SOCW 2061 FP Song_

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Mt. Kenya University *

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Psychology

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 SOCW 2061 FP Song Student’s Name Department, Institutional Affiliation Course Code: Course Title Professor’s Name Due Date

2 SOCW 2061 FP Song Donna's Story, an inspiring documentary by Doug Cuthand, highlights the remarkable journey of Donna Gamble, a Cree woman who transcended a troubled life on the streets to become a compelling advocate. From foster homes and early entanglement in drugs and prostitution at age 13, Donna's resilience unfolds as she emerges as a powerful voice, counseling Indigenous adults and youth on issues of abuse and addiction. This reflective academic paper explores her transformative narrative, applying social work concepts to critically explore her challenges, strengths, and the profound intergenerational impact of addiction. Donna's transformative journey is a compelling illustration of how resilience, cultural intersections, and advocacy collectively break the cycle of addiction within Indigenous communities, offering significant perspectives for social work practice. Donna's narrative through a problem-solving perspective From a problem-solving perspective, understanding Donna's challenges involves recognizing her history of drug addiction and prostitution, stemming from her early exposure to these environments. The problem-solving approach, as outlined by Heinonen and Spearman (2010), involves identifying a problem, analyzing resolution options, goal setting, implementing solutions, and ongoing evaluation. In Donna's case, her challenges originate from a combination of poor upbringing, abusive experiences as a child, and the impact of her choices (Cuthand, 2001).Recognizing the complexity of Donna's situation is vital for formulating effective interventions and support. Assessing Donna's situation involves a review of her past trauma, life experiences, and current circumstances. Donna's struggles with feeling safe in her life and a lack of healthy coping mechanisms are evident. The assessment summary emphasizes her desire for sobriety, the stress of a divorce, and the need for counseling and treatment opportunities to address mental health and addiction concerns. By recognizing Donna's lack of healthy role

3 models, the recommendation involves referring her to an Aboriginal center for support in managing stress, loneliness, and enhancing parenting skills. By focusing on these key aspects, a comprehensive assessment will be a meaningful support tailored to Donna's unique needs. As a social worker, if Donna was my client, I would collaborate with her to set and implement goals aimed at improving her life and aiding others with similar challenges. I would recommend Donna to initiate a counseling program for individuals struggling with prostitution, drug addiction, and parenting issues aligning with a problem-solving approach. Drawing from Petry's (2012) contingency management, Donna can implement a reward system, reinforcing positive behavioral changes among prostitutes and drug addicts. Establishing this program would necessitate resources such as office space, funds, and support from donors and the community. With these resources, Donna can manifest her vision, creating a counseling program and foundation that significantly contribute to breaking destructive behavioral cycles in her community. Donna's circumstances from a strengths-based perspective Describing Donna's situation through a strength-based lens emphasizes her remarkable resilience and determination to overcome adversities such as drug abuse and prostitution. Strengths-based approach establishes conducive conditions for controlled change and encourages open communication, enabling individuals to identify values and align strengths during the process (Rashid, 2015). Donna's strengths, including courage, honesty, adaptability, and understanding, are evident throughout her life and interactions (Cuthand, 2001). Notably, her courage shines when sharing personal stories of sexual abuse and teaching teenagers about safe practices. Further, her honesty is portrayed in her candid discussions about the challenges of rehabilitation, openly admitting her ongoing struggle with smoking. Donna's understanding nature is exemplified in her support for her daughter's early

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4 pregnancy and her understanding of her mother's difficult decision to give her up for foster care. These experiences demonstrates a commitment to living in the present and shaping a positive future. Donna's strengths and resilience, encompassing courage, honesty, adaptability, and understanding, would be instrumental in crafting a comprehensive plan. These qualities can be strategically applied to inspire others, facilitate open communication, and fortify family and community bonds. This approach establishes a foundation for empowerment and positive change in Donna's healing journey. When choosing between a problem-solving and strengths- based approach, the person-centered strengths-based model aligns with Donna's story. A problem-solving approach may sometimes inadvertently magnify struggles, overshadowing strengths and resiliency (Ramos & Stetson, 2022). In contrast, the strengths-based model, emphasizing self-determination, empowers Donna to actively participate in improving her life. The strengths-based theory allows people to concentrate on inherent strengths, fostering a pathway to healing and growth (Caiels et al., 2021). Thus, embracing a strengths-based perspective ensures Donna's journey is not overshadowed by struggles but illuminated by the positive resources available for her and her community. Evidence of voluntary and involuntary professional relationships In counseling sessions for drug addiction, social workers navigate both voluntary and involuntary relationships with individuals seeking assistance. Voluntary interactions involve individuals willingly seeking help to overcome addiction problems (Bergner, 2019). Conversely, involuntary relationships arise when external pressures, such as legal orders or societal expectations, compel individuals to work with social workers (Sotero et al., 2016). Social control mechanisms are employed to guide those with deviant behaviors toward conformity with societal norms (Peguero et al., 2010). Social workers contribute to well- being through interventions like counseling, fostering, community work, and early childcare.

