AUGUSTA, Maine — On Tuesday, officials from the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of Maine announced they have reached a settlement aimed at enhancing community-based behavioral health services for children.

This agreement follows a lawsuit initiated by the Justice Department earlier this year, which claimed that Maine was unjustly isolating children with behavioral health disabilities within institutions. The investigators noted that these practices were in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as they limited the children’s rights to remain in close contact with their families.

As part of the settlement, Maine is mandated to implement changes designed to support children in staying with their families or foster care, rather than being sent to emergency departments or institutionalized. Additionally, the settlement emphasizes the importance of assisting children in transitioning out of institutions and receiving the necessary services within their homes.

Maine Governor Janet Mills highlighted her administration’s commitment to improving children’s behavioral health services, noting that the state and the Maine Legislature have allocated $260 million towards these enhancements. She pointed out a significant reduction in the number of Maine children receiving residential treatment, dropping from 290 to 192 for in-state services and from 250 to 69 for out-of-state treatment.

This settlement marks a pivotal step towards ensuring that children with behavioral health challenges in Maine receive equitable care and support in their communities, promoting their well-being and family unity.