Foster Care & Adoption

Maine Child Welfare Ombudsman

Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman

Statewide, Maine State Oversight & Complaints
Free, no cost No ID required

Impartial state office that helps resolve concerns and complaints about how Maine DHHS Child Protective Services is handling a child's case. Anyone can file a complaint. Provides resources on child welfare law and advocacy support.

Who can use this?

Anyone who has concerns about how a child's case is being handled by Maine DHHS Child Protective Services. Toll-free line also available at 1-866-621-0758.

About this resource

The Maine Child Welfare Ombudsman is an impartial state office that assists people with resolving concerns and complaints about how Maine DHHS Child Protective Services is handling a child's case. Anyone can file a complaint, including foster parents, biological parents, relatives, or concerned community members. The office investigates complaints, provides resources on child welfare law, and offers advocacy support. They cannot respond to emergencies (call 911 or the child abuse hotline for those).

Services offered

  • Investigation of complaints about CPS case handling
  • Child welfare law information and resources
  • Advocacy support for families in the child welfare system
  • Impartial review of DHHS actions
Call Directions Web