ME LD740

Law enforcement officers and juvenile community corrections officers may refer juveniles suspected of crimes to the Department of Health and Human Services for a needs assessment instead of arrest or filing a petition, with consent from the juvenile and parents required

The juvenile needs assessment must be completed within 60 days, use evidence-based high-fidelity wraparound principles, and evaluate behavioral, emotional, educational, medical, and family needs to develop an individualized service plan

Juveniles with complex behavioral health needs or involvement in multiple service systems must be referred to high-fidelity wraparound care coordination services

Statements made during the assessment process and the resulting report are not admissible as evidence in adjudicatory hearings without the juvenile's consent, protecting juveniles who participate in the diversion program

DHHS must convene an implementation stakeholder group including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and child advocates; the assessment program takes effect January 1, 2026