PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The Maine union representing child protective caseworkers says that the state must improve its child welfare system by hiring more staff and strengthening the foster care system.
The Portland Press Herald reports the state employees union released such suggestions Wednesday following a survey of caseworkers across the state. The union’s other recommendations include ending forced overtime and improving technology within the agency.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage has submitted legislation addressing the child welfare system but his administration hasn’t released specifics.
Child welfare caseworkers’ workloads have spiked as call volumes increase and the LePage administration’s new policy changes require more assessments of some allegations.
A legislative watchdog is investigating Maine’s system following the deaths of 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy in February in Stockton Springs and 4-year-old Kendall Chick in December in Wiscasset.
