So Gov. LePage wants “a better way to evaluate workers so they don’t burn out and leave.” That’s right – blame the people who are doing the real work.

The work that DHHS caseworkers do is some of the hardest work there is and the present caseworkers, whatever faults they may have, are already over-burdened. The opioid crisis has increased the number of families that need intervention.

The decreased social safety net also results in more situations of abuse and neglect. This means that there is a need for more foster care homes. Because there are not enough of such homes, workers often must stay overnight with children in motels etc.

LePage is asking for more money for DHHS, but not for hiring new caseworkers. This is unconscionable. Good care cannot be provided if caseworkers are overworked. He talks of improving the systems, which may be needed, but

does not solve the problem of DHHS being understaffed.

Appropriate mental health and social systems actions must also be taken.

Unfortunately the problems at DHHS are a symptom of the dysfunctional society which our state has become under LePage’s governorship.

Sallie Smith M.A., M.Div., ACSW

Freeport