Feb. 7, 2007 CONTACT: Leslie Caudill
Senate Democratic Website: www.kysenatedemocrats.com
Senator Harper Angel shows support for social
workers
FRANKFORT - Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, joined legislators in the Capitol Rotunda today to support legislation creating a safer working environment for state social workers.
"Our social workers are on the front lines in protecting our most vulnerable citizens ... our children, elderly citizens, adults with mental illnesses .. people who can't help themselves," Harper Angel said. "But far too often we send them into situations where their lives are threatened, and they don't hesitate to go even though adequate protection has not been provided for them."
Harper Angel is backing a bipartisan bill that was filed by Representative Tom Burch today in the House of Representatives. This bill will direct the Cabinet of Health and Family Services to provide a safe work environment and improve policies and procedures to enhance the safety for all cabinet employees.
"One important aspect of the legislation is the provision which establishes 'safe harbour' locations which are neutral sites for social workers to meet with families," Harper Angel said.
The social work legislation comes in the wake of the murder of 67-year-old Boni Frederick, of Morganfield. Ms. Fredrick, a state social worker, was killed on Oct. 16th at the home of Renee Terrell, of Henderson. Ms. Fredrick had taken Terrell's son, who was in the state custody, to the house for a scheduled visit with his mother. The baby was not harmed.
Terrell, 33, and the baby's father, Christopher Luttrell, 23, have been charged with murder, kidnapping and first-degree robbery in the death of Ms. Frederick.
Harper Angel said the bill will be called "the Boni Bill."
-END-
Note: For a high-res. JPEG photo file of Senator Harper Angel, please log on to www.lrc.state.ky.us/pubinfo/ephoto.htm.