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“I try to approach all involved with compassion, especially when it comes to the ongoing impact of generational trauma and systemic racism. And I always remain hopeful that families and children can and do heal and find their way to a healthier place.”

Cheryle Hetland enters families’ lives at their worst moment.

As a Child Abuse Investigator at All Nations Coordinated Response (ANCR), she investigates child abuse allegations, provides referrals to supports and services, and collaborates with police, medical personnel, and other community agencies.

“It’s a fast-paced and demanding environment, which means constantly juggling priorities,” she says. “Over the past decade I’ve learned so much about the critical challenges facing Winnipeg families, whether it’s mental health or substance abuse issues, the impact of generational trauma and violence, or struggling to adjust as a newcomer or refugee. I see families when they are in acute crisis and the last thing I want is to pile on more stress. I’m there to be a grounding presence, assess the facts, and keep kids safe.”

Hetland started at ANCR as an Intake Assessment Worker, an equally demanding role, which deals mainly with issues around child neglect.  

“In Child and Family Services, we’re there because we want to help others,” she says. “What’s tough at ANCR is we’re dealing with people at their lowest point, when the safety of their kids could be in question. Emotions can run high in moments of crisis. Along with high caseload demands, this can lead to high burn-out rates for workers.”

That’s why Hetland feels it’s so important to stay grounded and practice self-care. As part of ANCR’s Wellness Committee, she helps guide wellness information and activities for the workplace.  

“It can get very heavy,” she says. “I mentor new staff and social work students and it’s important to talk about the mental and emotional toll our work takes, because retaining staff is a big issue in our field. It’s so important to have supportive colleagues and managers, like ours, who understand the importance of taking care of your well-being.”

Hetland says when she tells people what she does for work, they often say: I could never do what you do. I would be constantly angry or heartbroken.

While it may take a tough skin at times, Hetland remains focused on nurturing hope and relationships. Since a family’s first encounter with CFS is often through her, she strives to make it as positive as possible.

“I try to approach all involved with compassion, especially when it comes to the ongoing impact of generational trauma and systemic racism,” she says. "And I always remain hopeful that families and children can and do heal and find their way to a healthier place.”