MECHANIC FALLS – Maine has one of the nation’s highest rates of children in foster care, and Hope House is working to change that through a new program called Families Intact.

An information and training session is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 91 College St. in Lewiston. Interested people can find out how the program works and how to become a mentor or court buddy by phoning (207) 777-3776 to register.

Speaking at the training will be lawyers, a policeman, a Department of Health and Human Services worker and Hope House staff. The cost of the session is $15, which includes a manual and a buffet lunch. There will be no charge for those who wish to volunteer with Hope House.

Families Intact is not a residential program, but uses the same “support-system” approach to assist any parent, married or single, male or female, who is struggling to keep or regain custody of children.

A six-month, voluntary commitment to attend helpful activities will screen out those parents not serious about succeeding, said Jan Willson of Hope House. “But when they commit to try, so do we. Our mentors, court buddies and sponsor-churches will stand by them and vouch for any progress made. That support can make the difference. We’ve seen that.”

Hope House in Mechanic Falls has provided residential care to young single mothers for 15 years. Some of the support takes place at the Pregnancy and Single Moms’ Support Center in Lewiston, and some in area churches.