AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to advance a measure by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, which would help more Maine children receive the behavioral health care they need. The vote was 7-5.
"All children deserve access to timely, effective behavioral health care," said Gramlich. "My number one priority in submitting this bill is to ensure children receive timely behavioral health care. That means all children, regardless of whether they are experiencing a difficult divorce in the family, the dissolution of their parents' relationship, domestic violence or any other trauma."
Gramlichs proposal specifically aims to ensure children are able to receive care when their parents or guardians who share parental rights disagree. As amended, LD 642 would specify that licensed behavioral health professionals may provide care to a minor with the consent of one parent or guardian without obligation to obtain consent from another parent or guardian. The bill would not prohibit the provider from informing the other parent or guardian.
At a public hearing in March, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence expressed support for Gramlichs goal of providing a clear, timely path to get kids the care they need when their parents disagree.
"This is an issue that disproportionately impacts survivors of domestic abuse and violence and their children. A parent who uses abuse and violence against the other parent or against their child will frequently block needed behavioral health services for that child particularly when that child has witnessed or themselves experienced abuse at the hands of the abusive parent," said Andrea Mancuso, public policy director of the coalition, in written testimony submitted to members of the committee. "This reality contributes to the number of children who unnecessarily struggle for years with the impact of domestic abuse and violence as well as to the generational perpetuation of domestic violence in our state."
The measure faces further votes by the full Legislature in the coming weeks.
Gramlich is a longtime social worker and public health advocate who is currently serving her second term in the Maine House. She is a member of the Taxation Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Gramlich], c. 812-1111