FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about The Maine Children's Trust

WHAT IS THE TRUST'S MISSION?

To prevent the abuse and neglect of all of Maine's Children.

WHY WAS THE TRUST STARTED?

During the 1980's a dramatic rise in child abuse cases led most of the 50 states to establish child abuse and neglect funds for community prevention programs. In September of 1985 Maine enacted the original Maine Children's Trust legislation.

WHAT KINDS OF PROGRAMS DOES THE TRUST SUPPORT?

The State and many other organizations provide intervention programs focusing on cases where abuse and neglect has already occurred. The Trust is the Statewide private, not-for-profit entity which underwrites programs which prevent child abuse and neglect.

Prevention is the essential strategy for stopping child abuse and neglect. Based on the most comprehensive study to date - the 15-year Hawaii "Healthy Start" project - an incredible 99% of child abuse can simply and clearly be prevented. Significantly, this extensive study and its findings is based exclusively upon identified high-risk families including families with prior histories of abuse and neglect. The Trust supports a variety of programs throughout the state that prevents Child Abuse and Neglect in a measurable way.

HOW IS THE TRUST FUNDED?

The original legislation established the Trust as a charitable contribution "check-off" on the Maine State income tax form. Presently, as a nonprofit corporation, the Trust relies more and more on private and corporate donations, to supplement the one Federal Grant we administer.

WHY WAS THE TRUST LEGISLATION REVISED IN 1994?

In light of the enormity and urgency of child abuse and neglect and towards establishing prevention solutions, the check-off revenues had to be augmented by other financial resources. Under the original legislation the Trust's quasi-governmental status often prevented it from receiving alternate funds.

The new legislation establishes the Trust as a nonprofit corporation with financial and administrative independence from the State. This operating structure provides greater access to funding resources as does it broaden representation on the Board of Directors.

HOW HAS MAINE BENEFITED FROM THE TRUST?

Since 1988 the Trust has awarded more than $2,000,000.00 for community based solutions; these awards have served thousands of children and families in every county in Maine.