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.
