FEATURE
Racism and Social Work: A Panel Discussion
SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS Pay Now or Pay Later: Child and Youth Mental Health
FEATURE
Systemic Racism Needs Actions, Not Just Talk
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VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 4
www.acsw.ab.ca
SOCIAL WORK WEEK PART THREE
Central Alberta SPECIAL SERIES
ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS
2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE | MARCH 25 - 27, 2021
MARCH 25 – 27, 2021 | JOIN US VIRTUALLY | DETAILS COMING IN 2021
Get recharged, inspired, and connected while building your social work practice at the ACSW 2021 Virtual Conference. At the ACSW, we know our members want to be part of an inspired, connected, collaborative community. You need opportunities to make meaningful connections within your profession to make this happen. Together as a community of close to 9,000 social workers, we have knowledge and experience to share with each other as we work to build a strong profession. That’s why our community comes together once a year at the ACSW conference. We’re working together towards serving and protecting the public and building social work practice.
Conference registration details coming in 2021! Watch our emails and social media for announcements. SEE PAGE 18 FOR MORE INFORMATION
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THE ADVOCATE Volume 45, Issue 4, Winter 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 Managers, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Directors: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB acswregulatory@acsw.ab.ca
COVER STORY: SOCIAL WORK WEEK SPECIAL SERIES
Membership Activities - Team Lead: Charity Lui, MSW, RSW
14 Rich, Rewarding and Diverse
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
FEATURE STORY 20 Racism and Social Work: A Panel Discussion
FEATURE STORY 28 Systemic Racism Needs Actions, Not Just Talk
Promotions & Events Associate: Crystal King Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Carlena Johnson Jennifer Vasquez Toni Harrison Tami Carlin Jessica Atamanenko Online Services Analyst: Laurie Nelson
FEATURES
14 Rich, Rewarding and Diverse 20 Racism and Social Work Panel 28 Systemic Racism Needs Actions, Not Just Talk 30 Social Workers Join the Scholar Strike for Social Justice AROUND OUR PROVINCE 4 Around Our Province THE BIG PICTURE 6 A Message from the President 7
A Message from the Executive Director & Registrar
IN THE NEWS 8 Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs INDIGENOUS VOICES 9 Land Acknowledgments: My Perspective
ETHICS IN ACTION 10 Discipline in a Pandemic THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE 11 Imagining Life Post-COVID SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS 12 Pay Now or Pay Later: Child and Youth Mental Health RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES 26 Graduate Certificates in 2021 DIPLOMA DIALOGUES 27 Compassion Through COVID DAY IN THE LIFE 32 Jane Matheson, Phd, RCSW FOR YOUR INFORMATION 34 The Advocate Editorial Policy 35 For Your Information
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: Carrie Avveduti, BSW, RSW 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 Meagon Nicholson, ACSW Student 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. Spring 2021 Issue Ad Deadline: January 15, 2021 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.
Printing on Titan Dull text. 10% post consumer waste. Titan participates in a certified forest program.
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AROUND OUR PROVINCE BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW
2021 ACSW ELECTIONS
RUN! NOMINATE! VOTE! 2021 Council Elections ACSW needs social workers with strong leadership and
February 1, 2021
governance experience on our Council in 2021. Consider
Candidates posted on the ACSW website
running in the ACSW Council election.
February 1 – 15, 2021
Open positions: President, Vice President,
Questions can be sent to the Executive Assistant at
three Members at Large
execassistant@acsw.ab.ca
November 27, 2020
February 8 - March 11, 2021
Nominations open
Elections open
January 25, 2021
March 26, 2021
Nominations close
Election results are announced
Join us for our Annual General Meeting March 26, 2021
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CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities Team Lead. You can contact her at MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca regarding submissions for the Advocate.
1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK IN ALBERTA
Spotlight on Learning The ACSW Gerontology Network North Member Interest Group hosted Kim Lundell, BSW, RSW, the Public Guardian for Edmonton and North Regions. It was a great opportunity for the group to learn about the process for referring to the Public Guardian, how to support low income seniors who lack capacity and cannot consent to services, and learn how to advocate for clients who are going through the process of working with the Public Guardian and Trustee. On September 10th, ACSW delivered a Town Hall webinar.
It was an opportunity to review with members our history and role as a regulatory body and professional association. The presentation also included outlining legislative changes including the amendment to the Health Professions Act (HPA) to increase public membership on our council, hearing tribunals and complaint review committees from 25 percent to 50 percent. A review of the seventeen proposed amendments to the HPA and the response from ACSW were also presented. The Slave Lake Area Coordinators hosted a workshop entitled “Good Parenting: An African Perspective” with local presenters Mary Nyachio, MSW, RSW, and Blessing Shambare, PhD in Community Development and a social work student. The presenters spoke about parenting styles and values through an Ubuntu perspective, drawing on their own individual experiences. The robust Q & A included queries on the African perspective around family violence, child intervention, disabilities, mental health and addictions.
ACSW Awards Nominations SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 22, 2021 Recognize an outstanding social worker! ACSW members are invited to submit nominations for the following awards: JOHN GRAHAM HUTTON MEMORIAL AWARD FOR SOCIAL ACTION / SOCIAL POLICY EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE HONOURARY MEMBERSHIP CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE AWARD TERA DAHL LANG MEMORIAL AWARD FOR WISE INDIGENOUS SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE Visit acsw.ab.ca, and click on Social Workers, Honouring our Own, to find nomination forms. Awards will be announced at the Annual General Meeting.
Social Work Week
ENTER TO WIN ACSW MERCH!
March 7-13, 2021 Theme: Social Work is Essential
Send us your stories, poetry, art or photos. How are social workers essential? What is essential in your practice? Enter to win ACSW merchandise. Submit to MemberActivitiesAdmin@ acsw.ab.ca by February 5th.
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THE BIG PICTURE
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.
GREETINGS, SOCIAL WORKERS across Alberta. It has been extremely busy here for us on the ACSW Council. During this time, we have been working hard to deal constructively with the ramifications that have emerged from Bill 30 for our Council and College, including having 50 percent public members on Council. We’re also evaluating the potential changes arising as a result of proposed amendments to the Health Professions Act in this summer’s Alberta Health discussion paper. We as a Council, after much debate and two separate votes, decided to continue with our regular election process this year for the roles of president, vice president and three members at large. This decision gives me much satisfaction as it allows for the democratic practice of a fair election to be maintained. The preamble of ACSW’s Code of Ethics speaks to social workers about upholding democratic rights and freedoms. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights states, “The right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, including the right to vote and to stand for election, is at the core of democratic governments based on the will of the people. Genuine elections are thus a necessary and fundamental component of an environment that protects and promotes human rights”. That being said, this is a very interesting and important time to be on Council. Our identity as a College is being tested and change is happening – which can be scary but also exciting. We need solid social workers to step up and be a part of this change process. Soon we will have a new executive director, many more public members on Council and structural changes as directed through the recent discussion paper. We need you to step up – so that the voice of social work remains strong in the governance of our College. Nominations to run for Council will be open as you read this. Please consider stepping in and running for one of these positions. There is no more important time than now to be on the Council. Take it from me, my ten years on the Council have been possibly the greatest learning experience on organizational leadership that I have ever received. In addition, I just want to remind each one of you to ensure that your glass is being filled every day. These are hard times and as social workers, our internal resources are being stretched all the time. With deep-reaching governmental cuts across the province, a cold winter, and isolation due to COVID, anxiety rates and general depression are seriously on the rise. Please make sure you are looking after yourself. Remember self-care is a form of self-love and in order for us to be effective at our jobs, we need to be effective at looking after ourselves. All the best to you and your loved ones. Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, MSW, RSW
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR TOGETHER WE HAVE shifted and settled into the winter season of a year that has turned out to be filled with unprecedented change. Communities across Alberta continue to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic and the socioeconomic impacts that have come with the COVID era. It has been a demanding time as we have been forced to adjust the way we live and interact with others, including our families, friends and neighbours. Our views of community, health, safety and wellness have been challenged. How social workers engage with communities, clients, and colleagues in our workplaces has also been transformed. With such extraordinary change happening in the world, we are reminded of the strength, courage and resiliency of social workers to build hope and find opportunity.
