Safety procedures for child welfare workers in Illinois are under renewed scrutiny after the murder of a Department of Children and Family Services employee in Thayer this week.
DCFS Director Marc Smith says he cannot discuss specifics of the incident, but says it appears that Deidre Silas followed all safety protocols in responding to a report of children in danger at the home where she was killed. Some Illinois lawmakers say it shows the need for enhanced penalties for any kind of violent assault on a DCFS employee in the line of duty.
Suspect Benjamin Reed is facing first-degree murder and other charges and is being held without bail. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.
