IT CAN GET ROUGH OUT THERE FOR CASE WORKERS WITH THE NEW MEXICO CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT. THAT’S ACCORDING TO CABINET SECRETARY MONIQUE JACOBSON. SHE WANTS TO SEE STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ANYONE WHO ATTACKS A C-Y-F-D EMPLOYEE.
JACOBSON TELLS US SHE TAGGED-ALONG WITH A CASE WORKER ON A VISIT TO A FAMILY AND LEARNED THAT OTHER PROFESSIONS HAVE STRONGER PENALTIES FOR ASSAULT. SHE SAYS WHEN THEY GOT BACK INTO THE CAR, THE CASE WORKERS TOLD HER SHE HAS MORE PROTECTION WHEN SHE SERVES AS A REFEREE THAN WHEN SHE SERVES AS A PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER.
JACOBSON SAYS THIS IS THE FOURTH YEAR THERE’S BEEN AN EFFORT TO PASS LEGISLATION INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ATTACKS ON C-Y-F-D WORKERS. SENATE 38 IS IN THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.