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.
During the pandemic response, social workers quickly assessed the shifting environment, then moved to collaborate, modify their practice and continue to support and advocate for the needs of their clients and families. This meant applying new practice guidance and finding ways to connect for supervision/consultation and using new tools to interact safely. Many social workers adapted to practice changes by using technology and virtual platforms to meet with clients and deliver programs. Others relied upon telephone contact where virtual platforms were not an option. Where essential services continued, social workers adapted by creating safe, physically distant spaces, wearing masks and sanitizing. These tools needed for safe human interaction now feel commonplace in social work practice. As in-person meetings remain on hold at ACSW, we also shifted to connect with members in new ways. ACSW council, legislative committees, and member interest groups meet virtually and continue their good work to govern and strengthen the profession. The ACSW Membership Activities team has shifted to provide virtual professional development opportunities to social workers. A wish of the recent past is now a successful reality for social workers to engage and develop their social work practice competency wherever they are in the province. Alberta post-secondary social work programs are an inspiring example of professional tenacity through change. Schools of social work made leaps in reworking traditional in-person methods of delivering education to teaching and learning in virtual classrooms. The shift in social work education programs have been especially challenging for field education. The impact of working remotely has been difficult for the students who desire “hands-on� experiential learning in the field. As social work professionals, we are ethically committed to enhancing and promoting the profession. This extends to engaging in the support of social work students as they complete their education and prepare to enter practice. It is a privilege for all social workers to contribute to the future of the profession by mentoring students and passing on valuable practice skills and knowledge. By supporting a student, you can embrace an opportunity to meaningfully engage and contribute to building a strong social work profession. With change comes opportunity.
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IN THE NEWS
Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs 8,803
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF OCTOBER 14, 2020 Lori Abbott
Megan Elizabeth Enns
Aleisha Ann Kelly
Natalie Palma
Marion von der Weid
Luvella Daria Acielo
Brittany Fingland
Ajla Kevac
Candace Lynn
Debbie Darlene
Pambrun
Welsh
Serena Marie Pascu
Kimberly Ann Willey
Cynthia Valerie
Ayana Woodward
Mohanned Alafifi
Sierra Jasmine Fitch
Kiara Lee Knoske
Adnan Ali
Juanita Marie Fleury
Kaitlin Lane
Aurora Louise Allison
Pascale Fortin
Ty James Larner
Stefani Atkinson
Emilie Fortin
Leah Leinweber
Susan Ann Bare Shin
Courtnie-Lee Gallaher
Brianne Catherine Lockhat
Peringattimugal Abdul
Chanchu Lukose
Katherine Cristina
Bone
Marleigh Marie Gallant
Marie Rosa BeaupreOlsen Shay Mackenzie Bernier-O’Kane Mariann Bierman Mary Blansah Reanne Yvonne Braun Marguerite Ann Butts Chen Chen
Lindsey Dawn Gehring
Kara MacAulay
Kalea Ann Gougoulas
Sarah Anne MacDonald
Jodie Haraldson Eve Elizabeth Hastings Russell Dean Heggie Janice Mary Henry Kip Matthew
Pelletier Shabanas Majeed
Sandy Rao Nilima Karki Rawal
Gayle Joanne McCarthy
Ashley Roszell
TOTAL REGISTERED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2020
Danika Therese Michaud
Nicole Angela Sallis
Lesley Smith
Annette Veronica
Monique Brideau
Patrick Rivard
Sawatzky
Jennifer Copeman
Hali Hope Hohne
Andrew Murchison
Stephanie Schmidt
Larissa Tattiyana
Madeline Lee Horne
Michaela Katherine Nanooch
Rajani Kantha Seval
Michelle Sukoluhle Ndlovu
Gloria Stefany Sorto
Imoh
Tamra Marie Dasset
Holly Alice Jenkins
Stephen DeGraaf
Jessie Jacqueline
Andrea Sarah Marie DeKeseredy Olivia Maureen Ella
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Louise S Speakman Vickie Amy Marie
Thomas O’Brien
Thompson
Nadine Caitie
Taiwo Oladunjoye
Lauren Vanderveen
Eddah Nyabate Oseko
Rebecca Camille Beryl
Gurwinder Kaur
Dillon
Madison Leona North
Naik
Johnson Kamieniecki
266
Johnathon Mark Maddigan
Sesuliwe Tenda Moyo
Roxanne Justine Dahl
Hannah Ziff
Kimberly Ann Punko
Hildebrand
Uchechi Enyioma
Joy Nadine Zieverink
Peters
Alicia Marie Clarke
Crawford
Yanhong Zhao
Visscher
Tamar Shimoni Evelyn Wotherspoon Rick Rooyakkers Akil Gulamhusein Rosa Gregory Stephen Walker Natalya Austin Christine Molohon Marcela Salamanca Cameron Kopeck
INDIGENOUS VOICES
Land Acknowledgments: My Perspective BY ALLYSON DENNEHY, BSW, RSW
A FORMAL land acknowledgement is a protocol practiced to demonstrate respect and recognition to the local Indigenous peoples. Acknowledging the land is an important part of reconciliation and building respectful relationships. Little Bear (2013) states that the recognition of territory: • Acknowledges history and recognizes the original inhabitants and continuing stewards of the land, • Shows respect for the First Peoples of the territory, • Demonstrates in-respect, in-relation, in-reciprocal pedagogy, • Acknowledges and makes visible Indigenous people who have been silenced, made invisible, and marginalized, yet are the original inhabitants and caretakers of the land, territory and ecology, • Is a decolonizing action that acknowledges the important relationship with land versus the historical actions that separated Indigenous peoples from the land. Questions we should ask ourselves about land acknowledgements include why am I acknowledging the land? What is my connection to this land? What is the connection and significance of this land for Indigenous communities? In my opinion, a land
acknowledgement in your email signature isn’t necessary to demonstrate your respect to the Indigenous people of that land. What is more important is your intent. Acknowledging the land is a respectful protocol but it should not be done like you are reading off a script. When you learn about the injustices Indigenous peoples have faced, you begin to recognize that Indigenous people have not had the same access to opportunities and resources as other Canadians. Historically social workers have played an oppressive role in Indigenous communities by removing children from their homes without consent from their families or bands (known as the Sixties Scoop). In my experience there is still fear and distrust of social workers which means we have to take extra steps to decolonize our social work practice and ensure our Indigenous clients feel safe. To help, we can learn about and practice protocols, familiarize ourselves with the culture, traditions, language, community, and all the wonderful things that make Indigenous peoples strong and resilient, but also learn more about the not-sowonderful things such as residential schools and their intergenerational impacts. Engaging in protocols like
acknowledging the land and offering tobacco or a gift shows you respect Indigenous worldviews. The ACSW Indigenous Social Work Committee intends to provide learning opportunities for social workers including how to build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. I also encourage you to connect with an Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper or community member directly to learn more about the culture, protocols, language, land, teachings, and history in your treaty area. Protocols vary in different communities and territories. Some practical tips for acknowledging the land: • Practice pronunciations for the nations whose traditional territory you are on, • Research the traditional / treaty lands you are on, • Reflect about your connection to this land, • Think about the Indigenous peoples who cared for the land. Land acknowledgments are more than something to read from a script. They are about being respectful to Indigenous peoples and communities with authentic intent. Hai hai (thank you), and ekosi (see you later).
ALLYSON DENNEHY is originally from Treaty Six territory, Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis. Allyson brings holistic supports to help Indigenous post-secondary students navigate college life and is passionate about working with the Indigenous community to offer language and cultural opportunities for students.
