FEATURE
Shifting Practices: Innovative Social Work During COVID
ETHICS IN ACTION
Disclosure of Confidential Client Information
DIPLOMA DIALOGUES Practicum in the Time of COVID
ADVOCATE FALL 2020
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VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 3
www.acsw.ab.ca
ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS
SOCIAL WORK WEEK PART TWO
Cold Lake SPECIAL SERIES
ACSW MEMBER INTEREST GROUPS Strengthen your practice and our profession Member Interest Groups serve as a meeting place to focus on and support common fields of social work practice, offering opportunities to network and share resources. Participation may support your learning plan and apply towards competency credits. Students are welcome. Consider joining your fellow social workers in a group that meets your interests! SOCIAL JUSTICE – CALGARY, EDMONTON, CENTRAL ALBERTA, FORT MCMURRAY These groups focus on social justice issues and advocacy related to poverty, family violence, disabilities, income support, sexual and gender diversity, and international social justice. Activities include hosting professional development events, attending rallies, and engaging with various levels of government. GERONTOLOGY – CALGARY, EDMONTON This group works to enhance gerontological social work practice by addressing systemic barriers that impact older adults. These groups offer networking opportunities, resource sharing and organize professional development and advocacy opportunities. CHILD AND YOUTH
SOCIAL WORKERS IN HEALTH This provincial group focuses on advocacy and resource sharing on issues related to social work practice in the health care system. Monthly meetings include presentations on health-related topics. SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSITY This is a provincial group that focuses on facilitating networking, collaboration, and advocacy for LGBTQ2S+ social workers, while promoting practical and positive action to support social work practice. RETIRED SOCIAL WORKERS – EDMONTON This group offers an opportunity for retired social workers to remain connected to each other and the social work profession.
This provincial group focuses on child and youth issues and advocacy with attention to child welfare best practices, policy improvement, resource sharing, community support and awareness, and education.
PRIVATE PRACTICE
SOCIAL WORKERS UNITED AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
For more information, contact Carlena Johnson at memberactivitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca
This provincial group focuses on family violence issues and advocacy including emergency shelter supports, men experiencing family violence, consent for minors, and multicultural perspectives.
This provincial group provides support and guidance to social workers in private practice and is open to members on the Private Practice Roster.
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ADVOCATE
COVER STORY: SOCIAL WORK WEEK SPECIAL SERIES
THE ADVOCATE Volume 45, Issue 3, Fall 2020 Published by: The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) 550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in AB): 1-800-661-3089 Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free fax: 1-866-874-8931 acsw@acsw.ab.ca — acsw.ab.ca Registrar (Acting) Associate Registrar: Suzanne MacKinnon, MSW, RCSW associateregistrar@acsw.ab.ca Executive Director (Acting) Associate Director - Professional Practice & Advocacy: Jody-Lee Farrah, MSW, RSW assocdirector@acsw.ab.ca
28 Seeing the Good
Managers, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Directors: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB acswregulatory@acsw.ab.ca Membership Activities - Team Lead: Charity Lui, MSW, RSW Social Workers - Membership Activities: Heather Johnson, BSW, RSW Andre Tinio, BSW, RSW Finance & Administration Officer: Kim Hyggen, CPA, CGA Finance & Administration Support: Audrey Kent, CPA, CMA Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross Executive Assistant / Office Manager: Noreen Majek
ETHICS IN ACTION 12 Disclosure of Confidential Client Information
FEATURE STORY 20 Shifting Practices: Innovative Social Work during COVID-19
Promotions & Events Associate: Crystal King Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Carlena Johnson Jennifer Vasquez Toni Harrison Tami Carlin Jessica Atamanenko Kathleen Lidbetter Emily Rypstra (Associate) Online Services Analyst: Laurie Nelson
FEATURES
15 Introducing IASWG Alberta 18 Collective Rage Requires Collective Action 20 Shifting Practices: Innovative Social Work during COVID-19 28 Seeing the Good 32 Andrea Heinz: Levels of Exploitation 34 The Cost of Being Seen: Calgary’s Ban on Conversion Therapy AROUND OUR PROVINCE 4 Around Our Province THE BIG PICTURE 8 A Message from the Executive Director & Registrar 9
A Message from the President
IN THE NEWS 10 Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs INDIGENOUS VOICES 11 Smudging
ETHICS IN ACTION 12 Disclosure of Confidential Client Information THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE 14 COVID-19: Crisis or Opportunity? SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS 16 Inherent Dignity: ACSW Statement on Anti-Racism RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES 22 Community Engagement, Canada to Nepal DIPLOMA DIALOGS 23 Practicum in the Time of COVID DAY IN THE LIFE 36 Michael Hoyt, MSW, RSW FOR YOUR INFORMATION 38 The Advocate Editorial Policy 39 For Your Information
Printing on Titan Dull text. 10% post consumer waste. Titan participates in a certified forest program.
IT Support Analyst: Scott MacPhee ACSW Council: President: Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW Vice President: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW Treasurer: Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Members at Large: Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Wilda Listener, MSW, RSW Bobbi Michaud, MSW, RSW Baiju Vareed, MSW, RSW Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW Siu Ming Kwok, MSW, RSW Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: Vacant Public Members: Bukola Oladunni Salami Trevor Liskowich Laura Delfs Charmaine Coutinho Editorial Board: Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW & Cardinal Fomradas, MSW, RSW (Co-Chairs) Darnel Forro, MSW, RSW Tasha Novick, MSW, RSW Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW Islam Deyab, BSW, RSW Bukola Oladunni Salami, Public Member Editorial services provided by Bird Communications Advertising space is available. To place an ad, contact memberactivitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca. The ACSW reserves the right to reject any submissions and advertising. Winter 2020 Issue Ad Deadline: October 15, 2020 Canadian subscriptions are $26/year (outside Canada: $26 US/year). Please immediately update your member profile with any address changes. ISSN 0847 - 2890 PM NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1 The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise. All material ©2020 by the ACSW or by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed. Reprint or copying (including digital or online reproduction in any form) of any Advocate material requires written consent of the ACSW.
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AROUND OUR PROVINCE BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW
COVID-19 Information As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to providing you with up-to-date information to support your social work practice and provide you with guidance. Please see our COVID-19 Information for Social Workers page on our website often for up-to-date information. You’ll find a link on the right-hand side of ACSW’s home page. Our office remains closed to visitors and members of the public. However, we continue to operate between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Please contact us by telephone at 780-421-1167 or email to receive support with your registration and practice needs. General Inquiries: acsw@acsw.ab.ca Registration Inquiries: registration@acsw.ab.ca Competency Inquiries: competency@acsw.ab.ca Complaints Inquiries: acswregulatory@acsw.ab.ca Clinical Inquiries: clinical@acsw.ab.ca
Photograph by Charles Chenard, used in his Compassion Satisfaction presentation
Professional Development Like many of you over the last few months, we have been shifting the way we go about our work. This has meant more opportunities for our members to engage online, including professional development offered through Zoom. Charles Chenard, BSW, RSW, presented Compassion Satisfaction: Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress. This presentation provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their experiences with secondary traumatic stress and how to achieve compassion satisfaction. Participants were given strategies to improve their mindfulness, self-care, and overall well-being. Alana Peters presented Bounce, Don’t Break: Daring Strategies for Resilience and Self-Care, an engaging workshop focused on giving participants practical strategies for self-care including keys to sustainable caring and the importance of connection to self and others. In celebration of Pride Month, Gilbert Drapeau, BSW, RSW, also known as Lady Tenderflake, and Christy Garland presented Understanding Diversity: The Queer Experience and Its Impact on Practice. They focused on issues that members of the LGBTQ2S+ community face and how social workers can engage with the community in an open and reflective way. We offered a lunch and learn session on Basic Income featuring panelists
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Christy Garland
Lady Tenderflake
Lee Stevens, MSW, RSW, of Vibrant Communities Calgary; Erick Ambtman, Executive Director with End Poverty Edmonton; and Alison McIntosh with Climate Justice Edmonton. They explored the current opportunities for Basic Income in Canada and challenged some of the misconceptions on the topic. We also hosted a series of Connection Cafés as an opportunity for members to share resources and to connect with us and each other during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta. We appreciated hearing how members have adapted their practices and how communities have come together to support each other.
Advocacy The ACSW Gerontology Network - North member interest group had the opportunity to meet virtually with MLA Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, Opposition Critic for Alberta Seniors and Housing. Members of the group were able to highlight issues regarding seniors and COVID19, including the impact of the pandemic, with seniors experiencing isolation and a lack of technology, the state of long-term care, and navigating the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. In response to the meeting, MLA Sigurdson prepared a member statement which she shared in the Alberta Legislature. She outlined that, “Many seniors are unable to receive the supports they once did and engage in the activities that they enjoyed. Inclusion and social connectedness are key to good health.” She spoke about how much of our reality is now online and that about 25% of seniors with limited financial resources are being left behind. She called on the government to include funding for internet and devices through the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program. As we reflect on our senior population, particularly during this pandemic, it is an opportune time to advocate for supports to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Together, in our particular fields of practice, we create opportunities to bring forward important issues.
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AROUND OUR PROVINCE
National Indigenous People’s Day On June 21st, the ACSW Indigenous Social Work Committee provided a statement acknowledging National Indigenous People’s Day: “Now more than ever is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous social workers to come together. We cannot ignore the discomfort of the racialized environment that exists in our society today. Instead we must continue to speak out when we see the injustice and oppression unfold before us. But we can celebrate and acknowledge the beauty of the Indigenous cultures that are all around us. The Indigenous Social Work Committee of the Alberta College of Social Workers hopes you participated in the many events occurring across Alberta celebrating the Indigenous people of Canada on June 21st. We invite you to please check out the ACSW social media pages, where we have highlighted some great resources for you to further your understanding of the rich diversity of the Indigenous people.” In honour of National Indigenous People’s Day, we asked, “What is your favourite book with Indigenous content, by an Indigenous author or about Indigenous social work practice?” We received many resources through our social media. Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola Campbell (children’s book) Seven Sacred Teachings by David Bouchard and Dr. Joseph Martin In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Culleton Mosionier A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott
Wasáse: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom by Taiaiake Alfred All Our Relations by Tanya Talaga The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King Wícihitowin: Aboriginal
Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern Halfbreed by Maria Campbell Seeking Mino-Pimatisiwin: An Aboriginal Approach to Helping by Michael Anthony Hart
For Indigenous Eyes Only by Waziyatawin Angela Wilson and Michael Yellow Bird
Social Work in Canada
Birdie by Tracey Lindberg
edited by Raven Sinclair, Michael
Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese
Lightfinder by Aaron Paquette
Healing Traditions
In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience by Helen Knott
Gail Guthrie Valaskakis
The Reason You Walk by Wab Kinew Conversations with a Rattlesnake: Raw and Honest Reflections on Healing and Trauma by Theo Fleury and Kim Barthel From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson 6
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Anthony Hart, and Gord Bruyere edited by Laurence J. Kirmayer and Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools: A Memoir by Theodore Fontaine Research is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods by Shawn Wilson The Sun Came Down: The History of the World as My Blackfeet Elders Told It by Percy Bullchild and Woody Kipp
Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo CBC Podcast Treaty Talk: www.treatytalk.com Indigenous Canada: free massive open online course, University of Alberta Raven Reads: An inspiring Indigenous literary subscription box. Ravenreads.org.
