How to Become a Resource or Adoptive Parent

Resource and adoptive parents are a vitally important link in Maine’s child welfare system. Often children in State custody have experienced considerable trauma in their young lives and a caring, loving, and supportive foster home can have a significant positive impact on their lives. While reunification with their biological parents is the primary goal for the majority of children in State custody, there are children for whom reunification is not possible. Children who cannot safely reunify with their parents need the long-term stability and permanency afforded by adoption.

Whenever possible, OCFS seeks to place children with relatives. This is known as kinship care. If you are interested in providing care for a relative child, please contact the child’s caseworker or A Family for ME.

There is a particular need for resource parents who can provide temporary care to babies and young children who are in the process of reunifying with their birth families, resource and adoptive parents who can accommodate larger sibling groups, and those who can provide care for older youth with challenging behaviors. 

A Family for ME

OCFS is currently partnered with A Family for ME to recruit new resource and adoptive families. A Family for ME provides prospective resource and adoptive parents with information regarding licensing, training, and the fostering process overall, including live information sessions (currently being held virtually due to the current pandemic).

Becoming a Licensed Resource Parent

All resource parents are required to be licensed by OCFS. To obtain a license, prospective resource parents must:

  • Complete an application to become a licensed resource family. The application process includes
    • background check
    • home inspection
    • a home study during which a caseworker will get to know you and your family.
    • If your application is approved you will receive training from the Department regarding fostering and adopting (trainings are being held virtually due to the current pandemic).

 

Application are available in paper copy or you can start a new online application or renewal of your current resource license using the Katahdin Child Welfare System.

If this is an initial application you must attend an informational meeting with A Family for ME before beginning your application.

Therapeutic Foster Care

Therapeutic foster care is focused on the care of children with developmental, emotional, and/or medical disabilities.

OCFS has partnered with several agencies that provide support to therapeutic resource parents:

Adoption-Specific Resources

Adopting a Child in State Custody

If you are considering adopting a child in State custody the process to become eligible is the same as the process to become a license resource parent. Maine is always in need of loving and supportive adoptive homes for children that are not able to safely reunify with their parents.

Maine has partnered with Adopt US Kids to maintain a regularly updated list of children in Maine who are waiting to be adopted.

Resources for Adoptees 

Private Adoption

Maine has several licensed private adoption placing agencies that provide a variety of adoption services. Each agency has its own requirements and procedures and maintains its own file of prospective parents. All of these agencies are licensed by the Department and adhere to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

Licensed Private Adoption Agencies in Maine

AAA Full Circle Adoptions & Family Building Center
225 Commercial St., 3rd Floor Suite 300
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 1-800-452-3678 (1-800-45-ADOPT)
Text: (413) 800-2019
team@fullcircleadoptions.org
www.fullcircleadoptions.org

Acadia Adoption Center LLC
111 Lafayette Center
Kennebunk, ME  04043-6863
Phone: (207) 467-8110
Fax:  (207) 514-9400
info@acadiaadoptioncenter.com

Adoption Solutions of Maine
253 Main St
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: (207)400-6803 or (520)400-4775
Jackiemkomar@gmail.com
www.adoptionsolutionsofme.org

Good Samaritan Agency
100 Ridgewood Dr.
Bangor, ME  04401 
Toll free:  1-800-249-1811
Phone: (207) 942-7211 
Fax:  990-0851
https://goodsamaritanbangor.org/?page_id=1000

Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers
93 Silver Street
Waterville, ME 0401 
Phone: (207) 873-6350
Fax:  (207) 872-7548 
https://www.mainechildrenshome.org/programs/adoption

Woodfords Family Services
Address: PO Box 1768, Portland, ME  04104
Phone: (207) 878-9663
edorr@woodfords.org
https://www.woodfords.org/adoption-home-studies/