• Read more about Attention: Providers of Section 28, Rehabilitative and Community Support Services for Children with Cognitive Impairments and Functional Limitations

Section 28 providers are required to obtain a Mental Health Organization license to provide Section 28 services in accordance with the recently adopted CMR 10-144 Chapter 123, Behavioral Health Organizations Licensing Rule. Please see the Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC) March 18, 2024, notice for details.

DLC is updating that notice as follows:

• Read more about Notice Regarding Electronic Signatures

The Department will update its rules regarding electronic signatures in the future. In the meantime, the Department will exercise enforcement discretion and permit providers to obtain electronic signatures from members without submitting a wet signature to the Department as required by the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter I, sec. 1.03-8(Q), provided that the electronic signature is obtained through a system with adequate safeguards to:

• Read more about Transition to Adult Services

The transition from child and youth services to adult services is a critical time in the lives of the young people served by community and State agencies. The discussions and planning that occur during the transition will influence the success or failure of young people as they move into adulthood. Transition planning serves to connect the youth's education and service experiences with anticipated adult services and supports. 

• Read more about Substance Use Resources for Youth

Youth Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Corner

Children's Behavioral Heath Services has a team of staff whose focus is substance use in youth. This page has been created to make information for youth easier to find and more accessible to those who need it. On this page you will find lots of information on different topics. We recommend taking your time to look through each of the components and links. We welcome you to bookmark this page and share it with others.

• Read more about Individual Planning Funds

NOTE: OBH is undergoing system and policy enhancements on our IPF account. During this time, processing any new requests are on hold. Any submitted IPF request will remain on hold, in the order in which they are received until OBH is able to renew reviewing and processing requests. We regret any inconvenience this may cause while these necessary updates are taking place.

• Read more about Rights of Recipients

The Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who Are Children in Need of Services are rules promulgated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to 34-B M.R.S.A. §§ 3003 and 15002. 

These rules apply to all facilities providing inpatient psychiatric services and to all agencies, facilities, and programs providing inpatient, residential, or outpatient mental health services which are licensed, funded, or contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services.

• Read more about Grievance Policy

If you feel your rights or those of your child have been ignored or you feel you have been treated unfairly, you have the rights to file a grievance under the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who are Children in Need of Treatment.

Information on the grievance process, as well as the grievance form are available here (PDF).

• Read more about Children’s Behavioral Health Information and Resources

Printable Tools & Guides for Youth & Families

• SOC Family Peer Support Info Sheet 
• Printable list

• Read more about Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma is a widespread, harmful, and costly public health issue that occurs as a result of violence, traumatic experiences, abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war, and other harmful experiences. It has no boundaries with regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geography, or sexual orientation. Trauma is frequently experienced by people with mental and substance use disorders and is impacted by social service systems that are understanding and responsive.

• Read more about System of Care

Empower ME System of Care Grant

On August 31, 2020 the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) was awarded a federal System of Care grant to DHHS, which focuses on the significant need for mental health services in rural areas of Maine. This funding will continue to be used to support implementation of programs to improve quality and access to services statewide, targeting youth and young people through 21 years of age with severe emotional disturbance (SED) who are currently on the waitlist for HCT services.