Bringing state cabinet officials together to coordinate services to children and youth, including afterschool, is another strategy states are using. Find information on how to establish one and the pros and cons of doing so.

The governor can create this without any legislative action and  include these benefits:

It creates an institutional basis for issues to be explored, considered and addressed. 

• The cabinet members have the staff support to focus and collaborate through the governor’s office on one key policy focus—children’s needs.

• Without the need for a crisis, the agencies are brought together to consider creative approaches, joint strategies and improvements to government responses to children.

• Cabinet secretaries have administrative rulemaking authority, so action could take place at this level. 

Things to consider, however, may include:

• Governors change. Even with statutory backing, the next governor can choose not to have a Children’s Cabinet. 

• Administrative rulemaking may occur as a result of these meetings, therefore advocates may need to include this policy path to their policy development/monitoring activities.

Maine Children’s Cabinet

Maine’s Children’s Cabinet was established to oversee and coordinate the delivery of services to children and youth in Maine. The Children’s Cabinet is composed of the departments directly related to children and families: Corrections, Education, Health & Human Services, Public Safety and Labor. Initially established by executive order, the legislature subsequently approved staff for the Cabinet and supporting legislation. The statute for the Children’s Cabinet is PL 785. It passed by the full general assembly and was signed by the governor in 2000. 

The charge to the Children’s Cabinet emphasizes the important leadership role of the Commissioners to collaborate and promote the concept of a seamless service delivery system for children and families and the need to pool funding to maximize limited resources. The Children’s Cabinet has considered afterschool programs, child care and summer opportunities as an important subject for their cooperation and collaboration.