Cassidy Gill, MSW, Clinical Supervisee for Licensure

In March, we honor the importance of social work and give FASD a seat at the table to recognize National Social Work Month. This observance advocates for the importance of social work and celebrates the invaluable contributions of social workers. To commemorate this month, FASD United interviewed Cassidy Gill, a clinical social worker for the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital of VCU.

Cassidy attended graduate school at VCU and interned at VCU Health before accepting a full-time position. She has been in her current position for about four years. Cassidy revealed that she has always been passionate about assisting others, specifically helping people navigate challenging situations and gaining more control over their lives. She enjoys working in the NICU as she is passionate about assisting those most vulnerable in society. She was always drawn to working with the pediatric population, as she enjoys babies and family dynamics.

At FASD United, we believe language is a powerful tool that should be used to empower an individual instead of harming them. Using positive, appropriate language can emphasize the capabilities and potentials of people with FASD instead of only focusing on any limitations or challenges individuals can face with FASD. When asked about the importance of language, Cassidy shared that it is essential to use language that empowers clients because it helps guide autonomy and control in difficult situations. She stated, “I find that using language that empowers clients really encourages them to take an active role, and also falls in line with our ethical values and standards for guiding empowerment and encouragement… It ensures the dignity and worth of that client in particular, and I think that that is a way to promote our clients’ right to self-determination and strengthen their ability to really address and advocate for their own needs.”

Knowing that FASD is a spectrum and will look different for everyone, we asked Cassidy about the steps in developing individualized intervention plans for clients with FASD and prenatal substance exposure (PSE). She stressed the importance of getting to know their history, routines, and what supports they have and may be lacking. She discussed how every intervention plan should be catered to that client’s needs, which can take time to figure out. She also adds that it’s important to talk to the family and discuss their needs to get them involved which can have a higher success rate. She stated in the interview, “I think it’s important to come up with an intervention plan that’s manageable for them but also encompasses the spectrum of potential needs by involving community and social support who can also assist with escalating the support needed at home too.” Throughout the interview, Cassidy expressed how we should empower family members and caregivers to actively plan and advocate for themselves and those in their care. It is important to recognize that involving these support systems can enhance the well-being and safety of individuals with FASD and PSE.

Educational support is crucial for individuals with FASD. Often, individuals with FASD need one-on-one guidance, so referring them to places that can provide personalized support helps their growth. We wanted to know more about how Cassidy has seen any influence that social work has on education for those with FASD. She replied, “For FASD, I think social work is a major influence on education. For those with FASD, social work encourages prevention through education, screening clients for use, educating them on the risk of use during pregnancy, and communicating the importance of this. The more educated we are on potential outcomes and FASD or substance use services in general, the better we can communicate and advocate.”

FASD is throughout the lifespan and will look different through the various stages of life. When asked how to adapt care for clients as they navigate through different stages of their lives, Cassidy stated, “It would be really important to keep in mind the different stages of development, cognitive and psychosocial, so we can remember the importance and keep up with the care that we’re providing and follow along with their developmental journey and ability to recognize any delays within the stages so that we’re following their needs at that time and also providing referrals for additional support.”

Being a social worker can be emotionally challenging. We wanted to find out how Cassidy handles any stress or emotions from work professionally and personally. While she is the only social worker in the NICU, she often confides in her co-workers about general case details to receive feedback. She finds that being on a team is beneficial because it allows her to receive support from her colleagues who understand the complex challenges of her work. She stated, “Personally, I am a really big advocate for boundaries, and when I leave work, I turn off my cell.” She admits that it can be hard not to remain constantly involved with work, especially with high-risk patients, but exercising, walking her dog, and spending time with her family help her relax and enjoy time away from work. Cassidy mentions that in a profession that services and gives unto others, it’s essential to ensure you are filling your own cup, too.

We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to speak to Cassidy Gill in honor of National Social Work Month. The insight that we gained allowed us to shed light on the profound impact of social work on vulnerable populations and how significant it is in empowering and guiding individuals with FASD and PSE. Thank you to Cassidy for her passion for connecting with others and her contributions to society.