Statement on Reparative or Conversion Therapy Conversion or reparative therapy is a set of “treatments” proposing that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed to reflect heteronormative and gender binary standards. These practices often target LGBTQ2S+ children and adolescents who are often forced into treatment. This can, and in most cases does, have long-term impacts. There is academic and empirical evidence that this practice is ineffective, unethical, and harmful to those exposed to it. In June 2020, the ACSW released a Practice Statement to advise all social workers that, based on social work core values and principles, we have a collective commitment to diversity, social justice, and evidence-based practice and therefore this form of “treatment” is not to be practiced by any social worker in Alberta. The CASW Code of Ethics highlights that social workers must “Respect the Inherent Dignity and Worth of All Persons” and uphold human rights. In addition, social workers will respect diversity among individuals and the right of all individuals to their unique beliefs. To further support social workers in their practice, a Frequently Asked Questions document was included with the practice statement to include important definitions, information about the purpose, and practical implementation of the statement. Please see the FAQs for more information about what conversion therapy is, why the ACSW has released a practice statement, and how to work with a client who wishes to explore conversion therapy in order to reconcile their religious beliefs with their sexual orientation or gender. To read the statement and accompanying FAQ document see the Social Work – Practice Resources page on acsw.ab.ca.
ACSW 2020 STUDENT BURSARY From August 28th until October 30th, 2020, applications are open for the ASCW Student Bursary. All ACSW student members and registered social workers are eligible. For more details, see the Student page on acsw.ab.ca
ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 2021 Annual Conference March 25-27, 2021 BMO Centre at Stampede Park Calgary and online
Mandatory Training Don’t forget to complete your mandatory training on Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Misconduct! All registered social workers must complete this training before February 14, 2021. Visit acsw.ab.ca for details! CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities Team Lead. You can contact her at MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca regarding submissions for the Advocate. THE ADVOCATE
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THE BIG PICTURE
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR THERE IS ONE THING that can always be counted on – change. In the face of change, social workers can be counted to lead with resilience and perseverance. The ACSW has been recruiting for a new Executive Director and Registrar, who will provide leadership to guide us into a thriving future. The Government of Alberta has proposed several changes to the Health Professions Act (HPA) that will impact the ACSW and the other health professions’ regulatory colleges.
JODY-LEE FARRAH is the Executive Director (Acting) and the Associate Director, Professional Practice & Advocacy, of the ACSW. SUZANNE MACKINNON is the Registrar (Acting) and the Associate Registrar of the ACSW. They can be reached at AssocDirector@acsw.ab.ca, and AssociateRegistrar@acsw.ab.ca.
The HPA empowers the ACSW to regulate the profession of social work in the public interest. This has granted us the ability to be recognized as a profession, have protected titles, and self-regulate mandatory registration, continuing competence, and complaints and discipline. The ACSW is funded through fees from mandatory registration, which are used to support the regulatory mandate and association activities. The association works to promote the profession, engage in advocacy on social policy issues and support our members through activities such as conferences. Historically, social workers have advocated for mandatory registration and to be included in the HPA. This is an accomplishment to be proud of! In an effort to modernize the HPA, the Alberta government is making changes aimed at improving the efficiency of the current regulatory system and increasing patientcentredness. To achieve this, Bill 30 (2020) increased public member representation on councils, hearing tribunals and complaint review committees from 25 to 50 percent of the total members. The increase is intended to enhance the voice of patients and families in professional regulation through representation at the table where important decisions are made. This measure is consistent with the values espoused in the CASW Code of Ethics and with ACSW’s Standards of Practice. The participation of public members has always been valued by ACSW. The ACSW Council and staff are reviewing the amendment and identifying organizational impacts to governance structure, by-laws, policies, and practices. We can anticipate changes in the recruitment and appointment of social workers to Council and how executive officers are appointed. Late July, the Government of Alberta also introduced 17 proposals to possibly change the Health Professions Act. Included are possible amendments that would separate association functions from regulatory colleges and possibly put registration and complaints/discipline under centralized government departments. This would significantly curtail the health professions’ ability to self-regulate. The ACSW supports professional regulation and values the trust and partnership of the public and government to ensure that registered social workers are safe, ethical and competent. While we welcome efforts to increase standardization and transparency in our processes, we will resist releasing our ability to administer the registration, complaints, and discipline functions. Our roots of being a regulatory college stem from our intentional voluntary efforts to regulate ourselves as a professional association even before legislative empowerment, and long before being included in the HPA. We have always believed what is good for the public is good for social workers. We are prepared to continue navigating our complementary mandates of professional regulation, professional association, and social policy advocacy.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
AJAY HARTENFELD PANDHI is the President of the ACSW Council. He is also the President of Pandhi Counselling and Mediation Services and works as a mental health therapist at Strathcona Community Hospital. You can contact Ajay at acswpresident@acsw.ab.ca.
THERE COME TIMES when we need to step up and speak out. For social workers, now is that time. In Alberta, we are witnessing the privatization of our healthcare system, attacks on education, threats to public service pensions, changes to AISH and other essential social services, and a serious threat to our unions – without which we risk returning to a time where exploitation of workers was commonplace and the concept of a fair wage and workers’ employment rights simply did not exist. This is a moment to be guided by the core social work value of the pursuit of social justice. I write today to bring attention to Bill 30 and its implications for change to the Alberta College of Social Work’s governance structure. Bill 30, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, is an omnibus bill that includes an amendment to the Health Professions Act (HPA). The HPA is the legislation that allows the ACSW the privilege of self-regulation in the public interest and lays out ACSW’s primary objective: to serve and protect the public. I write with a concern that Bill 30 will impact our ability to do that. On the surface, the suggested changes seem innocuous. The proposed amendment will increase the proportion of public members appointed to all regulatory college councils from 25 percent to 50 percent. This will mean more public representation on ACSW Council, Complaint Review Committees and Hearing Tribunals. As you may know, all public members are currently appointed by the Government of Alberta and under the new bill, will continue to be. In my approximately 10 years on Council, our public members have been largely marvelous, hardworking and dedicated. These public members have added to the strength of various boards. However, public members are paid for their time on the board, unlike elected social workers who volunteer their board-time. As public members are unelected, the Council has no input in their selection process, they are not bound by our Code of Ethics, and cannot be sanctioned or regulated for erroneous decisions by our stringent but fair regulatory standards. This makes them quite different from an elected social worker on Council. Social workers face diverse and complex scenarios daily. We are guided by our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in all we do. Changes to the HPA that support the integrity of social work practice and allow for greater transparency and accountability are welcome. Ones that limit our capacity to engage in right action are not. Over the coming weeks, ACSW’s Council will be discussing this change and what it might mean. Anything that increases transparency and protects the public is supported by the ACSW. Most social workers welcome the opportunity to hear the patient/client voice. My concern is that a majority of partisan appointments to our board may threaten the integrity of what it means to deliver social services and ensure the social fabric of our communities. I and the ACSW Council will closely observe the progress of this bill and share our knowledge with you. I encourage you to educate yourself about this issue, connect with others and if need be, speak out against proposed changes that will negatively impact our ability to do our jobs, attentive to the public good. Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, MSW, RSW THE ADVOCATE
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IN THE NEWS
Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs 8,722
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF JULY 14, 2020 Temitope Ololade Adebisi Arike Akomolafe Ashlie Kaye Alexander Christine Gayle Alexander Paige Alfano Melany Marie Allen Nkeiru ThankGod Amadi Thea Marie Belle Anderson Rita Nneka Andrew Jennifer Lynne Archer Landyce Areshenkoff Shelby Lee Asmundson-Hall Tina Azimi Hanan Baalbaki Amabelle Magalong Bacuno Jasmine Joyal Baker Sarah Nabulo Bamugye Kaitlin Barr Mikenzie Charlette Batke Devin Joyce Beaton Avery Lesley Jean Beaudin Claire Robyn Benade Lindsay Patricia Billingsley Lauren Katherine Birks Justyne Elizabeth Boehm Tonia Marie Lynne Bogart Rachel Bonney Jessica Rinn Booth Roberta Bradley Yonatan Moshe Braverman Noel Dianne Bray-Mills Brooke Nicola Bressette Edna Tirsh Buffalo Che Lee Burnett Alanna Maureen Campbell Christopher Charles Cann Nicolle Carr Jessica Elizabeth Carroll Titus Chan Zoe Katharine Chaytors Tamar Cherniawsky Daniella Danelis Chikie Jeanette Lillian Alexandra Clarke Robinson Clemente Jessica Clements Emily Elizabeth Anna Connell Fatoumata Y Conte Kennedy Lee-ann Coston Justin David Cottreau Suzanne Louise Couturier Colton Gerald Craner Mary Veronica Cripton John Adam Cybulskie Kyra Kurina Davies Laiza Dellosa Nour Deni Ciara Deschamps
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Yashwanti Devi Bal Krishna Dhakal Natasha Dharshi Nandeep Dhasi Marissa Dhunay Alana Dietrich Steffie Steventje Dijkstra Kayla Dueck Jamie Alison Dykstra Paige Rene Eaglesham Natalia Iman Renee El Namer Natnicha Ethamma Sherry L. Flemming Jasmin Fleury Heather Joan Fodor Heidi Forgo Kiera Jane Forrest Jennifer Jean Forscutt Kelly Christine Fredrickson Jamie Fulcher Brittany Rachelle Gadwa Charlotte Gardiner Kaitlin Grace Gareau Georgia Marie Gerik Selina Fay Giesbrecht Keara Leigh Gillis Kristin Morgan Gitzel Keeta Gladue Mellesa Goalen Shayna Elizabeth Gorber Christina Lynn Greabeiel Feng Gu Wendy Lynne Haley Trevor Simpson Hall Brittany Kathleen Hallett Ambika Hamal Thakuri Jillian Hannigan Bibhum Hari Janette Helen Harty Kelvin Hau Eman Hawamda Alyssia Charlotte Hawn Samantha Ashley Hay Sherri Lianne Hazell Jennifer Allison Irene Hedstrom Farrah Helwa Anna-Mariska Hemens Priscilla Kashima Hibbert Katie A Hickey Elyssa Hillis Rachel Hohl Mohamed Abdiwal Husseen Daniel Chukwuebuka Igwegbe Sanjivkumar Inamdar Ayan Faisal Ismail Samater Kaywana James-Leon
