FEATURE
INDIGENOUS VOICES
Jordan’s Principle Primer
Working with Indigenous High-Risk Youth
ETHICS IN ACTION
Gender Equity Requirements from Bill 21
ADVOCATE SUMMER 2019
THE
VOLUME 44 | ISSUE 2
www.acsw.ab.ca
ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS
SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2019 REAL PEOPLE. REAL IMPACT. ACSW SHARED STORIES OF REAL ALBERTA SOCIAL WORKERS. DETAILS ON PAGE 4
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THE
ADVOCATE
THE ADVOCATE Volume 44, Issue 2, Summer 2019 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 Executive Director & Registrar: Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW acswexd@acsw.ab.ca Associate Registrar: Suzanne MacKinnon, MSW, RCSW associateregistrar@acsw.ab.ca Managers, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Directors: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB acswregulatory@acsw.ab.ca
ACSW CONFERENCE: CONNECTING & COMMUNITY 22 ACSW Conference Coverage 2019
Associate Director - Professional Practice & Advocacy: Jody-Lee Farrah, MSW, RSW assocdirector@acsw.ab.ca Membership Activities - Team Lead: Charity Lui, MSW, RSW Social Workers - Membership Activities: Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW Andre Tinio, BSW, RSW Finance & Administration Officer: Kim Hyggen, CPA, CGA Finance & Administration Support: Audrey Kent, CPA, CMA Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross
FEATURE STORY 18 First Nations Children First: A Jordan’s Principle Primer
FEATURES
13 Body and Mind in Social Work 18 First Nations Children First: A Jordan’s Principle Primer 22 Connecting & Community: ACSW Conference Coverage 2019 AROUND OUR PROVINCE 4 Around Our Province THE BIG PICTURE 8 A Message from the President 9
A Message from the Executive Director & Registrar
IN THE NEWS 10 Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs
AROUND OUR PROVINCE 4 Social Work Week
ETHICS IN ACTION 11 Gender Equity Requirements from Bill 21 – An Act to Protect Patients THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE 12 Stories from the Field RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES 16 ‘Everyone is Different, and Everyone is Special’ DIPLOMA DIALOGUES 17 Preparing for Practicum DAY IN THE LIFE 32 Gaye Watson Warthe
28 Social Workers in Training
FOR YOUR INFORMATION 34 The Advocate Editorial Policy
30 Excellence in Social Work
35 For Your Information
INDIGENOUS VOICES 14 Working with Indigenous High-Risk Youth
Printing on Titan Dull text. 10% post consumer waste. Titan participates in a certified forest program.
Executive Assistant / Administrative Team Lead: Noreen Majek Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Carlena Johnson Jennifer Vasquez Toni Harrison Emily Rypstra (Associate) Registration/Online Service Support Analyst: Laurie Nelson ACSW Council: President: Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW Vice President: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW Treasurer: Carla Bertsch, MSW, RSW Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Members at Large: Marg Brown, MSW, RSW Wilda Listener, MSW, RSW Bobbi Michaud, MSW, RSW Baiju Vareed, MSW Equiv, RSW Connie Hesjedal, MSW, RSW Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: Derek Chewka, MSW, RSW Public Members: Murray Hiebert Bukola Oladunni Salami Trevor Liskowich Laura Delfs Charmaine Coutinho Editorial Board: Cindy Haugen, BSW, RSW & Samuel Mammen, MSW Equiv, RSW (Co-Chairs) Michelle Humeny, RSW Darnel Forro, MSW, RSW Tasha Novick, BSW, RSW Sherri Tanchak, MSW, RSW Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW Enid Martin, MSW, RSW Cardinal Fomradas, MSW, RSW Islam Deyab, BSW Equiv, RSW Editorial services provided by Bird Communications Advertising space is available. To place an ad, contact activitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca. The ACSW reserves the right to reject any submissions and advertising. Fall 2019 Issue Ad Deadline: July 15, 2019 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 ©2019 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
Fred Phelps, Kylie Schibli, Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Jan Christianson-Wood, Ajay Pandhi
The Legislature glows magenta for Social Work week
Ajay Pandhi, Guylaine Ouimette, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, Jan Christianson-Wood
Heather Johnson with Calgary area coordinators
Edmonton film screening
Social Workers at wine and cheese reception with Minister Sigurdson and Minister Feehan
Social Work Week
Albertans through photography and interviews) to highlight nine unique social workers from various fields of practice. Their photos and stories were shared widely on social media.
ACSW was proud to support
March 3 to 9, 2019 was Social Work Week in Alberta with the theme Real People. Real Impact. This year, we engaged the public and shared social workers’ lived experiences and stories.
We collaborated with Humans of Edmonton Experience and Humans of Calgary (groups which share stories of 4
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This was a very successful campaign! Through social media, over 72,000 people saw the photos and stories; the photos are also on the cover of this issue. We encourage you to read their stories by viewing the Humans of Edmonton Experience and Humans of Calgary Facebook pages and continue to share! In Ottawa, Canadian Association of Social Workers’ President Jan Christianson-Wood, MSW, RSW, Executive Director Fred Phelps, ACSW Vice President Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW, and others celebrated our profession on Parliament Hill.
numerous social work celebrations throughout our province. Calgary Over 75 social workers gathered to celebrate Social Work Week and discuss the role that happiness, mindfulness and play can have in our lives. A happiness buffet, with fun items that make one happy, was part of this exciting night. Mayor Naheed Nenshi acknowledged March 3rd to 9th as Social Work Week in the city and the Reconciliation Bridge was lit up magenta. Edmonton Edmonton Area Coordinators hosted a film screening of the National Film Board film, The Song and The Sorrow
Edmonton’s High Level Bridge
Fort McMurray wood sign workshop
Bowling night in Red Deer
Fort McMurray kick-off breakfast
Bow Valley social work students
Bowling in Red Deer
Medicine Hat area coordinators Caitlin Hok, Jan Crommer and Jennifer McBride with Mayor Ted Clugston
Bow Valley area coordinators Carmen Campos, Kathy Tippe and Kelly Armour
at the Citadel Theatre. Over 50 social workers attended including Speaker of the House, Robert Wanner, MASW, RSW. The film was followed by an engaging panel discussion related to mental health.
proclamation and the lighting up of
Camrose
the High Level Bridge in magenta.
Area Coordinators in Camrose
The Gerontology Network North interest group hosted a wine and cheese reception. Over 50 social workers attended including Minister of Seniors and Housing, Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW and Minister of Indigenous Relations, Richard Feehan. The Indigenous Social Work Committee brought coffee and donuts to students at Yellowhead Tribal College and spoke to students about the ACSW. The City of Edmonton recognized the social work profession with a
Fort McMurray Fort McMurray Area Coordinators hosted many events during Social Work Week, including a kick-off breakfast buffet, a restorative yoga
organized a Mindful Meditation workshop. Participants were introduced to a short guided meditation to use in their practice and personal life.
class, a wood sign workshop and a
Medicine Hat
glass fusion workshop.
Medicine Hat Area Coordinators
Lac La Biche The Lac La Biche Area Coordinator organized a yoga session for local social workers. Red Deer and Sylvan Lake Social workers came together for a night of bowling in Red Deer. It
hosted a breakfast for local social workers. Both ACSW President Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW, and Speaker of the House Robert Wanner joined in the celebration. The Medicine Hat mayor provided the Area Coordinators a proclamation for Social Work Week.
was a great time with good food and
Bow Valley
many laughs.
Bow Valley social workers and THE ADVOCATE
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AROUND OUR PROVINCE
members of the public came together to screen the National Film Board film No Place Called Home about child poverty. After the film, participants enjoyed a discussion about this issue in their community. Taber Social workers in Taber had their annual Social Work Week potluck. They took the opportunity to watch the film Happy, which explores human happiness and positive psychology. Lethbridge Lethbridge social workers got together for pizza and wings this year, and walked to Lethbridge City Hall which was lit up magenta in honour of Social Work Week.