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ETHICS IN ACTION
Discipline in a Pandemic BY BRUCE LLEWELLYN, MSW, RSW
COVID-19 HAS HAD an unprecedented impact upon all facets of the social work profession, including discipline and online practice. Shortly after the outbreak of COVID19, the building housing the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) office was closed to the public. It became necessary to restructure operations. Most staff transitioned to working from home. Social workers increasingly relied upon technology to continue their practice. During this time, the ACSW continued receiving complaints. Although legislative requirements were met, there was a brief pause in communicating decisions to complainants. ACSW also temporarily suspended Complaint Review Committee meetings and Hearing Tribunals, which are legislated committees that are part of the discipline process. Some complaints required investigation, which necessitated complaint investigators to respond to the new safety protocols and conduct investigations by telephone and via Zoom. In order for the complaints process to not become severely backlogged, it became necessary to move forward. In July, a decision was made to continue with Complaint Review Committees and Hearing Tribunals on a virtual platform. The ACSW 10
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office hosted Zoom meetings for Complaint Review Committees. Parlee McLaws, ACSW’s legal council, hosted Hearing Tribunals on Cisco Webex, a videoconference platform. In a relatively short period of time, conducting business on virtual platforms became commonplace. This represented a steep learning curve for a lot of our members. It is important to remind ourselves that although social work services over an electronic platform are permissible, they are not to be entered into lightly. Our Standards of Practice outline:
“A social worker will address the identifiable risks, benefits, and limitations of social work services provided through the electronic medium chosen when obtaining consent to provide services electronically.” - Standard E.3(k) of the ACSW Standards of Practice (2019) The identifiable risks of providing services via an online platform concern protocols and safety measures taken to maintain client confidentiality and privacy. Professional liability insurance
should also be considered. The identifiable limitations involve nonface-to-face interaction. Mehrabian (2007) discovered 7 percent of communication is represented by the words we choose, an additional 38 percent is represented by tone of voice and 55 percent is conveyed by body language. Practically speaking, an e-mail communication is limited to the choice of words. A telephone conversation enhances communication by adding tone of voice. A virtual video meeting provides a more fulsome communication by including facial expression and body language, making it an attractive option for many. Social workers who can not interact with clients in person need to be aware of these risks and limitations. More details can be found on the ACSW website under Virtual Social Work in the COVID-19 section. The identifiable benefits of providing social work remotely during a pandemic are clear. It fulfills the requirement for physical distancing, prevents the spread of disease and ensures the health of participants. We are not through the woods yet. The spread of the virus, and the second wave, continue. We have yet to see what the “new normal” looks like. Yet, there is one certainty. Social workers will rise to the challenge to ensure the safe and competent delivery of services. . References available by emailing MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca.
BRUCE LLEWELLYN is a Manager, Regulatory Practice / Complaints Director with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE
Imagining Life Post-COVID BY TERESA WINFIELD, MSW, RCSW
WITH THE REALITIES of pandemic life taking hold in our communities and homes, we’ve become accustomed to the idea of many new realities. We wear masks to go out into the world. Business meetings take place mostly through virtual formats. Families are adapting to a return to school, virtually or in-person. Therapists have long since decided if their sessions with clients will be in person, virtual or some combination. Each and every person functions under the threat that life could once again change if those pandemic numbers don’t follow the so important downward trend. With the new realities of life all around us, it’s hard to take time to think about what change might be on the horizon. Therapists in private practice are likely formulating hypotheses about this through
each exchange with a client and based on their years of knowledge and expertise with mental health issues. What outcome can one arrive at when clients have additional financial and health stresses on them that are both real and present as well as existential? While some recognize that symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other mental health issues were on the rise well before the emergence of COVID, it is possible that the effects of ongoing stressors could be seen for generations to come. What lies ahead could be that which we make it in this moment, and in each moment we decide to help both ourselves and those around us. If there was ever an opportunity to work a simple bit of care, for ourselves and others, into our daily routines, now is the perfect time. Perhaps doing so will allow us to cultivate the light inside of us that can then spread to those that we work with, live with and come into (socially distanced) contact with.
TERESA WINFIELD is a social worker in private practice with 22 years of experience. She specializes in working with youth who have demonstrated sexually concerning behaviours and the families that care for them.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
ACSW PRIVATE PRACTICE NETWORKING GROUP This seems a good time to remind social workers with an established private practice how to build connections with colleagues. The Private Practice Networking group is a monthly event for social workers already on the private practice roster who have been in practice for at least two years, and are: •
Looking for meaningful professional connection with colleagues
•
Seeking mentorship opportunities
•
Interested in promoting their upcoming professional activities.
While the networking group is for those already established in private practice, there are resources for those new to, or thinking of starting a private practice. ACSW members can visit the Canadian Association of Social Worker’s Private Practice Portal. Information on joining ACSW’s Private Practice roster is on the ACSW website. For more information contact Charity Lui at MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS
Pay Now or Pay Later: CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH BY TARA HOGUE HARRIS WITH THANKS TO ANN REILLY AND THE ACSW CHILD & YOUTH INTEREST GROUP
The loss of mental health supports, announced pre-pandemic in February of this year, is of great concern to social workers, including those who provide these crucial frontline services. Clinical social worker Ann Reilly, MSW, RCSW is a member of the Alberta College of Social Work’s (ACSW) Child and Youth Interest Group, which is working to raise awareness of these cuts. “These are the most vulnerable children and families being affected. Even people with strong resources are having trouble coping during the COVID crisis,” says Reilly. “We need to give a voice to these children.”
Trevor* is a ten year old boy who flew under the mental health radar for a long time. A social worker assigned to his school was in the classroom and noted very dark themes in Trevor’s art. Upon speaking with the teacher, she met with Trevor for a risk assessment. Trevor was assessed as a high risk for suicide, complete with intent and a plan. The art was his desperate cry for help. The social worker was able to connect the family seamlessly to counselling, consult with the family physician and make internal referrals as needed for the family and child. Without school-based mental
SOCIAL WORKERS KNOW that investments into publicly-funded mental health supports are essential and that intervention at an early age could prevent more serious long-term effects. The Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (RCSD) grant program helped coordinate and deliver in-school services to children and youth with a broad array of complex needs — students like Trevor. Those services included speech, physical and occupational therapy; supports for children who
health, Trevor may not be with us today.
are hearing or vision impaired; and
*Trevor is a composite of real clients.
mental health supports.
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Studies show that half of those who develop mental health disorders show symptoms in their early teens. A 2017 study by Alberta Health Services (Valuing Mental Health: Next Steps1) prioritized a focus on prevention and early intervention for children and youth, saying “This will not only benefit them, but their families, the community and the province.” Paying for care at later stages of mental disorders is more expensive, as it can include hospital stays and social services. Unfortunately, mental health issues in children are on the rise, even in early childhood. The Centre for Disease Control reports that 1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2 to 8 years had a diagnosed mental, behavioural
or developmental disorder.2 While specific statistics for that age group aren’t available in Canada, the Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that 70 percent of persons living with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18. Approximately 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness.3 The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened this crisis.4 Research into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) confirms the connection between negative early experiences and adult health outcomes.5 People who faced childhood stressors like abuse, neglect or serious household disruptions were more likely to have poor health as adults. The good news is that strong mental health
Community mental health is much more economical than paying for emergency services supports can play an important role in preventing the conversion of trauma into poor health– again emphasizing the societal and economic value of collaborating to support at-risk children. The RCSD program was designed to reach families where it benefitted them most. As a partnership between Alberta Health Services, Alberta Human Services (including Child and Family Services) and community stakeholders like school authorities, it allowed RCSD partners to share resources in 17 RCSD regions across
the province to provide coordinated access to supports and services. This was especially valuable for families who didn’t have the resources to seek help on their own, and according to Ann, includes 4500 children in Edmonton alone. The mental health therapists who were funded by RCSD are extensively trained and included registered clinical social workers. In addition to working directly with students, therapists in the program trained school staff to identify and work with children and youth in need of these services. This kind of streamlined and coordinated early intervention can’t be easily replaced. While the provincial government has stated that the $75 million that previously funded the RCSD will remain in the education system6, the money will be split between school districts who will now be responsible for offering the services. However, with Alberta schools hit by significant budget cuts even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and now attempting to manage a safe return to school without additional provincial funding, school boards are low on funds. Many will not be able to offer wrap-around services like the mental health supports offered by RCSD, especially in smaller rural districts. The ramifications of losing this funding are far-reaching. Clinical school-based therapists see the most acute and most traumatized children and youth. These families are often resource-poor and can slip through the cracks of the normal communitybased mental health care system. The loss of these services leads to the risk that more children will suffer suicide, self-harm and family
SUPPORTING PR ACTICE
THE ACSW CHILD AND YOUTH GROUP is a meeting space to support social work practice for those in this field. We invite all who may be interested to join our monthly meetings. For more information, contact Membership Activities – Social Worker Andre Tinio at MemberActivitiesNorth@acsw.ab.ca.
violence. Alberta’s health care system will face these costs at some point. Community mental health is much more economical than paying for emergency services. By funding public community-based mental health care for young Albertans, we can make a choice to invest in the future. Members of the ACSW Child and Youth Group are very concerned about the health and well-being of children and families in Alberta, particularly during a pandemic. Access to specialized clinical intervention and therapy is often not accessible to the children who need it most. We continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with governments, school boards and other invested parties to support vulnerable children, youth, and families. References available by emailing MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca.
