Ensuring the integrity of public assistance programs
May 5, 2019
The Office for Family Independence determines eligibility for three major public assistance programs: MaineCare, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Advancing Behavioral Health for Maine Children
May 5, 2019
The Office of Child and Family Services has engaged with partners, including the Public Consulting Group (PCG), to evaluate and pursue recommendations for improvements within the children’s behavioral health system (CBHS). Included in that work was the development of a report addressing internal CBHS operations at the Department, which is the result, in part, of the feedback from OCFS staff provided to PCG. Today, we are releasing that report to provide additional information regarding the recommendations.
Making Maine's Child Care Accessible
May 5, 2019
Improving quality and affordability
The Department partners with parents and child care providers to provide financial support to ensure that Maine families have access to high-quality child care. The Office of Child and Family Services administers the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP), which helps eligible families with children under 13 years of age to afford child care so parents can work or attend school or training. Eligibility and the amount of the subsidy is based on family income and the family's need for child care due to the parent's work or education schedule.
Work to Improve Behavioral Health Services for Children
Apr 4, 2019
The Office of Child and Family Services' (OCFS) is working to improve children's behavioral health services, guided by a framework that is the product of close collaboration among Department leadership, OCFS staff, families, providers, and other stakeholders, using Public Consulting Group's analysis and recommendations as a starting point.
Progress Through the First 100 Days of the Mills Administration
Apr 4, 2019
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services joins Governor Mills in celebrating the accomplishments of all Maine departments, their employees, and lawmakers during her first 100 days in office.
Work to Improve Behavioral Health Services for Children
Mar 3, 2019
The Office of Child and Family Services' (OCFS) is working to improve children's behavioral health services, guided by a framework that is the product of close collaboration among Department leadership, OCFS staff, families, providers, and other stakeholders, using Public Consulting Group's analysis and recommendations as a starting point.
Public Health Nursing Updates
Mar 3, 2019
The Maine Public Health Nursing Program continues to add staff who provide essential services in Maine communities. In October and early November, new hires in Augusta, Portland, Rockland, and Bangor increased the statewide number of Public Health Nurses to 31 and total program staff to 40.
Improving Adult Services Under New Leadership
Mar 3, 2019
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that Paul Saucier has been appointed as Director of the Office of Aging and Disability Services. Saucier comes to the Department with extensive aging and disability experience nationally and locally.
Improving Maine's Child Welfare & Children's Behavioral Health System
Mar 3, 2019
Supporting children in foster care
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is comprehensively evaluating the child welfare system to identify how best to improve the lives of the children and families we serve. Integral to that effort is striving for permanent placements for children, to ensure stability and security as they grow.