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PublishedSeptember 1, 2024
Number of Maine children in state custody rises to 20-year high
There are 468 more children in protective custody now than 6 years ago, when state officials faced fresh scrutiny in the wake of 2 high-profile child deaths. What's driving the increase?
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PublishedJuly 31, 2024
Instances of Maine children ingesting marijuana have quadrupled since 2020
The state data drew questions and concerns from lawmakers and officials about whether enough is being done to keep cannabis products out of the hands of children.
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PublishedMay 5, 2024
‘Secret courts and secret decisions’: Calls for transparency in Maine’s child welfare system
Do confidentiality rules protect children and their families, or shield government agencies from public scrutiny?
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PublishedMay 2, 2024
Lack of attorneys keeps parents waiting in child removal cases
Parents are supposed to have 10 to 14 days to respond to accusations, but instead are sometimes waiting weeks or months while their children are placed elsewhere.
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PublishedApril 23, 2024
Proposal for separate child welfare department dies after Maine House fails to take action
The measure passed the Senate in a bipartisan 22-8 vote but was never taken up in the House. 'We could have at least had the conversation,' said the bill's sponsor.
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PublishedApril 3, 2024
Frustrated lawmakers back proposal to create a separate child welfare department
A proposal for a new Department of Child and Family Services wins strong support in the Maine Senate amid efforts to reform the state's troubled child welfare system, but the Mills administration wants the idea studied first.
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PublishedMarch 2, 2024
Bangor 10-year-old suffered months of abuse before his death, police say
Braxtyn Smith was zip tied, injured and denied food, court records state. His mother, father and grandmother are charged with depraved indifference murder in the Feb. 18 killing.
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PublishedFebruary 23, 2024
Maine fails to meet federal standards when returning at-risk children to their families, watchdog report says
OPEGA's report highlights another symptom of a child welfare system that suffers from high vacancies, heavy caseloads and a lack of community services for families struggling with mental health and substance use issues.
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PublishedJanuary 26, 2024
New child welfare chief aims to prioritize input from caseworkers, front-line workers
Bobbi Johnson, who took over the beleaguered system this month, answered questions from lawmakers on the Government Oversight Committee on Friday.
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PublishedDecember 24, 2023
Maine foster families say pressures are overwhelming
Problems in the state's child welfare system are spilling over into the foster care network, leading to a decline in licensed homes and adding more strain to other front-line workers trying to keep Maine children safe.
Child welfare
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