5 Donna's experience reflects both voluntary and involuntary aspects. In her childhood, lacking social care interventions, her deviation was involuntary. Later, she voluntarily sought counseling due to societal pressure and a desire to overcome addiction. This blend of involuntary childhood challenges and later voluntary recovery steps characterizes her journey. Establishing helping relationships, especially with involuntary clients, requires time, empathy, and patience. Marginalized clients may initially feel scared or inferior, needing assurance that they are in control of the process (Heinonen & Spearman, 2010). The "social control" term applies when clients, often mandated by courts, receive services they might not fully comprehend or believe they need (Heinonen & Spearman, 2010). Notably, social care emphasizes the importance of a client-centered approach, ensuring the client feels understood and supported. Donna's journey reflects the evolution from being an involuntary client as a prostitute to gaining sobriety and rebuilding relationships with her children. Her experiences highlight the nuanced nature of these relationships and interventions, emphasizing the need for social workers to navigate diverse contexts with empathy and flexibility. Discussion about child welfare Donna's situation from a child-protection perspective was likely viewed as precarious, particularly concerning her first four children. Her struggle with substance abuse and inability to provide adequate care for her children might have triggered the involvement of child protection services (Cuthand, 2001). The need for intervention was crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. However, as Donna worked towards recovery, the focus likely shifted to a family support approach, aiming to empower her with resources and assistance to reunite with her children. The issues of generational violence and domestic violence are intertwined in Donna's story. Her upbringing, marked by abuse and neglect, contributed to the cycle of violence

6 within her family (Cuthand, 2001). This generational pattern of violence underscores the importance of addressing the root causes and breaking the cycle. Domestic violence, both witnessed and experienced, has profound implications for child welfare (Plumptre, 2021). Legislation and policies addressing domestic violence and its impact on children's well-being become critical in such cases. The discussion on child welfare in Donna's story is linked to legislation and policy mandates. Child protection laws and policies, as outlined in the material and course readings, mandate interventions when a child's safety and well-being are at risk. The involvement of child welfare services aligns with legal obligations to assess family support, prevent neglect and abuse, and arrange appropriate care (Government of Canada, 2022). These policies serve as a framework to guide interventions and decisions in cases like Donna's. Donna's situation might have differed if child welfare services existed during her childhood, potentially preventing her descent into prostitution and drug abuse. The child- protection approach of facilitating the adoption of her firstborn aimed to break the generational violence cycle and safeguard her child's well-being. Despite her past, Donna's positive changes and collaboration with child protective services could lead to providing stable care for her two youngest children. This approach emphasizes the importance of ongoing support and intervention. Structural argument of Donna’s situation Donna's situation carries profound structural implications, particularly considering her identity as an Aboriginal woman. The lasting effects of residential schools have left the Aboriginal community grappling with intergenerational trauma, impacting their well-being, cultural ties, and socio-economic standing (Menzies, 2019). As a social worker, understanding these unique challenges is crucial, considering the historical distrust Aboriginal people harbor towards institutions. Donna's story underscores the need for

