Bill > LD1406

This bill amends the definition of "abuse or neglect" in Maine's Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act by expanding the circumstances under which a child can be considered at risk. The bill broadens the existing definition to explicitly include serious harm or threat of serious harm caused by a person responsible for the child, specifically when that harm results from inadequate care, lack of supervision, or deprivation of essential needs like food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care. The amendment clarifies that this applies when the responsible person is financially capable of providing these necessities or has been offered reasonable financial means to do so. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions about sexual abuse, exploitation, and child sex trafficking, and continues to recognize truancy as a potential form of neglect. The bill is being presented as an emergency measure to allow immediate application in cases of potential child abuse or neglect, emphasizing the urgent need to protect children's health and welfare. The emergency clause means the legislation takes effect immediately upon approval, rather than waiting the standard 90 days after legislative adjournment.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1406&snum=132