An AP News report highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring timely family visits for children entering Maine’s child welfare system. The state requires visits between parents and children within seven days of removal, yet in many cases, those first moments of reconnection are delayed for weeks or even months. Says Aidan Bohlander, LICSW, PhD, Outreach manager for Safe Babies, "When a baby is separated from their parents, that separation alone is stressful, even when it’s meant to keep them safe. That’s why frequent, early family time is so important. The first supervised visit isn’t just a procedural step. It’s a lifeline that helps preserve those early bonds essential for lifelong healthy development." These early visits matter. Separation is inherently stressful for babies and young children, even when it’s meant to keep them safe. Frequent, consistent family time is a powerful step towards healing. Each visit helps babies and parents rebuild trust, strengthen attachment, and move closer to reunification. Safe Babies works with courts, child welfare agencies, and community partners to design systems that make these early connections possible. Read the article: https://bit.ly/4o4IgCi Learn more about our Safe Babies program: https://bit.ly/3XDO1g8
Currently retired
3dThey need to train volunteers and vet them to help these families because there’s not enough social workers in the system. This has been going on for years so they need an alternative or they have to have like doctors have another level between a licensed social worker and a volunteer someone who is maybe has a little less training, but can’t be certified in this area there are solutions.