Maine S.P. 698: An Act To Make Changes To The Laws Governing The Child Welfare Services Ombudsman Program

On February 7, 2022, the 130th Maine Legislature published this senate proposal 688: an act to make changes to the laws governing the child welfare services ombudsman program.  The legislation solidifies the Ombudsman’s authority to hire additional staff at their discretion, increases the length of the Ombudsman’s term from one to five years, requires the Department of Health and Human Services to continue its practice of informing the Ombudsman of any statewide policy changes before they take effect, and codifies into law the Department’s existing practice of notifying the Ombudsman of any child fatality with child welfare . . .