Our project, “Unsafe Homes: Children in Peril,” put a spotlight on the issue. A legislative advocate for children is optimistic about pending reforms.

Our project, “Unsafe Homes: Children in Peril,” put a spotlight on the issue. A legislative advocate for children is optimistic about pending reforms.
The Thunder Women of the Passamaquoddy tribe aren’t just honoring ancestors, they’re healing their community and themselves.
The damage to babies and children in the state is causing mild learning disabilities, damaging neurological conditions … and deaths.
The advocates say assessments done in Maine child protective cases are not thorough and continue to leave children at risk in their homes.
Maddox Williams, born to parents battling drug and alcohol addictions, didn’t live to age 4. His mother is charged with his murder.
‘Nothing’s changed’ in the child welfare system, says a former school nurse who will never forget a 10-year-old girl who suffered so much.
Moon Machar, who arrived in Portland as a 5-year-old a quarter-century ago, has worked tirelessly to help others adjust, and a prize-winning filmmaker noticed.
Her grandson took his life. Then her daughter overdosed. “When people are crying for help, you’ve got to take them seriously,” said Rhonda McIver.
As the pandemic worsened mental health and substance use challenges statewide, a record-high 58 people died from overdoses in January. The losses have hit the Passamaquoddy tribe especially hard.
In a county with few mental health resources, community members are rallying to increase peer support and education around suicide.
Many of our stories, including some by this author, have been based on tips from readers.
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