~~ VERMONT Department for Children and Families (mo) Boa-241-0039| “Avene of Human Srvoes Commiasioner's Office (ir Boaagroage Bo State Deve HCsNorb Waterbury, VF 056711080 ‘wvedt-vermant.gor Angus 28,2018 ‘Michael Kennedy, Bar Counsel Sara Katz, Disiptnary Counsel Professional Responsibility Program 32 Chery Street, Suite 213 Burlington, VT- 05401 ji. pepcomplaints vermont.gov Re: Attorney Kervie Johnson Complaint Dear Attomays Kennedy and Katz ‘As Department for Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner and DCF Family Services Division Deputy Commissioner, we are responsible forthe care and protection of children in DCF custody. In our roles, we understand and respect the need fr alternative perspectives about the complicated mates surrounding the lives of the chilron and families we serve. We value the due process and advocacy that exists to advance the needs of those we serve, We rely an alle players inthe child protection system ta wor together to ‘reat a systom that functions optimally for vulnerable children and families. ‘We are wrtng to bring to your attention concerns that have been shared with us as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner responsible forthe eare and protection of vulnerable children in the eustody of DCF. “Those concer may represent eiel violations and may warrant further investigation Kerrie Johnson is a staPattomey withthe Office ofthe Defender General. In he ole she routinely interacts ‘with children in DCF custody, as well s DCF staff, both inthe Family Seevces Division and at the Woodside uvenile Rehabilitation Center (Woodside), where most ofthe children represented by Ms Johnson reside forthe purposes of protection and treatment. Tse nature ofthe concems areas follows 1). Repeatedly hearing from youth that they are being advised by Ms. Johnson that they should not ‘aricipate in treatment services offered to them at Woodside of with outside treatment providers 2) Repeatoly hearing fom youth represented by Ms. Jonson that she osss on cours oF tion even aver the objections ofthe youth. Youth have written eters to Ms. Johnson, Woodside staff, thei attorney of record and guardians ad Item indicating that Ms, Johnson i not following their instructions or is pursing course of action an thei behalf that they have nt agreed fo,~NVERMONT 3). Sharing information lear from youth clients with other youth clients resulting in escalated and threatening behavior by oe youth toward staf at Woodside, Youth at Woodside have reported ro Woodside staff hat Ms Johnson provided the uninvolved youth with confidential eatment related information abou other clint being served atthe foil 4) Continued direct communication with represented DCF staf after Ms, Johnson has ntiated ‘tigation and has been told that all communications should be directed to DCF"s AAG. 5) Routinely escalating youth. Following interactions with Ms. Johnson, youth at Woodside routinely escalate and require significant intervention to ensure safety, Concems exis that Ms Johnson ether rmisunderstands ris nt seasitve to the degresof risk tat exists while working with youth or that she intentionally provides youth with information in ways that inflame the situation unnecessarily. “This pattem i obvious when reviewing documentation rganling high lovelinterveations used with individual children at Woodside after they meet with Ms. Johnson, 6) Overall lack of professional boundaries hat contribute to context that makes it ficult for youth to thrive, Ms, Johnson hasbeen deserted by DCF Family Services sft, as well as staff in other programs serving youth in DCF custody, as demanding and rude. Her intrusion into programming has resulted in youth boing dischargod fom other programs that were otherwise wiling to treat children in DCF custody 1). Displays of unprofessional behavior and poor judgment at Woodside a reported by Woodside staff, including repeated displays of emotional dysregulation and volatliy “Thank you for reviewing and considering these concerns. Please feel re to reach outwith any questions. Sincerely, ZU. KG Schatz Commissioner Department for Children and Families la me Department for Children and F Family Serves Division viles