Family Of Slain Social Worker Pushes For Stephanie's Law

On Beacon Hill Tuesday, lawmakers heard testimony in support of a bill that would strengthen protections for the state's social workers who care for the mentally ill.

"Stephanie's Law" is named after Stephanie Moulton, a young social worker, who was killed by a patient earlier this year while working at a group home in Revere.

Her family, who was at the hearing, is pushing for increased safety measures for social workers, including the use of "panic buttons" which could be used in the case of emergency immediately summon 911.

Stephanie Mouton's mother, Kimberly Flynn testified at the hearing.

"We're just here to represent Stephanie and just to make sure this never happens again," Flynn said. "So our concern is that everybody is taken care of. "

Deshawn James Chappell, who is charged with Moulton's murder has yet to be tried. His family was in court Tuesday, arguing that he is too mentally ill to stand trial.

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