| | This bill makes the following changes to the laws governing | out-of-home abuse and neglect. |
|
| | 1. It allocates the provisions to a different subtitle in | the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22. |
|
| | 2. It provides definitions of "institutional abuse," | "institutional neglect" and "abuse or neglect by an | individual." |
|
| | 3. It adds to the duties of the investigations unit, | formerly referred to as "the team," as follows: |
|
| A. The unit is authorized to receive reports of serious | or chronic licensing violations; |
|
| B. The unit shall direct all out-of-home abuse and | neglect investigations; and |
|
| C. The unit shall investigate within 48 hours of receipt | any report of out-of-home abuse or neglect when jeopardy | to children is alleged. |
|
| | 4. It specifies that findings of abuse or neglect under | this portion of law are subject to due process requirements. |
|
| | 5. It authorizes increased assistance for the | investigations unit in conducting out-of-home investigations. |
|
| | 6. It requires the investigations unit to make a report of | facts in all investigations within 6 months. |
|
| | 7. It requires representation by and participation of the | Office of the Attorney General in certain licensing or | investigatory actions. |
|
| | 8. It requires that testimony from children in actions | pursuant to this law must be conducted in accordance with the | Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act. |
|
|