She restored her agency’s fiscal health as DHHS commissioner for Gov. LePage, but critics say she also tore a hole in the social services safety net.
maine department of health and human services
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine DHHS urges pot users to keep drug away from children
The Northern New England Poison Center received 16 calls for accidental marijuana ingestion in 2017, up from 2 such calls in 2016, and Maine officials believe edible forms of the drug present the greatest risk.
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Posted inMaine Voices, Op-Eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: Parents of the intellectually disabled have reason to fear our social service system
The state of Maine has a well-documented history of abuse and neglect in its policies and practices.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Judge hears arguments in Medicaid expansion lawsuit as applicants get denied
Lawyers for Maine Equal Justice Partners tell Justice Michaela Murphy that the LePage administration should have implemented expansion by July 2, but the administration’s attorney contends the Legislature must fund the measure first.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature passes LePage’s package of reforms to Maine’s child protection system
One bill de-emphasizes family reunification, a win for the governor, and others allot more than $21 million to add as many as 40 positions in the DHHS and increase pay for caseworkers.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers back several LePage bills to fix flaws in child protection system, but not others
A committee recommends adding staff, raising wages and giving caseworkers more access to police records, but rejects shifting the system’s focus away from family reunification. Votes on the bills are expected Thursday.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage’s proposed reforms to child protection system get mixed reaction at hearing
Bills to increase investment in caseworkers and foster families get support before a legislative committee, but lawmakers also hear complaints about systemic problems that have worsened because of the erosion in social services.
Posted inMaine Voices, Op-Eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: Laws already on the books to protect abused kids should be reviewed
Mandatory reporters, when properly trained, can help bring abuse and neglect to authorities’ attention.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
As critics question LePage’s plan to overhaul child protection system, its cost is pegged at $21 million
Bills submitted by the governor call for a series of changes, winning some praise but also drawing skepticism that extensive reforms are really needed.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage submits bills to overhaul Maine’s troubled system for protecting children
The proposals include adding 18 positions, raising workers’ pay and reducing the emphasis on family reunification, but the overall cost of the reforms remains unclear.