The Social Work Lens

The Social Work Lens Presents... Audio Nuggets Episode 35 - Myah Overstreet Oct 18, 2024

This week we are sharing one of our favorite podcasts with you! Please enjoy this episode of Mining for Gold’s podcast: Audio Nuggets. Links, transcripts, and shownotes available at https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Welcome to the cypher, right here on Audio Nuggets! On Audio Nuggets we strive to bend the arc of non-linear modes through conversations that tug and pull from the best of who we are. We give ourselves rooted permission to tell a collective story of the principled struggle for liberation. We are filled with joy and honored to be joined by Myah Overstreet for Episode 35: To Be Invisible—A True Narrative.

Myah Overstreet is a filmmaker and journalist. Her area of focus is on the intersection of culture and racial injustices among marginalized communities. She is dedicated to amplifying bold, untold stories. Just two weeks ago, Myah’s documentary “To Be Invisible” was published on The New Yorker site. The film follows the journey of Alexis and Kelley as they demand the return of their children from the family police in North Carolina.

Shining light and love on Black women was always what Myah wanted to focus her work on. In this episode, we unpack Myah’s journey to using film and journalism to tell the true narrative of reproductive justice rights of Black women, and the policing of bodies--the story that is not talked about. Myah shares the evolution of the film and how she joined with mothers and activists in the movement to abolish family policing to tell the story. Myah brings life and love to the film to magnify what’s been hidden. Every story that is told in this true narrative is getting us closer to a new world!

Critical Approaches to the DSM Aug 02, 2024

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM 5- TR, looms large in mental health services. As the principal guide for psychiatric diagnoses, the DSM seeks to provide a common language and standard criteria for mental health treatment. It is also an evolving text, that has been the subject of ongoing critique and revision since it’s original publication. Join recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate Olivia Baker and faculty member Danielle Jatlow, as they discuss some strengths and limitations that Olivia explored in her independent study on the DSM.

Shownotes & Transcripts available @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Sibling Aggression & Abuse Jul 17, 2024

Sibling aggression is the most common form of family violence, yet it remains hidden and confused with sibling rivalry. Numerous studies have linked sibling aggression and abuse to worse mental and physical health and problematic interpersonal relationships with parents, peers, and romantic partners. Join Cassie as she speaks with Corinna Jenkins Tucker, PhD, CFLE & Tanya Rouleau Whitworth, PhD about their work in this important area.

Transcripts & shownotes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Mandated Reporting: Safety or Surveillance? May 21, 2024

Is mandated reporting critical to achieving child and family safety in our communities, or is it an outdated strategy that facilitates family surveillance? Who is this policy serving and why? What is driving the shift in thinking about mandated reporting? Join Jill Richard, MEd. & Dr. James Metz as they set the stage to learn from our history and create new possibilities.

The Triple Intersection of Trauma, Neurodiversity & Gender Diversity – Part 3 May 10, 2024

Neurodivergent youth and young adults, including those with autism, and gender-expansive youth face more adversity and are at a greater risk of trauma, such as abuse and neglect, as well as experiences like rejection, isolation, and bullying than their peers without those differences. Those living at the intersection of both neurodivergence, and gender expansiveness are at even higher risk. Join Cassie & Kelly Smith as they explore the relationship between gender diversity and trauma in Part 3 of this series.

Show notes & resources available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

The Triple Intersection of Trauma, Neurodiversity & Gender Diversity – Part 2 Apr 26, 2024

Neurodivergent youth and young adults, including those with autism, and gender-expansive youth face more adversity and are at a greater risk of trauma, such as abuse and neglect, as well as experiences like rejection, isolation, and bullying than their peers without those differences. Those living at the intersection of both neurodivergence, and gender expansiveness are at even higher risk. Join Cassie & Kelly Smith as they explore the relationship between neurodivergence and trauma in Part 2 of this series.

Show notes & resources available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

The Triple Intersection of Trauma, Neurodiversity & Gender Diversity – Part 1 Apr 12, 2024

Neurodivergent youth and young adults, including those with autism, and gender-expansive youth face more adversity and are at a greater risk of trauma, such as abuse and neglect, as well as experiences like rejection, isolation, and bullying than their peers without those differences. Those living at the intersection of both neurodivergence, and gender expansiveness are at even higher risk. Join Cassie & Kelly Smith as they explore this triple intersection.

