Maine’s Foster Care Population Grew at the Fastest Rate in the Nation, Federal Data Shows

New federal data shows Maine’s foster care population grew at the fastest rate in the nation

New federal data shows that Maine’s foster care population grew at a higher rate than any other state between 2019 and 2023. A Maine Monitor analysis of data from the federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System showed…

New federal data show Maine’s foster care population grew at the fastest rate in the nation

Maine’s foster care population grew at a higher rate than any other state between 2019 and 2023, new federal data show. It was one of just six states that increased its foster care population during that five-year period, according to a Maine Monitor analysis of data from the federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). AFCARS  published data for fiscal year 2023, the most recent year for which data are available, in …

Maine’s foster care population grew at the fastest rate in the nation, federal data shows

The state's director of child and family services cited the agency's response to high profile deaths as well as a lack of attorneys to represent parents and declining support services as reasons for the increase.

Maine's foster care population grew at the fastest rate in the nation, new federal data shows

OCFS cited its response to high-profile child deaths in 2017 and 2018, a lack of attorneys to represent parents, and a dearth of support services for the growth.

Maine’s foster care population grew at the fastest rate in the nation

Photo by Stephanie McFeeters.Maine’s foster care population grew at a higher rate than any other state between 2019 and 2023, new federal data shows. It was one of just six states that increased its foster care population during that five-year period, according to a Maine Monitor analysis of data from the federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS).  AFCARS published data for fiscal year 2023, the most recent year for…