Official Summary

3/12/2009--Introduced.Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants to states to provide safety measures to social workers and other professionals working

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Official Summary

3/12/2009--Introduced.Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants to states to provide safety measures to social workers and other professionals working with violent, drug-using, or other at-risk populations. Authorizes such grants to be used to provide or support:
(1) the procurement and installation of safety equipment, including communications systems to assist agencies in locating staff, and technical assistance and training for safety communications;
(2) training exercises for self-defense and crisis management;
(3) facility safety improvements;
(4) provision of pepper spray for self-defense;
(5) training in cultural competency and on strategies for de-escalating a situation that could turn volatile;
(6) training to help workers who work with mentally ill communities and who need help coping; and
(7) educational resources and materials to train staff on safety and awareness measures. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for assuring the cost-effectiveness and quality of the safety measures funded.

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