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Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 4012

Reporting procedures

Known as the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act

The act spans §§ 4001–5005 (121 sections).

PL 1979, c. 733, §18 (NEW)

1. Immediate report. Reports regarding abuse or neglect must be made immediately by telephone to the department unless otherwise specified in this subsection and must be followed by a written report within 48 hours if requested by the department.

Medical professionals, hospitals and hospital staff, school personnel and law enforcement personnel may submit reports electronically. The department shall provide a portal through which these electronic reports may be submitted that is linked to the department's comprehensive child welfare information system.

2. Information required. The reports shall include the following information if within the knowledge of the person reporting:

A. The name and address of the child and the persons responsible for the child's care or custody;

B. The child's age and sex;

C. The nature and extent of abuse or neglect, including a description of injuries and any explanation given for them;

D. A description of sexual abuse or exploitation;

E. Family composition and evidence of prior abuse or neglect of the child or the child's siblings;

F. The source of the report, the person making the report, the person's occupation and where the person can be contacted;

G. The actions taken by the reporting source, including a description of photographs or x rays taken; and

H. Any other information that the person making the report believes may be helpful.

Official source: Maine Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Maine statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.