Derek Chewka with students from Yellowhead Tribal College
Other Activities The Calgary Area Coordinators organized a professional development day in January. There were over 60 social workers in attendance. Workshops included: Working with Transgender Clients, Indigenous Practice Strategies, First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training, and Gender Socialization and Sexual Violence. Thanks to all who presented and attended. Strathcona County Area Coordinators hosted an event called Chocolate for the Social Workers’ Soul. It was a time of fellowship and conversation for local social workers. Goodbye Stress, Hello Life! This was the title of the engaging keynote presentation by Allan Kehler at the annual Lethbridge Forum. With more than 80 social workers in the audience, Allan shared his personal story of overcoming many challenges in his life. The forum included social work students raising $1000 for the YWCA Harbour House during their annual silent auction. Members of ACSW staff and Council had the opportunity to support the Parkland Institute, an ACSW policy partner, by attending their annual gala dinner and silent auction. The Institute is an Alberta-wide, nonpartisan research centre. They study economic, social, cultural and political issues facing Albertans and Canadians. To learn more about their research, visit their website, www.parklandinstitute.ca. Members of the ACSW staff, Indigenous Committee, Mary McDermott, (an author of the ‘Guidelines for Indigenous Social Work’ document) and Minister of Indigenous Relations, Richard Feehan gathered together to celebrate the completion of the Indigenous Social Work Practice Framework project.
Lethbridge City Hall shines in magenta
CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities Team Lead. You can contact her at Charity@acsw.ab.ca regarding submissions for the Advocate.
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Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW, Social Worker – Membership Activities, visited social work students at the University of Calgary, Calgary and Lethbridge campuses. This was an opportunity to provide students with an introduction to the ACSW and our registration process. Suzanne MacKinnon, MSW, RCSW, Associate Registrar, had the opportunity to talk about registration to social work students at Red Deer College.
ACSW Election Results We wish to thank all members who participated in the ACSW election by voting or by running for a seat on the ACSW Council. The election results are: President: Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW Vice President: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW Council Members: Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Wilda Listener, MSW, RSW Bobbi Michaud, MSW, RSW
Honouring ACSW Past President We share with sad hearts the passing of Bob Johnson, past President for ACSW. Bob was active on the ACSW Council since 2006, first as a Council member, then Vice President, and as President 2011- 2012. Bob and his wife Sharon have been long-time volunteers and supporters of the profession.
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THE ADVOCATE
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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 for AHS as a therapist at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre. You can contact Ajay at acswpresident@acsw.ab.ca.
A WARM HELLO FROM ME TO YOU. My thanks to all of you for the opportunity to lead the Alberta College of Social Workers as your Council President. I am humbled to receive your trust and excited to work with you and on your behalf. ACSW plays an important role in supporting social workers across the province and at the national level, as you work to improve the lives of the families and communities that our work touches. As I start my term, I look forward to working with you as individuals and as communities of practice, to move forward while building on past successes to achieve our vision of “Social workers passionately engaged through our commitment to professionalism, individual, systems and environmental advocacy, and social justice.�
By taking the lead from Indigenous social workers, we will collectively continue to champion key calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
At this moment, we are well placed to become an even stronger voice for social change in Alberta, particularly in regards to reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Our strategic plan outlines our goal to be active agents of decolonization and to work to build strong relationships with Indigenous communities. By taking the lead from Indigenous social workers, we will collectively continue to champion key calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We must stay committed to this path with open hearts and open minds.
There is a greater sensitivity to equity, diversity and inclusion in many workplaces today, while at the same time, a vocal counter-progressive movement has emerged. As a profession, we will continue to build on successes in the areas of gender, feminism, environmental conservation and sustainability, mental health, education, culture, labour and human rights. By working collectively to uphold our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, social workers can be a key force to resist these changes and cutbacks. More than ever, we need increasing numbers of strong social workers in the work force to resist the forces of injustice. ACSW offers social workers a collective voice to advocate for progressive social policies and social justice. Involvement with ACSW offers our amazingly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced members a way to contribute, and advocate for social justice. As president, I invite you, and ACSW welcomes you, to bring your wisdom to the centre table of our advocacy. In short, ACSW is its members. To successfully navigate the changes and issues on the horizon, and succeed, we need to all act collectively! Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, MSW, RSW
8
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR WHAT DO ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES LOOK LIKE FOR YOU PERSONALLY? What should advocacy activities look like in your professional association? Are the answers to these questions the same? LYNN LABRECQUE KING is the Executive Director and Registrar for ACSW. Contact her at LynnLK@acsw.ab.ca to share your thoughts on this or any other topic.
VA LUE 2 : P U RS UIT O F S O C IA L J UST IC E
SOCIAL WORKERS: • uphold the right of people to have access to resources to meet basic human needs. • advocate for fair and equitable access to public services and benefits. • advocate for equal treatment and protection under the law and challenge injustices, especially injustices that affect the vulnerable and disadvantaged. • Promote social development and environmental management in the interests of all people.
In a time where we are exposed to disaster and global economic and political change as never before, our profession, with its foundation in advocacy and service, is needed as much as ever. It seems we’re hearing and saying this as loudly as I’ve heard through many years. Our social work Code of Ethics calls on social workers to work in pursuit of social justice. The breadth of advocacy efforts that are called for in practice is a common ethical dilemma in the calls that our “Social Worker on Duty” receives at the College. Questions from callers often centre around the the question of how best to raise systemic issues within their organizations. Within our professional association, there are multiple activities by social workers who are passionate about advocacy and working for social justice. Member interest groups form naturally within the professional body to meet diverse needs. In Calgary, Central Alberta, Edmonton and Fort McMurray, social workers gather to influence public policy for social justice. Gerontological social work groups in Calgary and Northern Alberta advocate for policy, services and resources to meet needs of seniors and vulnerable groups. The Child and Youth group and Social Workers in Health group meet to advocate around public policy and influence systems that serve the public. Advocacy can include important issues; for example, sexual and gender diversity, and social issues impacting those we work with. Some groups within the professional association work with diligence and passion to promote and address quality standards for the profession. Advocacy to help the public and employers understand the role of the College in public protection as well as the skills and education of social workers and the value that social work contributes to our social systems all matter a great deal. All of these advocacy efforts are valuable. So how can we best organize to do it all or at least do as much as we can given the complexity of areas that exist for potential advocacy? In the past 10 years, our professional body has grown by well over 2100 members leading to increasing and diverse desires to influence systems. Coordination and cooperation with the many individuals and groups that make up our body is a must. If contribution at macro levels is something you are passionate about, please consider joining one of ACSW’s member groups. Every member represents a professional with the ability to choose personally what advocacy will look like for their own practice. There is no shortage of avenues and certainly no shortage of need. Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW
THE ADVOCATE
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IN THE NEWS
Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS AS OF APRIL 11, 2019
Margaret Julia Abrams Dorcas Achiaa Ayodeji Edna
Melissa Tenielle Cutknife Brittney Doody
Larocque-Mountain
Megan Shauna Morin
Kurtis Bradley Stolth
Patricia Ann Lebel
Tuval Dinner Nafshi
Jenny Thornhill
Brett Eathen Lenzen
Samantha Anne Neilson
Marley Marie-Tara Turner
Michelle Omonzagba Oboh
Diana Chinedum Ugbaja
Melissa Parkyn
Ashley Van Der Putten
Terry-Anne Frances Poon Tip
Averley Van Orman
Adetimehin
Alana-Dawn Eirikson
Adebimpe Yetunde Agunbiade
Pauline Essanyou Sarah Vanessa Etti
Zachary Lewis Littlewood
Elizabeth Ann Ast
Liana Dawn Faithfull
Marie Lofoli
Jazlynn Raye Baker
Carla Mae Feldberg
Brandice Lorch
Jumana Juzar Bastawala
Jacqueline Ann Fields
Todd Leo MacIntyre
Shyla German
Tresa Anne Elizabeth Mackenzie
Alex D. Beavis Nirmal Singh Beniwal
Caralyn Anne Goode
Tammy Lidguerre
Jeffrey Gratton
Natasha Jacqueline Markel
Curtis Dean Blewett
Kassidy Lillian Sylvia Green
Raquelita Marquez
Elyse Borle
Klayton Richard Heintz
Ramandeep Brar
Nicole Hoare
Kara Leigh Brigden
Tammy Kay Holloway
Jennifer Simonne Brooks
Amanda Jean Howard
Melody Ann Berland
Deanna Nadine Brown Dustin Matthew Burgar Savana-Mae Cameron Michael Ryan Cardinal Stephanie Amber-Lynn Cloutier
Sheilagh Rani Martin Rigel Lee Martinsons Darlene Marie Masse Wurster
Luke Robert Rankin
Kimberly Marie Van Patten
Katie Lynn Regnier
Aleigha Vanderplas
Taylor Carol Lynn Riglin
Melissa Weselake
Susan Katherine Robinson
Susan Judy White
Pilar Roqueni Calderon Jean-Yves Rwibutso
Sandra Dee Ann McClure
Adedolamu Sijuade
Seema Iqbal Robin Jose
Sarah Nicole McKinnon
Kathryn Kazmerik
Jocelyn Mercer
Arooj Khan
Melvin Lydzustre Mique
Melissa Gale
Ana Maria Moreno
Elizabeth Mannas
Crystal Hartman
10
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Stephanie Zimmer
Salma Silim-Nahdy Mavis Lee Skyrpan Nicole Smith Christina Louise Stolth
TOTAL REGISTERED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER MEMBERSHIP AS OF APRIL 15, 2019
Kimberly McClaflin
Ganna Zakharova
Keira Shendaruk Katherine Shettell
Amy Johansson
Bridgette Yujah Wilson
Lindsay Nicole Savard
Amanda Ann Mavin
Kayleen Rae Hughes
8,392
242
ETHICS IN ACTION
Gender Equity Requirements from Bill 21 – An Act to Protect Patients BY SHERYL PEARSON, MSW, RSW, LLB
BILL 21 AMENDED the Health Professions Act to protect “patients” from sexual abuse and sexual misconduct by imposing mandatory sanctions for health professionals who engage in this type of conduct. This includes registered social workers. While not all social workers traditionally use the term “patient” to refer to the people we work with,
and then Practice Resources. Of particular interest, the Bill 21 amendments addressed the composition of hearing tribunals for disciplinary hearings involving allegations of sexual abuse and/ or sexual misconduct. The new legislation stipulates that every effort will be made to ensure that at least one member of the hearing tribunal is the same gender identity as the patient.