TARA HOGUE HARRIS is a writer and editor with Bird Communications in Edmonton.
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COVER STORY & SPECIAL SERIES • PART 3: CENTRAL ALBERTA
RICH, REWARDING AND DIVERSE 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. THIS IS THE FINAL PART OF THIS SPECIAL THREE-PART SERIES.
T
DAWN CHRYSTIAN, BSW, RSW – BRUCE, AB here was no one particular event or experience that led me directly to social work. It was more a result of a number of experiences, a greater understanding of the role and how it relates to my personal values and ideal way of being in the world. Before becoming a social worker, my only foray into the “helping” professions was a period of time that I spent working in a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities. It has been a decade and a half since I worked with these individuals, yet even now their stories remain vibrant to me and continue to inform my practice. In this role, I learned a great deal about our inherent right to dignity, and the importance of cultivating a strength-based approach to working with others, although I would not understand these concepts formally until I began studying social work.
Dawn
BSW, RSW
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I am the director of Viking/Beaver Family & Community Support Services (VBFCSS). Our organization supports the east portion of Beaver County, and includes the communities of Holden, Bruce, Viking and Kinsella. The VBFCSS mandate is to provide preventative programs and services that help people develop resiliency, healthy relationships and connections to their community. There are no “typical days” at VBFCSS. We are extremely responsive to our community and what we do on any given day may consist of working one-on-one with clients and referring them to appropriate resources, planning or hosting an event with our VBFCSS team, or meeting with the community partners to discuss emerging concerns. The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with individuals and supporting them in evoking their own sense of determination. We as social workers are often meeting individuals on some of the worst days of their
SOCIAL WORK WEEK PART THREE
Central Alberta SPECIAL SERIES
Rhonda
BSW, RSW
lives. I’m often deeply impressed by the strength displayed by the individuals who I interact with, particularly in regard to their willingness and ability to act as advocates for themselves and their families despite difficult circumstances. It might be a bit simplistic, but I hope that my work will better my communities in at least some small way. If the work I do walking alongside individuals is beneficial to them on their journey, then I feel I have accomplished something. Furthermore, I hope that the work I do encourages the further development of systems that are equitable, fair, and support the humanity of all people.
RHONDA YODER, BSW, RSW – TOFIELD, AB
I
am a social worker in the Central Zone for Alberta Health Services. My role is to assist clients who are accessing health care services in acute care, home-
care and long term care. Often I will support clients and families as they move through this continuum of care. I also assist people with social, psychological and/or financial matters that interfere with reaching health goals. I also provide consultation and support to other health
care professionals when clients’ needs extend beyond the medical focus. In a typical day, I meet with individuals or family members to listen, advocate, inform, and problem solve with them to address identified problems and issues. Before my social work education, I was taking evening courses in disability studies and was enjoying it very much. In 1999, I learned that my deceased father had been a victim of residential school abuse. This had a huge impact on me and as we went through the process of truth and reconciliation, I was able to access some funding to return to school. I felt compelled to take advantage of this opportunity to not only become a social worker but to study Indigenous social work. In 2004, I started my social work education at MacEwan University and later graduated with a degree from the University of Victoria with the Indigenous specialization. Social work is a very rich, rewarding and diverse practice that encompasses many modalities. Social work includes everything from helping families gain access to government or health services, to counselling. By interacting with people in creative and exciting ways, a social worker has the ability to foster rewarding relationships with the client and peers you work with. I think I have strong connections to social work because of THE ADVOCATE
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Colleen
SW Dip, RSW
some of my own personal experiences. As an Aboriginal woman, I have directly felt the impact from the fallout of historical injustices. I appreciate the value of how developing a deeper understanding of Indigenous history is so vital in one’s journey towards healing. I am breast cancer survivor and I know what it is like to feel vulnerable and to be in a place where I had to consider my own mortality. I know first-hand how important emotional and social support is during this time. I believe in hope and I think helping others find hope is so significant during difficult times. I love being a social worker.
COLLEEN PIDZARKO-ARMITAGE, SW DIP, RSW – VEGREVILLE, AB
R
ural communities have primarily been where my social practice has taken place. For the past 22 years, I’ve worked for the Veg Al-Drug Society as
the Program Manager and addictions counsellor. Prior to this I worked for 10 years in High Prairie and Valleyview. 16
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The people I serve are individuals or families dealing with their own or someone else’s substance use disorder and/or concurrent disorders. When I reflect on how I came into this profession, I realize I was doing social work for many years before I actually became a social worker. I eventually made the decision to go back to school into the social work program and attend the evening program. What I was doing in my work with addictions aligned with the principles of social work, for example, acceptance, confidentiality, non-judgmental attitude. Advocating for those that do not have a voice to advocate for themselves has always been important to me as far back as I can remember. I have a soft heart, which sometimes can be challenging when working with people as it can cloud judgment at times. One story sticks out to me of a seventeen-year-old girl referred by probation for counselling. She attended a session with me and was resistant, stating that she would rather go to jail than attend counselling. She walked out of the session angry that she had to be in my office. Probation called and told me that they were going to
Central Alberta Fort McMurray VEGREVILLE
POPULATION: 5,708 (2016 CENSUS) HOLDS THE ANNUAL PYSANKA (UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG) PART OF THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY FESTIVAL TO SHOWCASE UKRAINIAN CULTURE OF WOOD BUFFALO HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST PYSANKA, WHICH WAS LOCATED ON TREATY 8 TERRITORY FEATURED ON A STAMP IN 2009 HOME TO KEYANO COLLEGE, WHICH BRUCE OFFERS A SOCIAL WORK DIPLOMA POPULATION: 50 (2016 CENSUS); CONSIDERED A HAMLET PROGRAM NAMED FOR A. BRUCE SMITH, A TELEGRAPH COMPANY POPULATION: 66,573 MANAGER, IN(2016 1909 CENSUS) / 111, 687 IN WOOD BUFFALO (2018) HAS HELD A RODEO SINCE 1914 FOUNDED IN 1870, INCORPORATED AS TOFIELD THE VILLAGE OF MCMURRAY IN 1947 POPULATION: 2,081 (2016 CENSUS) NAMED FOR DR. JAMES H. TOFIELD, WHO WAS BORN IN MOTTO: WE HAVE THE ENERGY 1840 IN YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND HOME TO BEAVERHILL LAKE NATURE CENTRE & MUSEUM; BEAVERHILL LAKE IS AN IMPORTANT BIRD HABITAT TREATY 6 SIGNED IN 1876 COVERS CENTRAL ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN INCLUDES 16 ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS
breach her and send her to jail. Through conversation with them, I was able to convince them that doing so would send her on a path of self-destruction. They decided to give her an opportunity to attend counselling. Several counselling appointments later, she started to open up and share about her family life, substance abuse disorder and street life. She attended counselling for several months, making some big changes. When she graduated from high school, she applied and was accepted to a college in Calgary, later entering the social work program and eventually graduating with her degree in social work. She kept in contact over the years and through various stages of her life, and would say that because I believed in and advocated for her, it was a big reason why she is who she is today. Outcomes like these are what drive me in the work I do. People need someone to believe in them and help them to believe in themselves. That to me is a big part of social work.
