Maine Facing Shortage of Foster, Adoptive Families

DHHS asking more Mainers to consider foster or adoptive parenting

Augusta, Maine - The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) on Monday drew attention to the increasing lack of foster and adoptive homes in the state relative to the number of children in need of placement.

"Unfortunately, the number of children in need of safe, healthy, and happy homes is far outpacing the number of families willing and able to help them," said DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew. "Every child in Maine deserves a good home and DHHS is asking for the public's help in making it happen."

Although there is a shortage of foster and adoptive families available to children of all ages
, the need is especially pronounced among middle and high school-aged children, particularly those with juvenile justice or behavioral health issues. There is an additional need for homes willing to accommodate placement of young sibling groups to allow siblings who have been temporarily separated from their birth parents to be able to remain together in a foster home. In Maine, there currently are 1,990 children in foster care. Of them, 502 are seeking adoption and for the rest, reunification with family members is the goal. The Department is still in the process of identifying an adoptive family for 98 children. Most of them are 11-18 years old. The need exists in equal measures across the state.

While there are more than 1300 households licensed as foster homes, the need to match children with appropriate and local settings still means that not all homes have a placement currently. OCFS needs the help of up to 100 Maine families willing to care for older children.

"We need people who can open up their homes and families either on a temporary basis while a child's parents resolve their own issues, or on a permanent basis when children need to become part of a new forever-family," said Commissioner Mayhew.

The process of applying for a foster parenting license begins with attending an informational meeting scheduled on a regular basis in each of OCFS's district offices. At the meeting, prospective foster parents will hear about the typical needs of children for whom we are seeking placement. Those interested must submit an application to DHHS, provide three references, consent to a criminal background check for which there is a minimal fee, allow for a fire and safety inspection of their home, and engage with DHHS staff in completion of a home study which identifies the strengths and needs of the applicant's home.

"The adoption process carries with it some additional requirements," added Commissioner Mayhew. "Families interested in adoption may meet Maine's waiting children at www.adoptuskids.org, where you can see their pictures and read their stories of hope."

Generous Mainers willing to open their hearts and homes may contact Foster Family Program Manager Linda Brissette at (207) 624-7964 or linda.brissette@maine.gov.