Reports of elder abuse, neglect spike in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine's state employees' union says some of its workers are being overwhelmed by a spike in reports of abuse and neglect of adults with disabilities and the elderly.

Maine Public reports that a recent Maine State Employees Association survey finds that caseworkers are reporting increased caseloads, even though the number of staffers hasn't.

The survey points to a lack of training and staffing.

Alec Maybarduk, the executive director of the Maine State Employees Association, says in the aftermath of the deaths of two young girls, Maine made "late" changes to improve conditions within Child Protective Services.

DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew in a statement said the Department will "review the concerns outlined in (the) survey, get input from frontline workers, and work to improve the system."