Statewide Helpline Workgroup Meetings

​This is an ongoing monthly meeting for center staff who manage and/or oversee Helpline operations at their local center.  Meetings occur on the third Wednesday of the month from 2:30p to 3:30p and are facilitated by the Intervention Coordinator at MECASA.
Workgroup Description
Meeting Notes
Meeting Zoom Link
​Upcoming Meeting Dates
December 20th, 2:30-3:30
January 17th, 2:30-3:30
February 21st, 2:30-3:30

Statewide Helpline Resources

Statewide Helpline Information and Shared Practices 
Includes lots of information about the components of the Statewide Helpline that are shared by all centers and also agreed upon guidance.  This living document is continually edited and updated.

Maine Sexual Assault Support Centers Operating a 24-hr Helpline - Hospitals, Counties & Towns Served
Outlines each of the centers respective service areas, the hospitals they serve and the center helpline contacts.

Maine Statewide Helpline One-Page Chart with Nationwide Account Numbers
A quick reference graphic for staff and volunteer helpline advocates.

Nationwide Answering Service Protocols-UPDATED 2023

Addressing Issues with Nationwide Answering Service
A quick reference one-pager for staff and volunteer Helpline advocates.

Center Helpline Schedule Overview
A quick look at how individual centers schedule staff and volunteers for the Helpline

RAINN Affiliate Call Reports
About the call reports
Fall 2022 Call Report

Managing Challenging or Inappropriate Calls
Managing Challenging Helpline Calls -Shared Statewide Guidance

Additional center resources:
From SARSSM: Spreadsheet Template to Track Callers
From SAPARS - ​Grounding Techniques
From SAPARS - ​Suggestions and Helpful Reminders
From SAPARS - ​Assessment Questions When Interacting With the People We Serve
From SAC&SC - Prank Calls, Frequent Callers and Challenging Calls