The Advocate - Fall 2021 by ACSW

FEATURE

An Introduction to the ACSW’s Council Members

FEATURE

60th Anniversary Series Advocacy and Association

INDIGENOUS VOICES Sharing a Path to Reconciliation

ADVOCATE FALL 2021

THE

VOLUME 46 | ISSUE 3

www.acsw.ab.ca

ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

PAGE 13

Advocacy Works! Changes to the Mental Health Act

1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN ALBERTA

The Canadian

INDIGENOUS MENTAL HEALTH & HOLISTIC WELLNESS

Live Streaming December 8, 2021 FEATURING

Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Ph.D. Martin Brokenleg, Ed.D. PLUS 4 EXPERTS

FALL 2021 | CANADA

MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS

WE’RE BACK! LIVE IN PERSON WORKSHOPS NOW AVAILABLE SPONSORED BY

Conference

In Person Workshops Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan › The Anxiety Compass - Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R.Psych › Working with Oppositional, Defiant & Anger Issues with Children & Adolescents - Jay Berk, Ph.D. › Strengthening Executive Skills in Children & Adolescents - Peg Dawson, Ed.D., NCSP › Advanced Self-Regulation - Varleisha D. Gibbs, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L › Making Sense of Anxiety - Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D. › The Neuropsychology of Reading & Written Language Disorders - Steven Feifer, D.Ed., ABSN › Using Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to Treat Emotion Dysregulation Disorders - Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, RSW › Internal Family Systems Therapy - Alexia Rothman, Ph.D

SAVE 10% OFF VIRTUAL EVENTS PROMO CODE: ACSWSAVE

Virtual Webinars › Burnout Solution - Daniel J. Fox, Ph.D. › Internal Family Systems Therapy - Alexia Rothman, Ph.D. › The New Rules for Treating Chronic Pain › Taking the Mystery Out of Relapse A Strength-Based Motivational › Approach for Treating Addictions - Stephen F. Grinstead, Dr. AD › Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Bingeing & Body Image - Judith Matz, LCSW › Understanding & Practicing Positive Psychology › Advanced CBT for Depression & Anxiety - Jonah Paquette, Psy.D. › Advanced Mindfulness Tool Box - Donald Altman, M.A., LPC › Practical Strategies for the Treatment of the Anxiety Disorders, OCD, & Insomnia - Jennifer L. Abel, Ph.D. › Solution Focused Brief Therapy - Elliott Connie, MA, LPC › Defeating the Beliefs that Defeat You with Jill Levitt - David Burns, M.D.

› The Personality Disorder Toolbox Disarming Difficult Students in the Classroom - Jeff Riggenbach, Ph.D. › Psychopharmacology - Kenneth Carter, Ph.D. › Interventions for Executive Function Difficulties - George McCloskey, Ph.D. › Advanced Self-Regulation - Varleisha D. Gibbs, Ph.D., OTD › Making Social & Executive Functioning Skills Stick! - Rebecca Moyes, M.Ed. › Helping Anxious Kids at School & at Home - Lynn Lyons, MSW, RSW › Over Thirty Proven and Effective Brief Interventions for Children & Adolescents with Emotional & Behavioural Problems - Steven T. Olivas, Ph.D., HSP › Proven & Effective Play Therapy Strategies for Children & Adolescents - Christine Dargon, Ph.D. › Working with Children & Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum - Meghan Barlow, Ph.D.

THE

ADVOCATE

THE ADVOCATE Volume 46, Issue 3, Fall 2021 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 13 Advocacy Works! Changes to the Mental Health Act

Membership Activities - Team Lead: Charity Lui, MSW, RSW Social Workers - Membership Activities: Heather Johnson, BSW, RSW Andre Tinio, BSW, RSW Finance & Administration Officer: Kim Hyggen, CPA, CGA Finance & Administration Support: Audrey Kent, CPA, CMA Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross Tami Carlin Jennifer Vasquez

60TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES 16 Advocacy and Association

FEATURES

13 Advocacy Works! Changes to the Mental Health Act 16 ACSW 60th Anniversary Series Part Three: Advocacy and Association 20 To Lead and Serve – An Introduction to the ACSW’s Council Members (2021-2022) 24 Social Work Week 2021 Special Series – Part 2: Many Paths to Social Work 28 The Social Work and Disaster Network 30 Social Work Through Relationships 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

BOOK REVIEW 30 ohpikinâwasowin / Growing A Child: Implementing Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Indigenous Families

INDIGENOUS VOICES 9 Sharing a Path to Reconciliation SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS 10 Advocates for Albertans VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE 12 Niching a Private Practice RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES 22 UCalgary to Redesign BSW Program DIPLOMA DIALOGUES 23 Field in the Time of COVID BOOK REVIEW 27 ohpikinâwasowin / Growing a Child DAY IN THE LIFE 32 Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW FOR YOUR INFORMATION 34 The Advocate Editorial Policy 35 For Your Information Pictured on the cover: Rod Adachi and other Alberta social workers.

Printing on Titan Dull text. 10% post consumer waste. Titan participates in a certified forest program.

