Maine should establish an independent Office of the Child Advocate to ensure children’s rights and needs are protected across state government, according to Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, a longtime social worker and fourth-term state representative. Gramlich has worked for over a year with advocates and stakeholders to draft LD 1893, legislation that would create this dedicated agency.
Current Gaps in Child Advocacy
“All children deserve to be safe, healthy and cared for, and to have access to an education that meets their individual needs,” Gramlich said. “But for too many young Mainers, that is simply not the case.” As a social worker, Gramlich hears stories daily: Maine kids are sent out-of-state for mental health care because the state doesn’t offer appropriate treatment options; young children with disabilities are stuck on waiting lists for services; and youth end up involved with the criminal justice system because they didn’t receive needed support.
The proposal builds on the work of the state’s existing Child Welfare Services Ombudsman, a critically important role in protecting children’s safety and rights, but one limited to cases involving state child protective services. The Office of the Child Advocate would preserve and expand this work with a mandate that cuts across programs and agencies, overcoming barriers that hamper efficiency and effectiveness.
Proposed Agency Functions
The office would receive and investigate complaints, share information with the public, and advise policymakers—including the governor and state lawmakers—on how to center the best interests of Maine kids in every decision made. Over the last seven years, Maine has made important progress, including funding 55% of K-12 public education, providing free breakfast and lunch in public schools, creating a statewide paid family and medical leave program, and bolstering access to child care.
“All of us have a profound responsibility to the children in our communities,” Gramlich said. “Kids can’t advocate for themselves. They rely on adults to protect and care for them.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/10/opinion/opinion-contributor/maine-children-deserve-a-dedicated-voice-to-advocate-for-them-joam40zk0w/