Tangela Francis LCSW’s Post

What a response! The reaction of the SW community and the measures that have been implemented in the aftermath, are remarkable. We salute you, Maria. #SocialWork #NASW #NWUresearch #SafetyMeasures #Advocacy #WellnessWardens #ResearchExcellence #compres #MyNWU #protectsocialworkers #swsafety #sweducation #swpractice #swpolicy

Possible Trigger Warning: Violence against social workers (and other helping professionals) The first time I heard about violence against a social worker was the horrific murder of Teri Zenner. She was a 26 year old social worker conducting a home visit in August 2004. For the past 20 years her widower, Matt Zenner, has been working to change the laws to better protect social workers and others performing similar services. So many social workers are injured or lost due to preventable violence. Now we have lost Maria Coto who was violently attacked attempting to conduct a home visit, and she has since tragically succumbed to injuries. These injuries were not from a client, but instead at the hands of a community member whose door she unknowingly knocked on. State and federal legislators, along with organizations, have an obligation to protect those serving the most vulnerable in society. There is no question of “if” they could do more. They can, and too many choose inaction or platitudes. Immediate changes can happen at the agency level. What will your organization do to ensure the safety of workers going into communities and homes? Some suggestions: 1) Caseloads should be manageable to prevent fatigue and burnout (which inarguably place workers at higher risk). 2) Emergency alert systems exist where people can be notified of your location, emit sounds that can startle during an emergency, etc.. 3) Workers should not be going into homes alone. Each visit presents a variety of unknown factors. 4) Meaningful trainings to hone crisis intervention skills, evasion techniques, and if rising to the occasion, active self-defense skills. 5) Creat equitable measures for those working in the community with those working within an organization (like hospital acuities). Please do not hear this as “clients are dangerous”. That is often untrue; however, some clients can be, some situations can be, some family members or friends can be, some communities can be, and many circumstances we are placed in are dangerous. Protect the workers who serve selflessly. It should be the bare minimum for employers to protect employees in the same way they’d protect their bottom line or administrative staff. #SocialWorker #SocialWorkers #RIP #Safety #Prevention #WorkplaceViolence

NASWNYS Offers Condolences After Social Worker Attacked in NY Dies The #NASWNYC and #NASWNYS chapters have recently learned about the tragic death of social worker Maria Coto on June 19, 2024. Our deepest condolences go out to Maria’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Maria's death is a devastating reminder of the senseless acts of violence that #SocialWorkers often endure while working. Such violence is inexcusable and highlights the urgent need for protective measures for those dedicated to serving and uplifting our communities. Considering this tragedy, we renew our call for legislative action to protect social workers by passing the federal bill, the Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act. This vital legislation would promote safer working conditions by establishing a $10 million grant program to implement workplace safety measures. “We stand in solidarity with all social workers that continue to do their job despite the risks and will continue to advocate for the necessary changes to ensure their safety and well-being,” says Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW, executive director of the NASW-NYS chapter. Following this attack, officials in New York approved an emergency contract that beefed up security escorts for social workers. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4ct7KDi

In light of recent events involving the murder of social worker Maria Coto, it is vital that we advocate for the enforcement of Penal Law Section 120.05(3a) to protect those who dedicate their lives to helping others. and awareness around this issue are crucial in preventing future incidents. Let's stand together in support of all social and ensure their safety is prioritized. NASW NYS/NYC Executive Director Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW reminds us in a recent statement: The National Association of Social Workers for New York City and New York State have recently learned about the tragic death of social worker Maria Coto on June 19, 2024. Our deepest condolences go out to Maria’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Maria's death is a devastating reminder of the senseless acts of violence that social workers often endure while working with community members. Such violence is inexcusable and highlights the urgent need for protective measures for those dedicated to serving and uplifting our communities. Considering this tragedy, we renew our call for legislative action to protect social workers by passing the federal bill, the Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act (2022). This vital legislation would promote safer working conditions by establishing a $10 million grant program to implement workplace safety measures. We stand in solidarity with all social workers that continue to do their job despite the risks and will continue to advocate for the necessary changes to ensure their safety and well-being. #ProtectSocialWorkers #EnforceTheLaw #NASW #NASWNYS #NASWNYC