Executive Assistant / Office Manager: Noreen Majek Promotions & Events Associate: Crystal King Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Toni Harrison Online Services Analyst: Laurie Nelson IT Support Analyst: Scott MacPhee ACSW Council: President: Siu Ming Kwok, PhD, RSW Vice President: Peter Baylis, PhD, RCSW Treasurer: Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Members at Large: Baiju Vareed, MSW, RSW Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: Carrie Avveduti, BSW, RSW Public Members: Bukola Oladunni Salami Trevor Liskowich Laura Delfs Editorial Board: Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW & Cardinal Fomradas, MSW, RCSW (Co-Chairs) Darnel Forro, MSW, RSW Tasha Novick, MSW, RSW Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW Kassi McKen SW Dip, RSW Debbie Posey SW Dip, RSW Islam Deyab, BSW, RSW Bukola Oladunni Salami, Public Member Editorial services provided by Bird Communications Advertising space is available. To place an ad, contact memberactivitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca. The ACSW reserves the right to reject any submissions and advertising. Winter 2022 Issue Ad Deadline: September 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 ©2021 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.

THE ADVOCATE

AROUND OUR PROVINCE BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW

Registration workshops for students

Colleen Clark

Laney Rosenzweig

Johnathan Kuipers

Sharon Stopforth

Gilbert Drapeau and Christy Heely

THE SPRING AND SUMMER had a lot of activity, with professional development opportunities, student presentations, National Indigenous Peoples Day and Pride Month. Thanks to virtual events, members from across the province who previously wouldn’t have been able to take part were able to participate.

The Meaning of Empathy. The film focuses on the impact of the opioid crisis in southern Alberta. ElleMáijá Tailfeathers and Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, the filmmakers, joined the session for an informative discussion about the film and the important work that is being done to support the community through this crisis.

workshops were offered to support social workers in their practice.

In May, Colleen Clark, MSW, RCSW and Laney Rosenzweig, MS, LMFT, founder and developer of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), were invited by the Calgary Area Coordinators to provide a workshop focused on ART, a form of psychotherapy. Participants learned about the practice and benefits of ART for trauma treatment. The Lethbridge Professional Development Partnership held their 21st Annual Social Work Forum on May 26th. This event featured a screening of Kímmapiiyipitssini: 4

FALL 2021

In June, the Private Practice Committee hosted a two-part series on starting a private practice. Workshop presenters Johnathan Kuipers, MSW, RCSW, and Sharon Stopforth, MSW, RSW, led this interactive presentation that covered areas to consider when looking at going into private practice. ACSW staff offered workshops on the Standards of Practice and the Continuing Competence program. A refresher for some, and new information for others, these

We were pleased to have multiple opportunities to virtually host social work students in a presentation about registration with the ACSW. Students attended from most social work institutions in Alberta and from every corner of the province. To celebrate Pride Month in June, the ACSW offered our members a free workshop, hosted by Gilbert Drapeau, BSW, RSW, and Christy Heely, called ‘Understanding Diversity: The Queer Experience and Its Impact on Practice’.

CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities Team Lead. You can contact her at MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca regarding submissions for the Advocate.

FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 Live Virtual Workshops

CRISIS & TRAUMA RESOURCE INSTITUTE

w w w. c t r i n s t i t u t e . c o m All workshops run from 9am-4pm Central Time.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Balancing Acceptance and Change

Sept 17 & Dec 3

Vicarious Trauma Strategies for Resilience

Sept 30

Critical Incident Group Debrieﬁng

Oct 7

Trauma Counselling Strategies for Healing and Resilience

National Indigenous Peoples Day The ACSW acknowledged and celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. This year we did so with the intent to encourage social workers to continue to increase their knowledge about residential schools and their impact on Indigenous people, communities and nations. A statement about the discovery of the mass unmarked graves at former residential school sites was issued by the Indigenous Social Work Committee, as was a statement acknowledging National Indigenous Peoples Day. Both statements can be found in the News section on the home page of the ACSW website. Also in June, the ACSW invited Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to a virtual sharing circle. Elder Roy Bear Chief, Metis Elder Angie Crerar, and Elder Bertha Anderson-Laboucan, MSW, RSW, graciously shared their experiences with residential schools. This was an opportunity for nonIndigenous people to listen and educate themselves. See page 9 for more details. We thank the Elders for their willingness and openness to share their knowledge.

Oct 26-27

Motivational Interviewing Strategies for Supporting Change

Nov 2

Ethics of Helping Boundaries and Relationships

Nov 9

Trauma-Informed Care Building a Culture of Strength

Nov 10

Play Therapy Tools for Helping Children and Youth

Nov 16-17

Addictions and Mental Health Strategies for Complex Issues

Nov 17

Body-Oriented Trauma Counselling Strategies

Dec 7-8

Anxiety Practical Intervention Strategies

Dec 15

Depression Practical Intervention Strategies

Dec 16

...and more workshops on our website. NEW BOOK!

Counselling Activities Workbook Handouts and Exercises for Working With People

Inspiring Learning. Improving Lives. info@ctrinstitute.com

877.353.3205

www.ctrinstitute.com

THE ADVOCATE

THE BIG PICTURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT THE SPRING AND SUMMER OF 2021 are seasons of reflection and transition for our social work profession, the province of Alberta, and for ACSW.

SIU MING KWOK is the President of the ACSW Council. He is a full professor and Academic Director of the School of Public Policy at University of Calgary. You can contact Siu Ming at president@acsw.ab.ca.

