AUGUSTA – A rally will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Capitol Park across from the State House for people who believe their children have been wrongfully taken by the Department of Human Services.

The rally is planned to continue into the evening and will include a candlelight vigil in honor of the children and their families, according to Crystal McMahon of Old Town, one of the organizers.

“This lets everyone know that there are so many people out there that this is happening to – it’s kind of a get-together to make a point and get DHS and everyone to think,” said McMahon, whose 15-month-old son Dakota has been in state custody since last summer.

Supporters of families who contend DHS violated their rights also are invited, according to McMahon who said she expects more than 1,000 participants.

“A lot of people are afraid to speak out and when they know something big like this is going to happen and that they’ll be other people there, they can share their stories,” McMahon said.

Distributing posters throughout the Bangor area, McMahon said she and her siblings also spent time in state custody years ago.

“DHS has been a constant battle for us,” she said.