OCFS is responsible for the well-being of children (age 0 through 18) and families in the state.  OCFS oversees services for protecting and assisting abused and neglected children.  It is OCFS's responsibility to provide services for children in its custody, including educational, developmental, health, mental health, social and permanency needs. 

The people served are:

• abused and neglected children
• children at risk for abuse and/or neglect
• families of at risk and abused/neglected children

OCFS programs and services include:

• Services for Children with Disabilities
• Child Protective Services
• Services for Children in the Custody of the State or in Foster Care
• Foster and Adoptive Parenting

Services for Children with Disabilities

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for providing services for children through age 18 with mental illness, mental retardation, autism, or other developmental disabilities. 

Children’s services include:

• prevention and consultation
• crisis intervention
• individual planning and case management
• family and child supports
• core clinical services
• residential treatment
• behavior management
• life skills development
• social skills training

Sometimes staff refer to some services provided to children as “Section 24” or “Section 65” services. These terms refer to behavior management, life skills development and social skills training. Section 24 is for children with mental retardation or autism.  Section 65 supports children with behavioral or mental health needs.

Family support services include:

• respite
• parent and sibling support groups
• social and recreational activities

Early Intervention (birth to 3 years) includes:

• case management services
• developmental therapy
• infant mental health
• infant, toddler, and family supports

In addition to community-based services, residential services for children with profound mental retardation and multiple medical needs are provided at the Elizabeth Levinson Center, an intermediate care facility (ICF-MR).

To access Children’s Services, contact the DHHS office in your region.

Link to these services on the DHHS website:
http://www.state.me.us/dhhs/bds/children/Child_index.htm

Child Protective Services

Based on the risk of abuse, either a contracted community intervention agency or a OCFS child protective caseworker assesses the child's situation and determines the child's safety needs.  They also provide counseling, substance abuse treatment, parental education and assistance to families to identify behaviors that increase the risk of abuse.

Services for Children in the Custody of the State or in Foster Care

These are services for children who are in the custody of the state or in foster care.  They emphasize the reunification of the biological parents and children when possible.

Foster and Adoptive Parenting

The adoption unit works on facilitating placement for children who are up for adoption. Foster Home Licensing is charged with finding, educating, and licensing individual foster homes.

OCFS Contact Information

Website: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bcfs/index.htm

You may also visit the DHHS page for a listing of the Regional Offices.

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