Meet Ms. Esther Sterling, a youth protection lawyer with the Communications, Public Relations and Legal Affairs Directorate at the Montréal West Island CIUSSS. Persistent to the core, Ms. Sterling held a number of positions before finally achieving her ultimate professional dream. A woman for whom the well-being of children is central to everything she does.
Ms. Sterling, can you talk to us about your career path?
“When I was a teenager, we moved to Florida, where I finished high school. In 2003, I graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Shortly after coming back to Québec, I worked in a group home as a social worker for the Centres jeunesse de Montréal, where I successively served as an educator in a rehabilitation centre then as a human relations officer.
From 2010 to 2011, I completed a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in healthcare management, all while working and having my first child. Then, in 2014, I landed a job as a senior advisor assigned to supervise employees on the recall list with the Youth Protection Directorate.
After the Barrette reform, I was transferred to Mont Saint-Antoine, a facility that is under the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, where I managed the Rehabilitation Department. At the same time, I enrolled in law school at UQAM, to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer.”
And how did you end up joining our CIUSSS?
“After completing the bar course in June 2019, I articled at our CIUSSS in youth law. Shortly thereafter, I was offered a replacement position since several members of the legal team had left as a result of the pandemic. I officially became part of the Montréal West Island CIUSSS family in April 2020.”
What are your main functions?
“I’m often called on to make submissions in youth court in matters involving family situations. As a lawyer, I have to prove that a situation is compromising the safety or development of the child. Among my many tasks, I review the information provided in the psychosocial report prepared by the psychosocial workers (human relations officers and social workers). Once the evidence has been disclosed, I present a corrective measures plan.
However, before any arguments are presented to the judge, conciliation proceedings are carried out with the lawyers representing the other parties in order to draw up draft agreements. The Code of Civil Procedure and the Youth Protection Act stipulate that decisions made by the parties must be in the interest of the child. Agreements submitted to the court serve as judgment. The judgment is then passed on to the human relations officer or the social worker who oversees enforcement of the measures. My involvement ends once the case has gone to court and judgment has been made. I continue to be available to the human relations officer or the social worker, as needed, should they require legal advice.
My duties also involve telephone on-call services. In an emergency situation, a psychosocial worker can contact me to notify me that a child has been abandoned, for example. Using the information that has been obtained verbally, I draft a procedure to be filed in court to obtain a provisional judgment.
What are some of the key challenges you face?
“Each case is unique. I have to constantly adapt to new situations. As a result, I must stay up to date, take courses, be informed of amendments to the Youth Protection Act, and be aware of new case law.
Another challenge lies in communicating with parents. Some have mental health issues, while others are upset and can even be verbally aggressive. The emotional toll of this job can be heavy for us as lawyers as well as for the psychosocial workers.
Last but not least, the Youth Protection Directorate rarely gets good press, which can be disheartening.
What do you love most about your job?
“Helping others has always been a fundamental aspect of my work. I place a great deal of importance on individuals as human beings, whether a child or a parent. Finding the best option and coming to an agreement is very gratifying. In my work as a lawyer, I feel as though I’m making a difference.
I also enjoy interacting with the psychosocial workers and the case reviewers, not to mention the strong sense of collegiality I share with my colleagues.”
What are the most important requirements to be successful at your job?
“Respect, first and foremost. It’s the cornerstone of all my interventions. Other than that, I would say versatility, being in command of one’s emotions, openness and being adaptable to change.”
Ms. Sterling kindly agreed to share some aspects of her personal life with us…
Tell us a little about yourself…
“I am of Haitian descent, but was born in Québec. My husband and I are the proud parents of two boys, aged 5 and 13. I love getting together with members of my extended family who live nearby. We’re a very close-knit group!”
What do you do to unwind?
“I work out! By 5 a.m., I’m out the door and gone for a run. It’s such a great outlet. I also do strength training at the gym.”
What makes you happy?
“On a personal level, it’s seeing life through the eyes of my 5-year-old. I find it to be a source of wonder each and every day. I also cherish our trips to Florida to visit my mother. Professionally, my work is what makes me happy. I feel like I’m where I should be in terms of my career.”
As our featured employee explains, “According to the Youth Protection Act, there are six reportable situations in which a child’s security or development is considered to be in danger: abandonment, neglect, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and serious behavioural disturbances.”
“A contentious day in court can have negative repercussions and can even undermine conciliation proceedings. This is why agreements negotiated between parties is always the best alternative,” explains Ms. Sterling.