BILL NUMBER: S253

SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to providing all
child protective services employees with supportive mental health
services and resources

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to provide all child protective services
employees with supportive mental health services and resources.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. amends section 421 of the social services law by adding a new
subdivision 9 to provide all child protective services employees with
supportive mental health services and resources

Section 2. is the enacting clause.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

This legislation is necessary because child protective services (CPS)
employees are frequently exposed to traumatic situations that can nega-
tively impact their mental health and wellbeing. CPS employees are
responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect,
which can be emotionally and psychologically challenging.  The purpose
of this legislation is to ensure that CPS employees have access to the
mental health services and resources they need to maintain their own
health and wellbeing while performing their important duties.

The inclusion of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
and other forms of therapy and counseling is crucial because these
services have been shown to be effective in treating trauma-related
conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By providing
CPS employees with access to these resources, they will be better
equipped to manage the stress and trauma they experience in their work
and reduce their risk of developing mental health issues.  Furthermore,
it is important to recognize the significant emotional toll that vicari-
ous and secondary trauma can have on CPS employees.  Vicarious trauma
occurs when individuals are exposed to traumatic events through their
work with others, while secondary trauma refers to the emotional stress
experienced by those who are in close proximity to traumatized individ-
uals. Providing CPS employees with access to resources and information
on how to manage vicarious and- secondary trauma is an important step in
supporting their mental health and wellbeing.

Overall, this legislation is a necessary step towards promoting the
health and wellbeing of CPS employees, who play a critical role i n
protecting the safety and wellbeing of children in our communities.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.