After Social Worker Stabbed in Camden, Union Worries About Ongoing Safety

By David Madden

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- A Camden-based child welfare worker remained hospitalized today after being stabbed earlier this week on the job.

And her union suggests a decision to cut back on security might be partially to blame for what happened.

The Communications Workers of America, which represents caseworker Leah Coleman and her colleagues, says the New Jersey Department of Children and Families removed Human Services uniformed police from offices statewide last week, in a reorganization.

CWA state president Hetty Rosenstein says security in the building where Coleman works has now been beefed up, but she's not sure for how long.

"They have now put armed security guards in the Camden building. They're both in the front and the back of the building, and on floors. We still need Human Services police back to go out with the workers," she tells KYW Newsradio.

DCF officials were not immediately available for comment.

Caseworker Leah Coleman is still listed in critical condition, and her alleged assailant, 30-year-old Taisha Edwards, is jailed on charges of attempted murder.

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