Sheila Klinker deemed Legislator of the Year by Indiana School Social Work Association

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Indiana State Rep. Sheila Klinker was recognized for her years of legislative work supporting students and families when last week she was deemed the Legislator of the Year by the Indiana School Social Work Association.

This award was presented by Julie Shannon, the Legislative Chair for Indiana School Social Work Association, who was also one of Klinker’s former sixth-grade students.

“It’s wonderful to see a former student succeed, and her presence made the presentation of this award even more special,” Klinker, a Democrat, said in the press release.

The association was recognizing Klinker, representing Indiana House District 27, which includes parts of both Lafayette and West Lafayette, for her decades of work trying to improve the lives and well-being of children and families.

The association specifically highlighted Klinker’s work in authoring and passing House Bill 1974 in 1989, which established the First Steps Program, as well as the other programs that provide services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.

She’s also created legislation that has expanded prenatal substance abuse initiatives, updated pensions for teachers and established universal screenings for dyslexia, according to the press release.

"As a former teacher, I understand the importance of school social workers. Truly, they are our students’ greatest supporters and shower them daily with love. I am extremely honored to receive this recognition from the Indiana School Social Work Association,” Klinker said in the press release.

"Our youth are the future and we must continue to prioritize their mental health, emotional needs and development. School social workers are essential to encouraging our students who may not have solid support systems at home. In turn, I would like to thank all the school social workers in Indiana. Your support in the classroom and the care you show these children makes a world of difference. I will continue to advocate for children and families in the 2024 legislative session."

The Indiana School Social Work Association assists Indiana students and their families by providing mental health intervention, behavioral assistance and crisis management. School social workers are an integral part of educational success and the welfare of local communities.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Klinker named Legislator of the Year by INSSWA