(f) A reasonable time schedule for proposed reunification, which is reasonably calculated to meet the child's needs; and

(g) A delineation of the financial responsibilities of the parents and the department during the reunification process;

(2) Provide the parents with prompt written notice of the following, unless that notice would be detrimental to the best interests of the child:

(a) The child's residence and, when practicable, at least 7 days' advance written notice of a planned change of residence; and

(b) Any serious injuries, major medical care received or hospitalization of the child;

(3) Make good faith efforts to cooperate with the parents in the development and pursuit of the plan;

(4) Periodically review with the parents the progress of the reunification plan and make any appropriate changes in that plan;

(5) Petition for judicial review and return of custody of the child to the parents at the earliest appropriate time; and

(6) Petition for termination of parental rights at the earliest possible time that it is determined that family reunification efforts will be discontinued pursuant to subsection 2 and that termination is in the best interests of the child;

Sec. 5. 22 MRSA §4041, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 1997, c. 715, Pt. B, §11, is further amended to read:

B. Parents are responsible for rectifying and resolving problems that prevent the return of the child to the home and shall take part in a reasonable rehabilitation and reunification plan and shall:

(1) Maintain meaningful contact with the child pursuant to the reunification plan. When a parent has left the area where the child has been placed, this must include making arrangements to visit the child at or near the child's placement;

(2) Seek and utilize appropriate services, including but not limited to assessment and services for substance abuse, to assist in rehabilitating and reunifying with the child;

(3) Pay reasonable sums toward the support of the child within the limits of their ability to pay;

(4) Maintain contact with the department, including prompt written notification to the department of any change of address; and

(5) Make good faith efforts to cooperate with the department in developing and pursuing the plan;

Sec. 6. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02 2002-03

HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

Bureau of Child and Family Services

All Other $1,500,000 $1,500,000

Provides funds for substance abuse assessments and services for parents referred to child protective services.

SUMMARY

This bill requires substance abuse assessments and treatments to be available and ordered when necessary for parents who are referred to child protective services. It also provides $3,000,000 over the biennium to provide those assessments and services.