State House Republicans are joining calls for reform at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) after 145 unionized workers issued a letter of no confidence in the leadership of Bobbi Johnson, director of the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS).

The audacious letter, rare to see from government employees, criticizes systemic issues under Johnson’s tenure, which they argue compromise the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in Maine.

The issues highlighted in the letter have been at the forefront of Maine politics for more than a decade, as dysfunction within the agency has been broadly panned on both sides of the aisle, yet a solution has remained elusive.

The letter follows the resignations of other DHHS leaders, including former DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew, who stepped down in May, and DHHS’ child welfare director, Todd Landry, who stepped down in Nov. 2023.

Signed by caseworkers, community care workers, and case aides, the letter alleges a pattern of ignored concerns and poor policy implementation, including the controversial use of hotel accommodations for children in state custody. Staff claim this practice exacerbates trauma for children and imposes undue burdens on employees, who are required to supervise these placements in addition to their regular duties.

Amanda Walker, a Cumberland County caseworker, described Johnson’s policies as detrimental to workers’ personal lives and the children’s emotional stability. “We’re not able to provide them the consistency and emotional support they need,” Walker said.

The letter comes in the wake of a federal audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General, which found that Maine’s child welfare system failed to meet key federal requirements in 94% of reviewed cases. The state has also seen a series of child fatalities in recent years, prompting heightened scrutiny.

Republican legislative leaders echoed these concerns. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) called the ongoing issues “unacceptable” and urged the Mills administration to prioritize child welfare reforms.

“Protecting our most vulnerable children should be OCFS’s fundamental mission,” Stewart said.

House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) described the workers’ letter as a testament to “horrific failures” within the system.

Johnson, a 28-year veteran of OCFS who succeeded Landry earlier this year, has faced mounting criticism over her leadership. Landry resigned after his tenure was marked by more child fatalities in three years than in the preceding seven.

Despite the criticism, Governor Janet Mills and her new DHHS Commissioner, Sara Gagne-Holmes, have defended Johnson, citing her dedication and leadership.

“The allegations and personal attacks are meritless,” said Ben Goodman, Mills press secretary, in a statement to other media outlets.

Union leaders and Republican lawmakers are urging Mills to allocate additional resources to OCFS in the upcoming biennial budget, but that may be challenging considering the state is looking at nearly a $1 billion revenue shortfall thanks to over-spending and lackluster revenue forecasts.