Valerie Nadege Jamga Tchatchoua Jazmyn Johnson Jennifer Kathryn Jones Stephanie Christine Joshi Carrie M Kane Kaylee Lynne Karseboom Amber Clara Caroline Keats Chelsea May Kelba Kaitlyn Knox Jeannette Joyce Kornak Samuel Joseph Kosch Mallory Shaw Kristjanson Kristina Mira Laban Maricel Carpio Lacson Katherine Angela Dawn Lamoureux Krista Kathleen Lantz Jessica Marie LarsenHalikowski Patricia Ann Mary Lebel Teagan Katherine Lee Kathena Lin Zabrina Link Ka Kei Jacky Liu Bailey Kim Locke Katelin Lomond Jessica Lindsay Loxdale Bronwyn Morgan Shone Lucenko Candace Marie MacFarlane Heather Mary Mackenzie Nicole Louise Madamesila Marissa Malakoff Angelica Manalo Taelor Dawn Elizabeth Marchant Sarah Mateshaytis Emily Matheson Kyra Brigette Rosalie McCarthy Christie Agatha McCaw Amanda McIvor Rebecca Anne McMeekin Uzma Mehreen Jacquelyn Middleton Mikaela Jordan Mill Stephanie Ann Misura Aisha Mohammed Faith Montehermoso Stacey Lynn Morcom Erica Morrill Nicole Mosele Rita Lucia Motta Martinez Kya Alexandra Mulholland Carmen Nashchuk Fidelis Ndum Chloe Jade Elizabeth Neifer Kirsten Mae Nelson
Shailyn Nelson Byanca Nimijean Melissa Noakes Samantha Josephine Norberg Elizabeth Ann Nugent Marie Nicole Nunziata Goddy Alunge Nzonji Taylor O’Brien Mardzhona OdinaevaSheffield Veronica Kanebi Odita Chinwe Getrude Omisore Alana Page Zeel Patel Nicole Diana Pearson Karah Pegg Brenda Louise Peters Danielle Peyton Meighan Elizabeth Phelps Julia Price Tenaya Debrah Price Allison Prime Tiffany Rose Primeau Laura Faye Quaale Alessandra Danielle Quartararo Rocio Ramirez Rivera Tamara Rascher Nisha Raval Chelsea Dawn Reddekop Celeste Wavey Reid Darlene Rempel Diane Marie Richard TaShawna Marilynn Roberts Madelaine Juliette Lucienne Robillard Karina Rodriguez Gonzalez Abigael Roth Teila Paige Rowsell Marnie Beth Rusen Ashleigh Sarah Christine Scarpelli Camille Rae Schulz Tessa Ann Marie Scoular Rajitha Selvaratnam Donald Steven Serink Dhruhi Shah Jordan Sharp Justine Crystal Sharpe Victoria Onike Shears Baylie Fau Simms Courtney Simpson Sabita Sitoula Jenna E Skogberg Tanya Barbara Smith Taylor Soderstrom Kimberly Lynn Stanyer Nicole Amber Stevenson
Shaylagh Lily Stevenson Amanda Kathleen Strachan Micaela Diane Strelau Ashna Suchak Lailyne Michele Ramos Supilanas Richard Ira Swaren Christina Ta Wei Tan Grace Tebe Tesi Mary Thornton Adriana Caterina Todaro Maria Alejandra Toro Sanjuan Micheline Trombley Taylor Morgan Tutt Trixine Euneez Valeros Maxine Alexandra Vardy Jannelle Sophie Vaughan Amber-Rose Melanie Vigoren Samantha Jocelyn Waldal Patrice Georgia Walker Brenda Lynn Whelan Rys-Ann Oralda Whyne Dallyn Andrew Wirachowsky Jessica Wloka Brandon Douglas Wood Konstantin Yemelyanov Gabriel Young Dana Maria Zegers Yujia Zhu Courtney Shaye Zielinski Margaret Zjadewicz
255 TOTAL REGISTERED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AS OF JULY 15, 2020 Devona Crnkovic Edwina Fernandes Susan McGowan Michelle Moar Deena Seaward Jeffrey Whitehead Kimberly Houlihan Cheryl Waite
INDIGENOUS VOICES
Smudging BY HEATHER JOHNSON, BSW, RSW
Heather: When a smudge is occurring in a circle, is there a way to pass on participating in the smudge politely and respectfully? Derek: Smudging is never mandatory. Respect for everyone’s own personal belief systems is a guiding principle in any Indigenous tradition. And yes, there is a way to pass respectfully. When the smudge is brought before you, simply place your hand over your heart. This will indicate to the person bringing you the smudge that you do not wish to participate. They will simply go on to the next person. It is important, though, to reflect on why you are not participating. Is it because you think it is praying
THE INDIGENOUS Social Work Committee (ISWC) hopes it is helpful to share some important teachings about Indigenous protocols, ceremonies and beliefs with ACSW members. As the ACSW Staff Liaison to the ISWC and a non-Indigenous person, I had the privilege of asking questions to expand my knowledge and ensure I enter relationships with Indigenous people in a respectful way. I’m happy to share this awareness with other social workers who might be wondering the same things but don’t know who or how to ask. These questions are important because ACSW and its members have a responsibility to be actively involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
Photo by Leroy Schulz
This edition of my conversation with Derek Chewka, Director of Child and Family Services at Yellowhead Tribal Council, will focus on smudging. Heather: What is smudging? Why is it done?
Derek: Smudging has been practiced by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Variations of smudging have been found in many other cultures and have even been traced back to Egyptian and Roman times. Our Elders have taught us the smudging ceremony is a cleansing process whereby we “wash” ourselves with the smoke of medicine (sage, sweetgrass, cedar and/or fungus can be used depending on where you are and the practices of that Nation). Smudging allows people to stop, become mindful and ground themselves. Smudging also allows people to let go the negative things they may be holding onto, and in doing so, ask the Creator for help to feel safe and calm in the moment. Smudging is one of the more common ceremonies practiced and is done with the understanding that things will be done “in a good way.” It is also about a commitment to living the “good life” (which in Cree is referred to as miyo pimatisiwin).
to a false god? Do you think it goes against your religion or faith beliefs? These are the things the Indigenous Social Work Committee has heard about the practice of smudging. We want all members to know that the opportunity for dialogue is open, and questions are always welcome. Heather: So true. Thank you for engaging in this important conversation about smudging. If anyone wants to continue this dialogue, the Indigenous Social Work Committee is willing. If you have other questions or comments, the ISWC can be contacted through me at MemberServicesSouth@acsw.ab.ca.
HEATHER JOHNSON, BSW, RSW is the ACSW staff liaison for the Indigenous Social Work Committee. She can be reached at MemberActivitiesSouth@acsw.ab.ca. THE ADVOCATE
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ETHICS IN ACTION
PART 2 OF 2
Disclosure of Confidential Client Information: THE ELEVATED DUTY OF SOCIAL WORKERS TO SEEK CONSENT BY BRUCE LLEWELLYN, MSW, RSW AND SHERYL PEARSON, MSW, RSW, LLB
CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONSENT are ethical cornerstones of every regulated profession The CASW Code of Ethics states “Social workers demonstrate respect for the trust and confidence placed in them by clients, communities and other professionals by protecting the privacy of client information and respecting the client’s right to control when or whether this information will be shared with third parties.” This is part two of a two-part series dealing with confidentiality and consent to share information. Part one, published in the Summer 2020 Advocate, dealt with the principle of confidentiality and exceptions to confidentiality. This article deals with the principle of informed consent, specifically consent to share information. Consent to Share Information The ACSW Standards of Practice 2019 define informed consent as:
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Permission given by a client to a social worker, based on reasonable disclosure by the social worker and understanding by the client, of the facts, risks and alternatives, to use identified intervention procedures, which may include assessment,
treatment, follow-up, research, or community intervention, or to disclose confidential client information. The general principles of Consent to Share Information are outlined in section B.5 of the ACSW Standards of Practice: B.5 Consent to Share Information (a) Except where otherwise permitted by these Standards (see section D.7), a social worker will obtain informed consent from a client prior to releasing any information about the client to any other party. The general rule is to obtain consent prior to releasing any information about a client. The exceptions to confidentiality referenced in D.7 were discussed in part one of this article. Standard B.5 further provides: (c) Where legislation or agency policy permits sharing information without client consent, a social worker will still seek consent unless there is an urgent need to release the information without consent (emphasis added). As this provision makes evident, it is important for social workers to distinguish between when they
are required to disclose confidential information versus when they are permitted to disclose confidential information.
of information without consent, our
There are times when a social worker is required to disclose confidential information, for instance, when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a child is at risk. In these cases, a social worker must make a report pursuant to the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. Another instance of a requirement to disclose is when a social worker is subpoenaed to produce a client record or appear in court.
before disclosing the information
There are also circumstances when a social worker is permitted to disclose client information without obtaining consent, as is the case with the Health Information Act and the Children First Act. The Health Information Act (s. 35) provides that personal health information may be disclosed without consent to another custodian for the purpose of providing and determining eligibility for health care and to a person who is responsible for providing continuing treatment to an individual. Similarly, the Children First Act (s. 4) provides that a service provider may disclose to another service provider personal information about a child, parent or guardian, provided the disclosure is in the best interest of the child. Both legislative provisions support the sharing of information in favour of a coordinated service model.
rather that they seek consent.
Standards of Practice make clear that social workers have an elevated ethical obligation to seek consent (unless there is a reason not to). Said another way, social workers have an ethical/fiduciary obligation (exceeding their minimum legal obligation) to seek consent, if at all possible, before disclosing client information, even where they are permitted by law to disclose. To be clear, the expectation is not that a social worker obtains consent, but
It is important for social workers to distinguish between when they are required to disclose confidential information versus when they are permitted to disclose confidential information It is important to note that the ethical obligation to seek consent does not apply when client information is being shared among service providers of the same care/service team. For instance, in a hospital setting,
What is important to note here is that both Acts (as well as other policies and legislation designed to enhance collaboration through information sharing) permit the sharing of information but do not require it.
consent is not required from each
Thus, while some legislation or agency policies permit the sharing
render the provision of health care
At the same time, the Standards of Practice provide at B.5(b) that in all circumstances where information about a client is being released, with or without the consent of the client, the following principles apply: i. Information will only be released to those who “need to know.� ii. Only the minimum amount of information required to address the need will be released. iii. The client will be provided with information on how the information is intended to be used, and iv. The client may withdraw consent at any time (if it was obtained). In summary, while there are exceptions to the principle on confidentiality and there is legislation that both requires and permits the sharing of client information without consent, the general rule is that a social worker will seek consent unless there is a reason not to. Use your common sense about this. If a client/patient has already provided consent to share information among service providers on a team or within an agency, then consent need not be sought again. For information regarding consent and/or confidentiality with minors, visit our Guidelines on Consent and Confidentiality when Working with Minors (acsw.ab.ca, click Social Workers, then Practice Resources.)
client/patient for social workers to be able to speak to other health care providers on the service team. Indeed, this would thwart the very purpose of the health care teams and would services unmanageable.
