Be the Voice for Children Who Suffer Abuse and Death
An Evening to Rally Support for Maine’s Abused Kids
September 5, 2024
Erik’s Church, Windham
5:30-9 p.m.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes—donations tax deductible—is making a difference in preventing the abuse and deaths of children in State care. We have brought much needed accountability to the system that is failing our children. Momentum is on our side to help our most vulnerable children who are not being protected.
We are making a significant difference - the Commissioner of DHHS has now resigned along with the Director of Child and Family Services. The pressure is on to fix the broken system.
Come join Walk a Mile in Their Shoes on Thursday, September 5th at Erik’s Church. You can become a Voice for Maine’s most vulnerable children!
We’ve got their attention. We can’t stop now!
Sponsorships and Tickets Available
Includes recognition at event and on our website/social media.*
Send checks made payable to “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes”, 10 Crown Point, Windham, ME 04062
Table Sponsorships
Table of 8 - $2,000 • Table of 4 - $1,000
* Sponsorship listing at event or online at donor discretion.
Individual Tickets
Enjoy the dinner and event.
$125 per Ticket
Doors Open
5:30 p.m.
Happy Hour
6-7 p.m.
Welcome & Dinner
7 p.m.
Program
featuring live victim testimony
8 p.m.
MC for the evening will be Windham’s own Steph Keenan!
A message from Bill Diamond.
My name is Bill Diamond, the founder of the non-profit Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. I was recently diagnosed with a challenging medical issue which will require me to partially shift my focus on treatments to win this battle. We are more committed than ever to continuing our mission in stopping the abuse and homicide of children in State care.
Momentum is on our side. Our message is being heard by Maine’s people, our elected officials, and the bureaucrats that are charged with protecting Maine’s most vulnerable children. Accountability is being seen at DHHS for the first time in many years. The news media is now paying attention. Top agency and departmental figureheads are resigning their positions. A new director is now charged with changing organizational culture. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is actively monitoring departmental adjustments and resulting outcomes.
Over the last year and a half we have accomplished so much. We have met with stakeholders across Maine and identified issues and provided solutions for foster parents, caseworkers, and children who interface with DHHS. Maine people now know about agency shortcomings which deprive children of the services they should receive, including safety. We have built awareness through social media, events, a researched report, both television and radio advertising, and word of mouth.
I want our supporters to know that we will not lose focus on what we feel is the most critical issue facing Maine’s children. We’ve built an army of dedicated volunteers and advocates who have brought our mission so far. Our patrons have been absolutely amazing in helping us accomplish our mission. We need your help more than ever.
We at Walk a Mile in Their Shoes are committed to our mission. I need a little time before I’ll be able to return and devote 100%. In the meantime, we will continue to move forward and look to better outcomes for Maine’s children. Your continued support is critical…you are making a difference!
Thank you, Bill Diamond and the Leadership Team
A message from Bill Diamond.
My name is Bill Diamond, the founder of the non-profit Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. I was recently diagnosed with a challenging medical issue which will require me to partially shift my focus on treatments to win this battle. We are more committed than ever to continuing our mission in stopping the abuse and homicide of children in State care.
Momentum is on our side. Our message is being heard by Maine’s people, our elected officials, and the bureaucrats that are charged with protecting Maine’s most vulnerable children. Accountability is being seen at DHHS for the first time in many years. The news media is now paying attention. Top agency and departmental figureheads are resigning their positions. A new director is now charged with changing organizational culture. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is actively monitoring departmental adjustments and resulting outcomes.
Over the last year and a half we have accomplished so much. We have met with stakeholders across Maine and identified issues and provided solutions for foster parents, caseworkers, and children who interface with DHHS. Maine people now know about agency shortcomings which deprive children of the services they should receive, including safety. We have built awareness through social media, events, a researched report, both television and radio advertising, and word of mouth.
I want our supporters to know that we will not lose focus on what we feel is the most critical issue facing Maine’s children. We’ve built an army of dedicated volunteers and advocates who have brought our mission so far. Our patrons have been absolutely amazing in helping us accomplish our mission. We need your help more than ever.
We at Walk a Mile in Their Shoes are committed to our mission. I need a little time before I’ll be able to return and devote 100%. In the meantime, we will continue to move forward and look to better outcomes for Maine’s children. Your continued support is critical…you are making a difference!
