Maine Children's Alliance

06/19/2026

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, to finally enforce the end of slavery in the westernmost rebelling state.

It is a day to honor history, celebrate Black culture and resilience, and reflect on our collective responsibility to build a more equitable future. At the Maine Children’s Alliance, this commitment is central to our work advocating for policies that support children and families across our state.

In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed on June 19th. We will reopen on Monday, June 22nd.

Wishing you a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth.

06/16/2026

For the first time, the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book includes a child well-being score in addition to state rankings. This 0-to-1,000 score makes it easier to see how outcomes for kids are changing over time.

The latest data show a mixed picture across the country. Overall child well-being declined nationally between 2019 and 2024, with education showing the largest decline. At the same time, there are signs of progress: Teen births fell 24%, and the share of children living in high-poverty neighborhoods decreased by 22%.

Learn more in this year’s Data Book: http://aecf.org/databook

06/09/2026

What do the data say about child well-being in Maine?

The 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from provides a trusted snapshot of how children and families are faring across four areas: economic well-being, education, health and family and community factors.

This year’s enhanced index helps better illustrate how outcomes for kids are changing over time — giving communities and leaders better tools to understand the progress that has been made and identify where more action is needed.

Explore the data: https://bit.ly/26DataBook-FB

06/08/2026

The 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is out now!

This annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation uses the latest national and state data to show how kids and families are doing in every state across four areas: economic well-being, education, health and family and community.

Better data helps us make better decisions. Download the full report to learn more about how kids and families are faring in your state: http://aecf.org/databook

05/25/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, the Maine Children’s Alliance invites our community to pause and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and our freedoms. Their courage and service continue to inspire our commitment to building a stronger, more equitable future for Maine’s children and families.

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26, and will respond to any messages received during the closure as promptly as possible.

Wishing you a respectful and meaningful Memorial Day from all of us at the Maine Children’s Alliance.

05/12/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at the Maine Children’s Alliance, we are recognizing the vital role mental health plays in the well-being of children, youth, and families across Maine.

Understanding the difference between *mental health* and *mental health conditions* helps us better support our communities:

• Mental health is something everyone has. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and shapes how we think, feel, and act.

• Mental health conditions are diagnosable disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. More than 50% of people will receive a diagnosis at some point in their lives.

• Good mental health and mental illness can coexist. With the right support, treatment, and community connection, children and families can thrive.

• Poor mental health does not always mean mental illness. Stress, grief, or major life transitions can affect well-being without indicating a condition.

• Caring for mental health matters. Journaling, movement, connection, and breathing exercises can make a meaningful difference.

As part of our commitment to improving child and family well-being in Maine, MCA continues to advocate for strong behavioral health services, access to care, and community-based supports.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a health care professional. You are not alone, and support is available.

05/04/2026

Leaders who represent us here in Maine and in Washington must stand up for children and families. Maine's children are counting on elected officials to ensure access to critical vaccines that protect their health and safety - and there is no time to delay.

It is up to our elected officials to cut through the noise and defend the medical information that they know to be true.

05/01/2026

We are thrilled to stand with many partners across the state today in celebrating the launch of Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave Program!

Learn more about what this means for you and your family here - https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/

04/30/2026

On this last day of Child Abuse Prevention Month, MCA is proud to share a recent Op Ed by our Policy Associate, Melissa Hackett.

"Child Abuse and Prevention Month is a reminder that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. Policymakers play a significant role, but so do communities, health care and service providers, faith groups, employers, schools, and all of us who care about the healthy development of our next generation. By supporting policies that keep families stable and support overall wellbeing, we can protect children more effectively — and build stronger communities across Maine."

“If we want fewer children involved in the child welfare system, we have to look early and broadly: at what helps families stay stable and helps children thrive.”