News

Lawmakers Vote to Keep Child Abuse Prevention Program

Lawmakers Vote to Keep Child Abuse Prevention Program

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine House has voted to save a child abuse prevention program that the governor planned to eliminate.

The Portland Press Herald reports the bill to save the $2.2 million Community Partnerships for Protecting Children program passed Tuesday with bipartisan support. The bill will continue funding through Jan. 31 after the new governor takes over.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s office had planned to end the program in September, saying the state’s existing child abuse and neglect councils provide similar services. The governor had experienced abuse as a child.

The program started in Portland during the mid-2000s and has since expanded to several communities in southern Maine as well as Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor and Belfast.

The bill is now on its way to the Senate.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Trending, World

Melissa strengthens to a Category 5 hurricane and is forecast to make landfall in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 5 strength Monday as it neared Jamaica, where forecasters said it would unleash catastrophic flooding, multiple landslides and extensive infrastructure damage.

4 hours ago in Local

Maine Wood Carvers Grow Worrisome of Dying Craft

Wood carvers in Maine are worried that their historical craft is on the decline.

10 hours ago in Local

Missing Hancock County Woman Found Safe

Hancock County deputies say Alison Macleod suffers from cognitive issues.

17 hours ago in Local

Otisfield Man Charged After Woman Shot in Hand

Oxford County deputies say they were called to a report of a person who had been shot.

18 hours ago in Local

Owl Rescued on Lake West of Augusta

Officers say they found the barred owl along Annabessacook Lake Saturday morning.