SHERYL PEARSON and BRUCE LLEWELLYN are Managers of Regulatory Practice for the Alberta College of Social Workers. THE ADVOCATE
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VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE
COVID-19: Crisis or Opportunity? BY TERESA WINFIELD, MSW, RCSW
AS A PRIVATE PRACTITIONER, it is impossible to make it through a day, much less an hour, without talking about the pandemic and our current situation. Conversations with colleagues and clients alike elicit questions, (How are you coping with isolation? What is your most recent home-schooling struggle? How did you get groceries this week?) AND exclamations (I’m so sorry to hear about your job loss! I haven’t been out of my house in a week! I’m one Zoom meeting away from deciding to throw my technology out the window!) that seem to reflect a shared and yet varied experience for each individual and family muddling their way through a very strange new world. Private practitioners are adept at being flexible and finding opportunity in crisis, and this new reality is likely no different. Each person must navigate their way through the maze of pandemic-related challenges while balancing the needs of their families, businesses and clients. Recently, I spoke with other private practitioners who shared their stories. What struck me wasn’t necessarily the stressful and chaotic tales they shared. Nor was it the resiliency they demonstrated in response. It was truly the varied nature of experience and the meaning that they drew from it that stood out. I could likely 14
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categorize stories in terms of a few different topics: 1) How is your virtual work going? 2) Maybe I need to consider what I want for myself and my business in the long-term, and 3) The pandemic is a blessing in disguise.
Private practitioners are adept at being flexible and finding opportunity in crisis While virtual work carries with it some unique considerations, doing it with little time to prepare can be daunting. Everything from equipment failures, to making sure informed consent is achieved, to assessing risk from a distance was shared. On the other hand, warm stories about having a glimpse into people’s homes (and sometimes a little too much of a glimpse – see “pants are mandatory when doing virtual work!”), to see cherished pets and touching moments of closeness allowed me to confirm just how much these clinicians were striving to do what is right by their clients. There are stories about how the pandemic made some turn inward and reflect on what they want for
the future. Have I developed a solid strategic plan? How will my business continue once I’m gone? Do I want to do this work until my working days are done? Maybe I should organize those groups I’ve been planning to arrange. Working from home can be an opportunity to use time previously given over to travel to gain some traction around all things business. There are even social workers who see the silver lining in the otherwise dark cloud of COVID-19. They may exclaim, “I’m working out every day in addition to seeing my clients!”, “Maybe I don’t need to pay for an office!”, “I’ve played more board games with my kids than ever!”, “I never want to go back to the grind of everyday life; I like things the way they’ve been over the past few months!” or “My husband was so intrigued by the work I do that he’s decided to study social work too!” It’s clear some people have been treated to really positive moments. When you own a business, it’s easy to find your stride in the good times and continue to build your dream. However, when the universe throws a curve into your carefully considered road map, it could mean it’s time to dig in and hold on for the ride around the corner. Or it may be an opportunity to see where the new road leads you.
TERESA WINFIELD is a social worker in private practice with 21 years of experience. She specializes in working with youth who have demonstrated sexually concerning behaviours and the families who care for them.
FEATURE STORY
Introducing IASWG Alberta: THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS BY WILLIAM PELECH, PHD, RSW
GROUP EXPERIENCES ARE quintessential human experiences. We are born into a group, we belong to an ever-changing group of friends, and as social workers, we work in a variety of groups. One does not need to lead a therapy group to be a group worker. No matter what professional role we fulfil as social workers, we will always be involved in some form of task group or committee. Indeed, in social work, work with groups ranges from small social skills groups with individuals who experience severe mental illness, to groups charged with making changes to national social policy. We have all observed how groups can bring about social and cultural change. Jane Addams, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela effected social change through the power of groups. Despite the power and ubiquitous nature of groups, we have witnessed a decline in the availability of training in group work across North America. In Alberta, while we are fortunate to have undergraduate and diploma social work programs which offer basic training in group work, there is little available to enhance group work practice after graduation. For this and other reasons, a group of dedicated group workers chose to form an Alberta chapter of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG). What is IASWG? IASWG is a not-for-profit international professional organization of group workers, group work educators, and friends of group work. Its objectives, and those of the Alberta chapter, are to support: •
Practice and teaching of, and research into group work
•
Advocating for group work; teaching of group work
•
Sponsoring yearly international symposia on group work
•
Supporting and providing programming, training and networking opportunities
•
Collaboration with other group work organizations.
The Alberta Chapter Just as there are many reasons to learn about how to work effectively with groups, there are important reasons to become a member of IASWG. We are a developing chapter that offers annual training opportunities, networking, resource sharing, and informal peer support. Group Work Training Opportunities The Alberta chapter recently offered two online workshops: Talking Circles and Social Work Group Practice and An Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution. These online workshops and more will be offered in the fall. IASWG Alberta members can attend the annual international symposium and local conferences at a reduced rate. Peer Support and Networking The Alberta chapter also aims to reduce the isolation felt by social workers who practice group work by helping members make connections with fellow practitioners, educators and researchers. By building relationships with peers and mentors, we provide an opportunity to share ideas and successes. How to Get Involved To join the Alberta chapter, simply go www.iaswg. org and click “Membership.” Once you join IASWG, you automatically become a member of the Alberta chapter. For further information, please contact us at IASWGAlberta@gmail.com.
DR. WILLIAM PELECH is the chair of IASWG Alberta and served in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work for nearly 20 years. He was presented the Killam Award for Innovation in Education and the University of Calgary Teaching Excellence Award for Educational Leadership. THE ADVOCATE
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SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS
Inherent Dignity: ACSW Statement on Anti-Racism
We recognize that our past plays a significant role in moving forward to repair, heal, and reconcile relationships with marginalized communities. As a profession, we must continue to raise awareness of all forms of racism, engage in difficult dialogue, reflect on professional social work practice, and take action to stop racism, discrimination, and
THE ALBERTA COLLEGE of Social Workers strongly condemns all forms of racism, including systemic and anti-Black racism. Negative treatment and racist behaviour toward Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour are seen throughout Canadian society including our health and social service systems; this must end. We have far to go in the pursuit of social justice for racialized people, including fighting for safety from violence and discrimination in the criminal justice and child protection systems, access to a living income, adequate housing and accessible health care and many other human rights. The inherent dignity and worth of all persons and the pursuit of
social justice are core values of the social work profession. The CASW Code of Ethics guides our ethical, moral, and professional conduct as social workers. Value 2: Pursuit of Social Justice states, “…Social workers oppose prejudice and discrimination against any person or group of persons, on any grounds, and specifically challenge views and actions that stereotype particular persons or groups.” The Code also states that social workers will not tolerate discrimination based on age, abilities, ethnic background, gender, language, marital status, national ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status (CASW Code of Ethics, 2005, p.3, 5).
oppression at all levels. Social workers will continue to advocate for equity, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized citizens. It is our professional responsibility to uphold our commitment to social justice and to combat all forms of racism. Social workers must strive to be anti-racist, meaning engaging in the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures and behaviours that perpetuate systemic racism. We cannot move forward without recognizing and learning from the mistakes of our past, bearing humility and a willingness for true collaboration and change.
“
CONTINUING DIALOGUE
ACSW IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING A DIALOGUE ON RACISM IN UPCOMING ISSUES OF THE ADVOCATE. OUR WINTER ISSUE WILL INCLUDE A FEATURE ARTICLE EXPLORING THE TOPIC OF ANTI-RACIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE, INCLUDING TOOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS. WE ENCOURAGE ACSW MEMBERS TO SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS ON THIS TOPIC, AS WELL AS QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS ON ANTI-RACISM THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE THE ADVOCATE EXPLORE.
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Illustration by Blackillustrations.com
RE S O URC E S F OR ALLIE S :
ANTI-BLACK RACISM & SOCIAL WORK – 3-PART SERIES www.casw-acts.ca/en/senator-wandathomas-bernard-webinar-series
COLLECTIVE RAGE REQUIRES COLLECTIVE ACTION, SENATOR WANDA THOMAS BERNARD policymagazine.ca/collective-ragerequires-collective-action/
HONOURING JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE: PUTTING KIDS FIRST
BRENÉ BROWN WITH IBRAM X. KENDI ON HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST
A SPACE FOR RACE
www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/honouringjordan%E2%80%99s-principle-puttingkids-first
brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-withibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/
www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/space-race
RACE, HEALTH AND COVID-19 www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/racehealth-and-covid-19
DECOLONIZING JOURNEYS www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/ decolonizing-journeys
CIRCLES FOR RECONCILIATION www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/circlesreconciliation
IN A GOOD WAY: PUTTING THE TRC CALLS TO ACTION INTO PRACTICE www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/good-wayputting-trc-calls-action-practice
UNSETTLING OURSELVES: SETTLER ENGAGEMENT WITH TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/unsettlingourselves-settler-engagement-truth-andreconciliation
CULTURAL SAFETY IN INDIGENOUS HEALTH CARE www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/culturalsafety-indigenous-health-care
ENGAGING INDIGENOUS YOUTH www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/engagingindigenous-youth
THEN THEY CAME FOR ME: MARTIN NIEMÖLLER, THE PASTOR WHO DEFIED THE NAZIS author Matthew D. Hockenos
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER MAGAZINE: SOCIAL WORKERS: ALLIES FOR JUSTICE? www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ practice/social-workers-allies-justice/?
THE IFSW AFRICAN REGION WEBINAR “No To Racism”: www.facebook.com/ ifswglobal/videos/280425109827556
ALBERTA CIVIL RIGHT RESEARCH CENTRE RACISM AND POWER www.aclrc.com/racism-and-power
THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
Collective Rage Requires Collective Action BY SENATOR WANDA THOMAS BERNARD
George Floyd being killed by police in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. I know his cries for help were not unheard, they were just ignored. I see the clear parallel as the cries from African Canadians are also not unheard, just ignored. Many African Canadians have family and friends who live in the cities where protests are happening in the United States. Whether the connection is by blood or by common experience, the affinity we have with each other comes from our shared ancestry. They are our brothers and sisters. The strength of people of African descent is enormous. We have survived until this point, but we are tired. Witnessing racism in media creates a ripple of collective pain through all people of African descent. Collective pain requires collective action.
