ME LD1832

Expands court jurisdiction over at-risk noncitizen children to include those under 21 years of age (previously limited to those 18 and older), allowing courts to make special findings regarding protection, custody, and care

Creates a new procedural option allowing at-risk noncitizen children to request special findings through a motion in existing family court cases (parental rights, guardianship proceedings) rather than filing a separate petition

Revises the definition of "at-risk" from health, safety, and welfare being "in jeopardy" to having "been affected" by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar circumstances—a broader standard

Clarifies that a finding of non-viable reunification with parents does not require termination of parental rights, and that ongoing parent visitation does not preclude such findings

Designates all proceedings and records as confidential and closed to the public, accessible only to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agents