the Discipline Committee, please update your member profile to express interest in the Discipline Roster and contact the ACSW Hearings Director, Toni Harrison, to confirm your interest in participating and being trained on the Discipline Committee. Additionally, you may be invited by other professional regulatory bodies governed under the Health Professions Act to sit on hearing tribunals involving cases of sexual abuse and/ or misconduct towards patients who voluntarily disclose being a gender identity other than male or female. Finally, as part of the legislative requirements, every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that all members of a hearing tribunal in cases involving allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct are trained in trauma-informed practice and sexual violence. Things, they are a changin’! And we say this is a major step in the direction of equity for all.
How will we satisfy this requirement, you ask?
Every effort will be made to ensure that at least one member of the hearing tribunal is the same gender identity as the patient. the Bill 21 amendments apply to our profession nonetheless. To that end, our Standards of Practice have been amended to reflect the rules, practices and sanctions around this type of conduct. See the revised Standards of Practice at acsw.ab.ca by clicking Social Workers
In communications with the Hearings Director throughout the discipline process, the patient’s gender identity will not be assumed and the patient will be given the opportunity to voluntarily disclose their gender identity. Further, current members of the Discipline Committee (the registered social workers who preside over complaint reviews and hearing tribunals) will have the opportunity to voluntarily disclose their gender identity for reference in future cases. Call to ACTION! If you are someone who self identifies as a gender other than male or female, and you would like to join
SHERYL PEARSON is a Manager of Regulatory Practice for the Alberta College of Social Work.
ACSW MEMBER PR OFILE
GENDER IDENTIFIERS The ACSW member profile allows the following gender identifiers: Female, Male, Woman, Man, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Trans-Woman, Trans-Man, Non-Binary, Third Gender, Gender Queer, Gender Fluid, Agender, and Other (with fill-in blank option).
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THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE
Stories from the Field BY RHONDA ZABRODSKI, MSW, RSW, STEPHANIE WELLINGS, MSW, RSW, AND TERESA WINFIELD, MSW, RCSW
HE WAS REFERRED FOR ANGER management and as he sat in my waiting room, I noticed his shaved head, multiple tattoos and sweatshirt that prominently displayed a swastika. I’m Jewish…what should I do now? This and other stories from the field were shared on April 6 at the ACSW Conference, which offered an interactive forum to share clinical social work practice stories. Stories offer an effective way to learn as they weave in relevant, experiential learning. Participants offered ideas about how they would have dealt with cases through their own lens and skills. The group discussed the decision-making process around therapeutic interventions, creating a collaborative process between a group of advanced practitioners who prioritize healthy boundaries and appropriate self-disclosure. Case presentations offer a means of managing the most challenging of situations, including working with narcissistic, borderline, abusive or even “wrong fit” clients. A private practitioner has to constantly assess what the client presents and adjust to what the client needs. Clinical social workers evolve and develop through their own personal and professional experiences, and this process affects how we deliver service to our clients. There are times when we as clinicians 12
SUMMER 2019
are surprised by the unexpected, which allows for important learning opportunities. These character-building moments, while they can be scary, also reorient us to ponder the ethical dilemmas that arise. Here are a few of the questions the presenters reviewed: •
Who is the client and what is the presenting concern?
•
What are the ethical considerations?
•
How do we manage abusive behaviour and maintain sensitivity to the client’s personal issues?
•
What responsibility do we have in the therapeutic space?
•
What resources should private practitioners have in place when difficult situations present?
•
What treatment methods should be used and why?
•
How do you orient therapy to each client so it addresses unique needs and personality characteristics?
•
What lessons did the client offer us?
•
Do we have any regrets?
It’s amazing what happens when seasoned clinicians offer a forum to come together and discuss real scenarios that play out each day in
the office of a private practitioner. While we often don’t know how these stories end, meaning closure remains out of reach, the discussions can offer important lessons to enrich the therapy we offer. Our aim as private practitioners is to ensure that we are doing our best for the client as well as demonstrating awareness of our safety and emotional well-being. Sharing stories from the field reflects that even our best intentions can be met with unexpected twists and turns. For resources related to private practice, visit www.casw-acts.ca, click Resources, then Private Practice Portal.
RHONDA ZABRODSKI has over 20 years experience as a clinician, teacher and lecturer in weight preoccupation and dieting. STEPHANIE WELLING works with adolescents and adults dealing with trauma, abuse, addiction, loss and grief, and anger management issues.
NETWORKING AND PEER CONSULT SUBCOMMITTEES These subcommittees meet alternate months on Thursdays, 10-11:30 am. Attendees must be on the Private Practice Roster and have at least two years experience running a private practice. The Peer Consult group discusses one or two cases per meeting and each attendee provides positive feedback and suggestions. The Networking group discusses business practices and upcoming trainings. For information, contact Sharon at sharon_stopforth@hotmail. com or Liz at ehides@healthydirections.ca.
FEATURE STORY
Body and Mind in Social Work BY GEORGE JASON, MSW, RETIRED MEMBER
SELF-AWARENESS IS INTEGRAL to self-empowerment. As social workers invested in the lives of others, this awareness not only assists us in identifying our own strengths but also exploring our own socialization, where attitudes and emotional responses were first learnt. In such an enquiry, we might recognize aspects of our early learning that limit our self-empowerment. When I came to social work, having focused much of my undergraduate work in studying English and philosophy (where the use of language and the sharing of ideas took up a significant amount of time), I realized that much of the emphasis on sharing ideas did not necessarily involve being self-aware or understanding one’s emotional responses to those ideas. Our emotional lives play a significant part not only in discussing ideas but also in how we interact with others. Bodily awareness impacts how we relate to the world as well. Emotions are, after all, grounded in our bodies. Using language to articulate awareness of our emotions can expand the range of our responses and engage others to do a similar exploration. I believe it also humanizes relationships. Owning emotions honestly and being clear about them is often a direct path to connecting with others. During the years working towards my Master’s in Social Work and after, I amplified my interest in Eastern philosophy by focusing on yoga and meditational practices. What intrigued me about these disciplines was that they were experientially different from most of my previous university education. They were not solely about reading books, thinking about what I had read or hearing what educators and others had to say. The use of meditation and yoga added to, but also took me outside of, the traditional way of addressing and processing ideas and experience. They allowed me to not only do personal work in being mindful of emotions and thoughts, but also to extend my awareness of my body, particularly my breathing.