The discoveries this summer of gravesites in British Columbia and Saskatchewan near what were once residential schools brings all Canadians to face the colonial history of forced assimilation of Indigenous people in Canada. The tragedy makes us reflect upon the role that the profession of social work has played in the colonial history in this country, as well as how we can translate ACSW’s commitment to champion key calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into our day-to-day practice. Tellingly, we must translate what we learn from the past to our present social work practice in the hope of better serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in generations to come. We are in the season of transition to the post-pandemic world. Alberta lifted most health restrictions related to the pandemic in early July. As a helping profession, we social workers have to reflect upon the challenges faced by disenfranchised and vulnerable populations and the adverse impact on them of COVID-19. More importantly, we need to plan for how we can work with them in the transition to a post-pandemic life. COVID-19 research indicates that children in low-income families had greater challenges around mental health, food security, and emotion during the pandemic. For example, children living in low-income families struggled to catch up with schoolwork in an online learning environment with limited space at home, computers shared with other family members, and inadequate internet connectivity compared with children in a family with more resources. Given that many children in low-income families are from racialized groups or Indigenous populations, the loss of quality learning for months exacerbates existing disparity of resources and has longterm implications for this province. This is the season of transition for ACSW. The position of executive director and registrar (EDR) was vacated with the retirement of Lynn Labrecque King in early 2020. The recruitment of a new EDR was put on hold due to the legislative changes last year. With the passage of Bill 46 last December, we re-launched the recruitment process in June 2021 and anticipate completing the recruitment early this fall. We are hopeful that the new EDR will provide a sense of much-needed certainty to ACSW during this transition period and will work closely with Council on the new co-governance model and divestment of association activities from the ACSW as a result of the legislative amendments of Bill 46. In the season of changes, I am calling upon all of us to reflect upon our past in order re-confirm our present commitment and provide guidance to the future of the social work profession. We all grow together in the season of transition!

FALL 2021

THE BIG PICTURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR Pride in the Professional Association Celebrating the 60th anniversary of social work associations in Alberta and reflecting on our profession’s successes in strengthening and promoting the profession have been made possible through the commitment and engagement of social workers. Each member has made and can continue to make a remarkable difference! Value in the Professional Association

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.

Throughout its history, the association’s purpose has been to uphold the protection of the public through collective commitment to ethical and competent professional practice. This is achieved when social workers come together with common values, working towards common goals. The partnership between ACSW and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is a tangible example of the value of professional associations. The CASW’s mission is to promote the profession of social work at a national level and advance social justice through a unified voice, while striving to foster a clear understanding of the profession and have a strong impact on social policy and social justice through social work’s values and perspectives. Professional associations provide opportunity to align shared missions across provincial, national, and international boundaries, to represent, strengthen and celebrate the social work profession. Benefits of the Professional Association Social workers join and engage in professional social work associations to gain the many benefits of uniting with other social workers to advance the profession. Professional associations provide accessible, affordable opportunities for members to advance their practice through education and professional development, supporting social workers to enhance practice knowledge, skills, and meet continuing competence requirements. They support a diverse and complex social work practice and provide useful resources to meet the needs of social workers, while reflecting knowledge of best practices. The social work profession was founded on social justice and is committed to advocacy for progressive social change; professional associations can play a direct role in achieving that. Professional associations represent the collective voice and work to influence social policy change and advance social justice through collaborative partnerships and strategic alliances. Professional associations encourage connection and relationship building with social work colleagues by providing networking opportunities. Bringing people together to promote and celebrate the profession and honouring the career achievements of social workers instills a deep sense of professional pride. Celebrating 60 years of social work associations in Alberta honours the social work community created through the connection of our province’s social workers, who are committed to building a strong profession. As ACSW looks to the future as a singlemandate regulatory college, the professional association is both the foundational cornerstone and future guidepost for Alberta’s social workers. All current and future ACSW members are encouraged to champion the professional association by actively participating in the building of a sustainable, strong professional social work association in Alberta. THE ADVOCATE

IN THE NEWS

Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs 9,005

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF JULY 14, 2021 Bolanle Abosede Abe Folashade Adeola Adedokun Angelica Allown Adzamli Reena Ahir Boshra Ali Ahmed Sima Ailim Mohammad Idris Alemi Biju Aryal Irene Ebesoh Atabong Tracy Atkin Ibitayo Ayoola Jennifer Erin Bailey Danielle Baker Modupe Emoshokeme Bamuwagun Kassidy Barat Bianca Beauchamp Sydney Marie Berger Yanina Bilyk Dei Anane Biney Janessa Blair Felicity Bohnet Brandon Boldt Joan Jepkemoi Bosire Gillian Elizabeth Boult Dyanna Brost Nicole Brown Marcia Cecilia Bucknor Janelle Georgette Bugler Marlena Denise Bullee Tanya Burley Dana Lynn Calhoon Andria Coriann Capjack Alsian Kerry Ann Carnagie Nahjela Edith Caspa Wun Ka Kathy Chan Suman Chand Taylor Lucille Charbonneau Jocelyn Renae Chartrand Adaeze Chukwu Olive Kathleen Tory Clarke Kristyn Clubley Amy Cook Marina Cook Rolanda Coria McKenzie Leigh Corkum Taylor Dawn Craig Janice Carranza Cruz Sarah Ann Dancey Mayuli De Paz Sanchez Alexandria de Souza Morgan Kellie Degerness Meropi Deligiannis Emilie Tasha DelormeNewsom Anika Der Ashley Marie Derouin

