Definition

The number and rate of children birth to age 17 in the care or custody of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on the last day of December of each calendar year. The denominator is the number of children birth to age 17 per the population estimates from the Maine Office of Vital Statistics the year before. The numerator is the number of children in state custody at a point in time the day of the last month of the calendar year. The county is where the child lived before placement into foster care.

Data Source

Maine Office for Children and Families Child Welfare Data Dashboard

Notes

This series is based on where the child was living before being placed into foster care in the custody of Maine Department of Health and Human Services.  These children were ordered into DHHS custody as a result of a child protection hearing where the child is found to be in jeopardy, a juvenile hearing where it would be contrary to the child’s health and welfare to remain in the care or custody of the parents, or a divorce and/or custody hearing where neither parent has been found able to provide a home in the best interest of the child. Note that the Maine total includes any children where their county is not recorded.

Last Updated

2025-09