The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a critical program with a long history of bipartisan support and a track record of success that provides quality, affordable health care coverage to children from low-income households, who don’t meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid.1,2 CHIP ensures these Maine kids can access the health care they need to stay on track to become healthy, successful adults.
January 6, 2020The census is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau every ten years. The data collected is then used to allocate federal funding to states and municipalities, as well as to determine congressional representation. For this reason, a complete and accurate census is critical for our country and for our state. It will shape the lives of our youngest children at the most critical points in their development - now and for the next ten years to come.
July 8, 2019Connect to your future with MaineSpark. Their powerful network of organizations share a common goal: by 2025, 60% of Mainers will hold education and workforce credentials that position Maine and its families for success. No matter what path you choose for your own future, they are here to connect you.
July 6, 2009Fifteen years ago, we both joined a group of visionary people who were committed to strengthening child advocacy inMaine. Our vision became a reality when we incorporated theMaine Children’s Alliance and Ellie Goldberg, our first President and CEO, joined us in a windowless one-room office in Portland. We have come a long way since then.
September 16, 2022These data represent demographic and geographic considerations of communities in Maine, for use during MCA's 2022 Children's Convention.
March 13, 2024Learn more about the work the Maine Chidren's Alliance is doing right now to advocate for what children, youth, and families in Maine need to thrive.
November 17, 2022MCA’s advocacy, relationships with policymakers, education, and coalition work moved forward many priority policies and investments to improve the well-being of Maine children and families.
February 4, 2021As we look toward the new legislative session and a challenging biennial budget, we are committed to elevating the voice of Maine children and families who, perhaps now more than ever, are counting on state leaders and policymakers to take action.
December 16, 2021In the second regular session of the 130th Maine Legislature, MCA is committed to elevating the voices and interests of Maine children and families. Our priorities cross issue areas and target carried-over bills, implementation of recently enacted legislation, and administrative action in key areas of child and family well-being. State recovery efforts and investments should help strengthen families with the greatest need and bolster critical services and programs that support them.
May 19, 2022Maine ranks 12th in the nation on measures of child well-being following improvements in community and family health, according to a new report. The 2023 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation cited a slight drop in the number of children living in high-poverty areas in Maine, and fewer kids living in single-parent households. But a lack of affordable and accessible child care continues to affect families statewide. Helen Hemminger, research and Kids Count associate for the Maine Children's Alliance, said even those who can afford child care may not be able to find it.
May 4, 2023The Maine Children’s Alliance recently released the 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book on the well-being of Maine children and families. Feedback from across the state and political spectrum has been clear and consistent, and the data are sobering. Approximately 34,000 Maine children live in poverty. Child maltreatment is high. Maine youth are facing unprecedented mental health issues. Significant disparities persist across indicators when disaggregated by income, race and ethnicity, geography and other factors.