FALL 2021

Laurie Marie Martine Desrochers Courtney Ann Drescher Peter Driftmier Loveness Dube Natalie Anne Marie Dufva Rosalind Rae Dunphy Angela Duren Juliana Dutrisac Rudorwashe Tariro Dziva Douaa El Sidawi Samantha Ashlee Elliott Raphaela Encarnacion Darlene Marie Evans Lisa Susan Fazekas Kelly Flynn Mindi Forsyth Susannah Jeanette Phyllis Forsyth Clarissa Foss Candis Lynn Franz Eden Fuchs Sara Frances Fulford Pawan Gagar Annie Gee Vanessa Rae Gemmell Ericka Geneblazo Nfor Musa George Marsha Giesen Brigitte Nicole Gignac Wanda Gillingham TIffany Dawn Gloeckler Vanessa Lynn Graham Kaelyn Alexandra Gras Rachel Greeve Erica Nicole Groff William Gruggen Zibusiso Gwitimah Amber Hamelin Renee Elisabeth HebertTomalty Madison Paige Heintz Shane Hewko Shona Dolores Hickmore Christine Hirschi Jesse Holt Trisha Howes Samantha Huang Xin Lavender Huang Chelsea Humphry Nisreen Ibrahim Norman Wayne Ikebuchi Allison Iriye Carla Alicia Isaacs Marie Roseline Ishimwe Decca Faisal Isse Benedict Itsueli Hope Itsueli

Johyna Jarkas Dhanya Jerin Joelle Nicole Joncas Beth Jones Elizabeth Ann Jones Janniene Jones Dimple Joseph Maryjane Kanikwu Rafatu Kasimu Manpreet Kaur Tek Bahadur Khatri Bibi Khadija Khurshed Sarah Anne Kidd Kwonho Kim Andrea Jane Kobbert Rajvir Singh Kohar Kaytlyn Kolankowski Sheika Kolias Jenalee Jill Kreiser Amanda Labonte Hannah Lacrampe Kaytland Lapointe Kristin Elizabeth Larson Angela Marie Laslett Christy Lynn Lassiter Jessica-Faye LeClair Carmen Legge Leanne Leier Chuanling Li Min Li Daniel Loki Justin Curtis Lorne Luz Karina Karina Louth Sandra Lukac Alicia Hope Mackowosky Echo Macza Francesca Maestrello Morgan Markusson-Pelletier Amanda Marie Marshall Charles Martin Taylor Dawn McCrady Sarah Catherine McCullough Danalee Mae McQuitty Christie Mellan Kali Rae Michaluk Lauren Migrino Kim Anne Mills Amy Madelaine Moir Revenia Monte Ferreira Cassidy Helen Muirhead Abigail Musonda Mulenga Shelley Lea Mullaney Sydney Jean Murdoch Noorani Yusuf Murji Janae Nahirney Robert Naylor Brandy Newman Brianna Nolt

Raidah Noshin Lauren Elizabeth Beaton Nugent Chinonso Calista Nwaiwu Razak Oduro Avneet O’Hagan Susan Akinyi Oindo Christabel Ifeyinwa Oko Tomilola Oni-Adebayo Roseline Lami Onuche Rita Ngozi Onwunali Beryl Achieng Onyango Afoma Onyenekwu Amber OpdenDries Jesse Daniel Orjasaeter Otaigbe Stephen Orukpe Jessica Rae Osborne Annette Oskam Hodan Ahmed Osman Jessica Maray Ossais Mary Ellen Oxby Monika Pakstas Bailey Paulson Diana Penco Chelsey Lynne Petruik Karen Margaret Hayman Pinkoski Kouakou Fiendi Pira Megan Rae Ann Plews Alexandra Michelle Podgurski Elisabeth Theresa Poon Jerris Popik Camille Powell Nabeel Premji Jessica Lynn Puech Jessica Marie Quinlan lisa Radzanowski Adriana Louisa Raposo Rachel Marie Rederburg Richelle Dionne Reid Christopher Jayden Reifferscheid Sarah Richards Maureen Robbins Hanako Rodgers Michael Johannes Roeleveld Katherine Rosero Suelt Sarah D. Ruszczak Rebekah Rychliski Ashi Saini Amara Samad Shivani Samra Sharmin Shabnam Sarbhpreet Sidhu Tonya Randilynn Simeon Amber Skoczek Roxanne Skoreyko

Krystle Smith Po Shan Suzanne So Angela Stayner Rebecca Stendie Nataliya Stepanova Jana Stevenson Samantha Stevenson Brian Michael Stewart Laura Alanna Michelle Stolte Kaylene Nichole Stone Cassandra L. Strawberry Gregory Robert Sullivan Tanielle Samantha Swoboda Genevieve Agnes Vanessa Tevlin Jenny Thibault Kate Todd Kaitlin Tompkins Dillon Keith Traber Muhammad Umar Jumai Mairama Usamatu Andreea Vrabie Heather Watson Dakota Janae Weekes Isabella Whittle AnjolaOluwa TemilolaJesu Wickliffe Skye Jebra Wikjord Gina Carrie Wildcat Kesha Leona May WilliamsBarton Yang Xiang Paula Yamniuk Alyssa Yeager

