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>>People Daily doses of abuse and neglect >> But there is an upside to working for the DYP, social worker asserts by CHRIS BARRY
Bio: This lascivious Plateau resident was first introduced to social work several years ago after falling into a job working in an Australian group home for disabled adults. Finding the work extremely rewarding and feeling like he was actually “making a difference,” upon his return to Canada he decided it was time to finally go whole hog and get his degree in the field. He now works part-time with the Department of Youth Protection Services in Westmount. When not rescuing kids from abusive situations or scolding surly juvenile delinquents, Stephen is a flight attendant for Air Canada, serving coffee and smiling politely at everyone and everything that rides the skies. His primary duty as a social worker: Analyzing accusations of child abuse, collecting data and making the decision as to whether or not a case should be investigated further. Some of the people who call him up with horror stories of alleged child abuse: Doctors, nurses, police officers, family workers with the CLSC, concerned neighbours, bitter spouses, other family members, teachers. The toughest calls to deal with: Parents who are separating and accusing each other of child abuse. “It’s very difficult because the child could be in danger but you have to get past all the bullshit first. Is the child really in danger or is it simply a case of parents seeking revenge?” Does he get many reports from bitchy neighbours who just want to get rid of some bratty neighbourhood kid by manufacturing stories of their being bumfucked and beaten by their parents? Yes, he receives a couple of calls like this on every shift. “But they’re usually very easy to spot. These people don’t really understand what kind of implications their accusations have.” How he deals with this type of irresponsible muckraker: “You have to be sensitive but firm, and let them know an investigation can’t be made unless they have factual proof. I tell them that should they hear screams or have any other kind of factual evidence to notify the police and then the police will notify us.” Does he have his heart broken on a daily basis? “Yes, sometimes the job affects me a lot. I come home and think about all these difficult situations. But you have to keep reminding yourself that this is a very minimal segment of the population, that not all kids are abused or neglected.” Has he ever been physically threatened on the job? Yes. Something he is currently doing: Training to run a 42-kilometre marathon in Ireland for charity. He’s trying to raise $5,000 for arthritis research, care etc through Joints in Motion. Contact www.arthritis.ca/joints/quebec/Stephen_Souch if you want to help him out. Where he hangs out: Sky, Parking. Favourite alcoholic beverage: Red wine. Childhood ambition: To become a dentist or a teacher. Cologne: Happy, by Clinique. Last book read: It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life, by Lance Armstrong Words of wisdom: “Always keep challenging yourself.” : |
Name:
Stephen Souch