AUGUSTA – The Maine House and Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance a measure by Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would create a state advocate for children. The vote was 148-0 in the House and 35-0 in the Senate.
LD 1893 would establish an independent Office of the Child Advocate in state government. The office would be empowered to 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.”
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. Under current law, 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 right now, its work is 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.”
“We know that making smart investments during childhood pays big dividends by laying a strong foundation for the future,” said Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, a cosponsor of the bill. “Establishing a dedicated child advocate will ensure that what is best for kids is always top of mind for state officials as they make decisions on policies that affect young people and therefore shape our shared future.”
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 faces additional votes in the House and Senate.
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.
Mathieson is serving her third term in the Maine House representing Kittery and is House chair of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Gramlich, Mathieson) | 305-965-2744