AUGUSTA – Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, introduced two proposals on Friday that would strengthen Maine’s child abuse prevention and family support services.
“We all care deeply about the safety and well-being of Maine children,” said Meyer, a registered nurse and the House chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. “When we provide better, earlier support for families, we strengthen child safety and prevent the need for more intensive and, frankly, traumatic state child welfare agency intervention. This is better for kids, their families and the overall prosperity of our state.”
LD 1061 provides funding to strengthen Maine’s Child Abuse Prevention Councils, which work to support families across the state through education, support groups, resource navigation and more. The Prevention Councils act as the lead entity in each county focused on strengthening families to keep children safe, bringing together various partners to strengthen the overall community of support around families.
The other proposal, LD 1060, provides one-time funding for Be There for ME, an online resource hub and communications campaign that was developed as one way to implement the state’s Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan. BeThereforME.org offers messages of support that parenting is universally difficult, encourages seeking help, and provides some places to start to access support.
“Too often, parents face stigma and fear in reaching out for the help they and their families need. This represents a significant barrier to ensuring they can get the support they need – when they need it – to care for themselves and their children. Both the Maine Prevention Councils and the Be There for ME campaign are doing critically important work to reduce stigma and increase connection,” said Meyer.
“Being a parent is hard. It doesn’t come with instructions, and too many families are left navigating the experience of parenting alone, without social support or connection to resources to help them along the way. If we want kids to be safe and supported, we need to invest in their parents and their ability to provide that safety and stability,” said Melissa Hackett, coordinator for the Maine Child Welfare Action Network. “These bills represent a significant opportunity to invest upstream in keeping children safe by keeping families strong.”
Meyer is serving her fourth term in the Maine House. She represents Eliot and parts of both Kittery and South Berwick.
If you are a parent or caregiver who needs support, you can find resources at BeThereforME.org or by connecting with your local Prevention Council.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Meyer) | 305-965-2744