The deaths of several Maine children are a ‘call to action,’ said the state’s director of the Office of Child and Family Services.
maine department of health and human services
State brings in outside agency to help DHHS investigate deaths of 4 children in past month
With Maine’s child welfare system under scrutiny again, DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew says the decision to engage Casey Family Programs is a ‘call to action.’
Maine reaches settlement over alleged Disabilities Act violation
The state agrees to change the way it provides services to people with intellectual disabilities by granting exceptions to its limit on services provided in one’s own home.
Maine Senate votes to create separate child welfare agency
The proposal, which faces further votes in the Legislature, is a response to concerns that reforms are not happening quickly enough after several high-profile child-abuse deaths.
Health groups, affected families urge lawmakers to toughen Maine standards on ‘forever chemicals’
Lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on the first of multiple bills this session taking aim at the class of chemicals known as PFAS, which are the focus of growing health concerns nationwide.
Agreement reached for ending court oversight of Maine’s mental health services
The state and a group of plaintiffs have agreed on standards for services that, if met over the next year and a half, could dissolve a court order that’s been in effect since 1990.
More Maine businesses cited for pandemic-related violations
The state says the 24 ‘imminent health hazard’ citations it has issued to date are based on a lack of compliance and do not fluctuate with the prevalence of COVID-19.
Maine tax revenues ‘better than anticipated’ during COVID, but still not good
Spending on hotels, restaurants and fuel didn’t decline as much as state officials expected, helping Maine end August $34 million over budget, which is better than revenue forecasters had predicted.
Maine steps up enforcement following Millinocket-area ‘superspreader’ event
The state has issued 14 citations to businesses for noncompliance with pandemic-related guidelines since Aug. 20, compared with 2 citations beforehand.
Pandemic exacerbates crisis levels for Maine’s group homes
Providers say state state aid hasn’t sufficiently addressed the funding, reimbursement and workforce issues that existed even before COVID-19.