A Family Preservation Counsellor (FPC) provides a continuum of home-based, culturally grounded, and goal-orientated services to families. FPC’s work with culturally-based and holistic healing approaches to address physical, mental, and spiritual needs.
Background and identity.
My name is Leah Delorme, and my Cree name is Muskwa Iskwew, which means “bear woman.” I am from the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory. Ahtahkakoop translates to “star blanket” in Cree.
Experience at VACFSS.
Two years
Key role andresponsibility.
I am a Family Preservation Counsellor. Our work is very relational, and our caseloads are intentionally smaller (compared to Child Protection) so that we can engage in relationship-based work. A family is referred to our program when the children may be at risk of removal or when the family is being reunited after a period of separation.
A typical day may include transportation to treatment or helping the family find housing.
Life journey to VACFSS.
I have lived experience of being a target of systemic racism. My son’s school would report on child protection concerns without any basis, and I had many visits from social workers. I was a single Indigenous mom raising a son with autism. Despite knowing I was a good mother, I feared losing my son. This motivated me to get into this work – if a child welfare worker is going to enter the lives of Indigenous families, I’d rather it be me. I’ve been through it, and I can connect with them. More importantly, I approach situations from a strength-based place.
Significant challenge/barrier facing our families and community.
There is so much! Cost of living, the opioid crisis, and affordable/subsidized housing, to name a few.
Highlights/accomplishments.
I have significant experience working in the DTES as a mental health worker. I also worked in an Indigenous halfway house for men.
There are parallels between child welfare and the criminal justice system – Indigenous Peoples are overrepresented, have low socioeconomic status, and live with mental health and substance use disorders. It’s all intertwined.
Passion for working with families.
It is being able to relate to our families and being compassionate. My story is not too different from theirs.
Most enjoyable aspect of your role.
When we reunite families, it’s been happening more because of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
I am also overjoyed when I am included in the families’ lives, such as when I am invited to birthday parties.
