Many teenagers in Maine struggle to access high-level mental health services, and the shortage is affecting not only families but also public safety.Trisha Pratt is living that reality. Her 16-year-old son, Dante, is currently in juvenile detention at Long Creek Youth Development Center, and she fears what will happen when he is released.“I’m not his security guard,” Pratt said. “He weighs more than I do. He’s way taller than I am. I can’t, I can’t let him go around and put his hands on me, on his brother, on my partner.” Dante had been hospitalized multiple times. He was receiving outpatient therapy, but Pratt said it wasn’t enough to treat his multiple mental health diagnoses, including PTSD and depression.“I can’t force him to take his meds like he’s supposed to. I can’t force him to stay inside,” she said.Pratt said she tried to find a residential facility where her son could receive extended treatment, but was unsuccessful. As his behavior escalated, she said he began threatening her, lashing out at his stepfather and hurting his brother.“I’m afraid. I’m afraid of my own child,” Pratt said.Amid those struggles, she contacted the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, hoping for help.“I feel like the state is failing our family,” she said.Meanwhile, Dante’s behavior continued to worsen. He began sneaking out and using drugs, and he attempted to steal a car. Eventually, he was sent to Long Creek.“If my son had gotten the help that he needed years ago, we wouldn’t be in this spot,” Pratt said.Pratt continues to search for long-term treatment. After failing to secure placement in Maine or New Hampshire, she found a facility in Massachusetts. Dante is now on a waitlist, and she hopes a bed will be available when he is released in June.“I’m never going to stop. Even after he’s 18, I’m still going to keep trying to help my son,” she said.As of last month, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 224 children were receiving residential behavioral treatment. Of those, 31% were placed out of state.
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine —
Many teenagers in Maine struggle to access high-level mental health services, and the shortage is affecting not only families but also public safety.
Trisha Pratt is living that reality. Her 16-year-old son, Dante, is currently in juvenile detention at Long Creek Youth Development Center, and she fears what will happen when he is released.
“I’m not his security guard,” Pratt said. “He weighs more than I do. He’s way taller than I am. I can’t, I can’t let him go around and put his hands on me, on his brother, on my partner.”
Dante had been hospitalized multiple times. He was receiving outpatient therapy, but Pratt said it wasn’t enough to treat his multiple mental health diagnoses, including PTSD and depression.
“I can’t force him to take his meds like he’s supposed to. I can’t force him to stay inside,” she said.
Pratt said she tried to find a residential facility where her son could receive extended treatment, but was unsuccessful. As his behavior escalated, she said he began threatening her, lashing out at his stepfather and hurting his brother.
“I’m afraid. I’m afraid of my own child,” Pratt said.
Amid those struggles, she contacted the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, hoping for help.
“I feel like the state is failing our family,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dante’s behavior continued to worsen. He began sneaking out and using drugs, and he attempted to steal a car. Eventually, he was sent to Long Creek.
“If my son had gotten the help that he needed years ago, we wouldn’t be in this spot,” Pratt said.
Pratt continues to search for long-term treatment. After failing to secure placement in Maine or New Hampshire, she found a facility in Massachusetts. Dante is now on a waitlist, and she hopes a bed will be available when he is released in June.
“I’m never going to stop. Even after he’s 18, I’m still going to keep trying to help my son,” she said.
As of last month, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 224 children were receiving residential behavioral treatment. Of those, 31% were placed out of state.