Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §4002, sub-§1-C is enacted to read:

1-C.__Alleged perpetrator.__"Alleged perpetrator" means a person other than the parent who is alleged to have contributed to the abuse or neglect of a child.

Sec. 2. 22 MRSA §4005, sub-§3 is enacted to read:

3.__Alleged perpetrator.__An alleged perpetrator may be represented by legal counsel in child protective proceedings, except for a preliminary protection order under section 4034 or a petition for a medical treatment order under section 4071, but including hearings under section 4034.

Sec. 3. 22 MRSA §4033, sub-§1, ķA, as enacted by PL 1979, c. 733, §18, is amended to read:

A. The petition and a notice of hearing shall must be served on the parents and custodians, the guardian ad litem for the child, an alleged perpetrator and any other party at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. A party may waive this time requirement if the waiver is written and voluntarily and knowingly executed in court before a judge. Service shall must be made in accordance with the District Court Civil Rules.

Sec. 4. 22 MRSA §4033, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1989, c. 819, §5, is further amended to read:

3. Service of preliminary protection order. If the court makes a preliminary protection order, a copy of the order shall must be served on the parents and, custodians and alleged perpetrator by:

A. In-hand delivery by the judge or court clerk to any parent, custodian or their counsel who is present when the order is made;

B. Service in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Notwithstanding the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, the court may waive service by publication of a preliminary protection order for a party whose whereabouts are unknown if the department shows by affidavit that diligent efforts have been made to locate the party; or

C. Another manner ordered by the court.

Sec. 5. 22 MRSA §4033, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 1979, c. 733, §18, is amended to read: