Find Car Seat Programs Near Me in Maine: Ensuring Your Child’s Safety

Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is paramount, and proper car seat installation is a critical aspect of this. For families in Maine who need assistance obtaining car seats, the Bureau of Highway Safety partners with various locations throughout the state to offer car seat programs. These programs aim to provide income-eligible families with access to certified car seat technicians and, in many cases, car seats themselves. If you’re looking for “Car Seat Programs Near Me”, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through eligibility requirements, locations, and how to access these vital services in Maine.

Eligibility for Maine’s Car Seat Programs

To benefit from Maine’s car seat programs and connect with certified technicians, certain eligibility criteria must be met. These programs are designed to support families who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to child passenger safety. Eligibility is primarily determined by participation in specific assistance programs. You will typically need to provide proof of participation in one of the following:

  • eWIC Card: Presentation of a valid eWIC (electronic Women, Infants, and Children) card is accepted as proof of income eligibility.
  • MaineCare Letter: An official letter from MaineCare confirming your enrollment in the program serves as valid documentation.
  • TANF or SNAP Program Letter: A letter from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) agencies indicating current participation is required. Alternatively, a recent dated correspondence from either of these agencies discussing your program involvement can also be accepted.

Beyond income eligibility, proving Maine residency is also essential to access these local car seat programs. The following documents are accepted as proof of residency:

  • State of Maine Driver’s License or State ID: A valid Maine driver’s license or state identification card is the preferred form of residency verification.
  • Maine Tribal Identification: Official identification issued by a Maine Tribe is also accepted.
  • Refugee Resettlement Letter: A letter from Catholic Charities confirming refugee resettlement, accompanied by the refugee’s photo and I-94 number.
  • Fostering License/Certification: A valid Maine fostering license or certification document.
  • High School Photo Identification Card: This is accepted, particularly for pregnant teens who may not yet possess a driver’s license. Note for pregnant teens: If you are too young to drive, a family member will need to bring the vehicle to your car seat distribution appointment.

If you are unable to provide a Maine Driver’s License, State ID, or any of the above-listed documents, the following visual proofs of residency can be considered:

  • Current Utility Bill: A recent utility bill (such as electricity, water, or gas) displaying your name and current Maine address.
  • Current Mail: Recently received mail with your name and matching address in Maine.
  • Current Rental Agreement or Mortgage Paper: A current rental agreement or mortgage statement showing your name and Maine address.

Finding Car Seat Program Locations Near You

The Bureau of Highway Safety partners with numerous organizations across Maine to distribute car seats and offer inspection services by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. These locations are available by appointment only, so planning ahead is crucial. It’s advisable to contact the locations in advance as there might be a waiting list to schedule an appointment. Remember, your child needs to be present at the appointment to ensure proper car seat fitting and installation. For expectant parents, appointments can be scheduled no earlier than one month before the baby’s due date.

To find a “car seat program near me”, you can utilize the Help Me Grow Maine initiative. Help Me Grow collaborates with various distribution and inspection sites throughout the state. For assistance in locating a car seat program or scheduling an inspection, you can email Help Me Grow directly at [email protected]. In your email, be sure to include your name, phone number, and the town you live in. Help Me Grow Maine can provide information on locations closest to you and may be able to assist with car seat distribution or inspections directly.

Below is a list of partner locations organized by county. This list provides contact information for each site, allowing you to reach out and inquire about appointment availability and specific program details.

