Head of local non-profit temporarily banned from social work while she awaits hearing on allegations

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The head of a non-profit family services organization has been temporarily prohibited from social work amid several accusations.

Lisa Jewell is the head of the Wellness Truth and Families Foundation, which specializes in helping women and families rebuild from domestic violence and traumatic situations.

A document recently released by the BC College of Social Workers says Jewell has been temporarily banned from social work, pending a hearing scheduled for March 10th or 11th.

The documents cite three complaints, accusing Jewell of “inappropriate influence over youth,” “assuming guardianship-like roles over youth without authority” and “providing an unsafe environment.” The allegations have not yet been tested or proved.

“The college emphasized the need to mitigate risk and submitted that without the interim restrictions sought there was a serious risk of harm to vulnerable youth,” reads the document, dated February 25th. “The college’s position was that even with the conditions it was seeking, any adjournment should be no longer than one week.”

Jewell has been prohibited from social work in both an individual or group setting, any other minors not her children living with her must be referred to the Ministry of Children and Family Development within 24 hours and Jewell must provide a list of the minors she currently provides services to.

Through her legal counsel, Jewell told Energeticcity.ca she had no comment on the allegations.