DHR EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE PROTECTION FROM BULLET-PROOF VESTS

Due to hazardous home visits, the Alabama Department of Human Resources is
going to train social workers on how to deal with dangers and outfit them
with bullet proof vests.

Social workers throughout the state are in danger because of the growing
number of crystal methamphetamine users, and while no social workers have
been injured yet, according to the DHR Commissioner, Bill Fuller, action
needs to be taken.

Marsha Hanks, County Director for Tallapoosa County DHR, said social
workers are trained to deal with dangerous situations by leaving the scene.

"Our child protective services would never knowingly put themselves in
harm's way," she said. "We're not law enforcement officials, we're not
trained in tactics or procedures and don't carry guns. If a worker would be
injured in a protective service assessment or if they inadvertently found
themselves in a situation with a potential for violence, they have been
trained to leave immediately and report to law enforcement to let law
enforcement intervene."

Hanks is glad many of the 1,400 social workers throughout the state will
receive additional training, because it will help them assess situations fully.

"I see training as a good thing because it helps social workers to know
what it (meth) is, the dangers, risks, because they need to be
knowledgeable about drugs," Hanks said.

Hanks said there has been some difficulties with crystal meth in the
county, and meth labs are a growing problem, as are all other drugs.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said there are dangers social
workers face, including those associated with drugs, and bullet proof vests
would give them added safety.

"The social workers are very valuable working with law enforcement in child
abuse cases and the other human resources cases," Abbett said. "They have
to go into two areas that are unsafe and for safety's sake, it would
probably be something of benefit to them."

Overall, Hanks said when Tallapoosa County's social workers recognize a
dangerous situation, they do not perform an evaluation without the
assistance of law enforcement.

"I would not want them being in harm's way," Hanks said. "That is not the
role of the social worker. Their role is to protect the children and let
law enforcement deal with potentially violent situations.

The cost for the equipment would range between $100,000 and $200,000, and
officials hope to implement their plans as soon as possible for potentially
dangerous encounters.