ME LD122

Background check results for adoption proceedings must remain confidential within the Department of Health and Human Services and can no longer be shared with courts considering adoption petitions

Transition grant program eligibility expanded to include training programs in addition to postsecondary education for former foster youth ages 23-26 who exited voluntary extended care at age 23

Maximum of 40 individuals may receive transition grants at any time, with duration limits of 6 years for 4-year degrees and 4 years for 2-year degrees

District Court must hold judicial review hearings at least once every 12 months for individuals ages 18-20 in extended care and support, with the department, court, or individual able to request additional reviews

Children age 14 and older must now receive written notice of and opportunity to be heard in child welfare reviews and hearings