Gina Wassemiller is a mother of three and a passionate parent ally. In the short film “Being Gina” she shares her evolution from being a parent struggling with substance use disorder, domestic abuse, and the removal of her children to being a leader at the F.I.R.S.T. Legal Clinic. This organization supports new mothers experiencing substance use challenges with legal advocacy and other services to prevent Child Protective Services removals. Gina is also a contracted Social Service Specialist with the Office of Public Defense Parent Representation Program. Gina has been actively involved in local and national organizations and support groups, including Snohomish County Parent Ally Committee, Washington State Parent Ally Committee, and Birth Parent National Network.
Show Notes
00:00:26 | Matt introduces Gina Wassemiller from the Institute for Family’s short film “Being Gina” and her work with the F.I.R.S.T. Legal Clinic (Family Intervention Response to Stop Trauma).
00:01:26 | Gina talks about her source of passion for her work. Gina and Matt dig into her background as a parent experiencing substance use disorder, domestic violence, and the removal of her children., and talk about the dichotomies of addiction.
00:04:25 | Gina explains the difficulty of asking for help while engulfed in addiction, despite experiencing the removal of her children and other consequences.
00:05:55 | In September 2009, Gina opened to her family about her addiction and began the journey to recovery.
00:08:05 | As a parent ally at the F.I.R.S.T. Legal Clinic Gina engages pregnant women and mothers of newborns with substance use disorder at risk of CPS intervention.
00:10:35 | Matt shares his thoughts on a lesson for the system.
00:11:08 | Gina and Matt give insight on leveraging compassion to help parents turn their fear of losing parental rights into hope.
00:18:30 | Gina reflects on her journey as a parent and how helpful it would have been to have someone like herself approach Gina early on.
00:20:45 | Matt shares final thoughts
Resources
F.I.R.S.T. Legal Clinic
Reunification Heroes: Gina Wassemiller | American Bar Association
Birth Parent National Network | Children's Trust Fund Alliance
Supporting Early Legal Advocacy before Court Involvement in Child Welfare Cases
Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Bonus Content
Featured short film: "Being Gina" | Institute for Family
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