I recently attended a meeting with a group of psychologists who surprised me with their findings. Their opinions impressed me greatly as these professionals deal with both families and the Department of Human Services in matters as serious as the termination of parental rights.

Rep. Eddie Dugay, D-Cherryfield, Mary Callahan and I heard them accuse the DHS of intimidating families, repressing psychological concepts and new findings which conflict with their agenda, and even going as far as creating “blacklists” of those in the professional arena who speak their mind, disagreeing with the DHS.

Not only did they criticize the department of “being a bully, in describing their experiences with them, they used terms such as “punitive actions,” “retribution” and “retaliation.” They related that even health professionals have cause to fear their own state government.

One psychologist stated that he heard incorrect information given out at a caseworker-training seminar. Afterwards, he asked the trainer about having sent 100 caseworkers into the field with wrong information. She replied, “I’m not really an expert on the subject.”

The psychologists, who are experts, claim the DHS has repeatedly rejected offers of help, apparently preferring to operate on internally generated information.

The DHS has recently been in the limelight with the mishandling of $37 million, lack of accountability and, of course, involvement in the Logan Marr case.

A growing number of legislators and citizens feel this corporate-government mindset needs to be checked.

State Rep. Michael Vaughan, Durham/Lisbon

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