Calls to Action - Truth and Reconciliation Case Study

Start this case study by reading the story of Lynn Thompson: https://thestarphoenix.com/news/saskatchewan/a-culture-lost-two-stories-from-the-sixties-scoop. 

Lynn is the mother of Annie Sampson (the mother of this case study family).

Family History

Phoenix Sampson (Husband and Father - 30 years old) - recovering alcoholic x 5 years, quit smoking 5 years ago, chronic asthma, high cholesterol, fasting blood sugar has been increasingly abnormal - 8.7 mmol on his last blood work 2 weeks ago. Uses Ventolin as needed, daily use of Alvesco 1 puff twice daily and Seneca Root prepared syrup for asthma control during allergy season as directed by the village medicine woman. Also uses goldthread syrup/tea when in a stressful situation to combat wanting to drink.

Annie Sampson (Wife and Mother - 29 years old) - recovering drug addict of 12 years, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety. Uses Northern Valerian Root chew prepared for by village medicine woman for treatment of depression and anxiety. Uses sweet grass smudge for anxiety as needed. 

Jack Sampson (Oldest son - 8 years old) - diagnosed with ADHD at 6, does not take medication, social worker with CBT and Pine Bark Tea daily, followed by medicine woman in their village.

Rosie Sampson (Youngest child/daughter - 5 years old) - no current concerns noted.

Annie and her mother struggle to have a mother-daughter relationship as the mental health challenges experiences by Lynn made it difficult to have a positive relationship with her daughter throughout her formative years. They continue to struggle to build a relationship that is positive. Lynn does not trust people easily and has not trusted Phoenix throughout Annie and Phoenix's relationship. Child protective services (CPS) has been called to the home a few times for yelling between Lynn and Annie. CPS has provided family counselling to improve the home environment. 

Phoenix has been doing really well with his sobriety and according to Annie is a loving husband and father. 

You are the nurse at the village primary care center. You work in a multidisciplinary team including an NP, village medicine woman and the elders healing council.

Your job is to support the family in maintaining and improving their overall wellness as defined by them.

It is very important that prior to any kind of assessment, intervention or evaluation of this family that you identify your bias' and how this may impact your interaction with the family. EVERY person has a bias - this is important prior to assisting families with generational trauma and populations that are marginalized. 

In your assessment of the family, it is important to seek information and understanding of the following:

1. How can you support the medicine woman and her role in the families wellness?
2. What is the connection between the mother's experience with the sixties scoop - and the mother's relationship with the Annie?
3. Does Lynn's experiences have a role in Annie's depression and anxiety?
4. What is generational trauma and how could this impact this family?
5. What resources can you find to support the family?