ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
Maine
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator Robert Blanchard |
Deputy Compact Administrator James Pelletier |
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) | Administrative Assistant (A-L) Jaykumar (Jay) Patel
|
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q) no information provided |
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) Jaykumar (Jay) Patel |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) no information provided |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address Maine Department of Health & Human Services |
Federal Express Address same |
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-452-1999 |
Juvenile Compact Office Maine Department of Corrections - Parole & Probation Commissioner / Deputy Compact Administrator ICJ: Director of Juvenile Services / Compact Administrator:
|
| Mental Health Compact Office no information provided |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
Maine permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | Yes |
| Independent | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
MRSA Title 22 Ch. 1671. Sub. Sec. 8204 2.
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
All potential public adoptive placements must comply with the DHHS adoptive/foster home licensing requirements.
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- At the time the child is placed
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
Special Needs
Maine definition of "Special Needs"
A special needs child is one that has one or more of the following characteristics:
a. Medical condition that makes placement difficult
b. Member of a sibling group to be placed together that includes at least one member who has a physical, mental, emotional handicap that makes placement difficult
c. Difficult to place and who meets one or more of criteria’s a, b, d, e or f
d. Age 5 or older
e. Difficult to place because of race
f. Victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect that places the child at risk for future emotional difficulties; or
g. Factor in the child’s background such as severe mental illness, substance abuse, prostitution, genetic or medical conditions or illnesses that place the child at risk of future problems. For the purposes of this definition "at risk" is meant to have some significance in a statistical or medical sense, i.e. some probability of occurrence that is not merely speculative or statistically insignificant.
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in Maine, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
- Other
The time frame may be less when a significant pre-existing relationship exists between the child and relative.
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
MRSA Title 18A Art,IX PT 1. 10 Sub. Sec. 9-303
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
Maine Probate Courts
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
MRSA Title 18A Art,IX PT 3. 10 Sub. Sec. 9-304
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18 years
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- MRSA Title 1 Ch 3. SuB. Sec. 73
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Supervision
- Medicaid
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Other
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- No
Current Border Agreements with:
- Maine
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
Maine requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
- Other, specified below
Expedited (Reg7) Relative Placements
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Live Scan or other computerized technology
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- National
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
Applicants sign releases for Department to conduct Child/adult abuse checks, sex offender cks, State criminal cks, and Motor vehicl records cks.
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
Misdemeanor offenses are not necessarily diqualifers. Any Felony conviction for child abuse/neglect, spousal abuse, crime against a child(ren), inc. pornography, or crime of violence including rape, sexual assault or homicide. Any Felony conviction within the past five (5) years involving: physical assault, battery or a drug related offense.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
Definitions
Maine Specific Definitions
If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).
Adoption
Same
Foster-Adopt -
Families that are interested in providing foster care with the intent to adopt if the child becomes free for adoption
Foster Care-
A children's home that is a private dwelling, where substitute parental care is provided within a family on a regular, 24-hour a day, residential basis to children under 18 years of age.
Parent
Same
Relative
Relatives mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
Relative Foster Care
Same
Public Education Costs
Maine charges for public education:
- Yes
Maine charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- Yes
Maine charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- Yes
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
Maine permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Maine as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- Yes
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- No waiting period
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- No waiting period
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, Maine will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Yes: Reimbursement and/or direct payment to provider.
As the Sending State, Maine will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- TANF payment is not avaible in Maine for children that are in the custody of another state. Maine does not provide child-only grants.
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- At the time the child is placed.
Foster Care Payments
Maine will provide foster care payment for children in its custody that are placed out of state and residing in licensed foster homes.
Special Education Payments
- Other: Receiving state will request/require reimbursement for out-of-state special educational costs.
Daycare Payments
- Other
Would need to facilitate possible agreement between placement and guardian of child.
