If You are a Parent

So you're a parent.  It's probably a little overwhelming.  You probably have a lot to learn and will need a lot of support.  There are places and agencies that can help you.  In these pages, we list some of those places.  We also explain your rights in family law - how to establish parental rights and responsibilities (custody), how is child support determined, do you have a right to see your baby, etc. 

There is one myth we want you to know is not true:

You are not automatically emancipated when you have a baby.  Having a baby is not enough. If you want to be emancipated, you must go to court.  Read more here. 

Artist: Tamara Contributed by Shaw House

CONTENTS

Family Law

Housing

Income support

Medical care

Parent training

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FAMILY LAW

In Maine, both mom and dad have equal rights to their baby.  If you and your child's other parent do not agree on who the baby should live with,  or when, where and how long visits should happen, it can be stressful for each of you and your baby.  You want to do what is in your child's best interests.  You want to get along and work together.  Sometimes, that is not possible.  Whether you are getting along or not, if you want to have things spelled out, like where your child should live, when visits should happen, who gets to make decisions, child support,  etc. you need to go to Court and get an Order.  If you are not married, you do this by filing a parental rights and responsibilities action.  (If you are married you would file for divorce.) If you are not 18, you can bring the case on your own.  You do not have to have an adult bring it on your behalf.  This is because you are bringing it for the benefit of your child. 

There is no such thing as "custody" in Maine.  It is called parental rights and responsibilities.  In a Parental Rights and Responsibilities Order, visitation, primary residence, parental rights and responsibilities and child support will all be addressed.  Primary residence means who the child lives with.  Parental rights and responsibilities addresses decision making authority.  There are 3 types:  shared, allocated and sole.  Shared means just that - both parents make the decision by talking with one another.  Allocated means one parent makes the decision but must tell the other parent about it.  And sole means one parent makes the decision and doesn't have to tell the other parent.  The Order will also give parents rights to access medical records and educational records for their child. And, child support will be ordered, based on State guidelines.  For more information: 

Divorce and Parental Rights in Maine 
How to navigate your way through the Family Division of the Maine District Court, in a simple divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case.

Court Forms and Court Instruction Sheets
You can view and print these PDF forms or fill them out on-line.  If you are thinking about doing your own divorce or parental rights case,  read Divorce and Parental Rights in Maine first.

Calculating Your Child Support 
If you are doing your own divorce or parental rights court case, find out the rules for calculating the amount of  weekly child support the non-custodial parent will owe.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR HOUSING?

Here are some programs that are for pregnant or young mothers/families: 

22 Park Avenue
Portland, ME
Phone: 874-1129

Transitional living program for homeless young families. Parents work with a program case manager to set education and employment goals, learn parenting and living skills, and utilize the supportive services through The Parenting Place. Families may stay for up to two years.

My Choice
Portland, ME
Phone: 772-7555 or 800-640-7550

Residential and transitional housing for pregnant or parenting young women 18 or older and their children. Individual case management services, planning and support to achieve educational, vocational and financial goals, prenatal and parenting classes.

Stepping Stones 2
Houlton, ME
Phone: 532-6689

Residential Facility for homeless or at-risk pregnant and parenting young women, ages 15 to 25, and their children. Maximum stay 18 months. Must be eligible for MaineCare.

Stepping Stones 3
Houlton. ME
Phone: 532-6689

Transitional Living Program for runaway and homeless young women between the ages of 16 and 21 who are pregnant or parenting. Apartment rentals based on a percent of resident's income. Individual case management services, access to skilled staff and services. Maximum stay 18 months.

St. Andre Home, Inc.
Central office in Biddeford, ME
Phone: 282-3351

Housing in Biddeford, Bangor and Lewiston. Call the central office for information.

1. Biddeford Group Home: Residential care for pregnant and parenting single mothers, from 15 to 25; infants from newborn to two years old. Prenatal care, counseling, parent training, adoption services, after-care planning. Maximum stay 2 years.
2. Bangor Group Home: Residential care for at-risk parenting mothers, from 15 to 25, and their children, from newborn to two years old. Structured setting focusing on education and training, with individual and family counseling. Adoption services upon request.
3. Mary's Place in Lewiston: Residential care for single mothers, from 15 to 25, and their children. Individual and family counseling, parent training, group counseling, adoption services upon request.

You may also want to apply for subsidized housing, like Section 8 or public housing.  See our Housing page for more info.

INCOME SUPPORT

You may also need income support and health insurance.  These programs may be able to help you. 

WIC: Women, Infants, Children's Nutrition, 1-800-437-9300

MaineCare - DHHS: 1-800-321-5557. 

General Assistance - town office. 

TANF: 1-800-482-7520 or local DHHS office (if you are pregnant or a parent).  

Go here for more information

MEDICAL CARE

Prenatal and post natal care are very important for your health as well as your baby's. With Mainecare, you should have to pay nothing, or very little. To get medical care, contact:

Artist: Tamara Contributed by Shaw House

Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-7526

Local Regional Health Centers (pdf)

PARENT TRAINING

Being a parent is all so new, isn't it? If you need help learning to parent, you can contact:

Early Head Start:  To find a program near you, contact: Head Start: 287-5060

Teen & Young Adult Health Program: 1-800-698-3624

Mainely Parents: 1-800-249-5506

Parents as Teachers: 1-800-870-7746

Your doctor or nurse may also refer you to a public health nurse.  Ask your doctor about it.