Maine § 3921. - Help Maine Grow System established

§ 3921.. Help Maine Grow System established

1.  Help Maine Grow System established.  The Help Maine Grow System, referred to in this chapter as "the system," is established in the department as a comprehensive, statewide, coordinated system of early identification, referral and follow-up for all children from prenatal care up to 8 years of age and their families. The system must emphasize:

A. Increasing access to the early periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment services required by Medicaid on a schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or its successor organization; and   [PL 2021, c. 457, §1 (NEW).]

B. In support of the Department of Education's child find efforts, increasing access and referrals to early intervention services as established and required pursuant to Title 20‑A, sections 7209 and 7252‑A.   [PL 2021, c. 457, §1 (NEW).]

In developing and administering the system, the department shall maintain affiliate status with a national center that offers a system that includes technical assistance and develop a cross system model for strengthening early childhood systems and services to meet the needs of children and families and meet any requirements necessary to maintain fidelity to the system offered by the national center.  

2.  Staffing; coordination.  The department shall provide staffing services necessary to meet the needs of children and families and to work collaboratively across offices within the department, the Children's Cabinet established in Title 5, section 19131, the Department of Education and other applicable departments.