Thank you, Bill Diamond and the Leadership Team
Abused Children Need a Voice
Caseworkers and foster parents face a lot of challenges impacting the safety of abused children in Maine. Watch an anonymous—fear of retaliation—caseworker and foster parent Melanie Blair become the voices for abused children in Maine and discuss the importance of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes’s work.
Abused Children Need a Voice
Caseworkers and foster parents face a lot of challenges impacting the safety of abused children in Maine. Watch an anonymous—fear of retaliation—caseworker and foster parent Melanie Blair become the voices for abused children in Maine and discuss the importance of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes’s work.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Releases Report Entitled “Unsupported: Key Lessons for Improving Maine’s Child Welfare System by Supporting All Stakeholders”
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Walk a Mile in Their Shoes released its report entitled “Unsupported: Key Lessons for Improving Maine’s Child Welfare System by Supporting All Stakeholders.”
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes founder Bill Diamond said, “This report is the result of 10 months of in-depth interviews throughout Maine with those who interact with DHHS on a regular basis. This type of person-to-person research has never been done before in our state.”
The report finds that caseworkers, foster parents, children, and other stakeholders are left without adequate backing by the Department of Health and Human Services and examines areas of concern, who is impacted, straightforward solutions, and what success looks like. The report is the culmination of listening sessions and meetings with concerned citizens across Maine interested in providing better and safer outcomes for children in Maine’s care.
“It’s now up to DHHS to make the necessary changes in their own internal policies and procedures which have been failing children for years,” said Diamond. “This report offers specific solutions to the problems that we all recognize as serious threats to children in state care.”
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes plans on continuing interviews with stakeholders across Maine to monitor progress on DHHS's efforts to improve a system that many recognize as flawed and sometimes needlessly puts children in danger.
“This report is only the beginning of what needs to be an intensive and determined effort to fix our broken state child protection system,” said Diamond.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Releases Report Entitled “Unsupported: Key Lessons for Improving Maine’s Child Welfare System by Supporting All Stakeholders”
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Walk a Mile in Their Shoes released its report entitled “Unsupported: Key Lessons for Improving Maine’s Child Welfare System by Supporting All Stakeholders.”
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes founder Bill Diamond said, “This report is the result of 10 months of in-depth interviews throughout Maine with those who interact with DHHS on a regular basis. This type of person-to-person research has never been done before in our state.”
The report finds that caseworkers, foster parents, children, and other stakeholders are left without adequate backing by the Department of Health and Human Services and examines areas of concern, who is impacted, straightforward solutions, and what success looks like. The report is the culmination of listening sessions and meetings with concerned citizens across Maine interested in providing better and safer outcomes for children in Maine’s care.
“It’s now up to DHHS to make the necessary changes in their own internal policies and procedures which have been failing children for years,” said Diamond. “This report offers specific solutions to the problems that we all recognize as serious threats to children in state care.”
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes plans on continuing interviews with stakeholders across Maine to monitor progress on DHHS's efforts to improve a system that many recognize as flawed and sometimes needlessly puts children in danger.
“This report is only the beginning of what needs to be an intensive and determined effort to fix our broken state child protection system,” said Diamond.
How many times are too many times to FAIL Maddox Williams?
Maddox was FAILED by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services when it removed him from his grandmother’s safe and loving household and placed him with his biological mother who had a history of violence, drug use, and criminal offenses.
Maddox was FAILED by his biological mother, Jessica Trefethen when she murdered him after torturing him over a long period of time.
Maddox was FAILED by the government watchdog agency (Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability) when they exonerated DHHS by saying that “no unsound decisions” were made in the Williams case despite significant evidence to the contrary.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will NOT FAIL Maddox.
We will keep his memory alive and hold those accountable who were responsible for his death or choose to absolve those who were.
Together we can fix Maine’s broken child protective system.
How many times are too many times to FAIL Maddox Williams?
Maddox was FAILED by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services when it removed him from his grandmother’s safe and loving household and placed him with his biological mother who had a history of violence, drug use, and criminal offenses.
Maddox was FAILED by his biological mother, Jessica Trefethen when she murdered him after torturing him over a long period of time.
Maddox was FAILED by the government watchdog agency (Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability) when they exonerated DHHS by saying that “no unsound decisions” were made in the Williams case despite significant evidence to the contrary.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will NOT FAIL Maddox.
We will keep his memory alive and hold those accountable who were responsible for his death or choose to absolve those who were.
Together we can fix Maine’s broken child protective system.
