Child Welfare

Programs/Services

On this page:

Adoption Child Protection (Abuse, neglect or exploitation)

Foster parenting Teens

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Child Protection (Abuse, neglect or exploitation)

• Abuse - Report Child Abuse - The child abuse hotline is staffed 24 hours a day.
• Child Abuse Action Network - The Child Abuse Action Network (CAAN) is a multi-disciplinary, public and private sector committee committed to enhancing the professional and public response to child abuse in Maine.
• Handbook for Parents - Describes rights parents have during a child abuse and neglect assessment.
• Mandated Reporters - Information and resources for people who are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Child Protection - an overview of the procedure followed when investigating allegations of child abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Child Welfare Services Practice Model - Child and Family Services joins with families and the community to promote long-term safety, well-being, and permanent families for children. This practice model guides our work with children and their families.

Adoption

• A Guide to Adoption Services in Maine - A list of licensed private adoption agencies in Maine, Maine adoption placement services, adoptive family support groups and other related adoption services.
• How Do I Adopt? - This is the step by step process for adopting a child in the care of the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Maine Adoption Reunion Registry - How adoptee's and their birth families can attempt a reunion.
• Maine's Waiting Children - A photolisting of the children in the care of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services awaiting adoption.

Foster Parenting

• Foster Parenting - Department of Health and Human Services information about and links to information about adoptive and foster parenting.
• Levels of Care - A process for assessing the service needs of all Maine children currently in foster care and new children entering foster care.

Teens

• Independent Living - Information and resources for older youth in the custody, or continued care of DHHS. Includes information on the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, Independent Living, and more.