In both yoga and meditation, awareness of breath and breathing is a core experience. Interestingly, in the West where Greek and Latin have had significant influences in language, cultural and religious traditions, the term breathing can be translated as ‘life force’. The increased use of disciplines like yoga and meditation suggest that experiential, non-conceptual approaches to personal health and self-awareness can significantly augment what we traditionally have referred to as the ’talking cure’. While disciplines like yoga and meditation have nonEuropean origins, some Western practitioners augment their ideas with an awareness of how we are connected with our bodies as well. American therapist Stanley Keleman created the body psychotherapy approach, which explores the body’s connection to human behaviour. The Alexander Technique is a way of learning to use mindfulness to ease tension. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk studies different ways of treating traumatic stress. All are Western attempts to deal with the mind/ body split which some suggest our Western culture has bequeathed to us. For further reading: Stanley Keleman. Myth & The Body - A Colloquy with Joseph Campbell / Love: A Somatic View / Bonding: A SomaticEmotional Approach to Transference Michael J. Gelb. Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma
GEORGE JASON spent most of his career working within mental health counselling and treatment settings. In retirement, he became involved in the Edmonton and Red Deer Social Action / Social Justice interest groups. Originally from South Africa, small town Central Alberta has become his home. THE ADVOCATE
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INDIGENOUS VOICES
Working with Indigenous HighRisk Youth SUZANNE DOUCET, BSW STUDENT
Suzanne Doucet is a social work student at MacEwan University. As part of her practicum, she interviewed an Indigenous social worker. Her instructor, Derek Chewka, MSW, RSW (and chair of the ACSW Indigenous Social Work Committee) wanted to share this informative exchange with the readers of the Advocate. The social worker’s area of practice and employer requested that she remain anonymous.
Why work with youth versus children? It’s not that I don’t like the little ones, they deserve attention and care; however, the youth are the ones people don’t want, the throwaways. They are in group homes, on the streets, they’re the ‘bad kids’, you know? I just remember fondly and sadly what it was like to be an Indigenous youth. They are very high risk, very broken, with a lot of hurt and despair. It’s hard enough to be a teenager when you have a supportive family and network of friends. [It’s harder] when you have no one, everyone has hurt or abused you, and you are expected to function well, be in school, not be angry and not lash out. These youth have no one, they are all about survival. They have us. It is heartbreaking, but… they are the most amazing kids that you have ever met! So many different talents, and beautiful parts of them that people don’t get to see. I love my job! I love my youth! How do you start to build that trust? It’s hard, you get told to eff off a lot. 14
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They don’t want to be around you, you don’t care, and you’re just another stupid social worker. You continue to tell them “I am here for you”; when they fall, you’re there for them; when the cops call, you’re the one that goes
Ask ourselves, are we getting this right? How can we improve? How can we be better for Indigenous people, or our clientele of any race or religion? to pick them up in the middle of the night. You are the one that’s there if they OD and are in the hospital. You continue to be there and support them, and help build supports around them. Some of them do everything you can imagine to keep themselves unsafe. They don’t value their lives; it’s not intentional, they just don’t
understand. They’ve lived a broken life. They don’t know what it’s like to be happy. A lot of them have substance abuse problems because it’s so great to numb that pain. [I help] them be the best possible version that they can be, and it might not look like what we may feel it should be, but it’s what they are capable of. Always meet them where they are at. They don’t have the support for people to tell them that they are proud of them. They don’t know what to do to be loved. They don’t know what love is, so that’s a heartbreaking thing. How has culture affected you? I was in my early 20s before I dived into my culture. I used to scrub my skin when I was in the shower till I was red so I didn’t look Aboriginal. I have youth on my case load that have said they are Mexican or Italian because of their skin colour. When people find out you are Native, their mindset changes and you’re labelled. You’re useless! You’re a junkie! An addict! You need to get a job! How have you found working with Indigenous families? Do you identify with them? I definitely think it’s an advantage… and gives me an edge [to be Indigenous]. Most of them are like, “Oh good, there’s someone who can relate,” while some people look at you like you are a traitor. I don’t have that happen too much, it’s more like, I can breathe a bit and explain. I get it. Social workers have a long, damaging history with Indigenous people. Any advice going forward? I think we always have to examine where we are at. Ask ourselves, are we getting this right? How can we improve? How can we be better for
Indigenous people, or our clientele of any race or religion? Check ourselves, ask am I doing the best work that I can be doing…. Strive to be better, to do better. I don’t know a social worker that hasn’t cried, wasn’t stressed out or worried, who couldn’t sleep at night because of a client or a youth or a family. We’re all human beings and it’s a tough job. I think we are doing the best that we can, we are the best we have ever been. Do you identify with being a social worker, or an Indigenous social worker? I would say an Indigenous social worker. I think those two go handin-hand. I try my best to incorporate the culture the best I can. I go to a lot of events with my youth. I take them
to powwows, to Round Dances. I set them up with Sweats, or an Elder connection, things like that. I figure out how my youth connect to those things. I don’t know everything, and I don’t pretend to know everything. I just know what I know. We get someone in to help us if we don’t know. We primarily have Indigenous clients so it’s important! Are there any changes that you would like to see specifically for Indigenous social workers? I think there needs to be more [Indigenous social workers]. I would be interested in going to reserves to explain what it would be like to be an Indigenous social worker and how they could help. When you’re in rural communities or on reserves,
you don’t really see the potential and the options. Going from a rural small village to the city is scary. I would be open to being a mentor. Show how to navigate through the city. Engage Indigenous population. Say “Hey, we need you!” You’re hurting, you’re mad, no one is there and hearing you, you need to be a voice too. Let’s figure this out. I think that there isn’t enough support for social workers in dealing with a population that is so broken.
SUZANNE DOUCET is working towards her Social Work diploma part-time at MacEwan University and is passionate about working with Indigenous people. THE ADVOCATE
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RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES
‘EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, AND EVERYONE IS SPECIAL’
Everyone is
and everyone is
A colouring book about social workers
A Social Work Colouring Book BY DON MCSWINEY U of C’s Social Work colouring book
THE WOOD’S HOMES Stampede Breakfast is a Calgary tradition. Literally thousands of kids and their parents start lining up early in the morning and there’s a great air of anticipation along with the intoxicating smell of frying pancakes. Wood’s puts on a great breakfast with tons of fun activities including the Faculty of Social Work tent. There’s usually a prize wheel and a selection of assorted university swag including the ubiquitous cowbells and other typical offerings. Problem was, there wasn’t a lot for children. As the communications and marketing director for the faculty, I always felt bad handing out swag that was kind of boring to kids. They were so excited to spin the wheel, then their faces would drop when I handed them a book of Post-it notes. So, after the last breakfast, I decided to do something different. In chatting with the children and their parents, I heard a couple of consistent questions: what do social workers actually do anyway? And, more fundamentally, what is social work? Some of the children who attend the breakfast are in contact with social workers or have friends who are. My goal was to create something that was fun, and could explain a little bit about what social workers do as well as how important social work and social workers often are to families. The result was a colouring book entitled Everyone is Special, which focuses on social work as a helping profession, touching on counselling, community building and advocacy. The big question was, who would illustrate the book? I turned to the Alberta University of the Arts (AUA), which has an class focused on children’s book illustration. The students were allowed to choose a page from the book to illustrate, and Professor Mike Kerr, who teaches illustra16
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tion at AUA, says the exercise was also beneficial for the students. “Our students are often focused on fictional creative works. As immersive as these can be, students return to their own world and lived experiences. I suspect that many of those experiences relate, at least in some small degree, to the subjects explored in the colouring book project,” says Kerr. “Freud said a creative is ‘one who dreams in broad daylight’ and that creative works can reflect and reconcile uncomfortable ideas. This project was a great opportunity for the students to explore this concept and bridge the gap between fantasy and lives lived. It gave them a glimpse of how their imaginative works could not only reflect the real world but also have real impact on that world.” The book has been a hit with the children it was designed for, as well as with social workers who often can use a little colouring therapy as self-care. We brought a couple of boxes of our colouring books to the Council on Social Work Education conference in Orlando last year, and we were blown away by the response. We went through every book we had on the first afternoon and had to have another 1,000 printed. The book has proved so popular that the faculty is looking to provide copies to any family or child-serving agencies who might like to have some. If you’d like one, you can usually find a box or two wherever the faculty shows up to do public outreach. You can also email me at don.mcswiney@ ucalgary.ca. One thing I’ve noticed is that social workers rarely colour within the lines – but I guess that’s not surprising! DONALD MCSWINEY is the manager of Communications and Marketing in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work.