Car Seat Program Locations by County in Maine

Androscoggin County Oxford County
Central Maine Medical Center
300 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
207.795.2695
Stephen’s Memorial Hospital
181 Main Street
Norway, ME 04268
207.743.1562 Ext. 6955
Pediatric Associates
33 Mollison Way
Lewiston, ME 04240
207.784.5782
Aroostook County Penobscot County
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
88 Bell Road
Littleton, ME 04730
207.532.2240
Health Access Network
175 West Broadway
Lincoln, ME 04457
207.794.6700
Northern Light AR Gould Hospital
Aroostook Pediatrics
140 Academy Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.768.4000
Livin’ The Breast Life
36 Getchell Street
Brewer, ME 04412
207.573.2936
Presque Isle Fire Department
43 North State Street, Suite A
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.769.0881
Cary Medical Center
163 Van Buren Road
Caribou, ME 04736
207.498.6921
Houlton Fire and Ambulance
97 Military St
Houlton, ME 04730
207-532-1320
Cumberland County Piscataquis County
Woodford’s Family Services
15 Saunders Way, Suite 900
Westbrook, ME 04062
207.878.9663
Mayo Regional Hospital
897 West Main Street
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
207.564.4292
Gorham Fire Department
270 Main Street
Gorham, ME 04038
[email protected]
Midcoast Hospital
331 Maine St. Suite #23
Brunswick, ME 04011
207-402-0770
[email protected]
Franklin County Sagadahoc County
Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office
752 High Street
Bath, ME 04530
207.386.5828
Hancock County Somerset County
Bar Harbor Fire Department
37 Firefly Lane
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207.288.5533
Redington-Fairview General Hospital
46 Fairview Avenue
Skowhegan, ME 04976
207.474.5121 Ext. 427
WIC Program c/o Maine Family Planning
248 State Street, Suite 3
Ellsworth, ME 04605
207.667.5304
(Back side of the Mill Mall)
Kennebec County Waldo County
Northern Light Inland Hospital
200 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Waterville, ME 04901
207.861.3000
Southern Kennebec Child Development Corp.
337 Maine Avenue
Farmingdale, ME 04344
207.582.3110
Augusta Police Department
7 Willow Street
Augusta, ME 04330
207.626.2370
Please schedule an appointment with Sgt Anthony Drouin by phone or email ([email protected])
Knox County Washington County
Rockland Fire Department
118 Park Street
Rockland, ME 04841
207.594.0318
Down East Community Hospital
11 Hospital Drive
Machias, ME 04654
207.255.0481
Calais Fire/EMS
312 North Street
Calais, ME 04619
207.454.7400
Lincoln County York County
Kittery Police Department
200 Rogers Road
Kittery, ME 03904
207.439.1638
Biddeford Police Department
39 Alfred Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
207.282.5127
Sanford Police Department
935 Main Street
Sanford, ME 04073
207.324.9170
Kennebunk Fire Rescue
1 Summer Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
207.985.2102 ext: 1641
Beloved (an outreach of Mercy Chapel)
1861 Main St.
Sanford, ME 04073
207-651-3537
Goodwin Mills Fire Dept.
481 Goodwins Mills Road
Lyman, ME 04002
207-499-2362
*Please ask for: FF/Paramedic Sandy Staples
Wells Police Department
1563 Post Road
Wells, ME 04090
207-646-9354

Manuals and Forms for Maine CPS Program

For Child Passenger Safety Technicians and partners, the Bureau of Highway Safety provides a comprehensive manual to ensure program consistency and quality. This manual is updated annually to reflect program improvements and evolving best practices in child passenger safety. It serves as a guide for technicians and partners involved in the Maine CPS program.

You can access the 2024 CPS Manual in PDF format here: 2024 CPS Manual (PDF)

For CPS program forms, please contact the Bureau directly at 207-626-3840.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Child Passenger Safety in Maine

Finding “car seat programs near me” in Maine is a crucial step for ensuring your child’s safety on the road. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, through its partnerships and certified technicians, offers valuable resources to income-eligible families. By understanding the eligibility requirements and utilizing the provided location directory and Help Me Grow Maine resources, you can easily access the support needed to properly secure your child in a car seat. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the listed locations or Help Me Grow to schedule an appointment and take advantage of these essential car seat programs. Your child’s safety is worth the effort, and these programs are here to help.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *