ME LD1426

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue 2 requests for proposals by December 31, 2025 for pilot programs to develop child assertive community treatment teams serving the Lewiston and Bangor areas

Appropriates $320,000 in one-time General Fund money for FY 2025-26, providing two grants of $160,000 each for the pilot programs

Grant recipients must use workforce incentives to attract, train, and retain child assertive community treatment team staff, with contracts limited to 2 years

Maine currently has only one child assertive community treatment team statewide; the program is an evidence-based intervention for keeping children with severe behavioral health challenges in community settings rather than institutions

Department must submit a report to the Legislature within 90 days after pilot programs conclude, with outcomes and recommendations for continuation