AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that creates a state advocate for children takes effect Wednesday.
LD 1893 establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate in state government. Once operational, the office will receive and investigate complaints, share information with the public, and advise the governor and state lawmakers on how to improve services and protections for children.
“The principle behind this bill is simple: All children deserve an independent, dedicated voice focused solely on advocating for their best interest,” said Gramlich. “Kids can’t advocate for themselves. They rely on adults to protect and care for them. By establishing the Office of the Child Advocate, we can ensure every child who interacts with state systems has a voice whose only job is to look out for them.”
The new law directs the governor to appoint an interim child advocate, who will oversee the establishment of the new office, by Oct. 1, 2026. It also creates an advisory committee to help guide the work of the Office of the Child Advocate.
Gramlich worked for more than a year with stakeholders to develop the proposal, which builds on the work of the state’s existing Child Welfare Services Ombudsman. The ombudsman is charged with promoting the best interests of children involved with state child welfare services.
“The existing ombudsman plays a critically important role in protecting children’s rights and safety, but its work has been limited to cases already involving state child protective services,” said Gramlich. “The Office of the Child Advocate will preserve and expand the work of the ombudsman. Its mandate will cut across programs and agencies, overcoming artificial barriers that can hamper efficiency and effectiveness.”
Research shows that programs and policies that support children’s safety, growth and development make communities healthier, more economically prosperous and even promote public safety.
LD 1893 was previously approved unanimously by state lawmakers. The vote was 148-0 in the House and 35-0 in the Senate. It was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on April 16.
Under Maine law, LD 1893 and other new laws passed by a majority of the Legislature become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the legislative session.
Gramlich is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach. A longtime licensed master social worker, she currently serves as the assistant House majority leader.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Gramlich) | 305-965-2744