Show notes & resources available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Youth & Suicide Series Part 3: Moving beyond prevention into creating lives of hope and connection. Mar 01, 2024

Join Cassie, Chris, & Ellen as they close this series by discussing how to support youth beyond crisis response and foster lives worth living. Listen to Part 1 & Part 2 for information on universal screening and how to respond when youth screen positive. Transcripts and show notes available at https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Youth & Suicide Series, Part 2- Someone screened positive - Now what? Feb 16, 2024

Youth suicide is a public health crisis, and we all have a role in prevention! Join Cassie, Ellen, & Chris as they discuss how to respond to youth in crisis, and what to do after you’ve administered a screening tool. Transcripts & show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Youth & Suicide Series Part 1- You Have To Ask. Feb 02, 2024

Part 1- You Have To Ask: The Importance of Screening for Suicide Prevention.

Youth suicide is a public health crisis, and we all have a role in prevention! Join Cassie, Ellen, & Chris as they bust some myths about youth suicide, dig into the importance of screening, and walk through an accessible approach to screening that almost anyone can use.

Show notes & Transcripts available @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Youth Voice Mini-series- Part 3 Oct 13, 2023

Join Mercedes and Hailey in this third and final episode as they share their experiences in the VT DCF child welfare system with host, Kate Cunningham. Using the list of hopes and aspirations for any youth in state’s care that the St. Joseph’s Orphanage survivors created in 2020, we discuss the importance of youth having access to their information, as well as, being a part of their own plan.

Transcripts & show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Youth Voice Mini-series - Part 2 Sep 29, 2023

Join Mercedes and Hailey in this second episode as they share their experiences in the VT DCF child welfare system with host, Kate Cunningham. Using the list of hopes and aspirations for any youth in state’s care that the St. Joseph’s Orphanage survivors created in 2020, we discuss the importance of the relationship between a youth in care and their alternative caregivers, either kin, foster or residential workers. The need for a sense of belonging and for being cared about as a person is clear in the stories that share.

Transcripts & show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Youth Voice Mini-series - Part 1 Sep 15, 2023

Join host Kate Cunningham as she speaks with Hailey and Mercedes, about their experiences as children in custody in the VT DCF child welfare system. Using the list of hopes and aspirations for any youth in state’s care that the St. Joseph’s Orphanage survivors created in 2020, Hailey & Mercedes tell their stories over three episodes, and dig into the importance of the relationship between a youth in care and their DCF worker, the need to be seen and heard, and the need to feel that their lives matter to their workers.

Transcripts & show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Child Welfare with Justice as the Throughline Part 3: Nurturing Freedom Dreams Jun 23, 2023

Join us for our last episode in our 3-part miniseries with Corey Best on racial justice in child welfare. In this episode, Janine Beaudry brings Corey B. Best and Vermont Family Services Division, Deputy Commissioner Aryka Radke together to dream about, and discuss, the just child and family support system we want to build, along with a few specific thoughts about some of the ways we might get there.

Transcript, show notes, and links to episode 1 and 2 available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Child Welfare with Justice as the Throughline, Part 2 Jun 09, 2023

Join Janine Beaudry as she continues her conversation with Corey B. Best, in Part 2, of our 3-part mini-series on racial justice in child welfare. In part 2, Corey & Janine focus on how the legacy of chattel slavery underpins the current child welfare system, and the current push to abolish racist practices to build a just child and family support system.

Transcript & Show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Announcement- We have a new name! May 12, 2023

The Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership (VT-CWTP) is proud to announce that we are changing the name of our podcast to THE SOCIAL WORK LENS.

Child Welfare with Justice as the Throughline Part 1 Apr 28, 2023

Most of us are having uncomfortable conversations about racism these days. Join Janine Beaudry as she talks with Corey B. Best about the origins and impacts of white supremacy in our country, and how authentic connection and belonging can help us all see the malady for what it is and move toward healing.

Transcript, Bios, and Show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

A Reflective Approach to Uncomfortable Conversations Apr 07, 2023

We all have Uncomfortable Conversations sometimes... join host Cassie Gillespie as she talks with Jan Fook, PhD about her work on using a Reflective Approach, and how this approach can transform tough conversations.

Transcript, Bios, and Show notes available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Harnessing Courage in Conversations to Keep Kids Safe Oct 26, 2022

“She said that the only thing that made this thing (a child being removed from their home) even a teenier bit more bearable, was that she saw tears in the social worker’s eyes” – Dr. Nicki Weld describing compassionate courage.