DIPLOMA DIALOGUES
PREPARING FOR PRACTICUM BY ALEXIS LAIRD, MSW, RSW
Social work students at Keyano College
STUDENTS IN THE Keyano College Social Work Diploma program are preparing for their first practicum experience. This will allow students to gain valuable work experience in frontline social work throughout the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and surrounding communities. Our students value the unique experience of living, learning, and practicing social work in Alberta’s north. Social workers in the RMWB serve a culturally diverse population in both the urban centre of Fort McMurray and rural outlying communities. Students have been working diligently to build the skill set they will need to effectively serve anywhere in Alberta. In addition to course work, students have also had the opportunity to hear guest speakers from Native Counselling Services of Alberta, the Alberta Child and Youth Advocate, a domestic violence specialist, and a local Indigenous Elder. These experiences will be invaluable to students as they begin working with some of Alberta’s most vulnerable populations. “Being a Social Work student in the north has provided me insight on northern information that I wouldn’t have known if I was taking classes in the south. When we have classes such as Northern Rural Practice, I am able to connect my life to the concepts we are learning. I think it’s a great opportunity to live up north, to learn more about Indigenous culture and history…” Nikita Proulx, Social Work Diploma Student
empowered to help liberate and become allies with many people. Keyano College brings a special view because we are in the north with many Indigenous communities. We not only get the privilege to celebrate our culture during class but after hours as well.” Christine Alexander, Social Work Diploma Student
The Social Work Diploma program has been offered at Keyano College since the fall of 2012, and is hosting its fourth cohort. In a remote, northern community that has struggled with recruitment and retention of social workers, this program is an important resource, and many past students have found employment in the RMWB. The program also prepares students to continue to a Bachelor of Social Work degree with the University of Calgary or at MacEwan University. Faculty and staff at Keyano College look forward to continuing to support the growth of the professional social work community in the RMWB. “Attending the Social Work Diploma program at Keyano has been one of the best decisions I have made. The curriculum, the faculty and the academics have been, in a word, amazing. My world has opened up to issues and cultures I had never taken the time to explore. The faculty is extremely supportive and always pushing for us to move outside our comfort zone to help us succeed.” Jennifer Oxford, Social Work Diploma Student
Recognizing the important role the ACSW plays in regulating social work practice, students have also participated in a workshop on the application of the Standards of Practice, and heard from our local Area Coordinators on the registration process for students and graduates. “Being a student again after 25 years has had its challenges but I am sure grateful that this Metis lady is becoming more
ALEXIS LAIRD is a progressive social worker and a passionate educator. She was employed by Alberta Children’s Services for 7 years before joining Keyano as a full time faculty member in 2018.
THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
First Nations Children First: A Jordan’s Principle Primer BY DEBBY WALDMAN
IN 34 YEARS AS A clinical social worker, much of it spent counseling child sexual offenders and their victims, Ian MacKenzie, MSW, RCSW, had never had a case quite like the one involving a First Nations boy he refers to as “Client C” and his kokum (grandmother). In 2016, Client C, who was 12 but had the emotional and cognitive development of a five-year-old, was criminally charged with sexually offending against his five-year-old male cousin. He needed intensive therapy, but every agency his kokum contacted either couldn’t or wouldn’t provide it. Instead of help, the boy was trapped in a bureaucratic tangle between the federal and provincial governments, both of which were responsible for different levels of his care. In a letter to the First Nations Health Consortium (FNHC) in July 2018, MacKenzie wrote that he and the kokum “are at our wits’ end as to how to ensure C receives the therapy he requires.” The FNHC responded a week later. “They said fine, just send us the bill,” MacKenzie recalls. “Every which way we went, we kept getting turned down—until they got involved.” What made the difference was Jordan’s Principle, a nationwide child-first initiative developed to ensure that First Nations children receive the services they need when they need them. The FNHC, which has 11 First Nations partners in Alberta, is an organization formed in 2017 to expedite and provide enhanced service coordination for Jordan’s Principle in the province. Alberta is the only province to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally implement Jordan’s Principle. That happened in November 2018, a little over a year after the FNHC opened its doors. The other signatories to the memorandum were the federal government and the FNHC. 18
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“We’re here to assist in providing services where people’s hands are tied or where families are experiencing true gaps in services, whether medical, educational, or social,” says Deanna Wolf Ear, the FNHC Southern Alberta Team Lead and Communications Officer. “We’re not tied to the Ministry of Children’s Services—we’re here to assist with services and provide resources to make sure that needs are met.”
Jennifer King
Those needs can be as simple as applying for a Certificate of Indian Status or as serious as a life-and-death matter, such as palliative care. The FNHC regularly fields requests for services such as medical care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, registered massage therapy, assessments, nursing, podiatry, audiology, social supports, camp activities, and respite care. Regardless of the request, “the FNHC will walk alongside the family until the needs are met,” Wolf Ear says. Thirteen regional service coordinators handle Jordan’s Principle requests for the province. Requests can be made for either a group or an individual First Nations child or youth and can come from the person seeking the service, relatives, caregivers, care providers, or working professional advocates such as social workers. Once a call has been made, an access worker opens a file and refers the case to one of the service coordinators. The coordinator works alongside the family and whoever else is involved—doctors, social workers, therapists. It’s a collaborative effort.
Andrea Auger
“Those regional service coordinators become the experts so that we can best meet the needs of the people in those areas,” Wolf Ear says. “They know what is readily available and what is not.” Once the service has been provided, a file is closed. If another issue arises after a file is closed, a family can reach out to the FNHC again. There is no limit to the amount of accessibility. There is also an appeal process if a case is denied.
Jordan’s Principle Deanna Wolf Ear
IS NAMED IN MEMORY OF JORDAN RIVER ANDERSON, A MEMBER OF THE NORWAY HOUSE FIRST NATION IN MANITOBA. Jordan was born in 1999 with medical conditions so complex it took two years to stabilize them. A specialized foster home awaited him, but his move from the hospital was delayed by jurisdictional issues over who would foot the bill for everything from home medical care to a specialized shower head. Delay of service is a common problem for First Nations children and youth. Because they receive services from federal and provincial agencies, it is not always clear which level of government is responsible. What that meant for Jordan is that while the different levels of government haggled over who should pay for what, he was stuck in hospital. In 2005, at age five, he died, having never lived anywhere else.
Ian MacKenzie
Jordan’s Principle was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament in December THE ADVOCATE
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FEATURE STORY
2007 “to resolve jurisdictional disputes involving the care of First Nations children.” Although the federal government stated its full support, Jordan’s Principle did not get off to a flying start. It wasn’t widely publicized and the government made the application “so narrow and so specific that I doubt even Jordan himself would have qualified,” says Jennifer King, MSW, Reconciliation and Policy Coordinator for the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, the Ottawa-based organization that has been a driving force in ensuring Jordan’s Principle was enacted and honoured.
delivered, families have the opportunity to say, ‘We want a service from an Elder.’ To some it may seem like something out of the norm, but it relates to substantive equality.” The CHRT has issued follow-up orders pertaining to Jordan’s Principle, and more are expected. Still, thousands of people are benefitting from the initiative. Since 2016, it has been used to provide First Nations children, youth, and families more than 214,000 services and support products—everything from medical equipment to educational services. Among the services and products it has provided in Alberta: •
A fence for a family who lived near a highway and had a four-yearold autistic child who ran outside whenever the door was open.
In 2007, the Caring Society (under Executive Director Cindy Blackstock, Equally important, PhD, RSW) and the Assembly of First the FNHC helps Nations filed a complaint with the • A wheelchair for a seven-and-a-half Canadian Human Rights Commission year-old boy who had used the same its clients navigate claiming that the restrictions were a one since he was three because he had a system that is form of discrimination. In 2016, the already received the three pieces of Canadian Human Rights Tribunal often complex or equipment he was eligible for through (CHRT) found that the government had the Non-Insured Health Benefits intimidating failed to properly implement Jordan’s program. Principle. At that point, Jordan’s Principle became legally • Educational assessments during summer holidays, binding. ensuring that children will be placed in the proper “This is not a program that the government rolls out and classrooms when school begins in the fall. after three years it sunsets and we never hear about it • Resources for a school library. again,” King says. “This is a legal rule that Canada has to • Funds for a community to operate a healthy food truck live up to until the end of time.” and parenting Jordan’s Principle applies to all First Nations children on programs JOR DAN’S PR INCIPLE and off reserve and to all government services. There about health are timelines within which cases have to be decided. and wellness. ACCESS IN Administrative procedures or “case conferencing” cannot ALBERTA “When someone be used to solve the cases and delay an outcome. needs that little You can access Jordan’s Principle Substantive equality is a key tenet: it is not enough to bit of extra in Alberta by calling the FNHC at merely meet the needs of First Nations children and assistance, our 1-844-558-8748. youth in Canada; those needs must be met in ways that Staff are available 24/7. staff within our are culturally appropriate and take into consideration organization historical and contemporary disadvantages in Information is also available here: communities and for families.
