For the first time in years, there are fewer than 3,000 foster children in Maine.

AUGUSTA – While a group of parents held a Portland demonstration to call attention to children who have “disappeared” from their homes because of the state, state officials announced that the number of children in foster care has fallen in Maine.

According to the Department of Human Services, there are 2,957 children in state care, the first time in six years the number has fallen under 3,000. In 2001, the number was 3,200.

The decrease reflects a concerted effort by the Bureau of Child and Family Services to responsibly reduce the number of children in state care, said DHS Acting Commissioner John Nicholas.

DHS has come under fire for unjustly removing too many children from their homes and for not doing enough to help struggling biological parents. Led by former foster parent Mary Callahan of Lisbon, parents have organized walks and demonstrations. A daylong demonstration by “Mothers of the Disappeared” was held Monday in Portland.

According to DHS officials, court-ordered removals have been averaging 970 children each year between 1998 and 2001, compared to 938 last year. Based on monthly averages over six months, that number should continue to decline in 2004, DHS officials said.

Among the 2,957 children in foster care, 207 are between 18 and 21 who have voluntary agreements to participate in extended care.

More than 125 are older youths pursuing a post-secondary education.