MANY CANADIANS seem to find a sense of comfort and safety in discussing anti-Black racism at arm’s length. When I hear media and people in conversation make a distinction between current events in the United States and race relations in Canada, I cringe. In our country, I see a preference to discuss the strengths of multiculturalism and
Illustrations by Blackillustrations.com
diversity in contrast with American politics and blatant acts of violent racism. Colonialism, anti-Black racism and white supremacy do not respect borders. I am reminded of the daily racism that I experience in Canada, ranging from passive-aggressive comments to outright denial of service. When I recount my experiences as a Black woman, I am often met with shock and disbelief, which results in a feeling of invisibility and a denial of my reality. I heard this same tone of shock as people reacted to the video of
Canada seems to be stuck in a state of non-action or insufficient actions. This cycle of non-action is enabled by continually occupying a state of shock and disbelief despite the continuous stream of new deaths, violence and injustices. As Angela Davis said, “It is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist”. That is also true for remaining in a state of non-action. Remaining in a state of non-racism and non-action, at this point, is as harmful as racism itself. This is known as the bystander effect. In 2018, Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged the United Nations’ Decade for People of African descent. The Government subsequently allocated funds for Black communities in the 2018 and 2019 budgets, but change continues to be very slow. Despite these allocations, I hear from many grassroots community groups that they face barriers accessing funds. Black Canadians need support and resources to address years of neglect and indifference. Despite hearing from several senators on the many forms of anti-Black racism impacting Canadians during the antiBlack Racism Inquiry in the last Parliament, other political leaders continue denying that Canada has a history of systemic racism. Denial and ignorance enable the violence that results in our deaths. THE ADVOCATE
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George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin and three of his colleagues as witnesses stood by watching and filming it for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This video has fueled an international rage. People of African descent have been expressing this same rage for hundreds of years in many different forms, and yet it often goes ignored. Not only do we experience violence in ways as tangible as seen in the video of George Floyd’s murder, we experience violence through more subtle forms of racism. Both types of racism are killing us. From 2002 to 2010, I led a team of researchers who examined the impact of racism and violence on the health of Black men, their families and communities in three Canadian cities. We heard from Black Canadians about the detrimental toll racism-related stress has on their lives. This racism-related stress is caused by the cumulative impact of blatant acts of racism, consistently being underestimated and undervalued, and over-criminalization.
my community, for my family, especially for these two boys who are quickly growing into Black men. Too often when I see Black men depicted in the news, they are being killed, or they are framed as a threat for simply existing. Many African Canadians consistently share similar stories with me about their daily experiences. This is why the message is urgent: Black Lives Matter. On May 28, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, a young AfroIndigenous woman named Regis Korchinski-Paquet was killed when she fell from her apartment balcony on the 24th floor. Her family had called the police because she was in mental health distress. How does a woman in distress calling for help end up dead? The death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet tragically unites the injustice of missing and murdered Indigenous women with misogynoir, a phrase coined by Moya Bailey representing the intersectional experience of Black women: misogyny compounded with racism. Regis’ family is looking for an answer for what happened to their daughter, and African Canadians are filled with rage and sorrow at the loss of our sister.
This burden has serious health consequences for our communities. We experience this violence daily, As I lie awake at night worrying about the in addition to the physical violence prolonged violence endured by people of seen in recent videos that have African descent, I reflect on when I have finally woken up the world to our had this feeling before. Was it earlier this Senator Thomas Bernard with her reality. There is a deep anger felt by grandsons and husband, George Bernard year when Breonna Taylor was killed in Black people in response to racism. her own apartment? Or was it in 1968, When that anger goes unexpressed, it remains unnamed hearing the accounts of the riots after Martin Luther and unacknowledged. That anger is often internalized King Jr. was killed? Was it 10 years later, in 1978, when and can erupt to a state of absolute rage. I often feel rage Buddy Evans, a young man with roots in East Preston was and have turned it into action. Over the years, I have killed by Toronto police who were later exonerated? Was strategically used my rage to fuel my activism work. it 14 years after that, in 1992, during the riots incited by The rage of protesters is the same rage. It is real, and it is the acquittal of the police officers who assaulted Rodney warranted. Until we see accountability from police, people King? Was it 22 years after that, in 2014 after the death will continue to feel forced to take the law into their own of Michael Brown? I ask myself what has changed since hands. Until we see reactions of non-violence from police these events, what we have learned, and what needs to towards Black people, we will continue to see violence happen now. I repeatedly hear leaders say that “We must erupt, mirroring systemic violence. What we are seeing do better” but at this point, those words feel empty as we now is an expression of rage in the fight against racism. find ourselves back in this place of collective grief because Black people are exhausted and frustrated. more of our brothers and sisters have been taken from us so violently. “We must do better” is not a commitment to As an African Canadian, mother, wife, and grandmother of two young Black boys, I bear the burden of stress and change. What we need to hear is who will take action, and worry of “living while Black”. This stress is for myself, for how they will do it. Black communities, Black youth and 20
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Black leaders are ready for change. We have been ready, and we need partners in action, not just in words. We need collective action.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Since the middle of March, my mind and work have been occupied with the knowledge that African Canadians are more susceptible to COVID19. This is due to higher rates of pre-existing health issues, as we know racism-related stress takes a toll on health. This vulnerability is also due to an increased exposure to the public, as there are a higher number of African Canadians who are employed in essential services. I have been advocating for the Canadian government to collect accurate data disaggregated by race in order to fully grasp this racial inequity and equip Black communities with supports. As I watch videos and news coverage of the protests erupting in American and Canadian cities in response to George Floyd’s death, I worry about the impact gathering in crowds will put on our already vulnerable community. CNN’s The Color of Covid highlights the disparities in America we already knew existed. We do not yet know the full extent of the impact this pandemic is having on Black lives in Canada, but we do know the “pandemic of racism” is proving to be more deadly than COVID-19. Ahmaud Arbery was killed by former police on February 23, 2020 in Brunswick, Georgia. Breonna Taylor was killed by police on March 13, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. George Floyd was killed by police on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All three of these deaths by police occurred during the time of this pandemic, and each of those killed were not violent. Even if they had been violent, intervention from police should not default to ending their lives. This deadly double standard reinforces
the genocidal myth that Black lives don’t matter. We are met with violence regardless of what we do, or how we act, simply for being Black. This is why Black people are protesting that Black Lives Matter and why peaceful protests erupted into violent raids and looting in Minneapolis and many other US cities. The violence and looting are not about Mr. Floyd’s murder as an isolated incident, because his death was not an isolated incident. This is about the white supremacy and systemic racism that enabled his death, and so many others. We are seeing pent-up anger fueled by generations of systemic injustices that have finally erupted into rage.
African Canadians are experiencing a cumulative exhaustion and rage that is a consequence of the collective perspective that Black lives are expendable in Canada and the United States. The exhaustion and rage are an intergenerational reaction to hundreds of years of historic and current oppression, and messages that Black lives do not matter. Our ancestors were ignored, and we have been ignored, which is why our rage is real, and warranted. Black Lives Matter. Reprinted with permission from Policy Magazine (policymagazine.ca).
SENATOR WANDA THOMAS BERNARD is an Independent Senator from East Preston, Nova Scotia. As the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate, Senator Bernard advocates for reparations for the historic and continued anti-Black racism impacting the lives of African Canadians. The Senator is also a social worker and activist. THE ADVOCATE
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RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, CANADA TO NEPAL BY RITA DHUNGEL, PHD, RSW
Community donations to support children in Nepal
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has impacted the global socioeconomic environment in an unprecedented manner. It is now social work’s time to shine by supporting communities in whatever capacities we have (Advocate, Summer 2020). While an academic community primarily focuses on scholarly activities including research, teaching and publications for both personal and professional development, it is important for us to recognize our responsibility to engage in community building and organizing to respond to COVID19 at different levels. This is shown on the Community Engagement Pyramid (Diagram 1).
International Level Structural Level Community/Societal Level Personal Level
Diagram 1
Community Building from Canada to Nepal On March 29th, I received a phone call from Til Bahadur Karki, the founder of the Joint Disabled Unity Awaz Centre in Nepal. He spoke in a desolate tone and confided, “Our 48 children are going to be on streets if I don’t pay the rent, and there is no way I as a person with a disability can pay the rent during this pandemic… now I am devastated. There is no hope.” I felt the immediate urge to support him and made 22
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him a promise to do what I could, even without any ideas or plans of how to do so. With guidance from my community practice background, I was able to initiate conversations about supporting the centre with friends from my social work and non-social work communities. This resulted in the formation of a GoFundMe online fundraiser with the goal of collecting CAN $5000 in donations to keep the Joint Disabled Unity Awaz Centre’s doors open. To further meet this goal, my initiative that had begun at the personal level was elevated to the international level through the involvement of cultural communities across North America, Australia and Nepal. The role of the media, in our case the program INDRENI (an international foundation to support children in Nepal), played a critical role in collecting and delivering the money to the centre during the pandemic lockdown in Nepal. Til Bahadur Karki called me the day after he received the donations, remarking, “You all saved my life, my children’s lives. I was actually in the position of committing suicide. I did not have any other options. I had no hope.” I was speechless. He noted, “This proves that humanity can still prevail”. Overall, grounded in my own experiences and narratives, this initiative showed me that we all can have the capacity for community support and change, regardless of our professions, backgrounds or heritage. It is imperative to assess our own strengths and explore potential ways we can take actions to support and build safe, welcoming and inclusive communities.
RITA DHUNGEL is an assistant professor at MacEwan University’s School of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Community Studies. Rita strongly believes in social change through community-based research and transformative learning.
DIPLOMA DIALOGUES
PRACTICUM IN THE TIME OF COVID BY THALIA ANDEREN, MSW, RSW
7cups.com: an on-demand emotional health service and online therapy provider
WHO WOULD FEEL comfortable having surgery performed by a doctor who learned solely by reading textbooks and watching YouTube videos, yet had never engaged in supervised practice with patients? As social workers, we recognize the value practicums provide for students and agencies, especially in affording students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The practicum placement process can be complex and timeconsuming in the best of circumstances. The pandemic presented social work programs with new challenges. Various programs were tasked with developing up to 350-plus hours of alternate learning activities when agency-based practicums were no longer an option. While daunting, it has allowed programs to be innovative, with numerous opportunities for students to collaborate with agencies and engage in hands-on learning. Questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of an alternate practicum experience compared to a traditional agency-based practicum. At Bow Valley College, we have been inspired by the successes of the alternate practicum. Students have had an integrative and practical learning experience - and even remarked they had opportunities they would not have had in agency-based practicums. One activity all students were involved in was with 7 Cups of Tea, a program where trained listeners offer virtual support to individuals around the world. While listeners do not require professional backgrounds, 7 Cups allowed students to utilize social work skills directly with individuals seeking support for a variety of issues, while engaging in reflective activities to assess their learning. The alternate practicum allowed students to engage in trainings and simulation programs, including the Brain Story (certification to understand brain development) and Indigenous Canada (an online course exploring Indigenous
histories and contemporary issues), which aided in skills building with diverse populations and provided students with micro-credentials they would not likely receive or have time for traditionally. Complementary reflective activities allowed students to be vulnerable and “dig deep� into what they were learning. Utilizing case studies based on real clients, students practiced completing case notes, service, and discharge plans. Students were also connected with various agencies to learn about the agencies, the populations they served, and the client experience from intake to discharge. Presenting their learnings through power points and in discussion boards afforded first and second-year students the opportunity to learn from each other. Overall, students remarked that being a 7 Cups listener and participating in simulation and integrative activities allowed them to practice social work skills with diverse individuals and be creative in their responses. Students valued the ability to connect with their faculty supervisor in a way they would not have in a traditional practicum, and that participating in the same activities as their classmates allowed them to learn more from each other. While an alternative practicum cannot replace a traditional agency-based practicum, this has demonstrated that students can still receive a rich learning experience with direct practice opportunities that may change the future of social work practicums altogether.
