Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is paramount, and proper car seat usage is a critical aspect of this. For families in Maine who are income eligible, accessing a car seat can be made easier through the state’s free car seat program. This initiative provides vital resources and support, helping to protect children on the road. If you’re looking for a Free Car Seat Program Near Me in Maine, this guide will provide you with the essential information and resources you need to find assistance.
Understanding the Maine Free Car Seat Program
The Bureau of Highway Safety in Maine is dedicated to improving child passenger safety across the state. In partnership with various locations, they offer a program that allows eligible families to receive car seats at no cost. This program is designed to ensure that all children, regardless of their family’s financial situation, have access to safe and appropriate car seats. Certified car seat technicians are available at these partner locations to assist families through appointments, providing not just the car seats but also crucial education on correct installation and usage.
Eligibility Requirements for Free Car Seats
To participate in the free car seat program, families must meet specific income eligibility and residency criteria. It’s important to gather the necessary documentation before scheduling an appointment.
Income Eligibility: You must be able to provide visual proof of participation in one of the following programs:
- eWIC card
- Letter from MaineCare indicating program participation
- Letter from the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) agency confirming current program participation. Alternatively, a recent dated letter from either agency discussing your participation is also acceptable.
Maine Residency Verification: In addition to income eligibility, you need to demonstrate proof of Maine residency. Please provide non-expired, visual proof from one of the following categories:
Primary Residency Documents (Preferred):
- State of Maine Driver’s License
- State of Maine Identification Card
- Maine Tribal Identification
Secondary Residency Documents (If Primary Documents are Unavailable):
If you cannot provide a primary residency document, you may use one of the following:
- Letter of Refugee Resettlement by Catholic Charities (must be accompanied by the Refugee’s photo and I-94 number)
- Fostering license/certification
- High School Photo Identification card
- Current utility bill with your name and matching address
- Current mail with your name and address
- Current Rental agreement or mortgage paper with your name and address
Note for Pregnant Teens: Pregnant teenagers who are too young to obtain a driver’s license will need a family member to bring a vehicle to the car seat distribution appointment.
Important Appointment Information:
- Appointment Only: This service is available strictly by appointment.
- Plan Ahead: Be aware that there may be a waiting period to secure an appointment with a certified technician.
- Child’s Presence Required: Your child must be present at the appointment.
- Expecting Families: For expectant parents, appointments can be scheduled no earlier than one month before the baby’s due date.
To schedule your appointment, call the distribution location directly and ask to speak with the Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Due to potential waiting lists, it is strongly advised to plan and call in advance.
How to Find a Free Car Seat Program Location Near Me
Help Me Grow Maine is a key resource for families seeking car seat assistance. They coordinate with multiple distribution locations across Maine for both car seat distribution and inspection appointments.
If you require a car seat distribution or inspection, the easiest first step is to contact Help Me Grow directly. Email them at [email protected] with your name, phone number, and the town you live in. Help Me Grow Maine can assist you directly or guide you to the nearest distributor.
You can also find direct contact information for distribution sites organized by county in the table below. These locations include hospitals, fire departments, and various family service organizations.
| 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 |
Additional Resources and Information
The Bureau of Highway Safety is continuously working to enhance its Child Passenger Safety Program. They provide resources and guidelines to ensure program quality and effectiveness.
For detailed information, the Child Passenger Safety program manual is available as a guide for CPS Technicians and Partners. This manual is updated annually to reflect program improvements and policy changes.
For CPS Forms, please contact the Bureau directly at 207-626-3840.
Prioritizing child passenger safety is an investment in your child’s well-being and future. Take advantage of the resources available to ensure they are always riding safely.
Conclusion
Finding a free car seat program near me in Maine is possible and readily accessible for eligible families. By understanding the eligibility requirements and knowing where to find your local distribution centers, you can take proactive steps to protect your child while traveling. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Help Me Grow Maine or directly contact a location in your county to schedule an appointment. Ensure your child’s safety today by utilizing these valuable community resources.
