Definition

The number and rate of children ages 0-­17 in the care or custody of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in December of each calendar year. The denominator is the number of children ages 0 -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 during the last month of the calendar year. The county is where the child resides after placement into foster care. If a child is placed  out of state this is reflected in the total, but not in any county. Also, Maine total includes children where their county of origin is not recorded.The rate is per 1,000 children ages 0-­17. 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.

Data Source

Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services, Division of Child Welfare Services.

Notes

The county is where the child resides after placement into foster care. If a child is placed out of state this is reflected in the total for Maine, but not in any county.  It includes children who entered foster care or remained in foster care on the last day of December.

Uploaded March 2019.

Last Updated

2019-03