Most Helpful
1) Most helpful is that the FJC is able to offer services in the evening, i.e., late appointments after work hours. Without this late option, I wouldn't receive services at all and my family would be substantially worse off.
2) The organization Sanctuaries has been particularly helpful because of the breadth of services they have provided referrals for in a timely manner, despite the primary purpose we approached them being only counselling for domestic violence.
3) (name omitted) has helped my child work through DV-related trauma, divorce-related questions, anxiety and worry in a calm manner that my child trusts. Concrete tools and techniques for emotional management were taught to my child in a developmentally appropriate way. He does not talk to any other social workers such as ACS or visitation supervisors as much as he shares with (name omitted). Flexibility with appointments has been a relief to me to enable continuing and consistent care.
4) I like that the CBT therapy used for adults is logical and empowering due to the self-help aspect. Counseling for myself was recommended by the DV-specialist at the police precinct and criminal court victim assistance unit last year, but only the flexibility and timing of (name omitted) at the FJC finally made it possible for me to fit mental health help with my work schedule.
3) Practical help for deep concerns I expressed, but did not know what help to ask for, were provided. For instance, play sessions for the quarantined child, child headphones to allay privacy concerns during visitation, financial advisory session (again crucially after-work-hours), legal consultation, grocery card for delivery option during the pandemic.
4) Christmas gifts were completely unexpected and extremely helpful; very grateful for the cheer it brought my child and financial burden it helped ease for me.
What could be better:
It took a lot of time and persistent phone calls/emails in the beginning to get the initial meeting at FJC/referral for counselling set up.
I felt the case manager was somewhat judgy/quick in making assumptions about immigration status or country of origin. Case manager was helpful/persistent in making phone calls etc. during the course of the first visit, but follow up after that one visit was very slow and lacking during a difficult time when guidance was really needed.
