Across our nation, reform of Child Protective Services is happening one step at a time.

I agree that child abuse has become a public health issue. I also believe that reform of services provided is in order. A checks-and-balance system is needed, especially for those who have the power to take your children.

I recently learned, at an information meeting for prospective foster parents, that about 30 percent of children removed from their family actually get returned; 94 percent of foster homes adopt. This is startling.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine has received bonus awards for children adopted out of the public welfare system. These bonuses are a part of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. The going rate is $4,000 per child adopted and $6,000 per child adopted with special needs. These bonuses are awarded to states that exceed the adoptions from the previous year. The state of Maine baseline in 1999 was 203; the year 2000 baseline, 405. That’s almost a 100 percent increase in the course of a year. Maine received a bonus award of $377,319. That’s a lot of money. That’s a lot of children.

Raising public awareness to prevent child abuse is a great idea. It’s also a great idea to make sure that those employed, contracted or paid by state run agencies know how to do their jobs.

Michelle Noyes, Auburn

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