{"id":373708,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maine-law\/maine-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-10T08:59:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T13:59:49","slug":"maine-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maine Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maine Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In Maine, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) handles reports of child abuse and neglect. The aim of Child Welfare Services is to take all reports of abuse seriously and act in the best interests of the child when conducting evaluations. Under Maine law, this sometimes means removing a child from their home and placing them in foster care. In other instances, getting the parents needed support services, such as substance abuse treatment or anger management classes, can improve the situation. Not every report of abuse is substantiated by the state. Some reports may lead to other types of intervention for families needing assistance.<\/i><\/blockquote>\r\n

Child abuse or neglect in Maine includes any threat to a child’s health or welfare due to physical or mental injury. Maine’s definition also covers sexual abuse and trafficking. Maine’s Child Protective Services (CPS) conducts a Child Protection Assessment after every report. This article examines Maine\u2019s child abuse and neglect laws, including reporting procedures and penalties for violations.<\/p>\r\n

Maine Child Abuse and Neglect Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Maine’s Child & Family Services and Child Protection Act<\/a> (Chapter 1071) contains all statutes on child abuse, reporting, and termination of parental rights. Abuse or neglect is a threat of serious harm to a child from any caregiver, parent, foster parent, legal guardian, or other family member.<\/p>\r\n

Child abuse or neglect<\/a> is any threat to a child’s health and welfare. Abuse or neglect can mean:<\/p>\r\n