Ferne Strain – the Inaugural Recipient of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada Award for Distinguished Social Work Practice Protecting the Rights of Children.

Over her twenty-year career Ferne Strain MSW, RSW,  has been championing the wellbeing of children and protecting their rights. Ferne holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree (UBCO, 2002) with a specialization in child welfare and a Master of Social Work degree (UBC, 2006). She is a member of the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW) and a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers. Ferne is a member of both the BCASW Indigenous Members Committee providing guidance to the Association and the BC College of Social Workers Indigenous Committee.

The award was co-presented by Jerry Nussbaum, the president of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada and Carol Ross, representing the BC Association of Social Workers during “An Evening with Minister Sheila Malcolmson” organized to celebrate the Social Workers Week.

The award presentation was preceded by a heartwarming address by Lillian Boraks-Nemetz, author and board member of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada. Lillian introduced Dr. Korczak to the audience and portrayed the relevance of Dr. Korczak’s legacy in today’s reality, particularly in view of the war in Ukraine.