ME LD1261

Establishes a 2-year Community Navigator Pilot Program within the Department of Health and Human Services, with contracts awarded to 4 child abuse and neglect prevention councils by December 1, 2025

Targets families reported for suspected child abuse or neglect whose cases were screened out but who could benefit from community services to prevent future child protective services intervention

Community navigators connect at-risk families with services including health care, housing assistance, food access, fuel assistance, child care, transportation, employment training, and substance use disorder treatment

Requires navigators to conduct outreach and education for mandated reporters (teachers, social workers, medical professionals) to improve their knowledge of community resources and shift their role toward actively supporting families rather than just reporting

Provides $90,000 per community navigator position annually for each year of the pilot program, with automatic repeal on January 30, 2028