A recent report called the Kids Count data book highlights concerning trends in child maltreatment in Maine. According to the 2023 data, 19 out of every 1000 children in Maine face abuse or neglect. In 2020 alone, 4,263 children in Maine experienced abuse, marking an increase from 3,286 in 2017.
The report points out that the problem is more prominent in rural parts of the state. Helen Hemminger from the Maine Children’s Alliance expressed concern, stating that Maine had the highest rate of child maltreatment in the nation in 2020.
Child welfare advocates stress the importance of stable relationships and environments for children’s health and development. They note that children lacking these stability factors are more likely to face mental and physical health challenges and have a higher risk of homelessness in the future.
In 2021, Somerset and Waldo Counties had the highest rates of child abuse and neglect in the state, affecting nearly 30 out of every 1000 children. Melissa Hackett from the Maine Child Welfare Action Network explained that issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, and economic factors contribute to these high numbers.
Compared to rural areas, Cumberland County reported a lower rate, with 8 out of every 1000 children facing abuse. Hackett emphasized that access to services is crucial, but these resources, like domestic violence support services, may not be as accessible in rural counties. However, the state is actively working to improve this situation.
Governor Janet Mills proposed a biennial budget of $237 million to address these challenges and enhance resources. Mills acknowledged the impact of the drug epidemic on the safety and welfare of young children. Last year, 692 children in Maine were exposed to substances in the womb, and this number, although declining, remains a significant concern.
Mills highlighted that substance use disorder is a risk factor in 53 percent of cases where a child is removed from their home. She directed the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maine Child Welfare Action Network to create a prevention plan.
Hackett mentioned that her team is actively engaging with families across the state to identify and address challenges. While DHHS did not attend the data unveiling, they emphasized the importance of Maine’s comprehensive approach to defining and responding to child maltreatment, which may contribute to the state’s higher identification rate compared to other states. Removing certain findings could align Maine’s rate more closely with the national average.
