Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
148 - OFFICE OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
Chapter 19 - RULES PROVIDING FOR LICENSING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES WITH AND WITHOUT ADOPTION PROGRAMS, INCLUDING ADDENDUM, HOME CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Section 148-19-13 - REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICES TO PRE-ADOPTIVE CHILDREN

Universal Citation: 10 ME Code Rules § 148-19-13

Current through 2024-13, March 27, 2024

A. No agency shall accept a child for care with adoption in mind unless:

1 It has first determined with the parents that acceptance for care is desired by the parents and that it is in the best interests of the child;

2 There is a reasonable expectation that the child can be legally surrendered and released for adoption; and

3 The agency has sufficient casework services to assist the parents in a decision regarding the future of the child with full exploration of the alternatives available to all parties.

B. Temporary Foster Care

1 No child placing agency shall approach a foster family under supervision by another agency about placing a child for foster care without the written agreement of the supervising agency.

2 There must be a written signed agreement between the agency and the foster parents regarding the temporary nature of the placement.

3 There shall be a clear understanding between the agency and the foster parents of the role of the foster parents in the adoptive process.

4 The agency shall have sufficient contact with the foster family and the child to assure the continued appropriateness of the care and that the child's service needs are met. There shall be a minimum of a home visit within two weeks after the foster care placement, and monthly thereafter.

C. Study of the child

The following factors shall be considered in determining the appropriate plan for the child:

1 Developmental and medical history of the child including physical examination by a licensed physician.

2 Mental and physical health history of the biological family.

3 Religious information.

4 Psycho-socio-cultural factors regarding the child and the family.

5 Legal custodial status of the child.

6 Desire and ability of the parents to resume care of the child or to surrender and release the child.

7 Ability of the child to accept adoption.

8 Inter-relationships between child, family and environment.

D. Preparation of the Child for Adoptive Placement

1 No child shall be placed for adoption until all legal impediments have been removed unless the placement has been approved by the licensing agency of the Department, or in the case of out of state placements by the Administrator of the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children, or his deputy, and the family is a licensed Family Foster Home.

2 No child shall be placed into an adoptive home until the placement has been approved by a licensed child placing agency or the Department.

3 All interstate placements shall be done in compliance with 22 M.R.S.A. Section4191et seq. (Interstate Compact on Placement of Children).

4 Casework services shall be provided to ensure that the placement is accomplished with a minimum of trauma to the child.

E. The agency which has custody of the child, or to whom a child is surrendered and released, or who engages in child placement is responsible for carrying out the provisions of Rule 12(D) (1-13) or ensuring that they are carried out by another duly licensed adoption agency or by the Department.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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