LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Social service workers in Kentucky have been warned they could face disciplinary action “up to and including dismissal” for talking to the news media without permission.
The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/2dbgUsD ) reports the warning came in an email last week from the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services to all employees.
It comes after social workers who investigate child abuse and neglect have voiced growing frustration about staff shortages and rising caseloads.
Jeff Culver, a social work supervisor in Jefferson County, says the email is “demoralizing.”
Jean West, communications director for the cabinet, says the email from human resources officials was simply one of a number of routine reminders about agency policy that workers will be receiving. She says social workers should not infer they have been singled out.