THALIA ANDEREN, MSW, RSW, is the Program Chair of the Social Work and Addiction Studies Diploma programs at Bow Valley College. THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
Shifting Practices:
INNOVATIVE SOCIAL WORK DURING COVID-19
BY EMILY RENDELL-WATSON
WHEN THE PANDEMIC BEGAN, social workers across Canada had to quickly find new and creative ways to continue their practices. Many adapted to working from home, navigating how to connect with clients virtually. The following stories profile four Alberta social workers and how they’ve each been resilient in tackling new challenges, all while supporting clients and their colleagues. (Please note: this story was written in July 2020 and may not reflect the current state of the pandemic, or work situations for each of the four social workers profiled.) Lindsay Ames As a medical social worker in the University of Alberta Hospital’s intensive care unit, Lindsay Ames, BSW, RSW, has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She provides family support, which involves facilitating communication, crisis intervention, grief and end of life care, as well as practical assistance and supportive counsel to help people navigate the health care system. Ames knew that families would be impacted by provincial visitor guidelines, and even more so if their loved one tested positive for COVID-19. “Families are experiencing a high level of stress because they are reacting and responding to the larger picture of a pandemic and are also navigating a critical care admission that could be directly related to the pandemic,” Ames said. “I had to keep my wits about me and figure out the new needs emerging … to empathize as well as strategize around what families would need.” When families couldn’t come inside the unit to visit, Ames would go and meet them outside of the hospital. Some dropped off iPads filled with music or sacred texts
“that would feel comforting and medicinal in their own way,” she explained. “You become the eyes and the hands for them.” As the months unfolded, Ames drew strength from working alongside health care colleagues and collaborating to solve problems in real time through the stress of the pandemic. “Our greatest strength is our ability to gather together to connect, communicate and cooperate. Alone we are vulnerable, together we can be strong.” Debbie Kozdrowski When Westlock’s Aspen Primary Care Network had to close its doors to the public, the first thing Debbie Kozdrowski, RSW, did was go through the Standards of Practice for social work. Kozdrowski, a Behavioural Health Practitioner, knew she would have to rely on her training and expertise to get through the pandemic as the only social worker in her workplace. “It was the Standards of Practice that I used to start providing some guidance and directional insight: to determine what was the best way for me to provide services to my clients, what were the challenges — there are a lot of barriers in rural areas,” said Kozdrowski. Westlock is about 85 kilometres north of Edmonton. Kozdrowski worried about her clients being able to access the internet, or if they had devices through which they could connect to her. She handles the early intervention component of helping people learn how to better manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and more. THE ADVOCATE
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“The other issue with virtual was privacy at home. I had some clients saying, ‘Even if I had it, I wouldn’t do it. It’s too weird. It’s too awkward’,” she said. Kozdrowski decided to connect with clients by phone. She said she usually relies heavily on psychoeducational material to support her work and trying to explain the methodology over the phone was challenging.
“I’ve had to get more creative and really do my research … to fill those gaps.” Luckily, new programs have been created to help out, like charities that have started delivering groceries to seniors for free.
Our greatest strength
With the increased mental health stress of COVID-19, Ikuta has also noticed that many of her clients have increased their use of addictive substances, which has prompted her to respond with a harm reduction approach.
“It forced me to slow down and think is our ability to gather this through to ask myself, how do I together to connect, be precise and clear enough to really “So (I’ve been) having ongoing take this image and paint it in my communicate and conversations with those clients, client’s mind? So that’s actually been making sure that they have access cooperate. good for me because it’s really forced to support, and working with them me to take that step back and think creatively to make sure that they try to things through to vocalize them,” minimize their use as much as possible while also making she explained, adding that in many ways, the pandemic sure that they have a safe amount,” Ikuta said. has made her step outside of her comfort zone, which has ultimately made her a better social worker. Joan Chambers Charlotte Ikuta Charlotte Ikuta, BSW, RSW, is a homecare case manager in Edmonton with Alberta Health Services. Her role includes working with clients to organize in-home support for homecare services and also figuring out what other kinds of health professionals may benefit them. The risk of COVID-19 has meant she’s had to think outside the box to find a balance of ensuring clients have access to the care and services they need, but to minimize any potential exposure. For a short time at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a transition to offering only essential services for some clients, which Ikuta said was a challenge. “We’re trying to reduce the amount of staff that are going into that home, and how many times a day they’re going in, to reduce everyone’s chances of contracting COVID-19,” Ikuta explained. “I think it brought out the resiliency of our clients, and families really stepped up in amazing ways.” Many of the resources and services she normally accesses for clients, like food support, clothing or furniture, were closed or working at reduced hours. 26
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Before the pandemic began, Joan Chambers, BSW, RSW, was working with a group of clients using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), focusing on regulating skills and identifying the best supports for stressful moments. But that work was forced to a halt when she had to shift to working from home. “We were really struggling with not being able to complete that course. And we really felt it was important that we were able to do that,” said Chambers, who is a Family Mentor with Hull Services in Calgary. She works with families who have an adult with a suspected or diagnosed mental illness. Most of the work is with the adult who is struggling, but she also works on developing family dynamics. Chambers and her colleague decided to turn to Zoom to complete the course, an unfamiliar platform that came with its own set of challenges, including reading body language when you can only see a client’s face. “Sometimes you get those mixed messages when you see the whole body. They may seem just fine but you can tell by their body stance that maybe they’re not so fine,” she
explained. “You have to be more mindful of watching little subtle cues within their facial expressions.”
to visiting her clients’ homes and interacting face-to-face
She initially thought they’d lose clients by taking DBT online, but the opposite has happened — clients were more engaged than ever.
Each of these four social workers have experienced
“They’re sharing faster than I’ve seen in the past. Working with clients has actually enhanced our ability to reach them at a different level now,” Chambers said. Her clients have had to apply the skills they’ve worked on throughout the pandemic, with many of them at home full-time with families.
once it’s safe to do.
change and tackled new challenges because of COVID-19 -- from taking client meetings online to seeking out innovative programs to fill the gaps. If you want to share how your social work practice has changed during the pandemic, please email ACSW at MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca.
“They’re learning how to communicate differently and more effectively because they have to communicate together,” she said. “I think everyone’s learning to adjust to this new norm.” Despite the success in taking her practice online, Chambers said she is still looking forward to returning
EMILY RENDELL-WATSON is an Edmonton-based multimedia journalist. When she’s not chasing a story, you can find her coaching speed skating or adventuring in the backcountry with her rescue dog, Abby.. THE ADVOCATE
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SOCIAL WORK WEEK PART TWO
Cold Lake SPECIAL SERIES
BSW, RSW
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COVER STORY & SPECIAL SERIES • PART 2: COLD LAKE
SEEING THE GOOD AS TOLD TO JERRY CORDEIRO OF THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE
TO CELEBRATE 2020 SOCIAL WORK WEEK, ACSW COLLABORATED WITH THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE. PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST JERRY CORDEIRO TRAVELLED THROUGHOUT OUR PROVINCE TO INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPH NINE ALBERTA SOCIAL WORKERS WHO GRACIOUSLY SHARED A GLIMPSE INTO THEIR NORTHERN AND RURAL PRACTICES, AND THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE PROFESSION. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SPECIAL THREE-PART SERIES!
C
JACINTA JANVIER, SW DIP, RSW urrently, I work as a Healthy Families Home Visitation Worker with Native Counselling Services of Alberta. I work with parents who have children from prenatal to 5 years old. We help monitor their child’s development. We also help families develop goals and encourage them to reach the goals that they set. We teach life skills and provide referrals. A typical day for me really varies. Some families just need me to come in and do the assessment on their child, whereas some families are struggling and might need more assistance in their life. Some things that I help with are transportation to the food bank, medical and legal appointments. I help with resumes as well as taking them to Alberta Works to look for work and get assistance for financial aid. I came into this profession a long time ago, but I just didn’t know that there was a name for it. I enjoyed helping people and making positive differences in people’s lives and in the community. My mindset was a lot like everyone out here that social workers just take kids away and that it wasn’t something I wanted to do. However, one day a colleague was applying to teach social work and I had made a joke that if she ever taught social work, I would sign up and be her student. Well, what do you know, she got the job and that’s how I ended up becoming a social worker. While going to school, I learned that there was more to social work then just taking children away, and even that mindset was gone. Social workers help lessen the burden that one may be carrying to make it lighter. They fight for social justice and help make a positive difference in people’s lives and their community. They’re role models
Jacinta
SW Dip, RSW
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that people seek out when they need help…. It’s always been a passion of mine to make a difference in people’s lives and it’s even better that you get paid to do something that you love.
Cold Lake
When it comes to social work, you are not in it for the money: you are in it to make a positive difference in people’s lives. You become the voice of those who don’t have one. You advocate and support people in need. Social work is life, you have a new awareness and you see things differently than before.
POPULATION: 14,961 (2016 CENSUS) LOCATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY. THE COLD LAKE FIRST NATIONS INCLUDE ALMOST 3000 MEMBERS. HOME OF CANADIAN FORCES BASE COLD LAKE PORTAGE COLLEGE OFFERS THE COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
LISA MURPHY, BSW, RSW
I
work in the prevention and diagnosis and offer intervention supports for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a disability that affects four percent of Canadians. Through advocacy and education, we support individuals with FASD, their families and the community to understand the disability, and abilities of each individual. In my role, I manage the day-to-day operations of our organization. I meet with the staff and help them to work through some of the challenges they face when supporting our clients. I support my staff to look at each unique case and find solutions that would be most beneficial to the client. I don’t know that there was any one moment in my life that lead me to social work. As a child, I was always drawn to helping people. I strongly felt that every person deserved to be happy and loved. I refused to believe that some humans were bad and not worth putting faith in. It was this deeprooted feeling that set me on my path to social work. Social workers play an important role in many people’s lives, advocating for those who may have a challenging time advocating for themselves. I think the most rewarding part of my job is helping others to see the good in difficult situations, focusing on all successes no matter how small these successes are. My hope is to guide others to see good, find a reason to keep going and to find their passion. I want others to find hope. I’ve dealt with my own life challenges, losing people really close to me because of addiction, mental health, medical complications and accidents. Standing by my friends while they (and their children) go through a divorce. Watching my young children as we grieved together at the loss of
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COLD LAKE IS ALBERTA’S SEVENTH LARGEST LAKE AND IS HOME TO ALMOST 300 SPECIES OF BIRDS KINOSOO BEACH WAS NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 BEACHES IN CANADA BY CANADIAN GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE
their father. Trying to find some hope while piecing our lives together. I didn’t get through any of these losses on my own. I had a team of people— friends, family, and my social work coworkers— picking me up each time I questioned the point of it. The scope of social work practice is really so broad. When I started, I never imagined I could be where I am today. This was a dream I thought could never be attainable, but I had people who believed in me, people who never gave up on me, people to cheer me on. And that’s what social work is all about.
