1. From: Smith, Christina [mailto:Christina.Smith@maine.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2012 11:52 AM
To: Lori Handrahan
Subject: RE:
March 05, 2012
Notice of Substantiation or Indication and Your Right to Appeal.
Lori Handrahan
52 Waukeag Ave
Sorrento, ME 04677
Assessment Number: 1499298
Dear Lori Handrahan:
The Department of Health and Human Services has looked into reports that you have abused or
neglected a child. This assessment has resulted in the decision that you did abuse or neglect a child. It
may be difficult to see in writing very specific information about the facts that led to this decision. We
recognize that families have important strengths that they can call upon to help create a safe home for
their children. We have made the following decisions about those reports and are explaining how they
were supported:
The Department is substantiating a finding that you have inflicted high severity emotional abuse to your
daughter, Mila Malenko.
This decision is reached after interviewing you, your daughter Mila, Igor, Liljana (Lily) and after speaking
with the referent and owner of the Maiden Cove Daycare, interviewing and/or reviewing witness
statements made to the Cape Elizabeth Police Department following the incident that occurred at Maiden
Cove Day Care on January 27, 2012.
With regard to the incident on 1-27-2012 that resulted in our recent assessment, Mila reported that you
were screaming at her and that you ran toward her and Lily while they attempted to run to safety behind
the gate at the daycare. Mila stated they were unable to make it to the gate before you caught up to them
and managed to wrestle Mila from the safety she felt with Lily. She reported that you were screaming
loudly and that she felt scared because she didn't know what you would do. Mila was really scared when
you hit and slapped Lily’s hand away as she (Lily) was attempting to soothe and comfort Mila during this
unexpected and violent interaction. Mila stated, "Since Friday I've been worried that momma would take
me away" and then went on to describe another time you unexpectedly came to the home and they had
to park far away and sneak into the house, locking doors and drawing window covers behind them.
Although Mila likes and wants to return to school, she stated, "I'm not going to school anymore on Fridays
because mom might show up." Given your recent absence from Mila's life over many months, your
decision to approach Mila at her daycare in an unexpected and violent manner was nothing short of
terrifying for her and all who had to witness the scene you created.
It is the Department's belief that your recent actions were emotionally abusive and are likely to have
negative long-term psychological consequences. During our telephone conversation on 2-21-2012 you
were very upset and unable to focus on the impact upon Mila of your actions on January 27th. Your
extensive raging demonstrated an inability to acknowledge your role in Mila's distress and to hear our
perspective on the incident. Your recent behaviors lead the Department to believe that Mila would not be
safe in your care without appropriate supervision as you are very likely to continue the behaviors such as
what occurred on 1-27-2012 at the cost of Mila's emotional and psychological well being.