Kinship Program
no information provided
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: State Document /computer screen verification of eligibility
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Sending State’s rate
Maine foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| LOC A - Basic Care - Minimal Needs. This level is for children who have minimal needs and require the type of care offered in a family resource home for children. "Children with minimal needs" may have occasional episodes of behavioral and/or emotional problems which do not significantly impair the child’s interpersonal relationships and ability to function at home or at school. "Children with minimal needs" are expected to function largely at an age appropriate level educationally, socially, physically, medically, developmentally, and emotionally. | $26.25 per day |
| LOC B - Basic Care - Mild Needs. This level is for children who have mild needs that require a higher than LOC A-Basic Care level of services in a family resource home. "Children with mild needs" may display the following: minor developmental delays, episodic problems relating with others, infrequent concerns/problems regarding performance in school, limited or short-term mental health treatment needs, and stable/routine medical needs. | $36.75 per day |
| LOC C -Treatment Care - Moderate Needs. This level is for children who have moderate needs and require the type of care offered in a specialized children’s resource home. "Children with moderate needs" may display the following: moderate developmental delays, ongoing problems with interpersonal relationships including a history of self-abusive behaviors, and minor episodes of aggression toward others. They may also have ongoing needs for mental health treatment, monitoring of school problems and/or special education needs and/or medical supports. | $45.00 per day |
| LOC D - Treatment Care - High Needs. This level is for children who have high needs that require a higher than LOC C – Treatment Care level of services in a specialized resource home. "Children with high needs" may display the following: significant developmental delays, impulsivity requiring external control, ongoing conflict with others, unresponsiveness to social prompts, need for special education services to address performance and/or behavior issues, slow or no progress in mental health treatment, and may require in-home supports for medical conditions. They may have a history of self-abusive behaviors, including assaults to others. | $60.00 per day |
| LOC E - Treatment Care - Severe Needs. This level is for children who have severe needs that require a higher than LOC D – Treatment Care level of services in a specialized resource home. "Children with severe needs" may display the following: severe developmental delays, a risk to self or others including deliberate aggression toward others, inability to maintain control in spite of close supervision, chronic/serious medical condition, and poor/no response to mental health treatment. | $75.00 per day |
| LOC M - Basic Care - Exceptional Medical Care. This level is for medically fragile children in Basic Care with a high level of physical medical need that does or could lead to care in an "intermediate care nursing facility". It is likely that these issues will not moderate and may become more severe over time and require specialized care to support activities of daily living. It must be shown that the resource parent has obtained the training necessary to meet the medical care needs of the child and is directly providing that level of care. Examples of children who meet this criteria include, but are not limited to, children that: require a feeding tube, congenital heart disease/abnormalities requiring surgery and monitoring, weekly to monthly hospital/specialist monitoring, kidney dialysis, severe forms of cancer, and/or severe failure to thrive with long range effects. | $70.00 per day |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
Min. age 21,need to be a resident, and meet FC licensing requirements.
Training (Education and Training)
- Adoptive /Foster parent fundamentals training.
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
Maine conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
Maine designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Maine considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 2 years
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Maine will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- No
As the Receiving State, Maine will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- No
As the Receiving State, Maine will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will not Update or Accept
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- Yes
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, Maine requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Only if the parent lives out of state.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
the child is not in the custody/jurisdiction of the sending state.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : DNA Blood test, Court Order
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
Relatives, mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : DNA Blood test, Court Order
Maine considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
Relatives, mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Maine performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Maine does not contract with private agencies to complete home studies.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Maine does not contract with private agencies to complete home studies.
Maine determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
no information provided
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Criminal Record Checks
Maine requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
- Other, specified below
Expedited (Reg7) Relative Placements
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
Maine conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Home Study Report | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Court Order | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Medical Documentation/History | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Criminal Background Check/Verification | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Education and Training Verification | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Social History/ Case Plan | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Medical plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Title IV-E Status | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
Maine determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
no information provided
Maine designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Maine will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- No
Criminal Records Checks
Maine requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
- Other, specified below
Expedited (Reg7) Relative Placements
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
Maine offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- As needed
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
Maine collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- Other: Manually (by hand) CCWIS system reporting State System/Database (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Maine collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- Other: Manually (by hand) CCWIS system reporting State System/Database (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- Yes
Maine uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
Maine requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
Maine resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
Maine will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
Full Credit - Foster Care
Full Credit
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: State Document /computer screen verification of eligibility
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
A. QUALIFICATIONS OF THE FOSTER PARENTS
(1) Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age.
