ALS endeavours to provide consistent and ongoing training to staff; one way this manifests is in twice annual training for Gladue staff. The staff, comprised of Gladue Writers, Gladue Caseworkers, and support staff, totaling approximately 30 people, gather together from across the province, from Sault Ste. Marie to Ottawa region, to spend time together and learn from each other. Various topics are discussed, all with a view to how to best support our clients and staff, and to keep up with new knowledge in this ever-changing field.
During the last week of May, the ALS Gladue staff gathered in Hamilton, Ontario for training. The theme of this session was “Trauma-Informed Practice”. The three-day training focused on how to intertwine trauma-informed practice into the delicate work we do, and in what ways we could assist the client through the process in a good way using these methods.
The Gladue staff learned about a trauma-informed practice framework that provided simple yet comprehensive ways to ensure each and every client is being treated with respect, dignity, and care, all through a trauma-informed lens. Pulling from the theories brought forth during the training, the group discussed real issues they had faced in their recent files and brainstormed together what could be done in the future for an individual in that situation.
Our team had the opportunity to visit the Native Horizons Treatment Centre (NHTC), a resource often provided as a sentencing recommendation for Gladue clients in the area. Located on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation reserve, NHTC provides culturally-appropriate programming to individuals, families, and communities struggling with substance abuse and the associated challenges in a variety of ways to help meet clients where they are at. The staff learned first-hand from the service provider what a client may expect when seeking treatment through NHTC either in person through in-patient or out-patient programming, or day programming, or virtual treatment assistance. The visit, complete with a site tour, detailed information about programming, and meeting some of the participants, assists the Gladue staff in more accurately recommending NHTC to future clients who may benefit.
Future training for Gladue staff will include first-hand looks at the services and programs we recommend to clients to ensure we are providing the best information and assistance possible for our community. The next Gladue staff training is tentatively scheduled for September 2024. Topics to be determined.