Child welfare reform in Maine.

In 2002, Maine's senior child welfare managers began to look at the outcomes for children under the state's supervision. From that review, a plan for reform began to evolve. Information is beginning to accumulate that change is occurring. For example:

* In 2001, there were 3,200 children in out-of-home care in Maine. In 2004, that number had been reduced to 2,900, and by July of 2006, the number in care had declined to fewer than 2,350.

* In 2001, less than 10 percent of children under supervision were placed with relatives. In five years, the number has doubled.

* In 2004, there were 770 youths in residential placements in Maine funded by the child welfare system. Two years later, …