Sadly, many children in Maine experience abuse and/or neglect from a person within their birth home. When that home cannot ensure a safe, stable environment for that child, the child will then be placed in foster home until that environment becomes safe again. If a judge determines that the home is once again safe, the child can return. When birth parents are unable to correct the issues that exist in their home to keep their child safe, a judge may terminate their parental rights. If this occurs, the child is then available for adoption. When you adopt a child, that child becomes a permanent member of your family.