JERRY CORDEIRO: THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE “Build relationships first.” That’s the guiding principle behind Jerry Cordeiro’s empathyfilled photography as the founder of The Humans Experience, which uses photos and social media to share the stories of Edmonton’s marginalized citizens – a passion project with roots in childhood. “I was a street kid,” Cordeiro recalls. “I came home when the streetlights came on.” As the child of an immigrant mother, Cordeiro found himself advocating for her from an early age. He was the voice for his mother at the bank and at service agencies. Fortunately, he found allies in social workers. “Social workers were mentors of mine when I was a child. They kept my nose out of trouble,” Cordeiro explains. He remembers that having social workers around was important in helping his family find the services they needed, and in relieving some of his loneliness. This positive influence aligned with Cordeiro’s comfort on the streets to guide him into a career as a child and youth worker. “It taught me patience,” he says of his decade working with adults with disabilities. In 2014, Cordeiro was ready for a change. He picked up a camera, and “instead of taking pictures of barns or flowers”, he headed where he was most at home – the inner city streets of his childhood. “I decided to take photos of the people I’d always stopped to talk to,” he says. Inspired by Humans of New York, which features photos and essays of the people on New York streets, Cordeiro’s Facebook page showcasing his street photography evolved into The Humans Experience – and a full-time passion and vocation. “I listen and relate. That’s before I bring out the camera,” Cordeiro says. He brings that compassion to all his story-telling and photography, including his work depicting the social workers featured in ACSW’s 2020 Social Work Week series.
JERRY CORDEIRO founded the Humans Experience in 2014. THE ADVOCATE
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2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE | MARCH 25 - 27, 2021
Build your social work practice and make meaningful connections. Be part of an inspired, connected community working together to uphold professional values, provide inspiration and pursue ongoing learning and ethical practice.
Conference registration details coming in 2021! Watch our emails and social media for announcements.
2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 25 – 27, 2021 | JOIN US VIRTUALLY | DETAILS COMING IN 2021
Get recharged, inspired, and connected while building your social work practice at the ACSW 2021 Virtual Conference. Being a social worker in 2020 has meant facing more challenges than ever before. We owe it to ourselves and to our clients to find ways to manage these challenges — but it’s not easy. Don’t go it alone. Connect to the shared knowledge and experience at the ACSW 2021 Virtual Conference.
1. REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE. Conference registration details coming in 2021! Watch our emails and social media for announcements.
2. WATCH, ON-DEMAND, FROM YOUR HOME OR OFFICE. The conference will be available on-demand. You don’t need to travel or get time off.
3. CONNECT VIRTUALLY WITH YOUR SOCIAL WORK COMMUNITY. Attend multiple workshops to enhance your social work practice.
4. GROW THE STRENGTH OF YOUR PRACTICE. Get supported in your professional practice with new ideas, tools and resources from your social work community
Together as a community of close to 9,000 social workers, we have knowledge and experience to share with each other as we work to build a strong profession. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your social work practice.
FEATURE STORY
Racism and Social Work: A Panel Discussion
CYNTHIA OKAFOR, MSW, RSW, IS A PARTNERSHIP SPECIALIST WITH THE CITY OF CALGARY
ROSEMARY IGNACIO, MSW, RSW, IS AN INSTRUCTOR AND CHAIR OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AT RED DEER COLLEGE
LANA BENTLEY, MSW, RSW, IS DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM STRATEGY AT YW CALGARY AND AN INSTRUCTOR AT MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY
THE FOLLOWING PANEL DISCUSSION IS EDITED FOR CLARITY AND LENGTH.
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WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE PHRASE “RACISM AND SOCIAL WORK”? ROSEMARY: Social workers should be the champions of anti-racist work. Working towards anti-racist practice…to me it looks like a more equitable world. This will be going against the status quo. And it doesn’t matter where you work, this is something that we continually address. Even in my years of practice, I find that I often have to be the one to say, ‘Have you considered?’ or ‘Have you thought about?’ because it’s not on other people’s radar so to speak. One of the things we boast about in social work is our commitment to antioppressive practice; that’s anti-racist practice and we are fighting against anything that oppresses people. Anti-oppressive practice is the most used term, but its popularity grew out of anti-Black racism. CYNTHIA: Even though as social workers we pride ourselves on challenging various forms of injustices, inequality and oppression, we cannot forget the role that social work has played in oppression and other forms of discrimination. For me, notable examples include the role we’ve played historically with residential schools where we accompanied Indian agents onto Aboriginal reserves and removed Aboriginal children from their homes, or even the role we’ve played with the Sixties Scoop where we apprehended Aboriginal children and placed them in non-traditional homes. We [also] cannot forget the role we as social workers have played in implementing policies and measures against the Black community. A good example includes school segregation policies where Black children were barred or prevented from schooling with white children. Another example is the overrepresentation of Black children in children’s services. It’s an issue not only for the Black community, but for the Aboriginal community as well. [Racism] is very much entrenched in our profession as social workers. LANA: If we look at the composition of where we find racialized people working in our profession, it does tend to be in a front-line capacity. But as we go up the chain of command, we see fewer racialized faces in positions of authority where they can influence the policies and working environments where other racialized people practice within our profession. There does need to be a commitment within our profession to create more visibility for people of colour to be reflected at every level of decision making. When we look at those institutions that fundamentally shape our ability to activate our profession, we simply don’t have enough representation from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) community.
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ROSEMARY IGNACIO, MSW, RSW
Sure, policy is helpful, but really, it’s in our relationships with the people in our circles where we have the power to influence change. 22
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AS IT PERTAINS TO RACISM, WHAT ARE SOME IDEAS ABOUT HOW WE CAN UPHOLD THE CASW CODE OF ETHICS AND HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE? CYNTHIA: Racism is a systemic and institutional problem and I look to those systems and institutions to hold us as social workers accountable to these standards. How can we uphold ourselves to such a standard when we haven’t been adequately trained to do so? In my education, we had some courses in diversity or multiculturalism that were either optional or rushed into a one-week block course. When I mentor young social workers, I find this is still the practice today. If we’re truly serious about anti-racist practice from a professional standpoint, then we need to dismantle the traditional and historical structures that impact our profession. ROSEMARY: It has to go from micro to macro. From an individual level, we need to ensure we are not ourselves engaging in racist practices before we try to hold other people accountable. We do this by developing a habit of continual self-reflection. Even the best intentioned of us engage in practices that could unknowingly be offensive to other people, and people need to be told when their behaviour is racist. Sure, policy is helpful, but really, it’s in our relationships with the people in our circles where we have the power to influence change. LANA: The challenge with holding people to account with issues around racism is that some people imagine, by virtue of the fact that they are a social worker, that they are not racist. That’s going to be a tough bridge for people to cross – just because you are in the profession doesn’t make you inherently anti-racist. Unless people can embrace that, and acknowledge that we’re all learning and growing together, it’s going to be pretty tough to apply any of the steps that would be required to actively challenge racism. I think it can happen, but our profession needs to look in before looking out. ROSEMARY: The expectation is that if you go through this [social work] program, then you hold a certain set of values and attitudes. And while that’s ideal, we cannot make somebody change their behaviour or attitude. That’s internal work that people have to do themselves.
CYNTHIA: As individuals and even as professionals, we are quite segregated. The only opportunities we have to interact with differences is when we’re forced to interact, whether it’s in an educational or work setting. That’s why self-reflection is truly important. Go back to your early experiences with race and differences and look at how it’s impacted you as an individual and as a professional. THE ADVOCATE
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CYNTHIA OKAFOR, MSW, RSW
Acknowledge the discomfort around the subject of racism. Why are we afraid to have the conversation? Let’s start there.