“We’re looking at how First Nations communities never started at the same spot as other people did,” says Andrea Auger, Reconciliation and Research Manager at the Caring Society. “So much culture and language has been lost due to residential schools, due to the Sixties Scoop. We’re making sure, for example, that when services are 20
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make honest
efforts to connect with resources and services that are not always easily accessible,” Wolf Ear says.
• https://www.canada.ca/en/ indigenous-services-canada/ services/jordans-principle.html • www.abfnhc.com • www.fncaringsociety.com
THE FIRST NATIONS HEALTH CONSORTIUM IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE CHILD AND THE NEEDED PROGRAM, SERVICE, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT.
FIRST NATIONS CHILDREN & FAMILIES IN AB
NEED IS IDENTIFIED
FNHC LTD.
SERVICE COOR DINATION CONTR ACT
HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE FOCAL POINTS
NEED IS MET
Equally important, the FNHC helps its clients navigate a system that is often complex or intimidating. For many First Nations people, “when you go to a government office, you never know if you’re going to get what you went in there for,” Wolf Ear says. “There is a real fear of racism and discrimination that comes with these interactions and government offices. Our staff, they know and have lived and breathed this their entire lives. “We do our jobs from a place of love and compassion, and we do this with a gentle hand. In many cases, we are not only creating awareness and educating our own people, we’re educating the public and professionals.”
DEBBY 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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ACSW CONFERENCE
CONNECTING & COMMUNITY: ACSW CONFERENCE COVERAGE 2019
S
PRING IS A TIME OF NEW GROWTH, which makes it a fitting time for the annual ACSW Conference. Inspiring keynotes and workshops plant seeds that may sprout in the practices of those who attend, while the break from routine is a reminder to pause and nurture ourselves. BMO Centre on Stampede Park in Calgary was fertile ground for over 500 attendees from April 4th to 6th. 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the legislated recognition of the profession in Alberta, so conference organizers used this landmark to build around the theme ‘Connection to Change: Evolution, Innovation and Activism in Social Work’.
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THURSDAY
CONFERENCE COVERAGE 2019
THURSDAY’S WELCOME event asked participants to step out of their comfort zones and into a drum circle presented by Circles of Rhythm. Owner Julien Lepage, BSW, RSW, sees his work with drum circles as an opportunity to combine his passion for being a professional musician with his full-time employment in mental health. He’s enthusiastic about the payoff for participants too.
ACSW Executive Director & Registrar Lynn Labrecque King
“Drum circles use the same skills required to work in a team: listening, non-verbal communication, self-awareness and being willing to take a risk,” he says. When people are asked to do something new and unfamiliar, whether at a drum or in their practice, “We can lean into it, or we can resist. At the conference, I saw people who were willing to try something new.” “Social work is a demanding profession,” he adds. “It’s rewarding to find ways to engage in self-care as a group. It reminds us that it’s okay to be vulnerable.”
Finding a rhythm
Conference Photography by Leroy Schulz
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CONFERENCE FEEDBACK
I THOUGHT THE YOUNG MAN WHO LED THE DRUMMING WAS QUITE INSPIRATIONAL
Julien Lepage leads the group
Minister of Finance, Joe Ceci THE ADVOCATE
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FRIDAY BASED ON LAST YEAR’S overwhelmingly positive response to having two keynote addresses, ACSW was pleased to offer presentations from two respected members of our profession. Dr. Jackie Sieppert, PhD, RSW, presented a Friday keynote on ‘Reflections on the Evolution of Social Work in Alberta’. He looked back on the growth and successes of the profession, and the profound challenges currently faced by practitioners. Saturday’s keynote presenter was Professor Lena Dominelli, ACSS, PhD, CQSW, a well-known British social scientist. She brought a green perspective to her topic of ‘Disaster Interventions in Social Work’, and talked about moving the profession forward to renew itself. Dominelli’s discussion of green social work was new to firsttime attendee Destinee Campbell, SWDip, RSW. “This was my first time hearing about green social work or environmental justice, and it was so fascinating,” says Destinee. It immediately sparked ideas about connecting these concepts to the populations she works with as a Child Support Worker at the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society. “I’d love to help kids find a passion for this,” Destinee says, adding that it’s an area she’d like to learn more about herself after completing the final year of her BSW.
Jackie Sieppert
As for her first impressions of the ACSW conference? “This profession can feel lonely, so it was really nice to be surrounded by people who get it.” She loved the sense of community and names a workshop on bullying in the workplace as a favourite. Conference volunteer Leeann Francis, SWDip, RSW, lists several workshops that stood out for her, including one on social work and police partnerships that she calls “fabulous.” This was Leeann’s second year volunteering, and she’s already signed up to chair the 2020 Conference Planning Committee. When asked what she takes away from her volunteer experience, she has lots to say. “It’s an excellent way to stay connected to social work and to the College,” she explains. With a busy life that includes four kids and full-time work in the mental health field, volunteering at the conference allows Leeann to stay involved in a manageable way. Committee meetings are about once a month, and since she works with only one other social worker, it’s a good way to stay connected to the profession. So are the post-conference connections on social media with colleagues around the province. Thalia Anderen, conference presenter
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CONFERENCE COVERAGE 2019
Kerrie Moore providing the Indigenous blessing
Suzanne MacKinnon, Associate Registrar
Bobbi Michaud, Conference Committee chair
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CONFERENCE FEEDBACK
Conference Photography by Leroy Schulz
I ENJOYED BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHER SOCIAL WORKERS, NETWORKING, SHARING IDEAS IN THE BREAKOUT SESSIONS. I ALSO ENJOYED SPENDING TIME WITH MY FRIENDS WHO I OFTEN DO NOT SEE THAT WORK IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF SOCIAL WORK.
Rebecca Stares, conference presenter
Participants engaged in a workshop THE ADVOCATE
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SATURDAY
Conference volunteers
$ $
OUTGOING COUNCIL PRESIDENT, Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW, was honoured with the Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award at Friday’s award luncheon. The audience recognized him with a standing ovation, and did so again at the annual general meeting. Richard thanked the crowd and shared how he appreciated the opportunity to be the ACSW President.
COFFEE IS ALWAYS IN HIGH DEMAND AT THE CONFERENCE. WE DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU TOPPED UP, BUT WITH A COST OF MORE THAN $5 PER CUP, IT CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT CONFERENCE COSTS
ACSW administrative team
Lena Dominelli, Lynn Labrecque King, Jackie Sieppert
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Kanakii Mekaisto
CONFERENCE COVERAGE 2019
Lena Dominelli
Conference Photography by Leroy Schulz
ACSW staff share a laugh
Bruce Llewellyn, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Director with Martha Donkor
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CONFERENCE FEEDBACK
THE SESSIONS I ATTENDED WERE PHENOMENAL – I CAME AWAY WITH NEW INFORMATION THAT I CAN USE IN MY PRACTICE AS WELL AS CURIOSITY TO CHECK INTO FURTHER TRAINING. Jody-Lee Farrah, ACSW Associate Director, Professional Practice Support & Advocacy
THE ADVOCATE
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IN THE NEWS
Social Workers in Training 2019 ACSW Conference Student Scholarship Winners SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS WHO NEED financial support to attend the annual ACSW conference can apply to the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex conference scholarship fund. This year, two students were awarded funds, while another two received free registration from anonymous donors. ACSW thanks all students who applied, and congratulates this year’s recipients. Suzanne Doucet, BSW student MacEwan University, Edmonton The 2019 conference was a wonderful experience to mingle, learn about community resources and programs, seek out opportunities for mentorship and ask questions of practicing social workers. The workshops provided an opportunity to plant seeds of information in order to cultivate the necessary skills to become a genuine, competent social worker who works from the heart in an anti-oppressive manner. Three of my four sessions were Indigenous related. I was able to hear first-hand what it is like to be an Indigenous youth in the child welfare system and how there were feeling of being just a file. Some youth felt safer living on the streets versus in foster care. One social worker shared that the concerns brought up that day were the same that were discussed sixteen years prior. There are three times the amount of children involved in the child welfare system than were involved at the height of residential schools; we need to change our ways! The Blanket Exercise was an experiential learning opportunity and a very real overview of the history of oppression against Indigenous people, leaving me with a heavy heart, and reflecting on how I can do better in my future practice. The Indigenous Practice Strategies workshop gave me practical skills in working towards Wise Practice. The most important is building trusting and meaningful relationships with everyone, as we are all interconnected! 28
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Brittany LeBlanc, BSW student University of Calgary, Virtual Learning Circle, Medicine Hat Brittany thanks the anonymous donor who paid her registration. I am grateful to have been chosen as a scholarship recipient for the 2019 ACSW Conference. I am a thirdyear distance student, so my social work community and support networks are virtual. This makes it essential that I seek out in-person opportunities to network and interact with colleagues. Throughout the conference, I was fortunate to cross paths with many inspiring social workers from a variety of backgrounds and learn more about their fields and the journeys that brought them to social work. The workshops I attended were immersive, and a chance to explore some of my avenues of interest. I found it extremely beneficial to experience some realworld applications for the skills I am developing. The keynote address, “Disaster Interventions in Social Work” given by Dr. Lena Dominelli, helped me internalize how the integration of theory and practice impacts our work on a micro and macro level. Her address reinforced for me that, as social workers, we have a responsibility to recognize the impact that complex global issues, such as environmental degradation and natural disasters, have on our communities and the most vulnerable among us. I left the conference feeling inspired, energized, connected and better prepared to translate the skills I am learning into practice. I look forward to attending future conferences. Thank you again for the opportunity to participate. Katie Mustafayeva, BSW Student University of Calgary, Edmonton campus Katie thanks the anonymous donor who paid her registration. Participating in this year’s ACSW conference, Connection to Change: Evolution, Innovation and Activism in Social Work, was a privilege. As a fourth-year student and emerging practitioner, the conference theme spoke to my earnest desire to contribute to the field of social work as an
Brittany LeBlanc, Alan Poirier, Katie Mustafayeva and Suzanne Doucet
ally and advocate willing to grow, adapt, and make waves in the pursuit of social justice.
