Prairie State Wire

A retired worker from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) recently commented at a news conference on legislation that would help protect DCFS workers.

Senate Bill 4165 would allow DCFS workers to carry self-protective devices including Mace and pepper spray on child neglect investigations. The bill would also require the Illinois State Police to establish a program to train DCFS workers in the use of such self-protective devices. 

Gayle Hopper, retiree from DCFS, voiced her support for the bill. 

"I’ve worked for 23 years for the Department and have held many positions, including frontline positions," Hopper said. "I’m here today to advocate for improved safety measures and protocols for DCFS frontline staff. DCFS staff are committed, hardworking professionals that work tirelessly to protect the children of Illinois no matter what those circumstances are that are presented to them. This bill provides a safety tool not currently available to DCFS frontline staff should they encounter dangerous and possibly life-threatening situations while doing their jobs. "

The bill was introduced on Feb. 10 in the Senate by Sen. Steve McClure (R-Jacksonville) and was co-sponsored by Sens. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) and Neil Anderson (R-Moline).

On Jan. 4, DCFS caseworker Diedre Silas was stabbed to death while performing a home visit in Thayer. The suspect, 32-year-old Benjamin Reed, was arrested later the same day.  

In 2017, DCFS agent Pamela Knight was severely beaten while taking a 2-year-old child into protective custody. Knight was assaulted by Andrew Sucher who left her comatose. She later died of her injuries.

In response to the incident, state Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) re-introduced a bill in the Illinois House that would increase prison sentences for this who would assault DCFS workers. The bill has been dubbed "Pam's Bill."

"I stand with Illinois child protection staff and remember to say the names of Pam Knight and Diedre Silas, who gave their lives in the line of duty serving and protecting the children and families of Illinois," Hopper said. "This bill is a swift and immediate first step, which must be an ongoing process to improve on-the-job safety for frontline DCFS staff."

If passed, the bill would be effective immediately.