We are bringing needed attention to a broken Child Protection system that is failing kids.
Your support helps in our efforts to protect vulnearble Maine kids.
Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Endorses Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Too many Maine children under the supervision of DHHS suffer terrible abuse and even worse, a record number of children are dying horrible deaths. It’s time we all stood together to say, “enough is enough” and acknowledge the fact that the system protecting our children is broken and we all need to work together to fix it…now not later!
Too many Maine children under the supervision of DHHS suffer terrible abuse and even worse, a record number of children are dying horrible deaths. It’s time we all stood together to say, “enough is enough” and acknowledge the fact that the system protecting our children is broken and we all need to work together to fix it…now not later!
Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour
Want to discuss Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services?
You’re invited to our community meetings to voice your concerns, questions, and frustrations.
Thursday, July 20, 2023
6-8 p.m. • Aquaboggan Water Park, 980 Portland Rd., Saco
Thursday, August 3, 2023
6-8 p.m. • Topsham Baptist Church, 52 Roman Rd., Tosham
Former Assistant AG Lou Ann Clifford is interviewed following the Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour stop in Auburn on April 17.
Senator Jeff Timberlake provides comments following the Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour stop in Auburn on April 17.
The Hon. Joyce Maker discusses information shared at the first stop of the Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour in Calais on March 30.
Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour
Want to discuss Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services?
You’re invited to our community meetings to voice your concerns, questions, and frustrations.
Thursday, July 20, 2023
6-8 p.m. • Aquaboggan Water Park, 980 Portland Rd., Saco
Thursday, August 3, 2023
6-8 p.m. • Topsham Baptist Church, 52 Roman Rd., Tosham
Former Assistant AG Lou Ann Clifford is interviewed following the Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour stop in Auburn on April 17.
Senator Jeff Timberlake provides comments following the Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour stop in Auburn on April 17.
The Hon. Joyce Maker discusses information shared at the first stop of the Save Maine's Kids Statewide Listening Tour in Calais on March 30.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes interviews Alison Porter who is Hailey Goding's great aunt. Hailey died on June 6, 2021 due to being placed with an unsafe person by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes interviews Alison Porter who is Hailey Goding's great aunt. Hailey died on June 6, 2021 due to being placed with an unsafe person by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Formation of New Nonprofit Corporation Announcement
Former Senator Bill Diamond announced the formation of a new nonprofit corporation dedicated to the prevention of child homicides and the abuse of children who are under the supervision or direct care of the State of Maine or who are or have been associated with the state’s Child Protective System.
Speakers include Hon. Bill Diamond, Sen. Jeff Timberlake, Melanie Blair, Victoria Vose (grandmother of Maddox Williams), Hon. Patrick Corey, and Hon. Michael Carpenter.
Formation of New Nonprofit Corporation Announcement
Former Senator Bill Diamond announced the formation of a new nonprofit corporation dedicated to the prevention of child homicides and the abuse of children who are under the supervision or direct care of the State of Maine or who are or have been associated with the state’s Child Protective System.
Speakers include Hon. Bill Diamond, Sen. Jeff Timberlake, Melanie Blair, Victoria Vose (grandmother of Maddox Williams), Hon. Patrick Corey, and Hon. Michael Carpenter.
Dedicated to the Children in the State of Maine's Care
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is a 501 c3 nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Maine. We are guided by a Board of Advisors consisting of experts in the field of child protection, state government agencies and child welfare.
Our mission and purpose are the prevention of child homicides and the abuse of children who are under the supervision or care of the State of Maine or who are or have been associated with the state Child Protection System in any manner.
Senator Bill Diamond, founder of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, will focus on initiating in-depth research on child welfare, holding public forums to promote wide-ranging discussions by experts in the field of child protection, and creating public awareness pertaining to the ongoing problems within the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) under the jurisdiction of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Our nonprofit will reach out to all interested people and groups who want to join us in our efforts to protect vulnerable children in Maine. We seek advice and support from all; especially those who are subject to State rules and regulations and work directly with OCFS on a regular basis such as foster care parents, child care professionals, adopters and others.
We acknowledge that within the OCFS there are many sincere people who have and continue to dedicate themselves to the well- being of children under their care and jurisdiction. However, we also are fully aware of the serious ongoing problems within the management at OCFS, including their obvious struggle in making appropriate decisions to keep children safe as was illustrated by the record number of child deaths in 2021.
