Leah's Law Aims To Protect Child Welfare Caseworkers

New legislation dubbed "Leah's Law" introduced today would bolster protection of New Jersey Department of Children and Families workers.

The bill is named after Leah Coleman, a CWA Local 1038 member and child protective services worker, who was stabbed 21 times by a deranged client at work last November. It would require police officers to be assigned to offices and calls for tougher penalties for people who harm employees.

The incident had occurred just a few days after the Christie administration pulled police officers out of all of its child welfare offices to save money. Without security or metal detectors, her attacker was able to walk into the building with a knife.

"I don't know if she was aware the police officers left that Friday, and Monday was the first day they weren't there, but it would've been a quick response," said Coleman, speaking about the attack for the first time at a CWA awards ceremony for her five coworkers who saved her life. Two CWA caseworkers tackled and subdued the assailant, while three HPAE nurses treated Coleman's wounds until the ambulance arrived.

"I thank you all for your love and support," she told the crowd of about 1,000 people.

After a two-week stay in the hospital, Coleman remained in bed until early January. Earlier this week, her attacker pled guilty to stabbing her and received a 13-year prison sentence.

CWA raised $18,000 in member donations to help her recovery.

"I would like to continue helping people. Maybe I can help push legislation," Coleman told NJ.com. "I'm okay. I'm strong."