Policy Brief

The Maine Child Welfare Action Network (MCWAN) is a group of organizations and individuals in Maine working together to align, strengthen, and sustain efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all Maine children, youth, and families. In January 2022, MCWAN released a Framework for Child Welfare Reform that established core issue areas and challenges, and made priority action recommendations supported by data and research. The 2023 Strategic Child Welfare System Priorities build upon that framework with updated data and context.

In the second regular session of the 130^th Maine Legislature, MCA is committed to elevating the voices and interests of Maine children and families. Our priorities cross issue areas and target carried-over bills, implementation of recently enacted legislation, and administrative action in key areas of child and family well-being. State recovery efforts and investments should help strengthen families with the greatest need and bolster critical services and programs that support them.

For 25 years, MCA has promoted sound policies and best practices to make sure all Maine children have the resources and opportunity to reach their full potential from birth to adulthood. Our priority issue areas include: Early Care and Education; Health, Safety & Well-being; and Family Economic & Food Security.

This paper examines in detail both opportunities and challenges that have developed for parents in Maine as a result of decisions at the state level and as a result of some details of transitioning MaineCare to align with the Affordable Care Act.