Bill > LD122

This bill makes several updates to laws regarding extended care and adoption in Maine. First, it modifies confidentiality rules for background checks related to adoptions, clarifying that such information is for official departmental use only and removing a previous provision allowing such information to be shared with courts considering adoption petitions. Second, the bill establishes a transition grant program for young adults who have been in foster care, providing financial support for postsecondary education or training programs for individuals between 23 and 27 years old who have exited voluntary extended care. The program will offer grants equivalent to current extended foster care supports, with duration limits based on the type of educational program. The bill also introduces mandatory judicial reviews for individuals aged 18-20 in extended care, occurring at least once every 12 months, and allows the department, court, or the individual to request additional reviews. During these hearings, the court will assess the person's safety, needed services for independent living, and compliance with the extended care agreement. Additionally, the bill updates notice requirements for reviews and hearings, ensuring that foster parents, preadoptive parents, relatives providing care, and children aged 14 or older are properly informed and given an opportunity to be heard.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=122&snum=132