Child Between 6 and 14 Years

• Title 17-A, Section 553 of the Maine Revised Statutes legally defines abandonment as the act of an adult leaving a child under the age of 14 years old with the intention of abandonment. The offense is considered a Class D crime in the state of Maine. Conviction of a Class D crime results in a prison term not less than one year and not more than three years.
  
  

Child Under 6 Years Old

• Maine law differentiates between abandonment of an older child and a child under the age of 6 years old. Title 17-A, Section 553 identifies abandonment of a child under the age of 6 as a Class C crime, a more serious offense than a Class D classification. Conviction of a Class C crime results in imprisonment of the offender for more than three years and less than five years.
  
  

Infant Under 31 Days Old

• As in many other states, Maine law makes an exception for prosecution of abandonment when the child is less than 31 days old and is left in the care of certain professionals, including law enforcement, hospital or emergency room staff and emergency medical technicians, or paramedics. Known as the Safe Haven Law, the goal of the legislation is to provide a safe alternative to parents who are unable or unwilling to care for an infant and who may otherwise abandon the baby in an unsafe manner or location. Parents who adhere to the guidelines of the law will not face criminal prosecution.
  
  

Child and Family Services

• Title 22, Chapter 1071 of the Maine Revised Statutes is known as the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act. Section 4003 of the act authorizes the office of Child and Family Services to protect the welfare of abused and neglected children, as well as children who are at risk for abuse or neglect. A child is identified as being in jeopardy if the child is abandoned or left alone without adequate supervision. The severity of the situation determines the action taken by CFS and can include a referral to assistance services or even removal of the child from the home.