- (2) The members of the foster family having responsibility for caring for the foster children shall be emotionally stable, mature and law abiding individuals, able to exercise good judgment in meeting the needs of a child and shall not engage in practices detrimental to the welfare of children.
- (3) Members of the household responsible for foster children will have successfully resolved any serious conflicts/experiences in their past, including but not limited to, substance abuse, family violence, sexual abuse, relationship difficulties and other personal issues which could negatively impact a child. Members of the household or persons frequenting the foster home or the foster home property shall not engage in practices detrimental to the welfare of children.
- (4) The relationships within the foster family should be generally positive and adequately meet the social, emotional, and developmental needs of each family member through a combination of family and community relationships and activities and acceptance of diversity.
- (5) Members of the household responsible for foster children will have the capacity to understand and meet the developmental and individual needs of children and the flexibility to treat a child in a manner consistent with those needs, as determined by the Department.
- (6) The applicant or licensee shall bring to the attention of the Department licensing worker within 3 business daysthe following information regarding themselves or persons residing in or frequenting the foster home or the foster home property:
- a. Arrests, indictments, and/or convictions for sexual or violent crimes involving adults or activities which could have resulted in convictions for such crimes if prosecuted;
- (8) The Department shall not grant a license to a person(s) convicted within the last five years of a felony involving: physical assault, battery or a drug related offense.
- (9) An application may be denied if the applicant(s) have an open Child Protective Services Case or a closed substantiated and/or indicated Child Protective Services case. An open Child Protective Services Case includes a pending disposition of an open report, a case open for assessment or a case open for services.
- (10) The foster family shall support the foster child maintaining connections with his/her family members, including the child’s parent(s), grandparents and siblings, and shall cooperate with visitation arrangements in accordance with the case plan developed by the Department and/or placing agency. Foster families with Indian child(ren) must be able to accept visitation arrangements with the child's parent(s), grandparents and siblings. At no time shall a foster parent use restriction of visitation privileges as a form of discipline or punishment.
- (11) Foster parents shall cooperate with and participate in any plan developed by the Department or other placing agent for the foster child.
- (17) Foster parents shall keep information about a foster child's previous history and family members confidential and provide such information only to therapists, physicians, social workers and educators or others as directed by the Department and/or placing agency to meet their responsibilities to the foster child.
- (18) Applicants shall have completed an introductory training program for foster parents or its equivalent offered or approved by the Department of Health and Human Services prior to being licensed. Exceptions to the completion of an introductory training may be made when the foster parent(s) are applying for a license with the intent to care for a specific child and have an already established relationship with the child and where no other foster children will be living. Exceptions to this rule must receive prior approval from the Foster Care Licensing Supervisor.
- (19) Foster parents shall participate in ongoing training of at least 18 hours for the licensee(s)’ combined hours of training, with at least 6 of those hours completed by the secondary foster parent, if applicable, within the two-year licensing period. The training must be related to the needs of the children in foster care and approved by the licensing agency. At the time of initial and renewal licensure, the Foster Care Licensing Worker will provide the licensee(s) with a list of required training and of approved training options. Documentation of required training must be provided to the Foster Care Licensing Worker at the time of license renewal.
b. Arrests, indictments, and/orconvictions involving children or activities which could have resulted in convictions for such crimes if prosecuted;
c. Arrests, indictments, and/or convictions for operating under the influence or for any other activity which involves substance abuse;
d. Admission to a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility and involvement in mental health or substance abuse counseling;
e. Any serious physical problems that have required admission to a hospital or other in-patient facility;
f. Whether or not Child Protective Services or the Out-of-Home Abuse and Neglect Investigations Unit has ever investigated the family situation for allegations of child abuse or neglect either when the person was a child or since he or she has become an adult;
g. Any suspensions, revocations, conditions, fines or denials of or against any license or certificate that is or has been held by the applicant.
