AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- The Maine Legislature's government watchdog committee voted unanimously Friday to investigate what led to the the deaths of two children over the past three months, and whether the Department of Health and Human Services handled those cases properly.
The Government Oversight Committee vote is in response to questions from legislators and members of the public, all demanding answers.
There are multiple reports that police and school officials had contacted DHHS multiple times about abuse against 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy of Stockton Springs, who died nearly two weeks ago after police say she was repeated beaten at her home. In December, 4-year-old Kendall Chick died after being beaten in her home in Wiscasset. Gov. Paul LePage confirmed this week that DHHS had been involved with both children prior to their deaths.
The committee vote directs OPEGA, the Legislature's office for investigations, to conduct a "rapid response" probe into how DHHS, police and schools handled the two cases. That investigation is to be completed by early May.
Lawmakers also asked for a more thorough investigation into the child protective system, and whether changes are needed in laws or programs to prevent future deaths.