Maine Child Welfare Reform Initiatives Include Raise To Foster Care Rates

On September 7, 2018, Maine Governor Paul R. LePage signed four bills with the goal of improving the state's child welfare system; one of the bills will raise daily foster care maintenance rates for the first time in more than 15 years. Two of the bills, Legislative Documents (LD) 1920 and 1921 will give child protective services (CPS) caseworkers more information as they review reports of child abuse and neglect. LD 1922 places priority on the best interest of the child when determining permanent placement options, whether through reunification, permanent guardianship, or adoption. LD 1923 raises wages for CPS . . .