286 TOTAL REGISTERED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AS OF JULY 20, 2021 Cardinal Fomradas Charlene Remenda-Madra Mark Morningstar Kimberly McKee Kristina Ingram Helen Boukos Audra Richards Dylan Oosterveld Neisau Ramcharan Mercy Maviko Aneta Stojneva-Cicovska

INDIGENOUS VOICES

Sharing a Path to Reconciliation BY: AUDRA FOGGIN, MSW, RSW AND HEATHER JOHNSON, BSW, BHSC, RSW

During the sharing circle, Elder Anderson-Laboucan mentioned, “Telling stories from an Indigenous perspective and having deep listening happen is gratifying.” We must first recognize that this is not the time to call upon our Indigenous co-workers and friends to help us understand what to do. However,

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL months, the remains of many children have been found in unmarked graves at residential school sites across Canada, and this number continues to grow. These unmarked graves are a reminder for Indigenous people, communities, and nations of the many years of abuse and cultural genocide that have happened and for many, this brings up grief, loss, anger, and What profound sadness.

their parents, losing their identities as Indigenous children to a new language, hairstyle, and clothing, and being forced to assimilate into a white European way of life. Elder Bear Chief talked about creation stories as well as relationships and how important it is to gain an understanding of the experiences of residential schools. Elder Crerar shared in the circle that every time a story breaks about we need is residential schools, understanding. What Indigenous people Indigenous we need is people to are taken back to sharing circles being an innocent work with us, so we child and the are a traditional Indigenous practice can have a better life memories of what that provides an happened flood - Elder Crerar opportunity for each their mind, body voice in the circle to and spirit. be heard, respected, and valued. As It is incumbent upon non-Indigenous we have been learning more about the many unmarked graves in Canada, the Canadians to take the initiative to ACSW invited Indigenous and noneducate themselves about residential Indigenous people to come together schools, intergenerational trauma, to share and learn from each other and the ongoing racism that in a virtual sharing circle. Elder Roy Indigenous people,communities Bear Chief, Metis Elder Angie Crerar, and nations experience. One of the and Elder Bertha Anderson-Laboucan, best ways you can help is to learn by MSW, RSW, were offered protocol to reading the Truth and Reconciliation lead the sharing circle. Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, reading books and stories about Each of the three Elders shared their residential school experiences, and story of residential school -- each stepping up as an ally by speaking out different and yet so very similar. Sad and demanding change. and tragic stories of being taken from

we must engage better, in more meaningful ways, with Indigenous people and community. This can take a variety of paths. Inviting Indigenous knowledge keepers into our faculties, institutions, and classrooms to understand the reality of the Indigenous experiences is critical. Personally and collectively, we can strive to learn more about Indigenous knowledge systems, highlighting useful applications and honouring these ways of knowing. Further, we can recognize and follow cultural protocols while engaging with Elders and knowledge keepers. This is a time where we must hold space for Indigenous people, communities, and nations to reflect, to grieve, and to feel the profoundness of this Canadian atrocity. It is a time for us to gather around and share in the sorrow by committing to reconciliation.

AUDRA FOGGIN is an assistant professor at Mount Royal University interested in community collaboration, mental health, anti-racism, mentorship and Indigenous knowledges. HEATHER JOHNSON is a Social Worker – Membership Activities for the Alberta College of Social Workers.

THE ADVOCATE

SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS COVER STORY: SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

Advocates for Albertans BY EMILY RENDELL-WATSON

HELPING TO NAVIGATE systems, resolving health-service concerns, or assisting with access to resources and building capacity are all ways that the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, and Office of Alberta Health Advocates provide valuable support to Albertans.

meets with young Albertans to help them make informed decisions about what they think is best for them in situations related to placements, caseworkers, connections with other young people and more.

Each of the offices has registered social workers on staff who offer expertise in their respective areas of focus, which is a valuable resource for other social workers across the province. The following overview gives an informative look at some of the services each office offers, as well as the populations they support.

All of the resources ...are to help young people to grow and develop their own selfconfidence.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) provides advocacy services for young people who are receiving designated services within Alberta‘s child welfare system or involved with the youth justice system. Some of its offerings include individual advocacy, legal representation for children and youth, raising awareness about the rights of young people and building advocacy capacity in communities. Del Graff, MSW, RSW, is the provincial Child and Youth Advocate, while there are 18 advocates who work across Alberta. Advocate Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW, from the Nakota Sioux First Nation, has been working with OCYA since 2004. On a daily basis she 10

FALL 2021

“In the past, children and young people didn’t have a voice,” Salopree said, explaining why the individual advocacy she does is so important. “All of the resources that OCYA has developed are to help young people to grow and develop their own self-confidence so that they can become strong and resilient. We make sure that their interests are considered when decisions are being made about them.”

members and caregivers of people with any disability - physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and mental illness. The work can involve reaching out to caseworkers to clarify questions, advocating for individuals, acting as an informal mediator, or connecting people to resources. The office also offers an education component, including presentations on topics like best practices for including people with disabilities. Jesse Orjasaeter, MSW, RSW, a senior advocate representative, has worked with the office since it opened in the fall of 2018. He contributed to its development as part of his practicum for his Master of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Orjasaeter said another important role the office is responsible for is informing change. Individual concerns are tracked through a database, which Orjasaeter analyzes to identify systemic concerns and develop reports which the Advocate presents to relevant government programs as well community partners. The Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities can be a particularly important resource for social workers who are working on complex cases where there may be multiple stakeholders.