LYLA ALLAN, RSW
I
instruct and coordinate the Community Social Work program at Portage College. Our team provides students in rural northern Alberta generalist social work education. The two-year diploma allows students to start their social work career as soon as they finish. Each day brings its own adventures. Days may include meetings, phone calls, dealing with students, instruction and paperwork. Every day is busy, and I attempt to create positive solutions and impacts on the people I connect with on a daily basis. The social work field was a natural fit for me. I was the
Lyla
RSW
oldest of four children in a Chinese immigrant family. Being the oldest child to immigrant parents brought about certain responsibilities and expectations. I was responsible for assisting in the operation of the family restaurant business and providing the supports necessary to maintain the regular day-to-day business. If there were any questions or concerns that my parents had, I was tasked to find the answers. Anything from dishes, replenishing supplies and completing the financial books were a few of my roles. As the eldest, I was expected to be the “helper�, but it was also a natural role for me. I interpreted for my parents, my grandparents, aunts and uncles as well as cousins. I enjoy helping others and if I can assist in making life a little easier for others, that is very fulfilling for me.
I actually did not start off in social work because I would have had to move away to go to university and my parents needed me to stay and help with the business. I ended up at our local university and took a Bachelor of Education and went into teaching. When we moved to Alberta, I was called by the superintendent of the school division to teach at the local women’s shelter. This is when I was fortunate to become immersed in teaching and social work. I always say I am fortunate to have the best of both worlds; my desire to teach and do social work were both fulfilled. Teaching and social work are both roles where advocacy is involved. I believe that social workers are important to advocate and assist in the betterment of all. JERRY CORDEIRO founded the Humans Experience in 2014.
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FEATURE STORY
Andrea Heinz: Levels of Exploitation BY KATHY KING, RETIRED SOCIAL WORKER
ANDREA HEINZ resides in Edmonton. She holds a Correctional Services diploma and is completing her final year of a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management. She is an advocate, educator, filmmaker and proud mother of three young children. Her passion, based on previous life experience, is to create awareness about commercial sexual exploitation and to facilitate exit strategies for those wanting to leave the so-called “industry.” To that end, she developed the InSTEP Model: Insights from Sex Trade Experienced Persons, in which she identifies optimal exit points.
InSTEP Model TIPPING POINT
STAGE 1 STAGE 2
KK: You mention three levels of involvement. AH: Yes, I also like to use the iceberg analogy. Most sexual exploitation is submerged or hidden from sight although society is slowly becoming more aware of the extent of human trafficking. There are over 10 million people, mostly women and children, around the world who have been forced into the sex trade. These are the Level 1 providers who have no personal agency. KK: Were you one of those? AH: No, I was the tip of the iceberg, licensed by my city and living the “happy hooker” myth. I decided to do what I did to get out of serious debt and then stayed because I became caught in an unsustainable lifestyle of seemingly easy money. Looking back, I label myself “quasi-autonomous” or Level 2 in that I did make a voluntary decision, albeit based on financial constraints. KK: And who are Level 3?
PHASE 1
ENTRY
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
POSITIVE ACTIVE
NEGATIVE ACTIVE
PHASE 4
EXIT
(2 STAGES) POINTS OF INTERCEPTION
Kathy King: Congratulations on the development of your paper and thank you for taking the time to further explain your InSTEP Model. I am moved by the candid disclosure of your seven years in commercial sexual exploitation and your motivation to help others who want out of a similar journey. Andrea Heinz: Thank you. I feel very fortunate to have exited after seven years of licensed exploitation without serious physical trauma or addictive habits. Part of my motivation is to expose prevailing myths so that we as a society can offer helpful alternatives to individuals, particularly women, caught in the sex trade.
AH: They are a very small minority of women who have other economic options and claim to love what they do. They are often privileged and vocal, and, unfortunately, do not seem to understand how proclaiming their enthusiasm minimizes the tragic experience of exploitation that defines the majority of sex providers. KK: Just so I understand, you were part of an inbetween group, not trafficked, not living your dream, but participating for financial gain? AH: Yes, that is a critical part of my model. I made an unfortunate decision based on extreme financial distress. The reflections I share have been corroborated by many other women. KK: Please describe the model. You said it will help readers understand the internal process of quasiautonomous providers. AH: First is the Entry phase. It is important to understand
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that most providers are ambivalent in the beginning and usually driven by financial desperation. Following that, however, they move into what I call the Positive Active stage. The monetary rewards are high enough that negative experiences tend to be discounted or deemed worth the sacrifice. Women at this stage will justify and defend their choices. KK: How long does that stage typically last? AH: It really varies. Some women leave quickly. Others sit in that phase for a very long time if they are better able to dissociate - or they develop an addiction (substance and/or process) to help them cope. Other women may try different tactics within the industry, such as I did, to see if running my own studio could reduce the harm I experienced. KK: Is harm inevitable? AH: Yes, the harm is insidious and pervasive. Even though money is exchanged, the emotional impact of providing services is similar to being sexually violated over and over several times a day. Women also need to be continually on guard for degradation, physical and verbal abuse, being shortchanged by customers, being filmed without their knowledge, and dealing with unbelievably disgusting requests. KK: That sounds like a lot to handle on a regular basis. AH: Definitely, and that leads to the Tipping Point when the rewards no longer justify the abuse. KK: Is that when providers make a change? AH: Unfortunately, it’s often not that simple. Most providers move through what I call the Negative Active Phase. The first phase is shedding denial and the second phase is beginning to look at options. That can be a difficult time because women face a number of challenges. They still have bills and expenses, they still have limited education, they lack employable skills, they may have addictions or mental health issues, they often feel stigmatized or criminalized by larger society, their selfesteem may have taken a hit from years of abuse, and they may be anxious about leaving relative economic security.
KK: You mentioned that once providers pass the Tipping Point, they never go back. What happens if they can’t figure out an exit plan or if can’t find the resources they need? AH: They run the risk of becoming dead inside, completely dissociated from a sense of themselves, or they may spiral into despair. That was a very frightening period for me, when I realized I was so “numbed out,” I didn’t feel real. I often fantasized about suicide as a way of ending the daily pain and struggle. KK: That sounds like a sad place to be. What do you hope readers will learn from your model? AH: (1) When providers call on feminist principles and speak out about their right to “work,” it is important to realize they are at just one stage of their journey; (2) Commercial sexual exploitation exists within gender-based inequality and is intrinsically damaging to providers; and (3) We as a society need to recognize the inherent exploitation and be prepared to provide realistic exit support to those who enter quasi-voluntarily as well to the millions who have been trafficked.
KK: It sounds difficult. AH: Yes, many women attempt to exit a number of times before they are finally able to put their old life behind and establish some sort of new financial stability. Many different supports can be helpful during that time, such as financial literacy, trauma counselling, career planning, and bursaries.
KATHY KING is a retired clinical social worker who became an independent social advocate. Always concerned for the poor and disadvantaged, her involvement became more personal when her teen daughter began to experiment with drugs, developed recurring psychosis, and disappeared from the streets of Edmonton in 1997. As well as volunteering, writing and public speaking, Kathy developed a website, MissingCara.ca, and Facebook page, Missing Cara, which share her daughter’s story and provide information about vulnerability, exploitation, trauma and healing. THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
The Cost of Being Seen:
CALGARY’S BAN ON CONVERSION THERAPY BY HOLLY JENKINS, BSW, RSW
ON MAY 25TH, 2020, Calgary’s City Council put members of the LGBTQ2S+ communities in an impossible position: to either face the danger that accompanies being visible and speaking out, or to stay silent and let a decision about their rights be made without them. What took place on this day was the momentous event of Calgary’s ban on conversion therapy, making Calgary the seventh municipality in Alberta to do so. The bylaw would prohibit conversion therapy as a business, ban advertising and carry a possible $10,000 fine and yearlong prison term.
conversion therapy due to their gender, sexual identity, and/or expression. While we celebrate the passing of this bylaw, we cannot ignore the divisive nature of this process, which remains traumatizing and painful. For countless individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S+, this was not the first time they have had to live through the harm and violence of defending their own existence.
“Calgary wants to be inclusive by painting Pride flags on the sidewalk, but the fact that we can debate the morality of conversion therapy shows how little of a human lens LGBTQ2S+ people are seen through. My sexuality doesn’t Formalized in January 2020, the Alberta Assembly of make me less of a human, nor should my safety be Social Workers (AASW) is an anticolonial, antiracist, and conditional on whether or not I supply a group of strangers equity-seeking civil society action group. While the AASW with a good enough reason to protect was born from the call for justice for the my rights,” says Sebastian Pears, a Wet’suwet’en, the AASW’s work thus far member of the AASW. “Those Pride is structured around a need for mutual flags represent visibility - that’s great. aid and community care as we provide a quick response to calls for action during Visibility has to be met However, visibility has to be met with safety and we can’t have safety until we COVID-19. Upon hearing about the with safety and we can’t have criminalized conversion therapy City Council meeting and the option to have safety until we have within all levels of government.” engage in the discourse surrounding the rights of LGBTQ2S+ community criminalized conversion Similar perspectives shared by AASW members, the AASW held a planning members focused not only therapy within all levels LGBTQ2S+ meeting to support this bylaw. We on the burden of performing their of government recognized the necessity of this bylaw own worth, but also the exhaustion to preserve the safety and mental health that comes with the unrelenting of LGBTQ2S+ identified persons and prevent the further need to validate one’s own life. Such statements reinforce stigmatization, segregation, and outright violence these the experiences of harm that accompany the need for persons face. This call to action fell well within our social LGBTQ2S+ peoples to risk their safety in order to be work practice, as conversion therapy directly endangers acknowledged by cis/heteronormative society. These the rights and dignity of persons (CASW, 2005). expressions solidified the AASW’s resolve to call on AASW members submitted written statements to their city councillors, and called in to the council meeting to urge Calgary’s municipal government to take action to protect the rights and safety of all persons, specifically those targeted by the harmful and archaic practices of 34
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the voices of allies to speak during this traumatizing and painful process, while ensuring a continuum of community care. This was especially important to counter the irresponsibility of the City Council in opening the floor up
for public debate, subjecting members of the LGBTQ2S+ community to a flood of oppressive and unsubstantiated claims from those who opposed the bylaw.
Canada and needs our support to hear this call to action.
“I wish that my first act of public membership in the queer community could have been something joyous. Instead it was marked by the very reasons I stayed closeted by 25 years: for fear that others would try to convince me that something was wrong with me,” said AASW member Caeleb R. Goff. “Because I have hidden, I have been able to avoid the comments I heard at this meeting being directed at me specifically, but even hiding cannot prevent the pain that such discriminatory words cause. And yet, I felt a hope for the future and connection with each member of my community and allies that spoke up that day and continue to speak up. We won and we will continue to win.”
work for LGBTQ2S+ rights.
