KIDS LEGAL
Resource Code Card

The resource code card is designed to assist Maine medical professionals:

• identify environmental and social problems impacting children's health, and
• provide direct resource information to families regarding benefits and services.

This card can also be used by nonmedical professionals.

In its original form the code card is a eight panel folding card that can be easily carried and used as a reference. We have expanded the information presented in the pocket code card for online use. Use the left hand navigation bar to view specific resources. Click here for a .pdf copy of the pocket code card.

If you are looking for additional resources that are directed toward Native American children and youth in Maine, see our Resource Code Card for Native Americans.

Things To Look For:

• Little or no income
  
• Unable to purchase enough food/poor nutrition
• Exposure to unsafe living conditions
• Risk of eviction/homelessness
• School failure or exclusion
• Lack of or inappropriate special education services for children with disabilities
• Children not living with parent or guardian
• Immigration issues
• Abuse (victim or witness)
  

Sample Screening Questions:

• Are you making ends meet?
• Do you have enough food for your family?
• Have you applied for public benefits?
• Do you have health insurance or MaineCare?
• Have you applied for housing assistance?
• Is the home you're living in safe?
• Have you received any notices from your landlord?
• Are your children going to school? Are they receiving an appropriate education?
• Do you need help with your immigration status?
• Are there fights in your home? Do they get physical? Do you have a safe place to go?
  

General Tips

• Suggest famlies apply for benefits:

Food Stamps

WIC

Welfare (TANF)

MaineCare

Fuel assistance

Social Security Disability/SSI

General Assistance

Subsidized Housing

Tax credits such as Maine Tax and Rent Rebate, Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit


Get a hand-out with more information

• Encourage families to re-apply or request an appeal of services that they were denied. Due to deadlines, have families appeal first and refer to an attorney second.
• Ask about child's performance, attendance and progress at school.
• Document need for services in chart.
• Be willing to provide medical and other information to an attorney who is representing the family.