The OCYA office also regularly accepts interns and social work practicum students who are interested in focusing on the rights of children and young people.

“If there’s facilitation needed to bring people to the table, or if they need to brainstorm towards solutions, we have advocate representatives who are ready to take those calls,” he said.

The Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities aims to connect with Albertans with disabilities, including family

The Office of Alberta Health Advocates was established in 2014 and is a single point of access for the province’s mental health patient

advocate and health advocate. Their aim? To listen to health service-related concerns and help Albertans find ways to resolve those issues. Albertans who are assisted under the Mental Health Act include people that are detained in the hospital against their will or who are on a community treatment order, while the Alberta Health Act covers everything healthrelated, from questions about cancer, to helping people with concerns related to COVID-19 and immunizations. When Albertans contact the office to make a complaint due to an adverse care experience, staff are able to listen to their concerns, and help refer them to the appropriate place to make a formal complaint, or if under the office’s jurisdiction, commence an investigation under the Mental Health Act or a review under the Alberta Health Act. Ryan Bielby, SW Dip, RSW, and acting manager of the Office of Alberta Health Advocates, said social workers can also contact them about questions related to their own healthcare or to collaborate on issues a client is experiencing. “We may not be able to fix the problem, but we can certainly point it out to the government, to other bodies, to stakeholders and try to be that organization that can bring people and organizations together,” he said.

BY H EATHER JOHNSON, BSW, BHSC, R SW

SENIORS DESERVE AN ADVOCATE With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the issues that have plagued seniors care for decades have had a light shone on them, including substandard conditions in continuing care, staff shortages, and few full-time positions, necessitating working in two, sometimes three, locations. Seniors have experienced an increase in isolation and have died of COVID-19 at a rate much higher than that of the public, with a reported 81 percent of all COVID deaths in Canada happening in supportive living facilities (Canadian Institute for Health Information, June 2020). In 2016, the Office of the Seniors Advocate was introduced in Alberta with the mandate of helping seniors navigate systems and get support, offering outreach to seniors’ groups, and making recommendations to the government for improvements to seniors’ services and programs. Unfortunately, at the end of 2019, the government made the decision to absorb the Seniors Advocate role into the Office of Alberta Health Advocates. While the Office of Alberta Health Advocates offers valuable services to Albertans of all ages, and employs the skills and knowledge of registered social workers, a dedicated Seniors Advocate could put seniors’ issues front and centre. Social workers, in many cases, have been left to fill the gaps for seniors and their families when support is needed around housing, transportation, guardianship and trustee issues, and elder abuse. The 2018-2019 annual report said only 28 percent of calls they received were about health care (Edmonton Journal, November 25, 2019). Seniors in this province deserve an independent voice that can provide individual and systemic advocacy for themselves and their families. Social workers can show their support for a Seniors Advocate by contacting their local MLA or Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon, and by speaking out about the concerns they see every day in their work with the public. References are available by emailing MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca.

CONTACT INFORMATION O F F ICE OF THE CHILD AND YOUTH ADVOCATE ALBERTA

1-800-661-3446 / / Northern Alberta (780) 422-6056 / Southern Alberta (403) 297-8435 / ca.information@OCYA.alberta.ca O F F ICE OF THE ADVOCATE FOR PER SONS WITH DISABILITIES

1-800-272-8841 / 780-422-1095 / advocate.disability@gov.ab.ca O FFICE OF THE ALBERTA HEALTH ADVOCATES

EMILY RENDELL-WATSON is a multimedia journalist based in Edmonton. You can reach her at twitter.com/erendellwatson.

780-422-1812 / Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta) / info@albertahealthadvocates.ca

THE ADVOCATE

VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE

Niching a Private Practice BY KAYLA DAS, MSW, RSW

build confidence in your therapy style, approach and process as clients tend to have similar pain points, problems and desired solutions. Wouldn’t niching my private practice limit client referrals? Yes and no. When you niche your private practice, you will see less diversity in client pain points and problems, but clients who find you are more likely to reach out and set up an initial appointment with you as they know you specialize in what they need help with. Okay, I’m on board! But how do I know what my private practice niche should be?

THERE IS A COMMON fear among private practitioners: if you niche your private practice, you will decrease client interest, caseload and income. This is a misconception, and actually the reverse is true. When you niche your private practice, you are more likely to gain consistent client referrals. In this article I will explain why it’s important to niche your private practice. What is niching a private practice? Niching a private practice is when you “specialize” and work with clients who have specific pain points and problems. Why should I niche my private practice? By niching your private practice, you: •

become a “specialist” in a particular problem area that you become known for;

•

can create marketing copy that speaks directly to your ideal client

FALL 2021

instead of everyone;

To start identifying your potential private practice niche, ask yourself the following questions:

•

stand out among other therapists who have not yet found a niche;

•

What client pain points and problems do I like to work with?

