SPRINGFIELD – To ensure greater protection for Department of Child and Family Services caseworkers, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to protect DCFS caseworkers and investigators. 

“The death of Deidre Silas was a truly tragic moment felt across the state. We must ensure no other caseworker lives are taken in such a despicable way,” Turner said. “This bill will send a clear message that we will do everything in our power to protect the brave men and women who choose this profession.”

Under Turner’s measure, if a person assaults someone they know is a DCFS caseworker or investigator, it will be considered aggravated battery rather than battery. Aggravated battery is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, rather than battery, which is often less than one year. 

The measure comes following the death of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker who was killed during a home visit last month, and Pamela Knight, who experienced the same tragedy in 2018.

“This bill shows our commitment to protecting our frontline DCFS caseworkers who work to protect our youth every day,” Turner said. “I am hopeful we can continue to work together on this commonsense solution that ensures caseworkers and investigators across our state can safeguard our children’s health and wellbeing with security.”

SB 3070 passed the Criminal Law Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.