‘It’s a real crisis’: Treatment programs for kids with disabilities are disappearing

2024-08-15
‘It’s a real crisis’: Treatment programs for kids with disabilities are disappearing

Bridging the Gap: Maine's Efforts to Ensure Accessible Mental Health Care for Children

In the face of multiple residential treatment program closures, behavioral health care professionals in Maine are working tirelessly to secure the necessary resources and support to provide much-needed care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the state grapples with a shortage of available beds and a strained workforce, these dedicated professionals are exploring innovative solutions to address this pressing challenge and ensure that every child in need receives the comprehensive care they deserve.

Providing a Lifeline: Maine's Commitment to Mental Health for Children

The Alarming Decline in Residential Treatment Options

Maine's behavioral health care system has faced a significant setback with the recent closure of three Spurwink residential treatment programs, leaving only two such facilities in the state covered by MaineCare. This reduction in available resources has left more than 100 children in Maine waiting to be placed in residential treatment programs, with limited options to turn to. The state's current capacity of 224 residential beds, with 121 children currently placed, highlights the growing demand and the strain on the system.

The Challenges of Staffing and Funding Shortages

The closure of these programs has been a heartbreaking reality for the children, families, and staff involved. According to Spurwink President Eric Meyer, the decision to close these facilities was driven by workforce shortages and financial struggles, a challenge echoed by other behavioral health care providers in the state. Rachel Bousquet, the executive director of KidsPeace in Ellsworth, emphasizes the difficulty in maintaining adequate staffing and resources to accommodate the increasing number of referrals.

The Ripple Effect on Children's Well-being

The lack of available residential treatment options has had a profound impact on children and their families. Kelly Barton, the president of Maine Behavioral Healthcare, highlights the growing gaps in services for children with developmental disabilities, leading many to seek out-of-state care or be treated in more restrictive settings, such as hospital emergency rooms or inpatient programs. This situation not only limits the freedom of movement for these children but also fails to provide the specialized care they require.

Collaborative Efforts to Overcome the Crisis

Behavioral health professionals in Maine are working tirelessly to prevent further closures and address the underlying issues. They are collaborating with the state to secure additional funding for these essential programs, while also exploring innovative strategies to bolster the workforce. One such initiative is the partnership between KidsPeace and the University of Maine at Augusta, which offers free associate degrees in health and human services to KidsPeace staff, enabling them to provide more comprehensive services.

A Glimmer of Hope: Investing in the Future of Maine's Children

Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism among these professionals. Rachel Bousquet of KidsPeace expresses her belief in the resilience and community-driven spirit of Maine, stating, "People here in Maine are very well-known in the sense of always coming together, supporting their communities, and this is a challenge I think we can overcome." By addressing the gaps in reimbursement rates and investing in the development of their workforce, these dedicated individuals are working to ensure a brighter future for the children of Maine.As the state grapples with the aftermath of these closures, the unwavering commitment of Maine's behavioral health care professionals serves as a beacon of hope, guiding the way towards a more accessible and comprehensive mental health care system for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Article "tagged" as:

Top Articles

Related Article

2025: A Pivotal Year for the Video Game Industry

2025: A Pivotal Year for the Video Game Industry

The video game industry in 2025 is poised for a pivotal year marked by significant releases and pote
Billie Eilish Faces Object Hit During

Billie Eilish Faces Object Hit During "Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour"

Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour" isn't for object-throwing. In Glendale, she was hit with
MONEY: Tips for Older Americans to Protect Themselves Against Scams

MONEY: Tips for Older Americans to Protect Themselves Against Scams

Scammers are increasingly targeting elderly Americans, who are presumed to have more savings. To pro
Editorial: Are migrants’ sponsors stepping up? Follow the money

Editorial: Are migrants’ sponsors stepping up? Follow the money

A group of Massachusetts senators are criticizing migrant families who entered the country with the
Floral flares, utility and femininity: 5 trends from London Fashion Week we might all be wearing

Floral flares, utility and femininity: 5 trends from London Fashion Week we might all be wearing

The article highlights the key trends showcased at London Fashion Week for the upcoming spring/summe
GTA V, one of the most popular Steam Deck games, is now ‘unsupported’

GTA V, one of the most popular Steam Deck games, is now ‘unsupported’

The article discusses the recent compatibility issues between Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V and Valv
Delaware transplant recipient shines for Philadelphia team at Transplant Games in Alabama

Delaware transplant recipient shines for Philadelphia team at Transplant Games in Alabama

The article highlights the inspiring story of Onyi Kenine, a 20-year-old college student who is comp
Kojima says Death Stranding 2’s release date is decided, but he can’t reveal it

Kojima says Death Stranding 2’s release date is decided, but he can’t reveal it

Hideo Kojima, the director of Death Stranding, has revealed that the release date for Death Strandin
Video Games and Coffee Blend Creates Unique Community Event in Pageland

Video Games and Coffee Blend Creates Unique Community Event in Pageland

Pageland, S.C., hosted its first downtown video game event on Saturday, organized by Pageland Coffee
Need for food assistance increased over summer for Central Florida families

Need for food assistance increased over summer for Central Florida families

The article discusses the increased demand for food assistance in Central Florida during the summer
The Best Kids Movie On Netflix Has Been In The Top 10 For Ten Months

The Best Kids Movie On Netflix Has Been In The Top 10 For Ten Months

The article discusses the remarkable performance of the Super Mario Bros. Movie on Netflix's top 10
Mission Opera to present ‘Cold Sassy Tree’

Mission Opera to present ‘Cold Sassy Tree’

Mission Opera, a Santa Clarita-based opera company, is opening its seventh season with "Cold Sassy T
Dhruv Kapoor Opened an Innocent Fashion-Forward Playhouse for SS25

Dhruv Kapoor Opened an Innocent Fashion-Forward Playhouse for SS25

Dhruv Kapoor's Spring/Summer 2025 collection at Milan Fashion Week showcased his growth as a designe
Juneteenth in Northport group hosting fashion show, concert June 21-22

Juneteenth in Northport group hosting fashion show, concert June 21-22

The Juneteenth in Northport Committee is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth Fashion Show, a two-day e
10 summer emergency kit essentials to keep in your car

10 summer emergency kit essentials to keep in your car

This article provides a comprehensive guide on preparing an emergency car kit for the summer. It rec
Car found in offshore waters at Leddy Beach

Car found in offshore waters at Leddy Beach

According to the article, a car was found in the water at Leddy Beach in Burlington, Vermont, early
Girls tennis All-Scholastics and league All-Stars

Girls tennis All-Scholastics and league All-Stars

This article highlights the top high school girls tennis players in Massachusetts. It features All-S
Packing for Paris: What a MN Olympic athlete brings to the Games

Packing for Paris: What a MN Olympic athlete brings to the Games

Lara Dallman-Weiss, an Olympic sailor from Shoreview, Minnesota, is preparing for the upcoming Olymp
EA Sports FC 25 adds 5v5 Rush mode as Volta is removed

EA Sports FC 25 adds 5v5 Rush mode as Volta is removed

EA has announced a new 5v5 mode called "Rush" for EA Sports FC 25. The mode features fast-paced game
Hear Us Out: Angel Hair Pasta

Hear Us Out: Angel Hair Pasta

Dan Pelosi's new recipe for angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, butter, garlic, herbs, and blist