Advertisement

22 Maine Children Have Died Since 2017, State Records Show

Lewiston, Maine, March 17, 2017. (David Goldman/AP)
Lewiston, Maine, March 17, 2017. (David Goldman/AP)

Twenty-two Maine children have died since January 2017 following concerns reported to the state about their safety, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services.

At least eight kids died with open abuse or neglect cases before DHHS, the Bangor Daily News reported.

The department has provided data without identifiable information showing that seven cases had been opened 69 or fewer days before the deaths.

Four of the deaths were classified as homicides, while 13 were ruled accidents, according to the newspaper. The accidents include eight co-sleeping incidents.

Maine Child Welfare Ombudsman Christine Alberi said she was alarmed by the number of co-sleeping deaths and cases involving extensive state involvement.

She said she plans to ask the agency for more information.

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close