Baer v. Commissioner, Maine Department of Human Services

[¶ 1] Barbara Baer appeals from a judgment of the Superior Court, (Kennebec County, Hjelm, J.) affirming a decision of the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Human Services ordering Baer to reimburse the Department $11,606 paid to her in adoption assistance. We affirm the judgment.

[¶ 2] In May 1994, Baer adopted Thomas, a ward of the Department. Prior to the adoption, the Department and Baer entered into an Agreement for Adoption Assistance. The Adoption Assistance Program, established by federal and state law, is designed to provide financial and other benefits to a family adopting a…