State officials are reporting a dramatic increase in child abuse cases in Maine. Confirmed cases of the physical abuse of children in Maine climbed by 58 percent over the past two years, following a decline over the previous two decades. Some of the recent spike might have to do with stronger reporting, but drug problems and a struggling economy have also been identified as factors. Two top directors of the state's office of child and family services, and the director of the Maine Children's trust, talk about what they're seeing, and about some of the reasons behind this significant change. Also, a look at the state's response to the problem, and at some of the strategies that could be used to curb child abuse and neglect in Maine.
Child Abuse
