E-Brief Sept - Oct - The Advocates' Society

THE ONTARIO LAWYERS' ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Combiningthe Best Aspects of Two Great ProgramsBy Leota Embleton, MSW, I.C.A.D.C., Program Manager, OLAPOBAP + LINK = OLAPAfter careful thought and much planning, a new program to provide assistance for lawyers has come into being. Actually, theOntario Lawyers' Assistance Program (OLAP) is the combination of two programs -- the Ontario Bar Assistance Program andLINK, The Lawyers Assistance Program -- that have served the legal community in Ontario for many years. Both have a long traditionof service, and their combined resources and focus will enhance the best of both programs operating under one board ofdirectors.The need for expanded services became apparent as the complications and pressures on the profession -- and the number oflawyers and family members seeking help -- increased. Much care has been taken to maintain the strengths of both models andto provide one integrated and responsive program. The new OLAP will offer professional counseling, and enhance the peer supportand volunteer roles and the tradition of "lawyers helping lawyers."The services are available to judges, lawyers, law students, and their family members. The pressures of the profession are many.OLAP helps manage these pressures and provides information to assist with maintaining a balanced personal and professionallife. The help may take the form of information, resources, professional counseling for individuals or families, peer volunteer supportor a combination of all of these services. OLAP does not provide legal counsel or financial assistance.Assistance is offered to deal with a range of issues, including mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety); substanceabuse or misuse; career pressure; relationship challenges; stress and burnout; concern for a colleague or family member andaddictive behaviour (gambling, workaholism, internet addiction)A little bit of historyThe Ontario Bar Assistance Program -- lawyers helping lawyers -- was established in 1978 and operated as a charitable not-forprofitentity. Initially it was a volunteer-run program that provided primarily peer support for lawyers struggling with addictionissues and was based on a self-help model. OBAP evolved into a broad-brush program with a volunteer executive director, professionalmanagement and clinical staff, and it built on the tradition of peer support by recruiting more volunteers and providingtraining and support to the volunteer network.LINK -- the Lawyers Assistance Program -- began in the mid-’80s with a resolution by the Law Society of Upper Canada to makecounseling services available to lawyers in Ontario. The professional services were contracted out to an employee assistancecompany, providing lawyers with access to short-term counseling. Since 2001, LINK services have been contracted to WarrenShepell Consultants, a major provider of employee assistance programs.The Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program- understands lawyers and reaches out to lawyers- is confidential, voluntary and easily accessible. Toll-free number 1-877-576-6227- offers information on its web site at www.olap.ca- is securely funded by The Law Society of Upper Canada and LawPRO- is professionally managed and utilizes the strength of the peer volunteer supportsystem- provides counselling services- is always availableWe look forward to the unfolding of this venture. More information and details will bepublished over the next few months. If you have received help from these programsin the past we would like to hear your comments. Any suggestions for OLAP arewelcome, as we want to insure a responsive and easy-to-access service.For confidential assistance or information:Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program - 1-877-576-6227 - www.olap.caExecutive Director: John Starzynski, Direct line: 1-877-584-6227Program Manager: Leota EmbletonMailing address: 220 - 5025 Orbitor Drive, Bldg 2, Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y5. 18VOLUME 18, NO. 1, SUMMER 2006