Photo by Leroy Schulz
The screening of the film (Dis)placed and panel discussion facilitated by the ACSW’s Indigenous Social Work Committee provided impactful learnings. The film drew undeniable parallels between residential schools and current experiences of Indigenous children/youth within child welfare. The panelists drove home the message that investing in families and relational accountability are pivotal to disrupting the loop of apprehension. ‘Competence with diversity’ becomes a meaningless soundbite if we are unwilling to look to Indigenous communities to shape how social workers can contribute to the well-being of their communities and awâsis (children). Other notable experiences were the welcoming drum circle activity lead by Circle of Rhythm, and the workshop facilitated by Dick Averns that utilized participatory art as a means of creating a framework for mental wellness. The arts have a way of connecting us, and both facilitators imparted the message that artistic expression is an effective way to communicate the recognition, validation, and reassurance that is essential to a sense of belonging. The conference was an
energizing point of connection between professionals endeavouring to enhance their capacities. Alan Poirier, BSW Student University of Calgary, Virtual Learning Circles, Medicine Hat Fall 2019 will mark the commencement of my final year towards a BSW and I am immensely appreciative of the opportunity afforded me as one of the recipients of the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Conference Scholarship. This being my first opportunity to attend the conference, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet social workers, public members and other students from throughout Alberta. Having the opportunity to learn from their experiences and hear a variety of points of view built upon what I have learned in my studies and expanded my understanding of the many areas that social work can take me as I advance in my career. Each presentation taught me something new, from practical strategies for trauma treatment and caregiver care, to challenging definitions of vulnerability and vulnerable populations. I anxiously await the opportunity to again gather together at a future ACSW conference. THE ADVOCATE
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IN THE NEWS
Excellence in Social Work ACSW’s Annual Awards Luncheon took place Friday, April 5th, and was a welcome opportunity to pause and honour some of our profession’s finest.
Wilda Listener, Alan McLuckie, Judith Mason, Richard Gregory, Hiroko NaKao, Maria Geronazzo, Marjorie Epp
CASW Distinguished Service Award The Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award is given on the occasion of the National Social Work Month to a recipient chosen from CASW Partner Organizations. Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW With a decade of service to the Alberta College of Social Workers, Richard’s service to his profession has been outstanding. Richard has been a Member at Large, Treasurer, Vice President and President. He is well known as an educator, with years of service at Medicine Hat College, and is a strong supporter of the role of regulation and registration in protecting the public while 30
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strengthening the profession. Richard has contributed years to volunteer work and has received multiple awards in recognition of his endeavors. John Graham Hutton Memorial Award for Social Action/ Policy This award recognizes a registered social worker in good standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of social work and the community through social action and policy. Hiroko Nakao, MSW, RSW Hiroko’s contributions to social work include a unique and creative application of research and analytical skills to assist people living with mental health or addiction challenges
to improve their financial situations. She is employed as a Financial Literacy Facilitator at Momentum in Calgary, a change-making organization where her work on financial literacy programs aims to increase financial stability, and reduce stress among vulnerable populations. Excellence in Social Work Practice This award recognizes social workers who have exhibited exemplary skills and commitment over time. Marjorie Epp, BSW, RSW Marjorie is a Clinical Supervisor, Community Mental Health, in Fort McMurray. She has been in practice for over 30 years and is
known for strong service in social work practice in the community, as well as the development of social workers in clinical practice. Examples of her successes include implementing protocol to mobilize systems for children at risk of self harm, response in fire disaster and the establishment of services for seniors. Maria Geronazzo, BSW, RSW
Photos by Leroy Schulz
Maria is employed with Intercare Corporate Group Calgary. Her passion and professionalism in social work practice, and her excellence in caring for patients and families experiencing severe illness inspired her colleagues to nominate her. She has provided support and guidance for new social workers, and serves as a mentor to peers and “a great resource to [her] team”.
Award winner Wilda Listener
contributions to the profession
Tera Dahl Lang Memorial Award for
include influence and advocacy
Wise Indigenous Social Work Practice
for social work in health care and
This new award honours the memory
contribution to the development of the ACSW Clinical Register. She has advocated for social justice
of Tera Dahl Lang, former chair of the Red Deer College Social Work program and a strong advocate for Indigenous
issues, professional regulation
practice. She served on Council for
and inclusion of social work in
many years and was instrumental in
the Health Professions Act. She is
helping form the ACSW Indigenous
described as a strong ambassador for
Social Work Committee.
Clinical Social Work Practice Award
the profession.
This new award is presented to a registered social worker who has exhibited exemplary leadership, skills and commitment to the advancement of clinical social work, as well as continuing excellence in clinical competence, ethical practice, and respect for diversity.
Alan McLuckie, PhD, RCSW
Wilda Listener, PhD, BSW, RSW Wilda is the Dean of the Indigenous
Alan teaches at the University of
Bachelor of Social Work and
Calgary Faculty of Social Work. He
Social Work Diploma programs at
served as the U of C liaison to the
Maskwacis Cultural College. She
Clinical Committee for several years.
is active in her community and “…
He shares his skills, research and
shares her wisdom in gentle ways,
experience with various sectors of
takes her direction from the Elders
the social work community and is
and calls upon the grandmothers to
Judith Mason, MSW, RCSW
active in private practice. He values
guide her.” She has been a strong
Judith is employed as a Program Manager with Adult Community Services, Addiction & Mental Health, Edmonton Zone. Her many
the importance of ensuring his
member of the ACSW Professional
clinical skills are constantly in use
Social Work Education Committee
and being strengthened through
and the Alberta Association of Social
collaborative work with colleagues.
Work Diploma Programs. THE ADVOCATE
31
DAY IN THE LIFE
WHEN SHE WAS JUST 13 YEARS OLD, Gaye Watson Warthe knew she was going to be a social worker. After being in the profession for almost 40 years, that early career decision has definitely held up. “I’ve never veered from it; it’s all I ever wanted to be,” she says. “For me, it was absolutely the right decision and has been validated every step along the way.” Gaye was seconded from her role as Associate Dean and is currently interim Associate Vice-President, Academic, at Mount Royal University (MRU). She’s had countless rewarding experiences in various roles throughout her career, though she admits she may not have always seen them coming. “I never thought that as a social worker, I would be an associate VP of a university,” she laughs. “But I could not be more proud of being a social worker and being part of this profession.” She credits her family, and particularly her mom, as the catalyst in her choice to pursue social work. “I had friends who experienced some real challenges in life. I had an incredible family who provided a safe space for me to land, but I noticed among my friends that that wasn’t always the case,” she says. “So, I thought I could either be a great mom – like my mom – or I could be a social worker.” Gaye went on to be both.
