Child and Family Services The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) serves Maine's children and their families through the Divisions of Child Welfare, Children's Behavioral Health, Early Childhood, and Public Service Management. Visit our Programs and Services for a complete listing of services provided by OCFS
Children's Behavioral Health Services - provides information and referrals for children to their 21st birthday with developmental disabilities/delays, mental retardation, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)/autism and mental health disorders. Child Welfare - seeks safety, well-being and permanent homes for children, working with professionalism and respecting the dignity of all families. Child abuse reports are investigated on behalf of Maine communities, working to keep children safe and to guide families in creating safe homes for children. Early Childhood - responsible for child care and Head Start programs, coordination of child care licensing, technical assistance, training and employer incentives. Public Service Management - provides integration of and oversight to Community, Residential, and Information Services.

Child and Family Opportunities (CFO) offers child care, Early Head Start and Head Start services in centers located across Hancock and Washington Counties. In operation since 1970 CFO is Down East Maine's premier early care and education provider. Their centers provide safe, healthy environments for children and curriculum that is planned to meet the varying developmental needs of the children in each classroom. Further the curriculum incorporates the State of Maine Early Learning Guidelines and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. In Hancock County, CFO’s Early Care and Education Centers are located in Bucksport, Ellsworth, Sedgwick, Stonington and Sullivan. In Washington County centers are in Calais (2 locations), Harrington (2 locations), Jonesport, Lubec, and Machias (2 locations). Many of our centers offer Early Head Start and Head Start in combination with childcare services as well. See their locations on their homepage for more information about the services they offer in your community.

The Child Care Opportunities Resource Development Center (RDC) is a child care resource and referral agency serving Hancock and Washington counties. The RDC exists to enhance and promote quality, affordable and accessible child care. rdc The RDC is a single point of access for parents seeking child care or information related to child care. Parents seeking child care can receive referrals to child care providers either by accessing the referral service on our web site or by calling and talking to our child care Referral Specialist. The RDC maintains an up to date data base of all licensed and legal unlicensed child providers in Washington and Hancock counties.

Care for Me Your child deserves safe care, and that is why Maine has developed Care for Me! Care for Me is a valuable resource for parents. It is a listing of in-home license-exempt caregivers who have passed a background check. Care for Me understands that children are a parent's most prized possession. That is why Care for Me was created, to help parents find safe care for their children when they must be away from home.

ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Their mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.