Our longstanding culture of double-speak and deflection has to end. Op-ed by Bill Diamond. Appeared in the Portland Press Herald on April 11, 2025 April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an opportunity for us all to learn how we can prevent child abuse by being active participants in our communities, advocating for the kids […]
Maine’s child welfare system needs urgent reform Read More »
Windham, Maine – Mark your calendars for a night of music, community, and support for a vital cause. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is hosting a special fundraising concert featuring the Ocean House Road Band on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at The Woodshed in Manchester, Maine. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the concert
Windham, Maine – Walk a Mile in Their Shoes invites the community to a special Foster Family Appreciation Event on Sat., May 31, 2025, at The Woodshed in Manchester, Maine. This free, family-friendly gathering will celebrate the dedication of foster and kinship families while raising awareness of the challenges they face. A rain date is
Save the Date: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Foster Family Appreciation Event Read More »
Bill Diamond discusses the latest developments in Maine’s child welfare system with Danny Martignetti on Maine Points. Listen here.
Latest Developments in Maine’s Child Welfare System Read More »
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes continues to get reports from stakeholders across Maine. That feedback centers around impermanence, poor caseworker retention, mistreating placement resources, and allowing children to be subjected to inappropriate conditions. The letter below was sent to OCFS Director Bobbi Johnson. December 3, 2024 Dear Director Johnson, Walk a Mile in Their
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Continues to Receive Reports from Stakeholders Read More »
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
Lawsuits highlight many ways DHHS fails to protect Maine kids Read More »
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
United Bikers of Maine Joins Walk a Mile in Their Shoes with Maddox Memorial Ride Read More »
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
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Observes the Anniversary of the Death or Logan Marr Read More »
WINDHAM, Maine — While Walk a Mile in Their Shoes hopes that outcomes will improve for abused and neglected children in Maine’s care and are concerned that appointing Ms. Johnson Permanent Director of the Office of Child and Family Services will fall short of creating the structural improvements necessary to protect Maine’s kids. “Very disappointed for
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.” The report can be downloaded by visiting https://walkamilemaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/unsupported_wamits_report_121223.pdf Walk a Mile in Their Shoes founder Bill Diamond said, “This report is the result of 10 months of