In-school mental health resources scale back over lack of funds [Video]

AUGUSTA, Maine — According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 15 percent of children ages 6 to 11 have an ongoing emotional, developmental, or behavioral condition that requires treatment or counseling.

Sweetser is a nonprofit organization that offers mental health, recovery, and educational services throughout Maine including in-school services. 

“We served over 2,000 children last year from Kittery to Bangor in over 100 public schools, but no organization can sustain a $1 million-plus loss every year,” Sweetser President and CEO Jayne Van Bramer said.

After LD 2002 failed to pass, the nonprofit is having to scale back its operations even more.

“The problem with the funding really has more to do with the non-billable activities,” Van Bramer said. “This program is funded like a clinic in the community, where you have a line of people …