Icon for content type Article

Maine Child Protection: What happens when DHHS investigates a household?

This is the second part of our guide to Child Protection proceedings in Maine. It covers what can happen when DHHS investigates a household because they believe that a child may be at risk of being harmed.
Icon for content type Article

Maine Child Protection: What does DHHS do when they get a complaint of child abuse?

This guide is the first in a series about what happens when DHHS gets involved with families. This guide covers the very first steps in the Maine Child Protection process - our other guides cover later parts of this process. If you are in a situation where DHHS is becoming involved with your family, start here.
Icon for content type Article

Healthcare Resources for Maine Children Who Have Experienced Violence

How does domestic violence affect children? Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.
Icon for content type Article

Child Abuse and Neglect in Maine: DHHS Substantiation and Indication

About DHHS and Child Abuse and Neglect DHHS Child Protective Services investigates reports of child abuse. There are 5 different things that DHHS can do:
Icon for Guides, How To's and Classrooms

Adoption, Guardianship of a Minor, Child Name Change and Maine's Home Court Act: When, where and how to file the Jurisdictional Affidavit

What is the Maine Home Court Act?  The Home Court Act is a Maine law passed in 2016. It is meant to prevent more than one case about the same child from happening in different courts. Courts use a “Jurisdictional Affidavit” to find out about all of the cases involving a child and determine where your case should be addressed.  

Families Change Maine

We offer age-appropriate information to help kids, teens and parents deal with a family break up. Justice Education Society of British Columbia (link is external) and Pine Tree Legal Assistance collaborated to create this Maine version of "Families Change." Along the way, family counselors, guidance counselors, psychologists, lawyers, parents,… More
Icon for Guides, How To's and Classrooms

How To: Get Ready for a Disclosure Hearing in Maine

A disclosure hearing can happen once a creditor has a judgment against you for money you owe. Sometimes the creditor must take you to court to find out what property and income you have. This is called a disclosure hearing. This guide will walk you through what to expect at a disclosure hearing, and what you will need to know to go in prepared.… More
Icon for content type Article

LGBTQ Family Law Guide

Introduction This guide covers many family law topics with information specific to LGBTQ people and families. We also link to other helpful resources. Contents
Icon for content type Article

Maine National Guard Education Assistance Program

Maine National Guard members may be eligible for full tuition at a state college or university. Learn about the requirements here.
Icon for content type Article

Maine Parentage Act: Who can be a parent?

In 2015 Maine updated its laws about families. This law is called the Maine Parentage Act. It took effect on July 1, 2016. “Parentage” is a legal word. It means the legal relationship between a child and a parent. So, to “establish parentage” means to prove that someone is the legal parent of a child. A child's parents have legal rights and… More