Maine is considering changes to Children’s Targeted Case Management (TCM) and Section 28 services that would significantly restrict eligibility, meaning many children who currently qualify for support could be denied - even though their needs have not changed. These revisions come at a time when DHHS has already been found out of compliance for maintaining waitlists for Medicaid services. Instead of expanding capacity or addressing workforce shortages, the State is narrowing access, leaving children without the early, consistent supports that prevent behavioral crises, hospitalizations, and school removals.

These changes, combined with other policy shifts across DHHS and DOE, reflect reactive responses to compliance failures rather than proactive, evidence-based solutions. Restricting services, lowering standards, and reducing oversight will only increase the number of children who fall into crisis.

ASM urges the Legislature to restore and expand eligibility for TCM and Section 28 and to prioritize accessible, community-based supports that keep children safe, stable, and thriving.