Lawmakers reviewing the state’s child protective agency hear testimony from front-line workers for the first time Wednesday, and their message is sobering.
department of health and human services
Posted inLocal & State
Maine’s child protection system failed to recognize risks to children, report says
The Maine Child Welfare Services Ombudsman’s annual report cites ‘substantial issues’ with more than half of the child welfare cases reviewed and a ‘downward trend in child welfare practice.’
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Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Trial to begin in beating death of Stockton Springs 3-year-old
Jessica Williams was charged with murder in the summer of 2021 in the death of her 3-year-old son Maddox, whom a judge returned to her home after he’d been removed because his sibling suffered a drug overdose.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers hear conflicting arguments on bill to ban sales of flavored tobacco products in Maine
Proponents said the ban would save lives and protect children from tobacco manufacturers’ marketing efforts, but others said a ban would simply drive consumers into New Hampshire to buy products.
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Health secretary nominee Becerra says pandemic comes first, but agenda is broader
On health insurance, Xavier Becerra pledges to work to expand the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, although in the past he’s supported a government-run health care system.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
Report highlights lingering problems in Maine’s child welfare services
An independent ombudsman’s report says caseworkers still struggle in assessing risk early in investigations and when deciding whether to reunite children with parents.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Latest coronavirus case raises new concern for Maine state workers
The largest union representing state workers questions whether enough is being done to protect them from infection.
Posted inLocal & State, News
After losing state contract, service provider blames DHHS for death of client with disability
The CEO of Residential and Community Support Services accuses the state of dropping off Norman Fisher, 62, without the insulin he needed to treat his diabetes.
Posted inLocal & State, News
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.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State
New state office building opens in Augusta
More than 500 Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Administrative and Financial Services employees will work in the building.