Getting started.
Who this helps
Services are available to all Maine residents. Foster care and adoption inquiries are welcome from anyone interested in providing a home for children in need. Child abuse reports can be made by anyone.
How to get started
If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, contact OCFS or visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs to learn about the licensing process. You will be connected with a caseworker who can walk you through the steps, which include training, a home study, and background checks.
How they can help.
The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) is Maine's state child welfare agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. OCFS investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect, manages foster care placements, oversees licensed child placement agencies, and coordinates adoption services for children in state custody. They operate district offices across the state to serve families in every county.
- Foster care licensing and placement
- Adoption services for children in state custody
- Child abuse and neglect investigations
- Family reunification services
- Child protective services
- District offices across Maine
What to have ready.
For foster care licensing: valid ID, proof of residence, income documentation. A caseworker will provide a full list of requirements during the application process.
Call with your questions