Bill > LD1832

This bill clarifies legal provisions for protecting at-risk noncitizen children under 21 years old in Maine. It modifies existing laws to expand courts' jurisdiction over cases involving these children, allowing them to file petitions or motions seeking special findings and relief when they have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar harmful circumstances. The bill broadens the definition of "at-risk" to include situations where a child's health, safety, and welfare have been affected, and it allows courts to issue findings determining whether the child is dependent on the court, has suffered harm, cannot be viably reunified with parents, and should not be returned to their country of nationality. The legislation ensures that all proceedings remain confidential and prioritizes the child's best interests, allowing courts to refer children for voluntary services like psychiatric, psychological, educational, and medical support. Importantly, the bill specifies that a finding of non-viability for reunification does not automatically terminate parental rights, and courts must consider the child's health and safety as the paramount concern when making decisions.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1832&snum=132