I agree that child protection workers should not be bullied into reunifying children with parents who are not working hard to change the conditions that led to the removal of their children (“Legislature passes LePage’s package of reforms to Maine’s child protection system,” Aug. 30).

However, when the removal happens, the investigation shows a parent making every effort to improve, and there is evidence of the improvement, then it should be considered when deciding whether to reunify children with their family. Often, when the state gets involved, they take a mostly sneaky and aggressive stance against the parent, especially if that parent has a mental health issue.

If after two years of services, and a successful turn around in the ability to make good decisions regarding the child, the state still has “concerns,” this recently passed bill will make it easier for them to deny reunification. They can keep children from poor families who can’t afford an expensive attorney. I am shaking my head and wondering where are the checks and balances on an organization that is largely seen as already untouchable?

Irene Blodgett

Industry