Dedicated to the Children in the State of Maine's Care
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is a 501 c3 nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Maine. We are guided by a Board of Advisors consisting of experts in the field of child protection, state government agencies and child welfare.
Our mission and purpose are the prevention of child homicides and the abuse of children who are under the supervision or care of the State of Maine or who are or have been associated with the state Child Protection System in any manner.
Senator Bill Diamond, founder of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, will focus on initiating in-depth research on child welfare, holding public forums to promote wide-ranging discussions by experts in the field of child protection, and creating public awareness pertaining to the ongoing problems within the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) under the jurisdiction of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Our nonprofit will reach out to all interested people and groups who want to join us in our efforts to protect vulnerable children in Maine. We seek advice and support from all; especially those who are subject to State rules and regulations and work directly with OCFS on a regular basis such as foster care parents, child care professionals, adopters and others.
We acknowledge that within the OFCS there are many sincere people who have and continue to dedicate themselves to the well- being of children under their care and jurisdiction. However, we also are fully aware of the serious ongoing problems within the management at OCFS, including their obvious struggle in making appropriate decisions to keep children safe as was illustrated by the record number of child deaths in 2021.
Key takeaways from the Government Oversight Committee’s investigation of child deaths in Maine.
“Mandated reporters we surveyed, as well as parent group representatives we interviewed, expressed some frustration that the State is not investing more in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, particularly given that the Office of Child and Family Services has seen increasing numbers of reports of abuse and neglect;…” — Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability presented to the Government Oversight Committee of the Maine Legislature, (March 2022)
Due to the record number of children who died while under State care or supervision in 2021, the Maine Legislature's Government Oversight Committee did a year long investigation into Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The investigation revealed the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) continually fails to keep children safe from abuse and death. In some cases OCFS failed to have safety plans in place and failed to monitor children who could be at risk. For example, child safety procedures within DHHS were considered strong in only 14% of the cases investigated.
Tables from the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability presented to the Government Oversight Committee of the Maine Legislature, (March 2022)
Key takeaways from the Government Oversight Committee’s investigation of child deaths in Maine.
“Mandated reporters we surveyed, as well as parent group representatives we interviewed, expressed some frustration that the State is not investing more in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, particularly given that the Office of Child and Family Services has seen increasing numbers of reports of abuse and neglect;…” — March 2022 OPEGA Investigative Report
Due to the record number of children who died while under State care or supervision in 2021, the Maine Legislature's Government Oversight Committee did a year long investigation into Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The investigation revealed the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) continually fails to keep children safe from abuse and death. In some cases OCFS failed to have safety plans in place and failed to monitor children who could be at risk. For example, child safety procedures within DHHS were considered strong in only 14% of the cases investigated.
Tables from the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability presented to the Government Oversight Committee of the Maine Legislature, (March 2022) https://legislature.maine.gov/doc/8493
Recent News
What will it take for the department to listen? In September, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Maine for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide appropriate care for Maine children with disabilities.The DOJ alleges Maine has failed to provide hundreds of children with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities […]
For the second year in a row, United Bikers of Maine, Cumberland County has organized a ride to benefit Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. The Maddox Memorial Ride will take place on Saturday June 22, 2024, with registration beginning at 9 AM at Erik’s Church in Windham, Maine. The cost is $25 per rider […]
On January 31, 2001, five-year-old Logan Marr (b. October 14, 1995) died of suffocation after being duct-taped in her foster home. Foster parent Sally Ann Schofield would later be found guilty of manslaughter receiving a twenty-eight-year prison sentence with all, but twenty years suspended. She was released after seventeen years. The judge at the time […]
Recent News
What will it take for the department to listen? In September, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Maine for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide appropriate care for Maine children with disabilities. The DOJ alleges Maine has failed to provide hundreds of children with mental health issues and/or developmental […]
For the second year in a row, United Bikers of Maine, Cumberland County has organized a ride to benefit Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. The Maddox Memorial Ride will take place on Saturday June 22, 2024, with registration beginning at 9 AM at Erik’s Church in Windham, Maine. The cost is $25 per rider […]
On January 31, 2001, five-year-old Logan Marr (b. October 14, 1995) died of suffocation after being duct-taped in her foster home. Foster parent Sally Ann Schofield would later be found guilty of manslaughter receiving a twenty-eight-year prison sentence with all, but twenty years suspended. She was released after seventeen years. The judge at the time […]