Maine § 4257. - State responsibility - Article 7

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 4257. — State responsibility - Article 7, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4257.. State responsibility - Article 7

1.  Financial responsibility.  For the interstate placement of a child made by a public child placing agency or state court:

A. The public child placing agency in the sending state has financial responsibility for:  

(1) The ongoing support and maintenance for the child during the period of the placement, unless otherwise provided for in the receiving state; and  

(2) As determined by the public child placing agency in the sending state, services for the child beyond the public services for which the child is eligible in the receiving state; and   [PL 2007, c. 255, §6 (NEW).]

B. The receiving state only has financial responsibility for:  

(1) Any assessment conducted by the receiving state; and  

(2) Supervision conducted by the receiving state at the level necessary to support the placement as agreed upon by the public child placing agencies of the receiving and sending states.   [PL 2007, c. 255, §6 (NEW).]

Nothing in this subsection prohibits public child placing agencies in the sending state from entering into agreements with licensed agencies or persons in the receiving state to conduct assessments and provide supervision.  

2.  Private child placing agency; responsibilities.  For the placement of a child by a private child placing agency preliminary to a possible adoption, the private child placing agency is:

A. Legally responsible for the child during the period of placement as provided for in the law of the sending state until the finalization of the adoption; and   [PL 2007, c. 255, §6 (NEW).]

B. Financially responsible for the child absent a contractual agreement to the contrary.   [PL 2007, c. 255, §6 (NEW).]

3.  Assessment or supervision conducted.  A private child placing agency is responsible for any assessment conducted in the receiving state and any supervision conducted by the receiving state at the level required by the laws of the receiving state or the rules of the interstate commission.

4.  Timely assessment.  The public child placing agency in the receiving state shall provide timely assessments, as provided for in the rules of the interstate commission.

5.  Supervision; services.  The public child placing agency in the receiving state shall provide or arrange for the provision of supervision and services for the child, including timely reports, during the period of the placement.

6.  Contract with licensed agency.  Nothing in this chapter may be construed as to limit the authority of the public child placing agency in the receiving state from contracting with a licensed agency or person in the receiving state for an assessment or the provision of supervision or services for the child or otherwise authorizing the provision of supervision or services by a licensed agency during the period of placement.

7.  Advisory council.  Each member state shall provide for coordination among its branches of government concerning the state's participation in, and compliance with, the compact and interstate commission activities through the creation of an advisory council or use of an existing body or board.

8.  Central state compact office.  Each member state shall establish a central state compact office, which is responsible for state compliance with the compact and the rules of the interstate commission.

9.  Oversee compliance.  The public child placing agency in the sending state shall oversee compliance with the provisions of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 United States Code, Section 1901 et seq. for placements subject to the provisions of this compact, prior to placement.

10.  Limited agreements.  With the consent of the interstate commission, states may enter into limited agreements that facilitate the timely assessment and provision of services and supervision of placements under this compact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 4257.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 4257. cover?

Section 4257. ("State responsibility - Article 7") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maine § 4257.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 4257." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maine law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.

How does Maine § 4257. apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.