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7 culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches, recognizing the complex intersections of identity and historical trauma.Further, Donna faces oppression, victimization, and marginalization as both an Aboriginal individual and a woman. An Aboriginal approach to her situation emphasizes internal healing, seeking centeredness, and fostering connections. Donna has embraced traditional healing practices, attending Powwow and round dances, and incorporating smudging into her family's life. While her street life provided a sense of family, she found a new community among fellow Cree individuals. Examining Donna's story through feminist lenses reveals layers of oppression, with socialist feminism recognizing the intersecting effects of sex and class-based oppression. Donna, like her mother and daughters, grapples with societal perceptions of women as inferior. The challenges women face, including objectification, limited success in areas like education and employment, and the lure of street life, underscore the pervasive impact of oppression. Donna's turn to substances as a coping mechanism reflects a broader pattern among Aboriginal women contending with trauma and systemic challenges.Donna's journey encapsulates the ongoing struggle for empowerment, cultural revival, and a balanced life, navigating the intricate web of structural challenges. Personal Reflection My perception of those in situations similar to Donna's remains remains unchanged, grounded in emphasizing the importance of avoiding judgment, recognizing that individuals are often products of their circumstances—some presented with better choices and others with more challenging paths. The course has reinforced my commitment to understanding diverse life journeys, advocating for empathy, and fostering non-judgmental perspectives. Notably, the holistic aspects of the Aboriginal approach, principles of self-determination, and the feminist approach resonate, showcasing Donna's resilience and positive outlook despite her struggles. Her story serves as a key reminder that we should refrain from passing

8 judgment, acknowledging that circumstances play a significant role in shaping individuals. Donna's narrative highlights the broader fight against discrimination and oppression, underscoring the need for acceptance. To create lasting change, both micro-level and macro- level shifts in societal attitudes are imperative. In navigating life's complexities, embracing empathy and understanding becomes the compass guiding us toward a more compassionate and just world. As I embark on my social work practice, I carry the understanding that empowering individuals, acknowledging their strengths, and fostering a non-judgmental environment are paramount in promoting positive change. Conclusion Donna's story is a worthwhile exploration of resilience at play with social work concepts. The structural impacts on her life, intertwined with Aboriginal and feminist approaches, highlight the need for compassionate interventions. Recognizing the broader societal implications, the narrative emphasizes the imperative of addressing micro-level changes to combat discrimination effectively. As a social work lens refines my perception, Donna's journey reinforces the transformative potential of empowerment and non-judgmental support. This reflective journey prompts an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, acknowledging the profound impact of understanding, empathy, and a holistic approach in the realm of social work.

9 References Bergner, R. M. (2019). Ideas for enabling involuntary clients to engage voluntarily in therapy. Journal of Systemic Therapies , 38 (2), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1521/jsyt.2019.38.2.20 Caiels, J., Milne, A., & Beadle-Brown, J. (2021). Strengths-based approaches in social work and social care: Reviewing the evidence. Journal of Long Term Care , 5 (4), 401–422. https://doi.org/10.31389/jltc.102 Cuthand, D. (2001). Donna’s Story. In www.nfb.ca . https://www.nfb.ca/film/donnas_story/ Government of Canada, P. H. A. of. (2022, October 18). Government of Canada supports projects to prevent and address family violence . Www.canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2022/10/government-of-canada- supports-projects-to-prevent-and-address-family-violence.html Heinonen, T., & Spearman, L. B. (2010). Social work practice : problem solving and beyond (3rd ed.). Media production services unit, Manitoba Education. Menzies, K. (2019). Understanding the Australian Aboriginal experience of collective, historical and intergenerational trauma. International Social Work , 62 (6), 1522–1534. Sage Journals. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872819870585 Peguero, A. A., Popp, A. M., Latimore, T. L., Shekarkhar, Z., & Koo, D. J. (2010). Social Control Theory and School Misbehavior: Examining the role of race and ethnicity. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice , 9 (3), 259–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541204010389197 Petry, N. (2012). Contingency management for substance abuse treatment: A guide to implementing this evidence-based practice. Psycnet.apa.org. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-15495-000

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10 Plumptre, E. (2021). How witnessing domestic violence affects children . Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-impact-of-domestic-violence-on-children- 5207940 Ramos, B. M., & Stetson, R. L. (2022). Problem-solving theory: The task-centred model. Social Work Theory and Ethics , 4 (3), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3059- 0_9-1 Rashid, T. (2015). Positive psychotherapy: A strength-based approach. The Journal of Positive Psychology , 10 (1), 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.920411 Sotero, L., Cunha, D., da Silva, J. T., Escudero, V., & Relvas, A. P. (2016). Building alliances with (In)Voluntary Clients: A study focused on therapists’ observable behaviors. Family Process , 56 (4), 819–834. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12265

SOCW 2061 FP Song_

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