Committee hears push for funding Maine’s first psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth

Senator Henry Ingwersen on Thursday asked the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services to approve LD 2065, a one‑time appropriation to complete construction of Maine’s first psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) for at‑risk youth.

"There were 70 Maine kids placed out of state and over a 100 more waiting to be sent out of state," Ingwersen said, describing out‑of‑state placements that separate children from families and raise safety concerns. He said the proposal would renovate an existing building to create in‑state capacity.

The project sponsor and provider Sweetser told the committee the total project budget is about $7.9 million. Justin Chenette, Sweetser’s chief communications officer, said the legislature has already appropriated $2 million and Sweetser has committed $2.5 million via fundraising efforts; the remaining gap is roughly $3.4 million. "With a few points needed on the board, all we need is a field goal from the department," Chenette said, urging the committee to hold the bill as a backstop if other funding sources are not secured in the coming months.

Sweetser and clinical leaders described why renovation costs are higher than a standard commercial project. Jane Van Bramer, Sweetser’s president and CEO, said PRTFs require ligature‑resistant fixtures, reinforced doors and windows, tamper‑resistant systems, upgraded HVAC and generator backup to run safely 24 hours a day. "These requirements are non‑negotiable and apply regardless of the size of the facility," Van Bramer told the committee.

Clinical testimony described the expected program and need. Christy Worcester, Sweetser’s chief program officer, said the planned 8,000‑square‑foot, 16‑bed unit would provide continuous psychiatric nursing, a medical director, crisis staff and therapeutic programming; youth would typically remain 6 to 9 months. Dr. Deirdre Burns, a pediatrician, said she has cared for children who waited days to months in emergency departments while awaiting appropriate placement.

Supporters framed the appropriation as both clinically necessary and fiscally prudent. "Building capacity within Maine strengthens accountability, improves care coordination with Maine providers and child welfare systems, and creates a more sustainable long‑term model," Representative Lori Gramlich, a lead cosponsor, said.

Opponents argued funds would be better invested in community‑based services. In short testimony opposing the bill, John McGovern said he opposed creating an institutional setting and preferred directing resources to services that keep young people in their communities.

Committee members asked for more fiscal detail and operational timelines; Sweetser asked for two to four weeks before the work session to firm up pending funding and for the department to review potential funding mechanisms. The chair closed public testimony and indicated a work session would be scheduled in the coming weeks for deliberation and any amendments.

Next steps: The committee will hold a work session on LD 2065 to consider fiscal details and potential funding language; no final vote was taken on the floor during the public hearing.