New York Law and Technology to Protect Social Workers in the Field

Protecting Social Workers

• 💔 The video discusses the tragic death of Maria Cotto, a child protective services worker in Westchester County, who was attacked and died from her injuries.
• 📌 This incident has spurred advocacy for increased safety measures for social workers who visit clients in their homes.

Legislative Proposals

• ⚖️ Senator Peter Harkham and Assembly Member Dana Levvenberg are proposing new legislation in New York State.
• ⚡ The bills aim to increase penalties for attacking CPS workers and mandate the provision of portable panic alarms to social workers.
• 🎯 The goal is to provide social workers with a quicker way to call for help when they are in dangerous situations.

Technological Solutions

• 📱 The proposed solutions include the use of new technology, specifically portable panic alarms, to enhance worker safety.
• 🏢 Westchester County is reportedly studying this technology and plans to provide panic alarms to its Department of Social Services staff.
• 📢 Union members are lobbying lawmakers to pass these bills before the legislative session concludes in June.