Maine lawmakers are considering creating an independent Office of the Child Advocate to help reform the state's child welfare system. The proposal has been unanimously supported by the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee. If approved, the office would offer more robust oversight over youth and child services. The child advocate would have access to confidential information, receive and investigate complaints, and make recommendations to the governor and Legislature on best child welfare outcomes. The Department of Health & Human Services, which houses the state’s current child welfare agency, the Office of Child and Family Services, expressed a desire for more time to consider the proposal due to its extensive reach.