Maine may revitalize program to counsel families of at-risk children

The state's 'functional family therapy' program would hire dozens of new counselors to help families prevent problems.

Wiscasset woman to appeal murder conviction in death of 4-year-old girl

Shawna Gatto was found guilty in April of murdering 4-year-old Kendall Chick and was sentenced in June to 50 years in prison.

Reports of child abuse in Maine spiked 26 percent in 2018, driven by 2 high-profile cases

State child welfare officials say the increase was spurred in part by increased awareness following the deaths of 2 girls.

Since 2007, 18 children have been killed in Maine homes being monitored by the state

Another 34 deaths that were ruled accidental or of natural causes occurred in homes where abuse or neglect was substantiated.

Shawna Gatto is sentenced to 50 years for murder of 4-year-old Kendall Chick

Gatto was convicted in April of subjecting the girl in her care to what a judge called 'outrageous, revolting, shocking and brutal' abuse.

Husband and wife charged with killing 10-year-old girl will have separate trials

The judge also denies a motion to suppress statements the mother of Marissa Kennedy made to police about daily abuse.

Mills amends budget to include 33 more caseworkers to protect vulnerable kids

The state's system for protecting children has come under fire since two young girls died in 2017 and 2018.

DHHS says it’s making child protection reforms while seeking ‘buy-in’ from staff

Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and child welfare director Todd Landry tell lawmakers they need support from frontline workers to fix flaws in a system that contributed to the deaths of 2 children.

Watchdog committee reviews options for reforms in Maine’s child protection system

Paul LePage urges people to report suspected child abuse