EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This final report points out that Maine needs to make more timely reviews of foster care home license applications and renewals. Sixty foster care homes had pending license renewals (some of which included temporary or provisional licenses) of 3 years or more and averaged 4.3 years. Of the 60 homes, 31 did not meet one or more safety requirements. Specifically, 14 homes had fire code violations, 4 had bacteria in the water supply, and 13 had allegations of abuse or neglect. This problem was due mainly to insufficient inspection resources and ineffective procedures, including the failure to use its computer to automatically flag homes needing safety inspections or license renewals. Among other things, we recommended that Maine improve procedures to ensure that licensing standards are consistently met, including adequate monitoring to ensure early identification and prevention of safety issues. Maine officials concurred and are working towards improving its licensing process, training staff, and hiring more inspectors.