MARCH 15th to
21st IS ‘SOCIAL WORK WEEK IN BC’ – the following has been provided by the Ministry of Children
and Family Development
Staying connected to her culture has helped Tara Michelle Bridge work
through her own inter-generational trauma and continues to help her support
children and families in her community.
Bridge, a child protection worker from the Kispiox First Nation, is one
of the many front-line workers that Social Work Week recognizes and celebrates,
March 15-21, 2020.
Growing up, Bridge says she relied on spiritual and cultural practices
like singing, drumming and sports to help her stay mentally, physically and
emotionally healthy. After 11 years with the Ministry of Children and Family
Development, Bridge still relies on her connection to culture to help her, her
family and the children and families she works with to overcome difficult
situations.
“It’s important to understand that families dealing with
intergenerational trauma often don’t realize that’s what it is,” Bridge said.
“I bring in as many people as I can, the grandparents, aunts, uncles and the
band representative, to start the conversation.”
Bridge said she is always “up front and honest” with parents and makes
it clear “there is work they need to do,” but that she is there to help and
support them.
One of the many reasons addressing intergenerational trauma is
difficult, Bridge said, is because families often don’t want to talk about it.
“They’re afraid their kids will be taken away,” which is why finding the right
supports and cultural connections is important. Bridge works with parents and
children to build a family plan, and then connects them with specific services
through family wellness workers, counsellors and victim services so they can
address the concerns.
When working with Indigenous children, “finding even one connection to
their culture can make a big difference,” Bridge said. “I worked with two
children in care who were home-schooled, and when I asked if they knew where
they were from, they didn’t.”
Bridge worked with the parents and the band representative to develop a
cultural plan, which included enrolling the kids in school where they could
make new friends, socialize and connect to their community through various
activities. It is a simple thing that Bridge said has made a huge difference.
“They smile so much more, and you can tell they feel connected to their
culture by being involved in their community. Children should always know where
they come from and feel like they belong,” Bridge said, explaining that a
connection to culture can help children feel supported, like they are part of
something larger, and can help their confidence and personal development.
Living and working as a child protection worker in a small community has
its challenges. “I care about my community. My children are a part of it. It
can be isolating though because people are wary of my work.”
With her husband and three children, Bridge said finding healthy,
cultural activities helps keep her grounded and focused. “I do a lot of
crafting, I make jewelry and I’m starting to bead. That connection to my
culture helps me feel balanced.
“I’m basically a child advocate. I believe in the possibility of
healing.”
Quick Facts:
- As of Dec. 31, 2019, there were a total of 3,408 employees providing front-line work on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
- At Delegated Aboriginal Agencies, there are almost 400 front-line and administrative full-time equivalent employees.
Learn More:
If you think a child or youth (under 19 years of age) is being abused or
neglected, call 1 800 663-9122 at any time, day or night.
Visit the BC Association of Social Work: https://www.bcasw.org/
For people interested in learning more about becoming front-line workers
for the Ministry of Children and Family Development, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/featured-careers/social-work
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