Rights & resources
If you feel that your rights have been violated, advocate for yourself using the chain of command.
Talk to your caseworker. If you do not get a response, talk with your caseworker's supervisor. If this does not work, contact that person's supervisor! Your caseworker should be able to give you all of the names and numbers you will need.
If you are still not satisfied, contact the Ombudsma's Office. An Ombudsman (pronounced: om-budz-man), helps people when they have concerns about DHHS involvement in families' lives. Anyone who has a concern has the right to call the ombudsman and tell him/her about it. If you make a complaint, you can ask that your name be kept private. The Ombudsman will check out complaints and see if he/she can help get more information, notify DHHS of problems, work with people to find out what is wrong and try to fix the problem at no cost to you! Call (866) 621-0758 or (207) 623-1868.
Helpful links
Youth from Maine's YLAT and Youth MOVE Maine have partnered with DHHS to create "Making a Choice: A guide to making a decision about using antipsychotic medication."
Please visit the Office of Child and Family Services at Maine’s DHHS website for information about resources, important deadlines, and opportunities.
The Family Team Meeting Online Tool is a great way to prepare for your family team meetings.
Know Your Rights: LGBTQ Youth and Youth Living with HIV in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems