A Boone County social worker who faced possible termination for checking up on a 7-year-old girl whose case had been closed by another worker has received a 3-day suspension.
The defenders have rallied to Karey Cooper's cause, saying she is being punished for doing the right thing. Cooper was following up on allegations from relatives that the girl was being mistreated at home.
Cooper's attorney says she will appeal the decision of the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Representative Tom Burch, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, says he plans to hold a hearing on the case in October.
The social worker who closed the case received a 2-day suspension for failing to address or report the abuse claims.