LANA BENTLEY, MSW, RSW
There does need to be a commitment within our profession to create more visibility for people of colour to be reflected at every level of decision making. 24
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HOW CAN SOCIAL WORKERS BE CONSCIOUS OF THE MANY POWER IMBALANCES INHERENT IN DAILY PRACTICE? WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? ROSEMARY: Self-reflection is a place where we develop and increase our awareness of power imbalance. What impact does my practice have on the people I work with? How can I create a more equitable environment in which to work? What can I do to share my power with the people I work with? As we increase our awareness, we get to decide how we move forward. It’s one thing to have that ‘aha’ moment, but if we don’t do anything about it, it’s for naught. Education is also an important piece in raising our consciousness. Educate yourself through reading, research, and spending time with people of other races. That’s a hard thing for people to do; it takes effort to step outside our comfort zone. But if we’re really trying to engage in anti-racist practice, these are some easy ways to start doing it. CYNTHIA: Look to the profession as well. If we’re putting social workers out into the field, we need to ensure they have the training. We need to hold ourselves to account and ask ourselves what it means to put [our Code of Ethics] and principles into practice. LANA: What does the broader membership want to think, believe and commit to as it relates to equity, diversion and inclusion? Can you be racist and a social worker in this province? CYNTHIA: Acknowledge the discomfort around the subject of racism. Why are we afraid to have the conversation? Let’s start there. There is no end point… If you’re going to make a true and solid commitment [to being anti-racist] it’s a lifelong commitment. You never stop learning.
THIS DISCUSSION WAS FACILITATED AND EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY BY KRISTIN BAKER.
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RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES IN 2021 BY DON MCSWINEY
IT’S BEEN ONE OF THE MOST requested graduate certificates over the last few years, so we’re pleased to announce that our graduate certificate in Clinical Gerontology Practice will be offered in 2021. Graduate certificates have proven to be a popular way for professional social workers to gain knowledge in areas of practice most relevant to their work. Increased expertise in gerontology is obviously a growing area of practice as our society continues to age. According to Statistics Canada, while those aged 65 or older are currently about 15 per cent of our population, in less than twenty years that percentage will increase to 23 percent, more than 9.5 million seniors. “I think social workers who work with seniors in a variety of settings will find this certificate to be directly applicable to their practice,” says Dr. Jennifer Hewson, PhD, who leads the certificate. “We’ve designed this program to include both foundational theory as well as hands-on practice skills. Students will also have the benefit of learning directly from experts and experienced leaders in the field.” The certificate will explore the elements of gerontology practice including diagnostic tools and interventions, social policy, legal and ethical issues and research, as well as theories related to practice with older populations. “This certificate will certainly provide social workers with the knowledge and skills they need to work with diverse older adult populations,” says Hewson. “After taking the four gerontology courses, I think practitioners should feel more confident and comfortable in their practice.” Certificates are offered mostly online, with four scheduled in-person residencies (dependent on COVID26
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19) where students will practice the skills they’ve learned. Certificates are eight months long and begin in September. We’re also offering the Advanced Social Work Practice certificate with residencies at our Edmonton campus in 2021. The advanced practice certificate provides professionals with social work models and change strategies to advance social work practice from micro to macro levels. “This certificate provides you with the big picture,” says Dr. Anne-Marie McLaughlin, PhD, RSW, Associate Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. “You’ll get the tools you need to make change including powerful research strategies to examine structural issues of marginalization and injustice in local, national and global contexts. You’ll also explore the political, public policy context where social work and social welfare programs are delivered.” Students who complete graduate certificates in Advanced Social Work Practice and Clinical Social Work Practice (such as the Gerontology certificate) will receive course credit should they choose to apply to the Master of Social Work program. The MSW is a competitive program and completing two certificates does not guarantee admisson. Certificates are graduate education and provide formal credentials. To apply you’ll need to have completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale. You’ll also need to have the equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field. DONALD MCSWINEY is the manager of Communications and Marketing in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work.
DIPLOMA DIALOGUES
COMPASSION THROUGH COVID BY CHRISTINA TORTORELLI, RSW, GINA ADAMS, BSW, RSW, AND SHAUNA PARKS, MSW, RSW
COVID HAS PLACED unprecedented demands on humanity. Medical and health care workers have really taken this in stride. Never since the Spanish Flu have social workers been asked to provide more support and caring to people experiencing various symptoms: anxiety, uncertainty, doubts about self-sufficiency, health and safety, and overall well-being. With COVID numbers continuing to rise across the world, and the reality of a second wave upon us, social workers must sharpen their skills in understanding the world through others’ eyes. In particular, educators and professors must be caring and compassionate towards their students and be available to support them through this uncertain time. Let’s talk about a student who wrote to two different professors asking for a 24 -hour extension on their assignments since they had just lost their mother. Professor 1 only gave them an extra 12 hours. Professor 2, their social work professor, told them to submit the assignments later in the semester and asked them to share favourite memories of their mother instead. Needless to say, the student felt highly comforted and supported by the latter. As social work educators, our students are best supported when we treat them with unconditional positive regard and offer them the privilege of facing their hardships in a way that compels them to move forward. It is really about bringing the essence of social work into the program – teaching by example. Compassion is defined as “sympathetic pity and concern for the suffering or misfortunes of another.” It has four components: cognitive, affective, inspirational and motivational. This translates to understanding the problem, feeling with and for our students, the offer of help to students, and the understanding that we as educators are going to support them. COVID has put
extraordinary demands on students and educators alike, yet affords us the opportunity and privilege to be there for our students when they most need it. Through on-line teaching, we are invited into students’ personal worlds in new ways. Doing our due diligence to ensure students can meet their learning objectives and still meet requirements is our ongoing task. Through COVID, many students have lost hope and have been caught up in fears of the virus and of losing loved ones. They have been attempting to maintain safety; trying to do group assignments in ways they never have before; caring for and teaching their children while being students themselves! They have also had to let go of what they thought their social work education was going to look like. Spending time with a student when they are feeling distraught, checking up on them afterwards, checking in to see how we can best support them, and acknowledging the small gains they make can result in remarkable achievements and personal growth. By giving this gift of compassion to our students, we are also giving ourselves the gift of joy and fulfillment, which is essential when the world is feeling completely threatened. By tuning in to the distress of our students, we can continue to practice the very core of our profession: Compassion!
From left to right: SHAUNA PARKS is an instructor in the Mount Royal University Social Work program, GINA ADAMS is the Program Advisor and Practicum Coordinator, and CHRISTINA TORTORELLI is an Assistant Professor and Practicum Field Director. THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
Systemic Racism Needs Actions, Not Just Talk BY DR. TOBIAS MWANDALA, PHD, RSW
AS A HUMAN BEING, it is difficult to see how George Floyd (a Black American man, and a victim of racism) was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020. I acknowledge that racism exists in America. As a Black Canadian social worker with a practice centred on social justice issues and case management with vulnerable populations, I see that racism exists here in Canada too. I believe in social justice, a core value of social work because it emphasizes equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society (Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, 2005). My doctoral dissertation topic was Fair Representation of Racial Minority Leaders in Canadian Higher Education: An Exploratory Case Study. As a social worker and as a human, I believe systemic racism must end. Most people of colour and other minorities in this country can name multiple experiences of racist incidents. Racism comes in many forms, including verbal and nonverbal actions; some are obvious, others are subtle. Racism occurs when there is unfair treatment of a person or persons based on their skin colour. According to Linder, Harris, Allen, and Hubain (2015), racism mostly comes in the form of microaggressions, such as assumptions of criminality, suspicion, and ascribing lack of intelligence to the victim, all of which I suspect happened in George Floyd’s death. Pain experienced among black people is enormous historically and is still suffered today. According to Diversity Leads (2020), Black people are deeply underrepresented in leadership positions. Statistics Canada (2020) also shows that more Black people live in poverty than white people. In the COVID-19 28
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pandemic, Black people are 10 percent more likely to live in poverty than white people (Statistics Canada, 2020). This is a human rights issue. It is a pandemic too. If racism is not addressed in more powerful ways, it will continue to kill people. Living free of racism is a social determinant of health. On Canadian Multiculturalism Day 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that we need to address systemic racism in Canada. Nonetheless, we need to change how we tackle this problem. Colour-blind and individualistic approaches to addressing racism do not work (McCoy, Winkle-Wagner, & Luedke, 2015). Structural racism needs to be addressed. As a result, let us not just arrest culprits of racism, but focus on changing the whole system.
