822-0272
• If you live in Kennebec, Somerset, Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties
  Phone: 1-800-866-1814 or
  Lynn Dorso at (207) 624-5263
• If you live in Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis & Washington Counties
  Phone: 1-800-432-7366
  TTY: 1-800-606-0215
  Judy Demerchant at (207)493-4135