Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children Maine

Schedule of Hearings

Statute: Tit. 22, § 4038

Within 12 months of the time the child has entered foster care and every 12 months thereafter while the child remains under court jurisdiction

If reunification efforts are ordered to cease, within 30 days

Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings

Statute: Tit. 22, § 4041

Caseworker

Parent

Guardian ad litem

Person to whom trial placement was given

Foster parents

Pre-adoptive parents

Relatives providing care to the child

Determinations Made at Hearings

Statute: Tit. 22, § 4038

Whether the parent has carried out the responsibilities set forth in the permanency plan

Whether the parent has rectified the problems that caused the removal of the child from the home

Permanency Options

Statute: Tit. 22, § 4038

Return to the parent

Adoption

Referral for legal guardianship

Placement in another planned permanent living
arrangement when the department has documented a
compelling reason another option would not be