“Leave No Trace” (Though Invisible to Most) An Examination of Social Work Skill at Its Best
by SaraKay Smullens, MSW, LCSW, DCSW, CGP, CFLE, BCD
Those not in our profession will be unaware of the clearly demonstrated best of social work practice shown in director Debra Granik’s compelling, brilliantly executed feature film, Leave No Trace (co-written by Anne Rosellini). In fact, in the unfolding of this engrossing mystery, the professional who makes crucial interventions in the life of 13-year-old Tom (played by Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie in her breakout film), a teen completely devoted to her father Will (Ben Foster), is not identified as a social worker, and is seen in a police uniform. Further, the character is nameless. It took some digging to find out the name of the actor who brings fine social work practice to life—Stephanie Barton-Farcas. Still, there is no doubt, her portrayal of a consummate social work professional shines.
Actually, the relative invisibility of Ms. Barton-Farcas is in large part an accurate echo of social work. More often than not, what we contribute blends into teamwork with others so seamlessly that we leave no visible trace of our efforts. Further, what we do is ever about the client—our training underscores the importance of giving to clients in a way that never calls attention to ourselves.
The only deterrent to this purposeful invisibility is that most in the public have no idea about our arduous training and devotion to our clients. This often leads to misperception, as in many instances, especially those involving child welfare, tragedies occur in cases involving those who are publicly identified as social workers or caseworkers but do not have our degrees, our training, or our unwavering commitment.
A thought to frame my point: The greatest professional compliment I can offer is to call one “a natural social worker.” There are those in every profession who, through training or because of natural gifts, reflect social work process—an ability to offer both hope and the development of what I describe as “an emotional sense of direction.” In fact, many drawn to the profession of social work are in essence “natural social workers” who yearn to build on innate skill.
Spoiler Alert begins now: In Leave No Trace, it is unclear whether the quietly substantive, powerful change agent in the unfolding of the lives of Tom and Will is a trained or natural social worker in the police force. However, amidst other public employees who come to life, you will experience her committed social work skill. Our nameless social worker is the first person in Tom’s conscious memory to introduce her to the importance of contact and connection beyond her father. In short, the heart of the story of Tom and Will does not begin until this contact.
When we first meet Tom and Will, it seems as if they are two campers honing advanced skills in a wooded area outside of Portland. However, it soon becomes clear that father and daughter are hiding, as if their very lives depend on not being discovered. This compels the viewer to wonder if Tom is in danger: Is Will violent? Is he sexually abusing his daughter? Could he have killed her mother, who died when Tom was so young that she cannot remember her?
However, as we see father and daughter in their two sleeping bags (under one covering blanket), protected from outdoor elements, it becomes clear how deeply and safely Tom is loved by her father. We also begin to understand that Will is a psychological victim of the aftermath of 9/11 (and that Leave No Trace is an anti-war film). Routine jobs and ongoing contact, other than with his daughter, are not tolerable. Retreat, however, breaks two laws: making his home in a public wooded area, and not placing his daughter in school.
A beautiful and poignant story takes off with an impending arrest, one that makes it clear that despite the loss of Tom’s mother, and an isolated and unconventional life, the bonding of father and daughter ensure a sound first floor in Tom’s inner emotional home. Perhaps this has been complimented by the love of a mother whom Will recalls briefly—her favorite color was yellow, the color of sunshine, the color of hope—his pain too intense to allow dwelling.
Through this bonding, ground is fertile for sound professional intervention. Indeed, the title of the film says it all—not only about the journey of a father and daughter determined not to be seen, but also the profound, yet invisible contribution of pivotal, determined social work skill and investment.
SaraKay Smullens, MSW, LCSW, DCSW, CGP, CFLE, BCD, whose private and pro bono clinical social work practice is in Philadelphia, is a certified group psychotherapist and family life educator. She is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania chapter of NASW, and the 2013 NASW Media Award for Best Article. SaraKay is the author of Whoever Said Life Is Fair, Setting YourSelf Free, and Burnout and Self-Care in Social Work. Her writing has been published in peer-reviewed journals, newspapers, and blogs. SaraKay's professional life continues to be devoted to highlighting destructive societal forces through communication, advocacy, and activism. Read more about her work at SaraKaySmullens.com.
