I wish I had more than prayers to offer. I imagine you are extremely scared and angry right now, sopwith...
Keep in mind, that I am not a lawyer, or a social worker, and I have no knowledge of the specific laws in Maine... However, I would definitely try to get in contact with Social Services, and the caseworker that has been assigned to your granddaughter’s case.
I don’t know if you will be able to do so (not knowing your situation right now), but you can speak to them about the possibility of granting you temporary custody, or placing her with another family member instead of in a foster home while the investigation is ongoing. Of course, speaking to a lawyer first, might be advisable, and it looks like you’ve already started that process.
Anyway, I will be saying prayers for your family.
I did a little digging - I don’t know if these links will help you or not, or if you’ve already searched the Maine CPS website, but here are two links that might help you to know what rights you may have, and how Maine investigates these cases (I didn’t read through this information, just felt like spending a few minutes to help you find information that may be relevant).
Handbook for Parents - Describes rights parents have during a Child Abuse and Neglect Assessment:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/handbook.html
Overview of Child Protection - an overview of the procedure followed when investigating allegations of child abuse, neglect or exploitation.
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/protection.shtml
Also, you may have more rights under the Grandparent’s Visitation Act;
Please see the following page;
Legal Services for the Elderly (Free Legal Services for Maine Residents
http://www.mainelse.org/kyr/grandparent_visitation.htm
EXCERPT from the above webpage:
Case 1: My grandchild is the subject of a child protection order
If your grandchild is removed from home under a “protection order”, you have the right to ask to see your grandchild and that the child be placed with you.
You can write a letter to the judge or show up at a court hearing and ask to be included in the case. You can do this yourself but it may be better to have an attorney do it for you. The judge will look at many things, the most important being what is in the “best interests of the child”. Call us if you want to discuss your concerns with a free lawyer.
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Call our free Hotline to talk to a lawyer: 1-800-750-5353
I hope this helps.