Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
148 - OFFICE OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
Chapter 14 - RULES FOR LEVELS OF CARE FOR FOSTER HOMES
Section 148-14-3 - Levels of Care (LOC) Process

A. When a child comes into state custody, a preliminary determination is made by the Caseworker of this child's needs. Based upon this preliminary determination, the child will be placed in either a Family Foster Home or a Specialized Foster Home. If the child is placed in a Family Foster Home, the entry reimbursement rate will be LOC A - Basic Care. If a child is placed in a Specialized Foster Home, the entry reimbursement rate will be Level C - Treatment Care. Within 90 days of placement in a Family Foster Home or a Specialized Foster Home, an initial Child Assessment will be done by LOC Reviewers to determine the child's level of need.

B. The result of the Child Assessment will indicate the child's Level of Care.

C. Children in Basic Care will be reassessed annually to determine if their Level of Care continues to meet their needs.

D. Children in Treatment Care will be reassessed by the Contracted Entity every six months to determine if their Level of Care continues to meet their needs.

E. A determination may be made by the Department at the time of the initial Child Assessment that an annual reassessment is not needed for children in Basic Care. An annual assessment may not be needed for: Children with chronic medical conditions that will continue to require the same LOC. Children with cognitive limitations that will continue to require services at the same LOC. Children with an authorized LOC of Level A.

F. Foster parents for children in Treatment Care may request one Special Review of the Level of Care prior to the scheduled reassessment. The Department may grant the Foster Parent's request if it finds substantial changes in the child's needs were demonstrated or that pertinent information was not available at the time of the previous review.