1.  Funding authorized.  Grants or funds must be made on a competitive basis and allocated to child abuse and neglect prevention councils according to rules adopted or amended by the commissioner. Grants or funds in excess of $15,000 must be made on a one-to-one matching basis with contributions from the community. Community contributions may be donations of cash or may be in-kind contributions, as determined by departmental rule.  

2.  Distribution of funds.  Grants or funds must be awarded or allocated to support existing child abuse and neglect prevention councils and to assist the establishment of new child abuse and neglect prevention councils. It is the intent of this chapter to support a statewide network of child abuse and neglect prevention councils in each county as resources permit. Nothing in this chapter requires the department to fully fund the activities of any child abuse and neglect prevention council.  

3.  Consultation with Maine Child Abuse Prevention Councils.  The Maine Child Abuse Prevention Councils, in conjunction with the department, shall develop a plan, updated annually, establishing a statewide strategy for child abuse and neglect prevention in local counties and communities. Grants or allocated funds must be awarded in accordance with the goals and strategies set out in the plan.