BILL NUMBER: S6987A
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to providing panic
buttons to certain employees of city and county social services
districts
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one adds a new section to article 3 of the social services law
to require social services districts to provide panic buttons to
employ-ees who interact directly with clients in external locations.
Section two sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Social workers frequently engage with clients alone in various settings,
including clients homes. These interactions can expose them to poten-
tial threats, including verbal and physical confrontations. The Ameri-
can Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) found
that 70% of front-line child welfare workers have been victims of
violence/threats in the line of duty. Further, social service workers in
the public sector are 7 times more likely to be victims of violent
assaults.
This bill addresses these dangers by ensuring that social workers are
equipped with panic buttons that can provide immediate assistance in
emergencies. The panic button sYstem will enable social workers to alert
emergency services discreetly without escalating potentially dangerous
situations. This bill is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding our
social services workforce.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.