Join host Kate Cunningham as she talks with Dr. Nicki Weld about the concept of courage, and the importance of caregivers and child welfare workers being authoritative and compassionate in their relationships with children and families.

Show notes and Transcripts available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

The Team as a Secure Base with Dr. Laura Biggart Oct 07, 2022

Join Cassie as she talks with Dr. Laura Biggart about The Team as Secure Base Model. The Team as a Secure Base model is an adapted version of Gillian Schofield and Mary Beek’s Secure Base model (we have an episode on this- check it out!) used in foster care, adoption, residential care and schools; and draws from social workers’ experiences and their articulation of what helps create trust as a foundation for effective teamworking.

Show notes and transcripts available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/lens-podcast/

The Secure Base Model with Dr. Gillian Schofield Sep 23, 2022

Safety and Security are at the heart of any meaningful relationship, especially the relationship between caregiver and child. In this episode, Cassie talks with Professor Gillian Schofield PhD about the Secure Base model, which provides a framework for building positive relationships and promoting security and resilience, not only in foster care, adoption, and residential care, but also in schools, workplace teams and a range of diverse settings. The Secure Base model, used widely in the United Kingdom and abroad, draws from attachment theory and proposes five dimensions of caregiving, each of which is associated with a corresponding developmental benefit for the child.

Show notes and transcripts available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/lens-podcast/

Part 2: Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations about Normative Child Sexual Development and Behavior Sep 09, 2022

Talking with kids about their sexual development can certainly be uncomfortable. When you are a caregiver or a Family Services worker, having those conversations with a child you barely know might feel doubly uncomfortable. Add to that a limited knowledge of normative sexual development; maybe sprinkle in some myths, values, and a healthy sense of shame instilled upon you in your own upbringing, and you’ve got yourself one heck of an uncomfortable conversation.

In today's episode Tammy Leombruno will continue talking about using a continuum of behavior to help us identify when sexual behavior is normative, of concern or potentially problematic; how to respond in the moment; when to reach out for help and she’ll suggest some resources to support you in your own learning. Show notes and transcripts available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Part 1: Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations about Normative Child Sexual Development and Behavior Aug 26, 2022

Talking with kids about their sexual development can certainly be uncomfortable.
When you are a caregiver or a Family Services worker, having those conversations with a child you barely know might feel doubly uncomfortable. Add to that a limited knowledge of normative sexual development; maybe sprinkle in some myths, values, and a healthy sense of shame instilled upon you in your own upbringing, and you’ve got yourself one heck of an uncomfortable conversation.

In this episode Tammy Leombruno will talk about using a continuum of behavior to help us identify when sexual behavior is normative, of concern or potentially problematic; how to respond in the moment; when to reach out for help and she’ll suggest some resources to support you in your own learning. Show notes and transcripts available at: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Adoption is Uncomfortable Aug 12, 2022

Join host Pete Cudney and guest Nam Holtz as they explore some of the complexity of adoption and transracial adoption. Adoption is complicated, transracial adoption even more so. In this conversation Nam highlights the importance of examining some of our taken for granted assumptions, and the need to have open and sometimes uncomfortable conversations to best support children and families involved in adoptions.

Show notes and transcripts available at https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Safety Culture: Why feeling connected to your colleagues matters. Jul 29, 2022

Last season we brought you an introduction to Safety Culture and Safety Science with Mike Cull. Well guess who’s back? On today’s episode Cassie & Pete welcome Mike Cull and his colleague Elizabeth Riley to talk about Why Feeling Connected to your Colleagues Matters. Mike and Elizabeth will help us explore the connection between psychological safety and workplace connectedness, they’ll talk to us about professional intimacy, and help us strategize how to use these concepts in the workplace.

Link to show notes and transcripts at our website: https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Leaning into Uncomfortable Conversations Jul 15, 2022

What is an uncomfortable conversation and why should we have them? Join Cassie Gillespie & Kate Cunningham as they dig into uncomfortable conversations, what happens in your body when we try to have them, and some tips to have them more effectively.

Transcripts and show notes available at https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Season 3 Trailer: Leaning into Uncomfortable Conversations Jul 07, 2022

SEASON FINALE- Youth Voice: Stigma in Foster Care Dec 06, 2021

Youth in DCF custody can feel stigmatized by the many stereotypes and common misconceptions about their experiences. Jaylyn and Ashley were two youth in custody who are now young adults; they discuss how the assumptions made by the professionals and caregivers in their lives have impacted them, and they offer thoughts for improving relationships with youth in care.

