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The Department will update its rules regarding electronic signatures in the future. In the meantime, the Department will exercise enforcement discretion and permit providers to obtain electronic signatures from members without submitting a wet signature to the Department as required by the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter I, sec. 1.03-8(Q), provided that the electronic signature is obtained through a system with adequate safeguards to:
The transition from child and youth services to adult services is a critical time in the lives of the young people served by community and State agencies. The discussions and planning that occur during the transition will influence the success or failure of young people as they move into adulthood. Transition planning serves to connect the youth's education and service experiences with anticipated adult services and supports.
Children's Behavioral Heath Services has a team of staff whose focus is substance use in youth. This page has been created to make information for youth easier to find and more accessible to those who need it. On this page you will find lots of information on different topics. We recommend taking your time to look through each of the components and links. We welcome you to bookmark this page and share it with others.
NOTE: OBH is undergoing system and policy enhancements on our IPF account. During this time, processing any new requests are on hold. Any submitted IPF request will remain on hold, in the order in which they are received until OBH is able to renew reviewing and processing requests. We regret any inconvenience this may cause while these necessary updates are taking place.
The Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who Are Children in Need of Services are rules promulgated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to 34-B M.R.S.A. §§ 3003 and 15002.
These rules apply to all facilities providing inpatient psychiatric services and to all agencies, facilities, and programs providing inpatient, residential, or outpatient mental health services which are licensed, funded, or contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services.
If you feel your rights or those of your child have been ignored or you feel you have been treated unfairly, you have the rights to file a grievance under the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who are Children in Need of Treatment.
Information on the grievance process, as well as the grievance form are available here (PDF).
Trauma is a widespread, harmful, and costly public health issue that occurs as a result of violence, traumatic experiences, abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war, and other harmful experiences. It has no boundaries with regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geography, or sexual orientation. Trauma is frequently experienced by people with mental and substance use disorders and is impacted by social service systems that are understanding and responsive.
On August 31, 2020 the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) was awarded a federal System of Care grant to DHHS, which focuses on the significant need for mental health services in rural areas of Maine. This funding will continue to be used to support implementation of programs to improve quality and access to services statewide, targeting youth and young people through 21 years of age with severe emotional disturbance (SED) who are currently on the waitlist for HCT services.
Families of children who have private health care coverage or are not otherwise eligible for regular MaineCare coverage may still be eligible receive assistance with health coverage related to behavioral health services.
MaineCare provides free or low-cost health insurance, other health benefits, and assistance to kids under age 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria.