Halpin Legislation Aimed at Protecting DCFS Workers Passes Both Houses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to the death of Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigative caseworker Pam Knight, who was severely beaten while doing her job, state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, passed legislation Friday to improve DCFS case reporting aimed at reducing risk of injury.

“The death of Pam Knight, and other incidents of violence, have caused extreme concern for many caseworkers throughout Illinois,” Halpin said. “We have a responsibility to respond with action that will ensure that these workers, who are tasked with investigating serious cases every day, can perform their duties without fear.”

Halpin’s Senate Bill 3075 passed the House on Friday with overwhelming bipartisan support. His legislation requires DCFS to establish reasonable procedures for employees to report work-related assaults and injuries. Quarterly reports will be submitted to the General Assembly noting the number of assaults against employees in the line of duty, the number of employee injuries resulting from these assaults and descriptions of the nature of the injuries. Senate Bill 3075 previously passed the Senate and now awaits approval from the governor to become law.

“We must do all we can to ensure that our state workers are protected and that a Pam Knight situation will not happen again,” Halpin said. “This legislation is aimed at saving lives and doing a better job of providing a safe environment for the workers who are serving the interests of Illinois children.

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or at rephalpin@gmail.com.