BY KRISTIN BAKER
GAYE WATSON WARTHE
PHD, RSW
Now with a BSW, an MSW and a PhD (all from the University of Calgary), Gaye has turned her desire to make a difference into a fulfilling career. After graduating with her BSW in 1981, Gaye started out in public assistance as a caseworker. She quickly transitioned into child welfare, where she enjoyed the opportunity to develop positive relationships with the 50 or so adolescents in her caseload. “I think a core requirement in social work is to care about the people you work with,” she says. “And children in the system are eager for those connections.” Gaye then moved on to work with pregnant and parenting teens at Calgary’s Louise Dean School. During that time, she worked on her master’s degree project – a video about the grieving process associated with placing a child for adoption. Used in numerous adoption agencies, the piece was also a finalist at New York’s International Film and Television Festival. Remembering the experience, she laughs, “Who gets to do that? It was pretty cool.” Next, Gaye took a position at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. She provided grief and loss counselling to fami-
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SUMMER 2019
lies who had experienced a life changing or traumatic event such as coping with a child’s chronic illness or death. Eventually, Gaye left public service to work in private practice, with a focus on relationships and parenting. She provided counselling, facilitated workshops and consulted on projects. Throughout her career, Gaye has worked with youth and adults in all kinds of situations, but there has always been a common thread. “As a social worker, there’s never been a time that domestic violence hasn’t been part of my practice,” she says. “It looks different depending on where you’re working, but it’s always been an issue.” The pervasiveness of the issue prompted her to become involved with the domestic violence protocol project with what is now the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective. This led to work with the Calgary Health Region to help develop domestic violence screening protocols in emergency departments and elsewhere. Gaye continues to volunteer her time and expertise to domestic violence agencies and research and prevention networks. She has also incorporated her interest in domestic, dating and sexual violence prevention into her role at MRU. After several terms as a contract instructor at the University of Calgary, she began teaching at MRU in 2000, accepting a full-time position in 2005. While she worked, she pursued her PhD, which she obtained in 2011. She laughs that she was going to school again at the same time her two grown children were also attending university. But the situation inspired her to think about how domestic violence wasn’t being addressed for young adults.
“When my eldest started university, I realized there was nothing about domestic and dating violence for post-secondary students,” she says. “I thought we could address the gap.” As part of her PhD, she developed a scale to measure dating violence in young adult relationships. It focused on understanding the context of the abuse and the potential for earlier intervention and prevention. She had the support of MRU throughout. “They let me ask questions about the incidence and prevalence of violence on campus in 2008, knowing that they would be obligated to respond to what we learned,” she says.
As a social worker, there’s never been a time that domestic violence hasn’t been part of my practice. It looks different depending on where you’re working, but it’s always been an issue The information she gathered helped inform the development of Stepping Up, a student-facilitated dating violence prevention program at MRU. She is still involved with the program and notes that this continued connection to social work practice has been very satisfying. “Prevention is a part of social work practice, although it is not always our primary focus,” she says. Being a social worker has also helped Gaye in her administrative position.
“Social workers are good at micro and macro practice and understanding how social issues and policies affect individuals, but we also speak to the impact on the larger community and society,” she says. “It’s a nice fit when you can look at how something works for an individual student as well as how it works institutionally.” In her various roles, Gaye has been able to contribute to the development of domestic violence policies that impact the campus community. Though she isn’t presently teaching social work courses, Gaye maintains her practice by supervising a practicum student and managing an employee who is also a social worker. “It’s so energizing to have a student here who asks questions and is keen to learn. It keeps you current and keeps your focus on practice,” she says. A regular day for Gaye is go, go, go. She gets up early, exercises, and arrives at work around 7:15 a.m. to check her emails. She prepares for and attends meetings with other program areas and devotes time to her current research projects. She rarely takes breaks, and ends the work day only to go home to read articles and answer emails. “I’m the worst example of wellness,” she jokes. Gaye is also a long-time volunteer with ACSW; she’s been on the registration committee for two terms. She especially enjoys being a part of the conversations and ideas that flow during the fall legislative committee meetings. “The majority of social work practice and research, and certainly most of what I have accomplished, relies on and benefits from collaboration with colleagues. The legislative meetings are a great example of how working together results in better outcomes.” THE ADVOCATE
33
“At this point in my life I can contribute something back to a profession that’s contributed so much to my life and provided so many opportunities for me. I feel grateful to be able to do that.” Gaye has been actively involved with the ACSW over the years. Gaye also assisted with the development of accreditation processes for social work diploma programs offered in Alberta. “ASCW has been amazing at leading a process that is very thorough and ensures every social work diploma in this province meets very exacting standards,” she says. “I’m fortunate to have been able to contribute to the current process.” In her limited spare time, Gaye enjoys hobbies such as gardening and cooking. She’s also looking forward to her 37th wedding anniversary and to her daughter’s upcoming wedding. She’ll always have time for social work, though.
“It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been in this profession; I’m not tired of it and I still care,” she says. “And I’ve got
It’s so energizing to have a student here who asks questions and is keen to learn. It keeps you current and keeps your focus on practice. more work to do. It’s a good spot to be in. There’s more to do and I can continue to contribute. I feel so lucky.”
THIS IS AUPE YOUR WORKING PEOPLE The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is proud to represent thousands of social services workers across the province who are on the front lines, making a difference every day.
www.aupe.org • facebook.com/yourAUPE • Twitter: @_AUPE_
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; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; member activities; continuing education and job opportunities; 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. Writing from social workers who are 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 September 1 for general submissions
January 15 for advertising April 15 for advertising July 15 for advertising September 15 for advertising
ALL SUBMISSIONS The Advocate, ACSW, 550 10707 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Charity Lui: charity@acsw.ab.ca • PHONE: 780-421-1167 • TOLL-FREE: 1-800-661-3089 • FAX: 780-421-1168 34
SUMMER 2019
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 activitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca.
June 21, 2019
Working Stronger Workplace Mental Health Conference
24th International Summit on Violence, Abuse and Trauma Across the Lifespan
Support celebrations of Indigenous culture in your community! #NIPDCanada
Work/Life Balance: Fact or Fiction?
September 5-8, 2019
October 28 – 29, 2019
San Diego, CA
Edmonton
A forum for professionals across disciplines to gather for in-depth exchange of current information on violence, abuse and trauma prevention, intervention and research.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Pride Month June 2019 Support the LGTBQ2S+ community with events across the province. Bringing Seniors into Focus Health Professionals Mini-Conference June 21 – 22, 2019 Edmonton This 1.5-day event will feature expert presenters covering a variety of topics including seniors’ cognitive, physical, emotional and environmental well-being.
Two days of networking, information exchange and dialogue to advance efforts to support healthier workplaces across the province. www.alberta.cmha.ca/events/workingstronger-workplace-mental-healthconference/
www.ivatcenters.org/san-diego-summit
2020 World Social Work Conference
March 26 – 28, 2020
The Global Social Work Agenda: The Next Ten Years
Edmonton
July 15 – 18, 2020
Stay tuned for details!
Calgary
www.seniors2019.ca
Join the conversation and shape the future of the social work profession and its impact in creating national and global social solutions.
30th Annual Palliative Education & Research Days
www.ifsw.org/2020-world-social-workconference-the-global-social-work-agendathe-next-ten-years/
October 21, 2019 Edmonton This conference aims to heighten awareness of compassionate values and palliative care needs in our community. www.covenanthealth.ca/innovations/ palliative-institute/annual-palliativeeducation-research-days
National Organization Of Forensic Social Work- Seeking Ethical Solutions In Interprofessional Practice June 11-14, 2019 Las Vegas, NV From clinical service provision to international politics, forensic social workers are on the front lines of complicated, interprofessional and multi-client systems. nofsw.org
2020 Alberta College of Social Workers Conference
DoubleTree by Hilton
ADVOCATE DEADLINES
SUBMISSION DEADLINE For the Fall 2019 issue of the Advocate is July 1, 2019 All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui Charity@acsw.ab.ca
AD DEADLINE For the Fall 2019 issue of the Advocate is July 15, 2019
Visit the ACSW Events Calendar to find more training, events and workshops, at acsw.ab.ca, Social Workers tab, Calendar of Events.
All ad inquiries to activitiesadmin@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
THE ACSW THANKS OUR 2019 CONFERENCE DOOR PRIZE DONORS:
Judy Todd - Wild Garden Consulting Inc.
Ross Jepson – International Hobby Sales
Debbie Noesgaard - Norwex
Bird Communications
The Calgary Alpha House Society
Kanakii Mekaisto - Sikotan Ikimmapi Consulting