Education outcomes for Maine kids down sharply since 2019
June 9, 2026 - This Maine Beacon article highlights a sharp decline in educational outcomes for Maine children since 2019, raising concerns about student achievement and the need for stronger investments and supports to improve learning outcomes.
16 years, 17 homes: Chelsea killings show flaws in Maine’s child welfare system
May 10, 2026 - Dylan Tusinski of the Portland Press Herald examines gaps in Maine’s child welfare and behavioral health systems, highlighting Maine Children's Alliance Melissa Hackett’s call for greater investment in prevention, family supports, and services that address the root causes of child welfare involvement.
How to build the conditions that keep children safe
April 29, 2026 - Melissa Hackett, Maine Children's Alliance Policy Strategist, emphasizes that preventing child abuse and neglect begins with strengthening families through access to affordable housing, child care, health care, and other essential supports rather than relying primarily on child protective interventions.
Unanimous Measure Creating New Office of the Child Advocate Heads to Gov. Janet Mills’ Desk
April 16, 2026 - Maine Children’s Alliance Policy Analyst Melissa Hackett emphasized that the new office would build on existing expertise while expanding oversight to areas such as children’s behavioral health and juvenile justice, helping address broader systemic challenges rather than isolated issues.
Maine medical cannabis growers aren't required to test their products. State lawmakers may soon change that
April 6, 2026 - Maine lawmakers are considering LD 1847, which would require most medical cannabis growers to test products for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and mold and establish tracking requirements similar to those in the recreational market.
Lawmakers advance proposal to create independent office to oversee child welfare
March 25, 2026 - Maine lawmakers unanimously advanced a proposal to replace the state’s child welfare ombudsman with an independent Office of the Child Advocate empowered to investigate complaints, access confidential records, oversee services across state agencies, and recommend reforms.
Strengthening Families, Together
March 18, 2026 - The Maine Department of Health and Human Services reports that the first year of Maine’s Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan advanced a more preventive, family-centered system through economic supports, expanded health services, stronger community partnerships, and greater family and youth participation. Early indicators show increased feelings of family and community support among youth and reduced recurrence of child abuse and neglect, while housing affordability, child care access, and health coverage remain significant challenges.
Maine has a big job ahead to fill holes left by Big Beautiful Bill
March 9, 2026 - In this opinion column, Luisa S. Deprez warns that federal Medicaid and SNAP cuts under H.R. 1 could cause tens of thousands of Mainers to lose essential benefits, disproportionately harming rural communities and working families already struggling with basic costs. She urges Maine lawmakers to use the state budget to mitigate these losses and calls on residents to share their stories, use the Maine Children’s Alliance data dashboard, and advocate for policies protecting children’s health, food security, and family economic stability.
Maine Children’s Alliance hosts awards ceremony for those working with Maine kids
November 19, 2025 - HALLOWELL, Maine (WABI) - The Maine Children’s Alliance has been recognizing Champions for Children around the state for more than three decades.
Maine daycare to close after 2 years despite $250K from feds
November 7, 2025 - A child care center in Bar Harbor will close two years after it opened with help from $250,000 in federal funding, as child care options across the state diminish and become increasingly unaffordable.
Schools step in to help fill gaps in need while SNAP benefits remain uncertain
Monday, November 03, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it will partially fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November, following two federal judges' rulings that the agency must keep the program running.
Maine DOE says it is going ‘back to basics’ for teaching math and reading
Saturday, October 11th, 2025