Recommendations

In the first regular session of the 131st Maine Legislature, MCA is committed to elevating the voices and interests of Maine children and families. Our priorities cross issue areas, involve new legislation, the implementation of recently enacted legislation, and administrative action in key areas of child and family well-being. State investments should prioritize strengthening families with the greatest needs and bolstering the critical services and programs that support them.

Maine has an obligation and an opportunity right now to engage in a transformation of the child welfare system. Reforms cannot be limited to the state child welfare agency. Our state can prevent future tragedies by building a child well-being and family strengthening system that reduces the strain on the child protective system.

Since the onset of COVID-19 in our state, Maine families have faced unprecedented health and economic challenges related to the ongoing pandemic and resulting economic downturn. Even as Mainers are being vaccinated and leaders are looking toward economic recovery, we witness the ongoing need for relief. We appreciate the work of Congress to provide support through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Now leaders in communities across our state have a unique opportunity to utilize these funds to strengthen and stabilize families.

MaineAEYC, FCCAM, Maine Children’s Alliance, Maine Head Start Directors Association, and the YMCAs of Maine are committed to the health and wellbeing of young children and all who care for, educate, and work on their behalf. We are writing to request clear guidance from the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) to licensed child care programs regarding emergency funding and policies that can help providers and the families they serve remain financially stable during and after the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.