Bill > LD1108

This bill modifies existing Maine law regarding foster care reunification by adding several new requirements for both the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and parents seeking to reunite with children in foster care. Specifically, for parents in treatment for substance use disorder, the bill mandates random drug screenings and requires DHHS to include a drug screening plan in the rehabilitation and reunification strategy. The department must now schedule meetings to maximize parental attendance, conduct unscheduled home visits, and cannot petition for judicial review and child custody return earlier than 6 months after the child's removal from the home. Parents seeking reunification must make good faith efforts to cooperate with the department, which now explicitly includes attending department meetings. The bill aims to provide a more structured and transparent process for family reunification, with a particular focus on addressing substance use disorders and ensuring child safety. The changes are designed to create clearer guidelines and expectations for both the child welfare agency and parents working to reunite with their children, while maintaining the primary goal of protecting the child's best interests.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1108&snum=132