•

provide clarity about who you serve to potential referral partners.

•

What client pain points and problems am I most passionate about? Could this be my private practice niche?

What are the benefits of niching my private practice? The biggest benefit to niching your private practice is an increase in client referrals and income. By niching your private practice, your ideal clients are clear that they are who you serve and potential referral partners are clear about who to refer to you. When you try to serve everyone, your ideal client may not see themselves as a fit for your practice and may continue to search for another therapist. Similarly, when it comes to potential referral partners, if they are unclear about who you serve, they are less likely to refer to you. In addition, when you tailor your professional development to increase your competence, you

When picking your private practice niche, pick a practice area that you are passionate about, not just an area that you feel is most profitable or practice area that is less served. Create a private practice that you love to work in and where you feel passionate about the clients you serve – in my opinion, this is the secret to private practice sustainability and success.

KAYLA DAS is a social work entrepreneur who supports other social workers to build their own business. She can be reached at info@ kayladas.com or at www.kayladas.com.

COVER STORY

ADVOCACY WORKS!

CHANGES TO THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT BY DAVID BERRY

ADVOCACY CAN HAPPEN IN SO MANY WAYS. Sometimes we are advocating for program development or political lobbying – or sometimes, helping one person at a time. Our Code of Ethics calls on us to pursue social justice “with special regard for those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, vulnerable and/or have exceptional needs.” (Value 2, CASW Code of Ethics). While that pursuit of justice can start and end with helping a single person, it can also have far-reaching consequences, as a pair of Alberta social workers discovered. By focusing the everyday values of social work to help a single person, they were agents of change for something far larger – a monumental change to Alberta’s Mental Health Act to make it harder to keep marginalized people hospitalized against their will. “I didn’t necessarily have high hopes, not just when I first

met JH, but even when we started the process,” explains Christie Zayas, BSW, RSW, a social worker with Alberta Health Services at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. “I just thought things would go on the way they had been, largely because I’d seen it before. But my role is to support people, and I was going to be there for him.” JH is a pseudonym to protect the identity of a man whose experience has brought about a profound change to the Mental Health Act. He was first admitted to hospital in early 2014, after being struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. He spent five months being treated for significant back and leg injuries, during which time he lost not only his rented apartment but his government ID. With nowhere to go upon his discharge, he ended up at Calgary’s Alpha House, a non-profit offering support for people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental

THE ADVOCATE

and physical health issues. When sepsis developed in his knee, he was readmitted to hospital, at which point his nine-month ordeal began. When doctors and a hospital psychiatrist determined he lacked the mental capacity to maintain his own health and posed a risk of harm to himself, they had him certified under the Mental Health Act, which meant JH could not be discharged — indeed, could not even physically step outside the building — until the order was rescinded. If anyone had been paying attention at this time, they would have noticed some serious problems with this certification. JH had no history of mental health disorders. Up until his accident, he had a steady work history and a reliable place to live. Though he had some lingering cognitive impairments and memory issues as a result of the car accident, and was feverish and somewhat delirious on his admission, people who met him later — including Zayas and other doctors and psychiatrists — could tell he was clearly capable of not only understanding his situation but taking care of himself. This is just one of many cases where racism and discrimination are experienced by marginalized, vulnerable people in our medical system. He is Indigenous, which has long been shown to negatively impact treatment from the health system. He had cirrhosis from alcohol use. All these factors contributed to a judgement that, because of the restrictions of the Mental Health Act, left JH with virtually no advocates. As Ryan Bielby, SW Dip, RSW, and acting manager of the Office of Health Advocates explains, JH’s situation is not uncommon.

That’s something Zayas, regretfully, understands. JH

FALL 2021

was first brought to her attention a few months into his forced stay at the hospital, after several requests to be discharged. Zayas initially assumed this was just another case of a patient being upset about restrictive but necessary treatment.

People with mental health issues ... face some of the most complex barriers, and have some of the least rights, in the world

“People with mental health issues — or in this case with perceived mental health issues — face some of the most complex barriers, and have some of the least rights, in the world,” he explains. Though the Office has a broad mandate to advocate for patients throughout the health system, he notes that their primary role is to investigate people detained under the Mental Health Act — not only because it is frequently invoked, but because once someone has been certified, it can be extremely difficult to get anyone to listen.

Christie Zayas

But Zayas also understands her role as a social worker is to be there for patients, to listen to and advocate for them especially when there is no one else willing or able. So she put aside her initial reactions, and approached JH’s case with an open mind.

“One thing I’ve come to understand — one of the most profound understandings of my career — is how vulnerable people can be in the care of healthcare providers,” explains Zayas, who has 20 years of social work for Alberta Health Services under her belt. “[Providers] tend to take a paternalistic view, ‘We’ll stop them from their terrible lifestyle,’ but I’ve never been able to think of my job that way. I’m there to focus on the person, and I’m always looking out for individuals who feel they don’t have a voice.” It didn’t take much interaction with JH for Zayas to see that what little voice he had was falling on deaf ears.

