PORTLAND, ME – The Spurwink Child Abuse Program recently underwent a name change to better reflect their expanded services and client base. The Spurwink Center for Safe and Healthy Families offers support and services for children and families affected by abuse.
“The name change more accurately reflects the breadth of services that we provide, which includes evaluation and treatment of children and adults,” said Joyce Wientzen, LCSW, Program Director for the Spurwink Center for Safe and Healthy Families.
The Spurwink Center for Safe and Healthy Families was originally developed in 1994 in response to the need for expert diagnostic services for children who may have been abused. The Center now serves children and adults throughout Maine with child abuse diagnostic clinics in South Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, and Augusta. It also provides a multidisciplinary failure to thrive clinic and medical and psychological evaluations for children newly into foster care.
The purpose of the Child Abuse Evaluation is to determine the existence and extent of any child abuse and the emotional, physical and behavioral effects of such abuse. The Evaluation utilizes a multidisciplinary team of medical and mental health professionals to provide the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment recommendations possible for each individual child and family.
The Center’s team consists of two child abuse pediatricians, two nurse practitioners, social workers, and psychologists with extensive clinical experience in child abuse assessment. Clinical staff consult at all main hospitals, particularly Maine Medical Center and Eastern Maine Medical Center.
“This program has grown to be a vital resource for children and their families,” said Eric Meyer, President and CEO of Spurwink. “We wanted a name that better resonates with the services and clients that it has grown to serve.”
If you would like to make a referral to the Spurwink Center for Safe and Healthy Families, contact their offices at 207.879.6160.
About Spurwink
Spurwink is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that provides a broad range of mental health, education, and residential services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Spurwink offers specialized programs throughout Maine with a commitment to caring relationships and treatment expertise, grounded in evidence-based, best and promising practices. For more information, visit www.spurwink.org, or call 207.871.1200.
###