Third, we must change the way police are recruited in Canada. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s qualifications and standards (2020), police do not need Actions a college education to become an RCMP officer. This is First, we must increase the representation of racial my opinion on this matter: Police officers must have a minorities in top leadership positions because higher college education in human services (such as psychology, leadership decisions impact our lives. According to Statistics sociology, criminology, etc.) In that way, they have Canada, Canada has about 22 percent of racial minority been introduced to social science, people, and 3.5 percent are Black history, interpersonal relations, people. Still, racial minority leaders are and psychology and might better underrepresented (less than 22 percent) understand people before interacting in many Canadian industries and the This is a human rights with them. Also, we should change government’s leadership arena (Diversity how police patrol and arrest people. Leads, 2020). The same report shows issue. It is a pandemic All police must implement body that Black people make up less than three too. If racism is not cameras, turn them on when an arrest percent of senior executive leadership is made and store the video as a public addressed in more teams. The lack of racial diversity in property. According to Jennings, Canadian industries is disheartening, powerful ways, it will Lynch, and Fridell (2015), body given that Canadian political leaders have continue to kill people cameras may result in less violence declared Canada a multicultural country. and fewer police complaints. No Second, we must update the Employment Equity Act in person should be treated as above the law. Canada. With this 1986 act, the Canadian government Racial Minorities: This term includes people who are non-Caucasian in recognized the decades-long problems of social injustices, race or are non-white in colour, also referred to as visible minorities in employment discrimination, and underrepresentation in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2017). the Canadian workforce. The Employment Act’s purpose was to remedy the effects of past discrimination on four References available by emailing MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca. designated minority groups in Canada. These groups are (i) racial minorities; (ii) people with disabilities; (iii) women; and (iv) Indigenous people. The Act is not meeting its intended goals. It must include real actions, not just be based on self-reporting of efforts made and who is employed or not. The Act must consist of a mandated requirement to hire at least 22 percent of racialized DR. TOBIAS MWANDALA is a Black Canadian social worker in Alberta. minority people in all public organizations, management, He has a Master in Social Work from the University of Calgary and his leadership/administration, and frontline levels. doctorate in education from Northcentral University. THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
Social Workers Join the Scholar Strike for Racial Justice BY DR. PATRINA DUHANEY, PHD, RSW; DR. LIZA LORENZETTI, PHD, RSW; DR. DAVID ESTE, PHD, RSW; AND DR. REGINE KING, PHD, RSW
SINCE THE MURDER OF George Floyd on May 25, 2020, the issue of anti-Black racism has garnered considerable attention across various sectors in Canada and the United States. The disproportionate and relentless police violence against Black and Indigenous people underscores a plethora of systemic policies and practices aimed at dehumanizing Black and Indigenous lives. While increased awareness and mobilization against anti-Black racism has become prominent over the past several months, ongoing distortions of justice continue to result in “countless Black lives cut short at the hands of police brutality, systemic racism, and white supremacy.”1
Anthea Butler and Kevin Gannon. Shortly after their announcement, “co-organizers Beverly Bain, lecturer at the University of Toronto and Min Sook Lee, associate professor at OCAD University followed suit and organized a similar movement in Canada.”5
Catalyzed by large-scale protests across the globe, including high profile protests and walk-outs by professional athletes in the NBA, WNBA, NHL and MLB, the Scholar Strike was initiated in the US by professors
“The University of Calgary strongly condemns anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism and racism in all forms. This is a defining issue of our times. Faculty and students may choose to participate in Sept. 9 and 10 events.”8
Over 3,000 professors, instructors, counsellors and students signed their name in solidarity and support of the Scholar Strike.6 The authors were among professors at the University of Calgary who not only signed our names in support of the Scholar Strike but paused our teaching and other administrative activities to attend the digital teach-ins from renowned activists and scholars. Over 3,000 professors, We have engaged in intentional dialogue In order to guide our work on addressing anti-Black racism, the Anti-Black Racism instructors, counsellors with our students in being part of the movement by encouraging them to Task Force in the Faculty of Social Work and students signed attend the teach-ins and focusing class at the University of Calgary recently their name in solidarity time on this critical issue. Organizers adopted and modified a definition from of the Canadian Scholar Strike reported the Government of Ontario (2020) and and support of the over 60,000 views on September 8th the Black Health Alliance (2018). AntiScholar Strike and 9th of the live-streamed public Black racism is prejudice, attitudes, beliefs, teach-ins. Recognizing the urgent need stereotyping, and discrimination that is to continue organizing to eradicate racism, they plan to directed at people of African descent and is rooted in their update the academic community of various actions, events unique history of enslavement and its legacy.2 Anti-Black racism is enacted and reinforced in policies and practices rooted and upcoming teach-ins through their newsletter and social media.7 in Canadian institutions such as education, health, social 3 and community services and the criminal justice system. It A number of universities including the University of is within this entrenched and historically imbued system Calgary, the University of Alberta, and Mount Royal that we joined the Scholars Strike Canada for Black and University issued statements in support of the Scholar Indigenous Lives.4 Strike. President and Vice Chancellor Ed McCauley stated
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Bill Flanagan, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta stated, “U of A supports all efforts to draw attention to eliminating anti-Black racism, antiIndigenous racism, and racism in all forms.”9
inequities. Changing individual racist acts are merely a tip of the iceberg; however, through critical reflexivity and courageous and dedicated actions, social workers can become active participants in eliminating racism. Since overt and covert forms of racism are legitimized and These recent declarations by academic leaders are reinforced in institutional policies and practices, systemic overshadowed by assertions and posturing of local and and institutional change are necessary to transform national leaders. In a recent press conference, Alberta systems, policies and social norms that maintain white Premier Jason Kenney referred to intersectionality as “a supremacy. Thus, social work programs must commit to kooky academic theory”10 while Donald Trump persists in teach and train all social workers about the histories of inflaming racial division and oppression by threatening Black Canadians, white supremacy, to cancel diversity and anti-racism anti-colonialism and anti-racist training which he refers to as a “sickness practices. Social work colleges and that cannot be allowed to continue.”11 associations must review and update Canadian author Desmond Cole their core principles and values to In the midst of this problematizes these dominant assertions explicitly identify the elimination by highlighting the complexities of white ongoing turmoil, social of anti-Black racism as a key focus. supremacy as it “encourages the people workers have an ethical They must also work collaboratively it benefits to create their own parallel with Black lead organizations and obligation to address universe, their own set of facts and movements that are striving for explanations about the existence of and systemic racism by structural change. prevalence of racism.”12 Concepts such collectively mobilizing Finally, it is vital that the social work as “whitelash”13 or “white rage”14, 15 also profession recognize the burden help frame the entrenchment of white to enact change that Black social workers carry in an supremacy as forms of backlash, hostile effort to create equitable and inclusive spaces not only for reactions or responses to individuals calling attention to themselves but their clients and communities. Necessary racism against Black, Indigenous and racialized people. supports are needed for these social workers to effectively In the midst of this ongoing turmoil, social workers do their jobs. have an ethical obligation to address systemic racism by Our current climate demands decisive and courageous collectively mobilizing to enact change. However, many actions. We implore social workers to centralize antisocial workers remain unaware of Black Canadian history racism as a core value and practice. and the prevalence of anti-Black racism in Canada. In fact, social work has been complicit in perpetuating racism and upholding institutional and systemic oppression. The implicit and explicit roles of dominance and oppression within the profession create the undercurrent of dissatisfaction and outrage. This is a pivotal time to envision and act upon a narrative of emancipatory, anti-racist, and anti-colonial social work practice. On a micro or interpersonal level, social workers must collectively express social work’s core disciplinary values to help eradicate racism in all its forms by acknowledging the deleterious effects of racism, calling out racist behaviors, attitudes and actions. Social workers, in particular white social workers, must deepen their commitment to confront systemic white supremacy that continues to maintain socio-economic political
References available by emailing MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca.
