AUGUSTA, Maine — Dozens of advocates met Tuesday in Augusta to rally to prevent child abuse in Maine, as they look toward state leaders to implement change in Maine's child welfare systems.
Hosted by nonprofit Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, founder and former Sen. Bill Diamond said the past couple of months have brought some progress, with a change in leadership at the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) as well as new reports that address the kind of change needed; one of those reports being published by Diamond’s advocate group.
"We had people tell stories about their experiences, and that’s what’s most important. I think the public can see and feel why we’re working and doing what we’re doing," Diamond said.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), alongside funding from the supplemental budget toward the Office of Child and Family Services, other significant investments like establishing onboard training and increased pay for staff are also in motion.
However, other changes, like the passage of a bill that would have separated the OCFS from DHHS that failed to see Gov. Janet Mills' desk, is something advocates say they would have liked to see come to light.
"It’s really easy to do nothing, and it takes a big effort to do something," Christine Williams of the Sebago Lakes Chamber of Commerce said, who rallied in support. "When that effort is presented to you, when solutions are presented, I wish the government would react."
Moving forward, advocates at Tuesday's rally called for more transparency within the department, to show that promises are being kept when calling for change.
Coming from Calais to speak was Superintendent Mary Anne Spearin, who said a side effect of a lack of transparency has left some of her teachers feeling uneasy when they are required to report potential signs of child abuse. At times, Spearin said, they do not receive calls back from the office on if the matter is being handled.
"We don’t know if [the system is] broken because we don’t even know what it looks like," Spearin said. "Our staff feel like they’re being abandoned. We feel like we’re sending our kids home to the unknown."
Advocates now hope lawmakers keep their concerns in mind when they return to the state house for the next legislative session.