AUGUSTA (AP) — A state report finds that Maine missed key steps in multiple child welfare cases.

Maine Public reports that Maine’s Child Welfare Services Ombudsman Christine Alberi last year found the Department of Health and Human Services failed to follow proper procedure in cases involving highly vulnerable children.

Her report found the department in multiple cases failed to follow assessment and safety planning policy and failed to recognize risks to children in their parents’ care.

The report comes as lawmakers call for a probe into the state’s child protection system following the beating death of 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy.

Julio and Sharon Carrillo, of Stockton Springs, are charged with murder in Kennedy’s death in their home. The Carrillos told police they’d beaten the girl for months and neighbors say they reported suspected abuse.

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