New Safety Laws Pushed in Wake of Social Worker's Death

Frankfort, KY - In the wake of the murder of Boni Frederick, 67, her daughter and social workers are pushing for reforms that would keep them safer at their jobs. The bill is backed by Sen. Daniel Mongiardo, D-Hazard and they are pushing for more support.

Her daughter testified as to the untimely loss of her mother, her brutal death at the hands of Renee Terrell and her boyfriend, Christopher Wayne Luttrell, who are facing charges of murder and kidnapping in her death.

She was found beaten and stabbed to death on October 16th, after making a home visit to Renee Terrell's home with her son, who was in foster care. Saige Terrell was kidnpped by the parents, who were later found in Illinois. Saige was returned to his foster parents, who reportedly want to adopt him.

Renee Terrell asserts her innocence, but she had previously confessed to hitting Ms. Frederick several times with a skillet. They go before a grand jury on November 14th.

Ms. Travis met with lawmakers and at least 150 social workers Friday because it was a federal holiday and they had the day off work. Social workers applauded the recommendations that Ms. Travis is making, but critics contend that her position is worrisome and would overburden the already struggling system with more social worker positions to fill and social workers getting hazard duty pay.

She also wants to stop in-home visits with families because that's how her mother got murdered. She contends that it doesn't matter if some parents lack transportation. That the state shouldn't put workers in harm's way to accommodate bad parents. If those parents need cigarettes or want to party on Friday night, they're going to get there, if it means walking, so why shouldn't they be able to get to a "neutral" visitation site?

Some social workers argue this point, stating that in-home visits are crucial to understanding whether a child can ultimately be reunited with the family.

As for the Terrell/Luttrell issue, Saige had been removed from their care due to neglect, not abuse.

The last social worker murdered in Kentucky was in 1987. Critics contend that the number of children dying in foster care far exceeds the number of slain social workers, so there should be more focus on keeping children safe. Children, after all, can't protect themselves as easily as adults can.