The Settlement Agreement requires Maine to make specific improvements in how it identifies, assesses, and services children with behavioral health disabilities. It outlines what the state must do, how progress will be measured, and establishes monitoring and oversight to ensure the required changes are implemented.
Changes required by the Settlement Agreement are being implemented in phases so they can be completed effectively and sustainably. Early implementation began in 2026 and will continue to expand in the coming years.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services continues to invest in in-home and community-based behavioral health services for children, and families should see continued improvements over time as implementation progresses and the system of care strengthens.
Handouts
- General Overview: The Settlement Agreement (PDF)
- Understanding Maine’s Children’s Settlement Agreement (PDF)
Settlement Agreement
Implementation Plan
Data Collection and Analysis Plan
Children’s Behavioral Health Services Quarterly Updates
Settlement Agreement Modifications
On May 27, 2025, the United States and the State of Maine agreed to extend all deadlines in the Settlement Agreement by 30 days. Additional Agreed-upon extensions are summarized below.
|
Agreement Section |
Deliverable |
Original Deadline |
Updated Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
XI.A.1 |
Parties jointly select an Independent Reviewer |
April 20, 2025 |
July 1, 2026 |
|
IX.B |
Submit Implementation Plan |
Within 1 week of retaining Independent Reviewer |
Within 67 days of retaining Independent Reviewer |
|
IX.C |
Submit updates to Implementation Plan |
At least 6 months before the end of the second full State fiscal year |
February 28, 2027 |
|
III.B.8.v |
Report to DOJ on children whose services are refused or unavailable in the family home |
June 20, 2025 |
August 19, 2025 |
|
VI.I.2 |
Complete training for Juvenile Community Corrections Officers (JCCOs) |
December 20, 2025 |
February 18, 2026 |
|
VI.E |
Providers required to adopt contingency plans |
December 20, 2025 |
January 31, 2026 |
|
VI.E |
Allow multiple providers to serve a child when needed |
December 20, 2025 |
January 31, 2026 |
|
Appendix C.B |
Submit proposed training policy and curricula to Independent Reviewer |
December 20, 2025 |
Within 1 week of retaining Independent Reviewer |
Last updated: March 31, 2026