An Interesting Practicum Experience

By Stephanie Baker Collins

 

MSW Student, Marianne Breadner, who graduated in October, was in a work placement at a Children's Mental Health Service in an integrated Child & Family Service Agency in Dufferin County.

Her practicum role was to investigate and engage agency staff around issues of diversity.  While this agency is located in a rural area, they are increasingly serving a diverse clientele.  So, Ms. Breadner organized educational events around this issue and conducted her Practice Research Paper on this topic.  She investigated staff attitudes towards the disabled, visible minorities, and the LGBT population.  She has now reported her findings back to her agency.

In addition, while in her practicum, she applied for a Trillium grant to provide funding for a staff person who would work on diversity issues in the agency.  The agency has just been awarded this grant and will now have a half-time staff member for Diversity Community Educator/Coordinator for the next two years.  Stated Breadner: “For a small community this practicum has had a significant impact. This placement initiated the first official Diversity work done in our community, and the grant will facilitate networking and education for the County“.

 

This story reflects what can be achieved through a practicum and research paper.  Great work!