From left to right: DR. PATRINA DUHANEY is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. As a researcher activist, she grapples with issues related to race, racism, victimization and criminalization. DR. LIZA LORENZETTI is from Italian heritage, living in traditional territory of the Blackfoot and Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary, Canada). Her teaching and research are community-based and informed by 30 years of social work practice focused on violence prevention, anti-racism, and peace building. DR. DAVID ESTE is a 3rd generation African Canadian who is a long-standing professor with the Faculty of Social work at the University of Calgary. DR. REGINE UWIBEREYEHO KING is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. THE ADVOCATE
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DAY IN THE LIFE
“I THINK CHANGE HAPPENS ONE PERSON AT A TIME. IF YOU NEED MY HELP—ONE PERSON, ONE FAMILY— I’M HERE.” This is the mindset Jane Matheson, PhD, RCSW, has applied to her 40-year career in clinical social work. As the recently retired CEO of a children’s mental health centre in Calgary, an adjunct assistant professor with the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work and a dedicated volunteer, Matheson has made an incredible impact in our province through her work—and she’s not done yet. The early years Matheson’s story started in 1972. After earning her degree in Psychology from Western University in London, Ontario, she was traveling through Europe and heard about a job opportunity in Germany working for the American army. “I always like to say this was my first small ‘s’, small ‘w’ social work experience. I was there to talk to young men on their way to or coming back from Vietnam. Even though I knew nothing about war or trauma back then, you can imagine how much I learned just by being present.” From there, Matheson went on to get her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. After graduating in 1979, Matheson moved to Calgary for an opportunity with Alberta Mental Health, where she stayed for about five years.
BY SHAWNA DIRKSEN
JANE MATHESON
PHD, RCSW
“I’m outspoken, so I seem to end up a supervisor wherever I go. In my last couple of years at Alberta Mental Health, I realized I was a better manager than a person who was seeing clients everyday.” 35 years of leadership It was a friend and past supervisor of Matheson’s who suggested she apply at Wood’s Homes in 1984. Ultimately, Matheson joined the organization, which provides treatment and support to children, youth and families with mental health needs, as a senior director of residential services. “There was a focus on crisis management. I learned a lot from the previous executive director who was a psychologist, including a great deal about managing a crisis in a calm way, and I’m forever grateful for that.” A few years after starting with Wood’s Homes, Matheson decided to pursue her PhD in social work, specializing
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in clinical supervision. She took
“Every day was different and, I’d
a year-long educational leave to
say, interesting and fascinating. I
work toward her doctorate at the
spent a lot of time making sure the
University of Calgary.
[organization’s] values were being
Although Matheson was expecting
operationalized by starting programs,
to return to work in a role with fewer responsibilities so she could also focus on finishing her PhD, things didn’t work out that way. Just before her return, her executive director left the organization. “That time is a blur! I ended up becoming a managing director—a job I shared with another person, then executive director and eventually CEO of Wood’s Homes and somehow finished my PhD in the chaos of starting a new job.” Matheson went on to shape the organization as it grew from about
This is reflective supervision. It helps people understand what they did, why they did it, accept mistakes and find ways to fix them introducing people to the agency, writing proposals and speeches, and doing the bidding of my directors.”
250 to 550 employees and from a
Outside of the day-to-day challenges
$9-million budget to a $42-million
Matheson met as CEO, one of
budget.
the things she brought to Wood’s
Homes was her passion for clinical supervision. “I see the supervision I did as clinical supervision because I was trained as a clinician in my master’s program and did therapy for many years, and also because I see us all as human beings. In the day-to-day of our work, it’s often hard to talk about what’s happening to us and around us. These things and how we make sense of them need to be listened to—a supervisor needs to go beyond just task completion or superficial conversation.” “This is reflective supervision. It helps people understand what they did, why they did it, accept mistakes and find ways to fix them. It encourages and confronts and celebrates successes, and helps a person grow in their job, become a good team player and a satisfied, competent human being who helps others.” THE ADVOCATE
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Research was another area that Matheson was committed to bringing to Wood’s Homes. “[While] going to U of C and embarking on my PhD, I got a real appreciation for the value of data.” With one employee and some extra money she found in the budget, Matheson brought a research department to Wood’s Homes, which grew to five employees and led to the Wood’s Homes Research Chair in Children’s Mental Health, a community-based partnership between Wood’s Homes and the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work. After 35 years with Wood’s Homes, Matheson retired as CEO in April of 2020. What’s next For Matheson, retiring from Wood’s Homes doesn’t mean retiring entirely. She’s been teaching with
the University of Calgary on and off since 1981 and now teaches a continuing education course in clinical supervision twice a year and is involved in the new MSW leadership certificate programs. Matheson has also dedicated time to volunteer work, including sitting on the ACSW Clinical Committee, nine years with the Child Welfare League of Canada (including a few years as president of the board) and contributing to various task forces. Currently, she lends her expertise to the Association of Social Work Boards in the United States, which is a regulatory body for every state and for some provinces. Matheson isn’t quite done with Wood’s Homes yet, either. As part of the team that brought the Wood’s Homes Research Chair in Children’s Mental Health to fruition, Matheson still lends her support to the initiative. She’s only an email away if someone
within Wood’s Homes has a question. “Working behind the scenes and giving advice is actually kind of a treat,” says Matheson. “It’s good to be useful that way. And knock on wood, at 71 years old, I still have a pretty good memory!” In her spare time, you’ll find Matheson enjoying her new home in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, where she recently moved. She also loves spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren—and says she might become a fashion designer!
SHAWNA DIRKSEN is a freelance writer based in Alberta. She loves skiing in the winter and running outdoors in the summer, and when she’s not doing that, she’s probably writing something about being minimal-ish for her blog Practically Minimal.
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 34
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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.
ACSW 2021 Annual Conference March 25 – 27, 2021 Join us virtually / Details to come Due to the ongoing pandemic, in-person events are being changed or cancelled more frequently than usual. Please check organization websites to confirm details. 14th Annual Western Indigenous Consultation and Engagement February 17 – 18, 2021 Edmonton Designed to connect leaders from Indigenous communities, government and industry.
Explore intersectionality and understand the impact of COVID-19 on African Canadians. Available on YouTube at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=yea1S5SmaUk. Canadian Association of Social Workers Webinars Free, on-demand Recent webinar topics include Self-Awareness: The First Step to Anti-Racism; Expanding Role & Reach: A Community-Centred Response to COVID-19; Ethical Challenges for Social Workers During COVID-19, and many others. https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars, or on YouTube under CASW, Playlists. Providing Trauma-Informed Care
https://www.canadianinstitute.com/westernindigenous-consultation-engagement-up/
Health PEI
Working with Newcomers: Understanding Pre-Migration & Trauma Modules 1 & 2 – January 13 & 14
Webinar - free
Working with Newcomers: Trauma, PTSD, and Vicarious Trauma: Modules 3 & 4 – January 20 & 21
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/providingtrauma-informed-care-tickets119085408663?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
Multicultural Health Brokers Online Participants will learn simple strategies to work with newcomer families and to support their resilience and integration. Visit Eventbrite.ca, and search for Working with Refugees & Newcomers Race, Health, and COVID-19 Webinar – on-demand with Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard and Ontario Association of Social Workers CEO Dr. Deepy Sur
PARTNER S
ACSW’S PUBLIC POLICY PARTNERS Edmonton Social Planning Council edmontonsocialplanning.ca Friends of Medicare friendsofmedicare.org Public Interest Alberta pialberta.org Parkland Institute ualberta.ca/parkland
January 21, 2021 An overview of approaches to providing trauma-informed care at all levels.
The Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care Scarborough Centre for Health Communities January 12 or February 23, 2021 Virtual training
ADVOCATE DEADLINES
SUBMISSION DEADLINE For the Spring 2021 issue of the Advocate is January 1, 2021
This six-week curriculum includes topics like psychological and spiritual issues, end-of-life care, and managing occupational stress.
All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca
https://www.schcontario.ca/schc-palliativeeducation.html
AD DEADLINE
Visit the ACSW Events Calendar to find more training, events and workshops, at acsw.ab.ca, Social Workers tab, Calendar of Events.
For the Spring 2021 issue of the Advocate is January 15, 2021 All ad inquiries to Carlena Johnson: MemberActivitiesAdmin@acsw.ab.ca
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Best wishes from ACSW Council and staff this holiday season!
