ORONO - Proposed cuts in Maine's stipends to foster parents would prompt many of them to stop taking displaced children into their homes, state officials were told.

At a meeting Thursday, about 150 parents from seven counties expressed frustration with proposals they say would undercut their ability to look after needy children whose biological parents cannot or will not care for them.

James Beougher, director of the state's Office of Child and Family Services, said the cuts are the result of a projected $5.2 million shortfall in the child welfare program linked to lower-than-expected tax revenues.

Foster parents who care for the roughly 2,170 children in state guardianship now receive between $16.50 and $70 per day, depending on the amount of care the child requires. The proposed new scale, slated to take effect July 1, would top out at $52 a day for high-level "treatment foster care."

Beougher maintained that the reduced rates are in line with those paid in many other states.

"I am truly sorry and saddened if some of you should choose not to foster any more children," he said. "But all around the country, people are fostering and adopting at the rates that were proposed in the supplemental budget."

Parents said Maine has higher living costs, pointing specifically to heating bills, gasoline for traveling long distances and taxes. Some said they would probably continue to care for foster children despite the cuts, but about half of those present indicated they would refuse any new placements if the new rates are implemented.

Also affected by the cuts would be families who legally adopt children with special needs. Those families now receive up to $30 a day for counseling, supervision and other support services, a ceiling that would be cut to $21.

The state also has proposed reducing or eliminating extra pay for support services such as respite care, day care, recreational activities and other expenses.

The lower room and board payments are projected to save $2.6 million a year, while the cuts in pay for support services are pegged at $1.4 million.