The attack on Maria Coto is unacceptable and a grave injustice to those dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities through social work. We call urge our partners in government community leaders, and employers to prioritize the safety of social workers by: - Implementing robust safety protocols and emergency response systems. - Providing regular mandated safety trainings. - Mandating field social workers be paired with colleagues or aides. - Supporting federal legislation like the Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act (2022). Social workers are essential in creating stronger and healthier communities. It's our shared duty to ensure their safety and well-being as they care for communities across New York State. 💪🛡️ #ProtectSocialWorkers #SafetyFirst #SupportOurSocialWorkers #SocialWorkSafety

Protecting Social Workers in Dangerous Situations: Social workers often find themselves placed in potentially dangerous situations without proper training or safety equipment to manage the situation. The Safety Button is a discrete way for social workers to call for help if needed during a dangerous situation. Read more. https://lnkd.in/gCyn3n9i #SocialWork #SocialWorker #EmployeeSafety #LoneWorker

During the pandemic, stay-at-home orders drove a rise in domestic violence, with cases increasing 8% following initial lockdowns. With no federal law in place to support trauma victims, some companies have taken it upon themselves to create policies around gender-based violence leave to let employees know they will be supported, especially financially, as they deal with such draining and tumultuous circumstances – an important development, as reported by Hailey Mensik #worklife #employersupport #domesticviolence #trauma #returntowork #HR #humanresources

Did you know that social workers can help you and your family navigate complex systems and processes? This means you can focus on quality time with your loved ones and the things that are most important to you. #NPCW2024 #MattersOfLifeAndDeath 🧡

Feeling unsafe is not a rarity for social workers, yet this is a topic that has been discussed sparingly within the profession. Discover strategies to address safety concerns, helping to keep social workers safer and potentially improve retention in the field: tinyurl.com/ytmtf6hv #socialwork

“Shockingly, the number of job-related deaths is increasing. According to a largely overlooked report recently released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal occupational injuries are up by 5.6% overall. That means that in 2022, a worker died every 96 minutes from a job-related injury. [A]s was laid bare during the pandemic, too often it’s our most critical jobs and workers who experience the lowest standards of quality. These roles are also disproportionately filled by Black and Hispanic workers—whose fatality rates increased 12.4% and 10.4%, respectively, over the previous year. This is no coincidence. Inequitable education and workforce systems have contributed to a system of occupational segregation that has relegated many Black and Hispanic workers to jobs that not only offer little opportunity for economic mobility but also are within the workforce’s most dangerous industries, such as transportation and construction. Improving the well-being of these workers requires addressing the biases in training, education, and hiring that lead to occupational segregation but also creating safer working environments across every single industry and occupation. Companies, policymakers, and regulators can start by empowering workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Establishing mechanisms for anonymous reporting and encouraging participation in safety committees can go a long way in centering worker voices. Just as essential: ensuring employees have equitable access to personal protective equipment, healthcare services, and safety training, regardless of race, ethnicity—or age. Workers ages 55 to 64 experience the highest number of fatalities, according to the recent BLS report. As the workforce continues to age and more people than ever before are working post-retirement, employers must acknowledge the ways that this group is at increased risk of injury and pay special attention to their safety. Prioritizing worker well-being means addressing underlying mental health challenges as well. Unintentional overdoses while on the job, for instance, have increased 13.1%, leading to 525 fatalities in 2022. Companies can include mental health and substance abuse prevention components in workplace safety training programs, as well as training and education on mental health awareness, stress management, and recognizing signs of distress.” Fast Company #futureofwork #agingworkforce #mentalhealth #workplacesafety #whistleblowerprotections #training Michael Collins Tameshia Bridges Mansfield Jobs for the Future (JFF)