Senate president calls for investigation into DHHS’ handling of Kennedy case

AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau is calling for an investigation into DHHS’ handling of the Kennedy case.

In a press release sent out Thursday night, the Senate President’s Office said Mainers "need to know that child abuse reports are not falling on deaf ears."

Senate President Thibodeau, according to the release, is asking Gov. Paul LePage to investigate the Department of Health and Human Services following reports the department had been notified about child abuse reports prior to the death of 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy.

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“Reports in the aftermath of the tragic death of Marissa Kennedy have brought into question [DHHS]' handling of child abuse cases,” the Republican said. "The people of Maine need to have confidence that when serious cases of child abuse and neglect are reported those reports are fully investigated."

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Thibodeau went on to say he implores Gov. LePage to fully investigate the state agency's actions and provide the state legislature and the public a report of his findings.

Letter from Senate President Thibodeau to Gov. LePage regarding death of Marissa Kennedy by NEWSCENTER26 on Scribd

Mike Thibodeau is a Republican candidate in the 2018 Maine gubernatorial election.