h. Whether or not there was any investigation while licensed, registered, certified, or approved to provide child/adult care;
i. The removal of children from their care or custody;
j. Any denial of approval to adopt;
k. Any other information regarding their circumstances or treatment of children which is relevant to the Department's decision to issue a license. If such information as described above exists, the family foster home applicant or licensee shall furnish the Department with written releases permitting the Department to obtain any other information regarding the above from appropriate officials or persons to determine whether there is a threat to the health, safety and welfare of children. In deciding what action to take regarding a license under the foregoing circumstances, the Department shall determine if sufficient evidence has been presented by the applicant or licensee to indicate that the problems which resulted in any of the above have been adequately resolved so that the applicant or licensee is in compliance with 9 (A) (3) of these rules and with any other applicable rules.
(7) The Department shall not grant a license to person(s) convicted of a felony involving: child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against a child or children (including child pornography) or a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault or homicide.
(12) Foster parents shall participate in any counseling and treatment necessary to meet the needs of the child and participate in consultation with therapists, physicians, social workers and educators as necessary to meet the needs of the child in accordance with the case plan developed by the Department and/or placing agency.
(13) The foster family shall not care for adult boarders or roomers, or operate under any other license to provide child care. Exceptions to this rule would include, but not be limited to, allowing the foster family’s former foster child to continue residing in the home as an adult or allowing the former foster child to return at a later date to live in the home. Exceptions to this rule must receive prior approval from the Foster Care Licensing Supervisor.
(14) Whenever the foster parents are absent from the home, they shall designate responsible individuals to supervise.
(15) Foster parents shall treat all children in the home in a fair and equitable manner.
(16) The foster family shall have an ongoing, predictable income to assure that the home is maintained in conformity with the requirements of these regulations.
Foster Care Placements
The total number of children in care may not exceed 6, including the family's legal children under 16 years of age, with no more than 2 of these children under the age of 2. The only exception which may be made to the number and ages of children is to allow siblings to be kept together. The exception is applicable only when adequate space is available in the foster home. In order to keep siblings together there must either be a sibling already placed in the home or a vacant slot available. Requests for exceptions to this limit must be approved by the Foster Care Licensing Supervisor.
Foster parents or designated individuals responsible in their absence must provide supervision and care meeting the needs of each foster child's age, level of development, independence and responsibility. Designated individuals must also comply with the child management rules.
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
Maine offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- As needed
Parent Studies
Maine conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, Maine requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Only if the parent lives out of state.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
the child is not in the custody/jurisdiction of the sending state.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : DNA Blood test, Court Order
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Maine performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Maine determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
no information provided
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Maine requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
- Other, specified below
Expedited (Reg7) Relative Placements
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
Maine offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- As needed
Relative Placements
Maine conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Relatives, mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : DNA Blood test, Court Order
Maine considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
Relatives, mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Maine performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Maine determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the ICPC Office.
no information provided
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | y |
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Maine requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
- Other, specified below
Expedited (Reg7) Relative Placements
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: Not Offered
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Maine requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 1-3 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
Maine offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- As needed
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before Maine will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Yes
Residential Placements
Residential Child Care Facility. Any children's home which provides board and care for one or more children on a regular, twenty-four hour a day residential basis and as further defined in 22 MRSA {8101 (4) A residential child care facility shall not mean family foster home, specialized children's home or an emergency shelter facility.
Supervisory Reports
Maine Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
Maine will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Until the ICPC case is closed
Maine Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Other : As indicated on the 100A but not more than once per month.
Maine will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- No
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Relatives, mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : DNA Blood test, Court Order
Maine considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
Relatives, mean mother , father, child, brother, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, first cousins, and any of the foregoing by adoption. This includes relatives by marriage such as step-child, step--brother, sister, mother, father, and step-grandparents.
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