SPECIAL MINI-SERIES: RACE & RACISM IN CHILD WELFARE Part 3 – Birth, Foster, & Adoptive Families Nov 22, 2021

Part 3 - Focuses on Families & Caregivers. Make sure to listen to the end for a special bonus conversation with Tabitha that digs deeper into how to talk to families about race.

Join Tabitha Moore as she explores critical themes in Race & Racism in Child Welfare with Dr. Ken Hardy. In this series Tabitha and Ken explore critical themes in race/racism as they relate to the Child Welfare Workforce, Caregivers, and children and youth of color in the child welfare system. Please note- although each episode in this mini-series does have a distinct focus, our hope is that you listen to all three, in the order of their release, as some of the concepts Tabitha and Ken discuss will build on ideas from the previous episode.

SPECIAL MINI-SERIES: RACE & RACISM IN CHILD WELFARE Part 2- Children of Color in the Child Welfare System Nov 15, 2021

Join Tabitha Moore as she explores critical themes in Race & Racism in Child Welfare with Dr. Ken Hardy. In this series Tabitha and Ken explore critical themes in race/racism as they relate to the Child Welfare Workforce, Caregivers, and children and youth of color in the child welfare system. Please note- although each episode in this mini-series does have a distinct focus, our hope is that you listen to all three, in the order of their release, as some of the concepts Tabitha and Ken discuss will build on ideas from the previous episode. Part 2 Focuses on the experiences, strengths and needs, of children of color in the child welfare system.

SPECIAL MINI-SERIES: RACE & RACISM IN CHILD WELFARE Part 1 - Vermont’s Child Welfare Workforce Nov 09, 2021

Join Tabitha Moore as she explores critical themes in Race & Racism in Child Welfare with Dr. Ken Hardy. Over the next three weeks, Tabitha and Ken will explore race/racism as it relates to the Child Welfare Workforce, Caregivers, and children and youth of color in the child welfare system. Please note- although each episode in this mini-series does have a distinct focus, our hope is that you listen to all three, in the order of their release, as some of the concepts Tabitha and Ken discuss will build on ideas from the previous episode.

Great Partnerships between Kin and Foster Caregivers Nov 01, 2021

Kin and Foster Caregivers are the heart of Vermont’s Family Services Division. Join Janine Beaudry from VT-CWTP as she explores how strong, positive partnerships between kinship and foster caregivers can support safety and wellbeing for children and within families. You’ll hear from 3 women who, in their very different roles, worked together to give a child, whom we’ll call “L”, and his family the best support possible.

Reading to Promote Healing Oct 04, 2021

While there are many reasons why a family becomes involved with the child welfare system, one truth is always present, that a young person’s move away from their parent(s) causes feelings of grief and loss for everyone in that family. In this episode Sharon O’Neil will be talking with Jamie Blouin, Stephanie Reale, and Jonathan Clark about using literature to help heal grief and loss with young people who have a trauma history.

Transcript and show notes available at https://vermontcwtp.org/field-podcast/

Longevity in the Field Sep 20, 2021

Turnover in this field is high, but some people stay for their whole career and thrive. Join Leslie Stapleton from VT- CWTP as she talks with Tracey Brown and Shannon Morton, two “thrivers” who have managed to stick it out, to find out what keeps them doing this work, despite its many challenges.

Consulting on Domestic Violence Cases Sep 07, 2021

Domestic Violence impacts the lives of many families. Join Pete Cudney from VT-CWTP as he chats with Family Service Worker Jess Peloquin and Domestic Violence Specialist Samantha Zellinger about utilizing consultation effectively when working to support families impacted by domestic violence, how they have developed their partnership, and some of the most common themes they consult on together.

Top 10 Myths about Child Abuse withUVM's Child Safe Progra, Aug 23, 2021

The Child Protection Team, from UVM Medical Center’s Child Safe Program conducts MDT evaluations of children who are suspected of being maltreated. Join host Cassie Gillespie from VT- CWTP as she talks with the Child Protection Team about the top 10 child abuse myths they encounter in their work.