Goff reminds us that the work is not over, and we must continue to build bridges as allies if we are to continue to win against injustice. Our federal government has discussed banning so-called conversion therapy in
Additionally, the Government of Alberta will require a strong and united call to move forward with this essential For all of those who have been touched by this event, please know that we stand with you, and will move forward with you to have all levels of government ban “conversion therapy.” With the passing of this bylaw, we are excited to see Calgary evolve into a stronger community that centralizes safety, genuine acceptance, connection, and well-being.
HOLLY JENKINS is a new graduate of the University of Calgary’s Social Work program and an active member of the AASW. She writes from Calgary and would like to acknowledge the other members of the Alberta Assembly of Social Workers for their work used within this article.
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DAY IN THE LIFE
IN A CAREER THAT HAS spanned nearly 30 years, Michael Hoyt has been involved with family violence prevention from a variety of angles. He started as a psychologist’s assistant, conducting assessments and writing reports to form pre-sentencing recommendations for criminal cases including domestic violence. Eventually he began running programs, first for domestic violence perpetrators, and later for individuals who had been caught shoplifting. Running the programs inspired Hoyt to become a social worker. “I didn’t want to psychologize problems,” he says. “I was seeing that problems, for a lot of people, were not just related to their personal capacity, that there were social barriers we needed to address. The idea that we could teach women to be assertive was not going to end domestic violence, certainly not with the attitudes and structures in our society, and the way we privilege some people over others, men over women. There’s a social lens on that problem.” Hoyt, who had a BSc in psychology from the University of Alberta, went back to school,earning his BSW at the University of Calgary (U of C) in 1994. He continued providing intervention services, working with perpetrators at the Edmonton Family Violence, Treatment, and Education Centre.
BY DEBBY WALDMAN
MICHAEL HOYT
BSW, RSW
Hoyt is now a Community Social Worker with the City of Edmonton’s Family Violence Prevention Team. His job is to build connections between the agencies and service providers that develop programs to engage men and help them build healthy relationships and become positive caregivers. The network he has built is vast. It includes the Edmonton region of the Alberta Father Involvement Initiative, The Terra Centre for Teen Parents, NextGen Edmonton, Getting Ready for Inclusion Today (GRIT) Edmonton, the U of C Faculty of Social Work, Edmonton Police Service (EPS), and the Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Initiative network in Edmonton. “A lot of my work has been getting these people together, looking for ways to answer questions that men have, to meet the needs that men have, and making sure that we have spaces where men feel comfortable going to address those concerns,” Hoyt says. Hoyt learned the importance of identifying those spaces early in his career, when Planned Parenthood Edmonton hired him as the first male to provide counselling services. Many
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couples were seeking advice, and the staff concluded it would be helpful to have a social worker with whom expectant fathers could identify. It wasn’t as helpful as hoped, Hoyt recalls somewhat ruefully. “It turned out that the man’s role was to drop the woman off and wait, in the car, or a coffee shop, while the woman talked to a counsellor.” The experience taught Hoyt an important lesson: if you’re going to engage men, you need to meet them where they are most comfortable. It’s what initially led him to begin networking in earnest, which turned out to be an unexpectedly illuminating experience. Hoyt discovered quickly that it wasn’t only the men seeking help who were disconnected from the right resources: many of his male Edmonton-area colleagues who were leaders in the field—activists, service providers, agency directors—didn’t even know each other. “They had never met,” Hoyt recalls. He began bringing his colleagues together. “There is no way that I can fully understand the nature of the problem unless I have connections with the broader community,” he says. For example, EPS provides a picture of what domestic violence looks like in the community. Researchers help Hoyt to understand some of the challenges men face in achieving good relationships, health, and well-being. Agencies provide clarity on what programs are available. People in communities are essential because “we cannot do this work for other people,” he says. “We can only do it with them.” One of Hoyt’s latest projects draws on research conducted by a U of C
initiative, the Project to End Domestic Violence. As part of an examination of how communities can address family violence, it identified seven entry points to engage men in primary prevention. In an effort to increase the number of entry points in the Edmonton area, Hoyt and his network of service providers are working to introduce an Australian program, “The Men’s Sheds Movement.” In Australia, a shed is similar to a garage, a place where guys hang out and work together. Men’s Sheds provide a place to network, converse, and do something creative to move out of social isolation. “If the door is open on the shed and somebody is down there puttering around, it tends to gather men,” Hoyt explains. What has happened in Australia and increasingly in Edmonton and area, is that groups are building sheds where men can meet and talk about whatever is on their minds. “These become centres where men can get information, because guys typically are not networked and socialized in the same way that women are,” Hoyt says. Traditionally, programs to support parents have been designed for and appeal primarily to mothers. Hoyt recalls that when he began his networking mission in the early 2000s,
“People would turn to me and say, ‘I don’t think resources should go to men until every woman is safe in the City of Edmonton.’ But we have had a lot of progress since then—we are becoming much more aware of the value of engaging men as part of the solution, and we have a lot more knowledge of how to do that.” It’s not an exaggeration to say that social work is all-encompassing for Hoyt. His wife is also a social worker—they met while he was doing a placement at the Bissell Centre and she was dropping off her resume. They often spend holidays supporting projects and scholarship funds in El Salvador where she was born. “Some of those students go on to post-secondary education and acquire degrees with the promise that they will go back to their communities and serve … areas that are quite disadvantaged,” Hoyt says. “A great joy in our life is accompanying our friends in the south, same as in the north, toward becoming the best that we can be.”
DEBBIE WALDMAN is an Edmonton writer whose work has appeared in publications including People, Parents, and Publishers Weekly. She also writes books for children. THE ADVOCATE
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All CTRI Workshops are approved by
ONLINE VIRTUAL TRAINING OPTIONS
ASWB
FALL 2020
CATEGORY A COMPETENCY CREDIT FREE RESOURCES Every month we offer a different free on-demand webinar. We also have free e-manuals, handouts, assessment tools, as well as a free on-demand workshop.
MEMBER PLAN CTRI offers a membership plan that provides the member with unlimited access to our on-demand 1-hour webinars as well as special discounts and promotions. Visit our website for details.
www.ctrinstitute.com info@ctrinstitute.com 877.353.3205
PROVIDING SUPPORT REMOTELY–Strategies for Helping from a Distance
September 22
ADDICTIONS & MENTAL ILLNESS–Working with Co-occurring Disorders
September 24 & November 4
ANXIETY IN CHILDREN & YOUTH–Practical Intervention Strategies
September 26
MANAGING DIFFICULT PHONE CALLS
October 1
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY–Balancing Acceptance & Change
October 5, 7 & November 30
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY–Tools for Thinking Differently
October 7
PLAY THERAPY–Tools for Helping Children & Youth
October 20
TRAUMA–Strategies for Resolving the Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress
October 21-22
CRITICAL INCIDENT GROUP DEBRIEFING
October 28
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER–Understanding & Supporting
October 29
BRIEF FOCUSED COUNSELLING SKILLS–Strategies from Leading Frameworks
November 2-3
HARM REDUCTION–A Framework for Change, Choice, & Control
November 5
ANXIETY–Practical Intervention Strategies
November 16
DEPRESSION–Practical Intervention Strategies
November 17
AUTISM–Strategies for Self-Regulation, Learning, and Challenging Behaviours
November 18-19
All workshops run from 9 am - 4 pm CT. Please visit our website for details and registration.
Please visit our website for details on more workshops coming this November/December.
THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY The Advocate is the official publication of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties. The Advocate Editorial Board encourages submissions from all social work practice areas and perspectives, including: social work research, theory, practice, and education; social justice initiatives; the work of the College; member activities; continuing education; reviews of books, journals, and other media of interest to social workers. Articles of up to 1000 words and letters of up to 500 words will be considered, but publication is not guaranteed. Submissions from ACSW members will be given preference. Copy may be edited to fit the space available or for legal or other reasons. Please contact the ACSW office for full submission guidelines. PUBLICATION SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES Spring issue: Summer issue: Fall issue: Winter issue:
January 1 deadline for general submissions (articles, letters, etc.) April 1 for general submissions July 1 for general submissions October 1 for general submissions
January 15 for advertising April 15 for advertising July 15 for advertising October 15 for advertising
ALL SUBMISSIONS The Advocate, ACSW, 550 10707 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Charity Lui: MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca • PHONE: 780-421-1167 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-661-3089 • FAX: 780-421-1168 38
FALL 2020
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The Advocate’s For Your Information section gives preference to Alberta-based educational opportunities and non-profit events for social workers. Send your submissions to Carlena Johnson at memberactivitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca.
Save the date! 2021 Alberta College of Social Workers Conference May 25 – 27, 2021 BMO Centre on Stampede Park - Calgary and online
Transforming the Field Education Landscape
Virtual Field Summit Presentations, discussions, workshops and more were part of this July summit for educators, students, researchers and practitioners Recordings and content online now! https://tfelproject.com/virtual-field-summit/ Canadian Association of Social Workers Webinars Free, on-demand Recent webinar topics include Self-Awareness: The First Step to Anti-Racism; Canadian Immigration Policies and Family Reunification: Implications for Social Work; Grief in the Time of COVID-19: Lessons for Social Work.
www.covenanthealth.ca/innovations/ palliative-institute/annual-palliativeeducation-research-days Parkland Institute 2020 Conference November 20 – 22, 2020 Details to be announced. www.parklandconference.ca Diverse Voices Family Violence Virtual Conference November 12-13, 2020
PARTNER S
ACSW’S PUBLIC POLICY PARTNERS Edmonton Social Planning Council edmontonsocialplanning.ca Friends of Medicare friendsofmedicare.org
This two-day conference is the largest annual family violence conference in Western Canada.
Public Interest Alberta pialberta.org
https://diverse-voices.com/
Parkland Institute ualberta.ca/parkland
Indigenous Canada University of Alberta Massive Open Online Course Online, free / Registration open now This free course explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. https://www.ualberta.ca/admissionsprograms/online-courses/indigenous-canada/ index.html
https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars, or on YouTube under CASW, Playlists. 31st Annual Palliative Education & Research Day Virtual Conference Kaleidoscope of Diversity: Honouring Individuality in Palliative Care October 19, 2020 Our ability to recognize our implicit biases towards race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and other stereotypes influences patient-provider interaction.
Visit the ACSW Events Calendar to find more training, events and workshops, at acsw.ab.ca, Social Workers tab, Calendar of Events.
ADVOCATE DEADLINES
SUBMISSION DEADLINE For the Winter 2020 issue of the Advocate is October 1, 2020 All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca
AD DEADLINE For the Winter 2020 issue of the Advocate is October 15, 2020 All ad inquiries to memberactivitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca
THE ADVOCATE
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PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 550 10707 100 AVE NW EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE MARCH 25 - 27, 2021 BMO CENTRE AT STAMPEDE PARK – CALGARY AND ONLINE
