Maine’s 2024 Child Welfare Annual Report cites substance use, mental health challenges and a number of other family stressors as negatively affecting child safety.
child welfare
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Mixed reaction to changes in Medicaid services for children with disabilities
After supporters raised an alarm, the Maine DHHS altered rules involving services for disabled children, fixing ‘what would have been some of the biggest threats to services,’ one advocate said.
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Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
16 years, 17 homes: Chelsea killings show flaws in Maine’s child welfare system
Family members raised concerns about the teen’s mental health for years. The state wouldn’t, or couldn’t, help.
Posted inMaine, News
Child welfare bill dies when Maine lawmakers adjourn before taking final votes
Advocates made a last push for a measure to give the Government Oversight Committee access to confidential records but the Senate’s vote to adjourn ended the effort.
Posted inMaine, News
Child welfare reform pushed by Maine lawmakers remains in limbo
After a session with mixed results on efforts to protect children, some lawmakers make a push for access to child protective records.
Posted inMaine, News
Number of children in Maine in state custody continues to drop
A state official credits the decline in part to a renewed focus on preventing abuse and neglect.
Posted inMaine, News
Committee recommends Maine create new agency to oversee child services
The Office of the Child Advocate would replace the current ombudsman program.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Bangor mom pleads guilty to manslaughter in 10-year-old son’s death
Braxtyn Smith died in 2024 after what authorities described as months of violent abuse at the hands of his parents and grandmother, all of whom were charged with depraved indifference murder.
Posted inMaine, News
Number of Maine children in state custody hits 4-year low after rising for years
The total of kids removed because of suspected abuse or neglect has fallen steadily after reaching its highest level in 20 years last summer. State officials say the trend is evidence that its embattled child welfare system is turning a corner.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
A better model for child welfare in Maine | Opinion
We need to commit to a type of child welfare that empowers and uplifts families.