In a pivotal move, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Maine state officials have concluded a significant settlement aimed at expanding community-based behavioral health services for children with disabilities.
The settlement comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department earlier this year, which claimed that Maine was improperly isolating children with behavioral health disabilities in institutional settings. Such actions, according to DOJ investigators, were in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and denied these children their right to live with their families.
The agreement mandates that Maine implement changes to facilitate children staying with their families or foster families, thus evading prolonged emergency room visits and institutionalization. It further requires the state to transition children from institutional care to in-home services, promoting a more inclusive approach to their needs.
Maine Governor Janet Mills highlighted the state’s commitment to improving these services, mentioning that her administration, alongside the state legislature, has allocated $260 million towards enhancing children’s behavioral health services. This financial outlay reflects a strategic effort to substantially reduce the number of children in residential treatment.
Statistics provided by the administration indicate a notable decrease in the number of Maine children in residential treatment facilities. In-state care numbers have fallen dramatically from 290 to 192, while out-of-state care has seen a reduction from 250 to 69. These figures underscore the progress being made as a result of the settlement and state investments.
The settlement between the DOJ and Maine marks a significant step forward in ensuring that children with disabilities receive the care they need in a supportive and inclusive environment, ultimately reducing their institutionalization and enhancing their quality of life.
Source: APNews
