An Act To Fund Community-Based Organizations To Prevent And Reduce The Risk Of Children'S Involvement In The Child Welfare System

This bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to fund community-based organizations that run family-centered programs designed to prevent children from entering the child welfare system. It specifically mandates funding for programs rated "well-supported," "supported," or "promising" by the federal Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, or those using a "2-generation" or "whole family" approach. These programs must focus on creating positive childhood experiences and improving families' social and economic mobility. The direct beneficiaries are low-income families and children at risk of child welfare involvement, with funding flowing to eligible community organizations.