Last Friday (April 14), Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognised the Department of Child & Family Services’ Solution-Focused Advocacy Training (SFAC) Committee as the recipients of the March Public Service Excellence Award.
As the community is aware, the Government of Bermuda’s PSEA recognizes Public Officers who are demonstrating admirable service delivery. Each month an individual or team is selected for their significant accomplishments in the last 60 days.
The SFAC Committee is comprised of DCFS staff members: Dr. Zina Zuill, Dr. Annisha Peets, Terri-Lynn Richardson, Maureen Trew, Simone Romaine, Shaydrina Hassell and Lisa Talbot (pictured).
Together, they are recognized for their impressive vision and collaboration in organizing a ground-breaking training conference for DCFS and Mirrors staff themed: Breaking Barriers - Beyond the Trauma.
The three-day conference which was hosted recently brought together local and overseas experts to educate participants on the impact of trauma and domestic violence. Presenters covered a wide-range of topics in Trauma Labs advising treatment for victims at all stages of life, to ensure that DCFS staff are equipped with tools to enhance their services to the public through a trauma-informed lens.
In the months leading up to the conference the team worked tirelessly - liaising with stakeholders, developing the theme, and creating a website - to ensure the event was successful. The team researched to secure the appropriate presenters and made sure all aspects of the conference were flawless. The content of the workshops was relevant, cutting-edge and timely considering how trauma impacts all of the DCFS clients. The training team made all of this happen in conjunction with their regular day-to-day work responsibilities. All attendees gave positive feedback.
This conference went above and beyond expectations. As a result, staff at all levels are now better prepared to assist the public with new skills and awareness that support the DCFS mission of, “protecting children by strengthening families.”
Premier Burt said, “This was a very timely and important conference. I commend the SFAC Committee for having the foresight to facilitate this inspiring initiative. This Government is committed to expanding its services to ensure the needs and wellbeing of all Bermudians are met and considered. Healthy children and strong families are critical to the progress of our society, and the work DCFS is doing is paramount to helping us to embrace the support that is available to us so that we can heal as a community.”
And Dr. Binns noted, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the (SFAC) Committee, and the whole department on this wonderful achievement. The amount of time and effort you’ve invested to pull off this innovative event is a true testament to your leadership and commitment to public service. On behalf of the Public Service Executive and myself, thank you for your hard work and dedication.”