A new report from the agency’s Office of Child and Family Services recommends 33 additional caseworkers, on top of 33 already funded by the Legislature, to handle a growing volume of abuse and neglect reports.
child abuse
Maine may revitalize program to counsel families of at-risk children
The state’s ‘functional family therapy’ program would hire dozens of new counselors to help families prevent problems.
Our View: To keep kids safe, focus on the real dangers
A probation office in Portland does not pose a special risk to children, and it does perform a vital civil function.
Wiscasset woman to appeal murder conviction in death of 4-year-old girl
Shawna Gatto was found guilty in April of murdering 4-year-old Kendall Chick and was sentenced in June to 50 years in prison.
Reports of child abuse in Maine spiked 26 percent in 2018, driven by 2 high-profile cases
State child welfare officials say the increase was spurred in part by increased awareness following the deaths of 2 girls.
Our View: Human rights abuses at the border must end
Congress cannot show more patience with an administration willing to inflict pain on people who have done us no wrong.
Our View: Build a better child welfare system – finally
The attention the system gets after a high-profile case should not be allowed to fade.
Since 2007, 18 children have been killed in Maine homes being monitored by the state
Another 34 deaths that were ruled accidental or of natural causes occurred in homes where abuse or neglect was substantiated.
Shawna Gatto is sentenced to 50 years for murder of 4-year-old Kendall Chick
Gatto was convicted in April of subjecting the girl in her care to what a judge called ‘outrageous, revolting, shocking and brutal’ abuse.
Husband and wife charged with killing 10-year-old girl will have separate trials
The judge also denies a motion to suppress statements the mother of Marissa Kennedy made to police about daily abuse.