Macon Reporter

State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is promoting the Knight-Silas bill as a means of protecting Department of Children and Family Services workers.

“Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) and I have been pushing legislation since 2018 to protect our workers at DCFS,” Caulkins posted on Facebook. “Finally, the Democrats in Springfield joined us and saw the need to act. This bill is the first step to provide justice for those that serve to protect the most vulnerable amongst us.”

The legislation now pending in Springfield would increase penalties for individuals who commit crimes against DCFS employees, with DCFS employees being granted the same protections as police, firefighters, private security employees, correctional officers, and community policing volunteers.

The measure comes in response to the deaths of two DCFS caseworkers, Deidre Silas and Pam Knight, both of whom were killed on the job.

Silas was stabbed to death earlier this month during a home visit in Thayer, where police charged 32-year-old Benjamin Reed with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Her death comes nearly four years after Knight was beaten during a welfare check in Milledgeville and died from her injuries months later. Andrew Sucher was charged and has since signed a plea deal for 21 years in jail with no parole.

“Some things transcend politics and I'm happy to support this legislation,” Caulkins said. “We are proud to co-sponsor legislation that values our Department of Children and Family Services staff. As a caucus, we have been fighting for this legislation since 2018.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker threw his muscle behind the measure just 48 hours after Silas was killed.

“These professionals do everything in their power to protect children, so it’s time for the legal system to treat them like the first responders they are,” Pritzker told WSILTV.com. “I’m working with the General Assembly to enhance the penalties for adults who harm DCFS workers to align with the protections for other first responders.