Patrick lends support to social workers

By State House News Service

Governor Deval Patrick today acknowledged the danger social workers face on the job, pointing to the fatal stabbing last month of a therapist in North Andover.

“I’ve been to the offices where some of you work,” Patrick told several hundred social workers in Great Hall at the State House. “I have talked to many of you. I see the clientele that you are dealing with. I see the conditions in which you work,”

“I know you need more money,” Patrick said to cheers. “I know it.”

The governor recently signed a proclamation declaring March Social Work Month, and he pledged that his administration would assist social workers in advancing their agenda. Social workers have long pushed for more funding to ease caseloads.

On Feb. 8, Diruhi Mattian, 53, was fatally stabbed in the back when she rushed to the North Andover apartment of a 19-year-old client who was arguing with his younger sister. Police have charged the client, Thomas Belanger, with murder.

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