Safety Culture with Michael Cull Aug 09, 2021

Just like aviation, healthcare, and the nuclear industry, Child Welfare is a safety critical industry. High stakes, high consequence decisions are made by child welfare workers and caregivers everyday. Although we may not think about child welfare workers and caregivers in the same way we think about pilots, surgeons, and nuclear technicians, we should!

Join Pete Cudney and Cassie Gillespie from VT-CWTP as they interview Dr. Michael Cull from the University of Kentucky’s Center for Innovation in Population Health about his work adapting safety culture, a strategy used in other safety critical industries, to child welfare systems in general, and the VT child welfare system in particular.

Visit our website for show notes & resources: https://vermontcwtp.org/field-podcast/

Trauma Stewdardship with Laura van Dernoot Lipsky Jul 26, 2021

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky is the founder and director of The Trauma Stewardship Institute and author of Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others, and The Age of Overwhelm. Widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of trauma exposure, she has worked nationally, and internationally for more than three decades.

Join Cassie Gillespie from VT-CWTP as she speaks with Laura about Trauma Stewardship and Trauma Exposure Response, specifically as it pertains to child welfare workers and caregivers.

Visit our website for show notes & resources: https://vermontcwtp.org/field-podcast/

Season 2 Trailer Jul 06, 2021

Season 2 is coming... Listen for a sneak peek!

Episode 11: Special Edition - Caregiver Spotlight on Grief and Loss Oct 05, 2020

We are delighted to end our first season with our last caregiver spotlight episode!

Join Sharon O’Neill and Janine Beaudry from the Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership as they talk about Grief & Loss as it relates to kin, foster and adoptive families with Michelle Colburn, FSD Resource Coordinator.

Episode 10-SPECIAL EDITION: Caregiver Spotlight on Trauma & Self-Care Sep 21, 2020

We are delighted to share our first caregiver spotlight episode! This episode will focus on looking at Trauma and Self-Care through a caregiver lens.

Join Janine Beaudry and Sharon O’Neill from the Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership as they talk with Cathy Frost-Brooks, adoptive parent, trainer, and FSD Resource Coordinator about taking care of yourself and your children, who have been impacted by trauma, through the years.

Episode 9 - Professional Dangerousness Sep 07, 2020

Join Kate Cunningham & Cassie Gillespie from VT-CWTP as they talk about Professional Dangerousness & Safety Culture in child welfare work.

Episode 8 - Medical Child Abuse Aug 24, 2020

Dr. James Metz and Tracey Wagner, Forensic RN from the University of Vermont's Child Safe Program talk with Cassie Gillespie about Medical Child Abuse, formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Episode 7- Harm Reduction Aug 07, 2020

Aron Steward PhD., Chief of Psychology for UVM Health Network’s Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital talks with Tabitha Moore of CWTP about utilizing a Harm Reduction Approach in Child Welfare.

Episode 6-Sentinel Injuries Jul 24, 2020

Dr. James Metz and Tracey Wagner, Forensic RN from the University of Vermont's Child Safe Program talk with Cassie Gillespie about sentinel injures on children and TEN-4.

Episode 5- Sexting & Pornography: Impact and Risk to Teens Jul 09, 2020

In today's digital landscape, rates of sexting and pornography use are on the rise amongst teenagers. Join Cassie Gillespie & Pete Cudney from VT-CWTP as they talk with Su Robinson, LICSW about the prevalence, best practices and dangers associated with sexting and porn.

Episode 4- Child-Parent Psychotherapy Jun 26, 2020

Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is an evidence based practice originally designed by Alicia Lieberman, PhD, with the University of California, San Francisco. In this episode Pete Cudney from VT-CWTP interviews Vermont psychologist Kaitlin Zura, MA, from the NFI Family Center, about how children are impacted by trauma, how the CPP model guides the healing process for the child, and how to access CPP for children in Vermont.

Episode 3- Human Trafficking Jun 11, 2020

Trissie Casanova, LICSW & Aron Steward PhD talk with Cassie Gillespie about Human Trafficking in Vermont and its impact on Child Welfare.

Episode 2- Restorative Practices May 21, 2020

Join Tabitha Moore as she chats with local experts Kate Brayton & Marc Wennberg about Restorative Practices in Vermont.

Episode 1- Hoarding & Squalor Apr 16, 2020

Hoarding & Squalor expert David O'Leary chats with Cassie Gillespie & Pete Cudney from CWTP about hoarding disorder and engagement & assessment strategies.

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