Though some of her colleagues were sympathetic and understanding, Zayas’s own attempts to convince her colleagues that something was wrong also met plenty of resistance. “It was hard, at times, to be the lone voice,” Zayas says. “You start to question yourself, your judgement. Your fit in the system. But my role is to focus on the patients first.” She quickly connected JH with resources from the Office of Health Advocates, and helped him find a lawyer through Legal Aid. Zayas often stood beside him while he made phone calls, as some at the hospital objected, given his certification, and even accompanied him on his only opportunity to step outside the hospital in nine months. This hands-on work was the foundation upon which JH shook the system. With Zayas’ help, he got a review hearing, which finally got him released in May 2015. That hearing also determined his treatment violated his rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Though the government appealed, in July 2019 the decision was upheld, and the government was forced to update the Act. That’s where the Office of Health Advocates came in. As one of many consultants on required changes, they put their vast experience dealing with people who were certified under the Mental Health Act to use. Among the changes they proposed were for patients to have full access to their health records, to have the appeals process streamlined, and to make it a requirement for all healthcare providers to connect patients with advocates when they request them. All of these were included when the Act was updated in September 2020. Though Bielby admits no legislation would ever be perfect, he sees these changes as important steps to ensuring people are not trapped in the system. He has spent his time since the update teaching healthcare workers across the province about the relevant changes, which has driven home for him the importance of using systemic changes to address systemic problems.

Ryan Bielby

not going to help anyone to discipline a stressed-out nurse or an overworked doctor if the next nurse or next doctor is just as stressed-out, just as overworked. We have to make sure everyone is looking out for each other.” Achieving that goal is neither a top-down nor a bottom-up approach: it’s both. For Zayas, seeing the way that works together has given her a renewed faith in the system, and more vigour for advocating for the patients who walk through the door of the hospital every day. “Once JH was released, we did talk, but honestly, I didn’t follow his case because I didn’t want to be disappointed,” she explains. “I only found out about it because a colleague saw it in the newspaper and mentioned it to me. “And I was just so happy. I was euphoric,” she says, traces of the feeling lingering in her voice. “It wasn’t just about that individual. It changed the way we treat people in this province.”

“If we have a client contact us, we can … work to correct that situation. But the person was still abused, their rights were still violated,” he explains. “We want to look at what led to that situation occurring. “And it’s rarely just a result of one individual,” he continues, noting he works with doctors and nurses regularly to foster awareness of patient rights. “We’re supporting a patient in the environment they’re in. So it’s

DAVID BERRY is a writer from Edmonton. His work has appeared across Canada, and his first book, On Nostalgia, was published by Coach House Books in 2020.

THE ADVOCATE

1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN ALBERTA

ADVOCACY AND ASSOCIATION AC S W 6 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y S E R I E S • 2 0 0 2 - 2 0 2 1 • PA R T T H R E E • BY M E L P R I E S T L E Y

FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES, the Alberta College of Social Workers has done a marvellous balancing act in harmonizing its dual mandate as a regulatory college and professional association. The ACSW built upon the work of its predecessors and continues to evolve its role to regulate and promote the social work profession. This is part three of the 60th anniversary series about the ACSW’s history. In part one of the series, we learned about the formation of the Alberta Association of Social Workers in 1961. In part two, we learned about the history of the foundational legislative statutes that became important in recognizing and regulating the profession of social work. This third part follows the ACSW over the last two decades, as the ACSW navigated its dual mandate of public protection as a regulatory college and serving its members as the professional association. Landmark legislation The proclamation of the Health Professions Act (HPA) in 2001 fundamentally reshaped the ACSW into a regulatory college. The HPA’s inclusion of mandatory registration meant that over the next 20 years, membership at the ACSW grew from just over 5000 members in 2002, to over 9000 by 2021. To keep pace with this growth, the ACSW expanded from nine staff members in 2003 to 21 in 2021. Under the HPA, the role of a regulatory college is to “carry out its activities and govern its regulated members in a manner that protects and serves the public interest.” To fulfill this role, the ACSW adopted the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics and developed Standards of Practice to guide the professional responsibilities of social work practice. Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW, served as Executive 16

FALL 2021

Director of ACSW from 2011 to 2020. She took over from Rod Adachi, who had served as Executive Director since 1995. “The 16-year tenure by Rod Adachi was foundational for what had become a new regulatory body,” Labrecque King says. “He guided ACSW from association status to one of the largest regulatory colleges of social work in Canada. There was tremendous growth and new processes to put into place with mandatory registration. We strived to update service processes to ensure integrity in our programs and commitments, build teams for coordinated effort of our diverse parts and update our technology to meet our growth needs.” Lynn Labrecque King

Throughout this time, a multi-part set of regulatory reforms continued. The first part was in 2018 with Bill 21, An Act to Protect Patients, which reformed the handling of sexual abuse and misconduct complaints under the HPA. In 2019, the Fair Registration Practices Act was passed, which aims to ensure that qualified individuals who are often immigrants do not face unfair barriers when entering regulated professions. In 2020, Bill 30 was passed, which applies to all of professions in the Health Professions Act. Public members must now make up at least 50 percent of Council, Hearing Tribunals and Complaint Review Committees. In July 2020, the Government of Alberta released seventeen proposals to amend the Health Professions Act. Late last year, Bill 46, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, was passed by the Alberta government, implementing significant amendments to the HPA — one of which requires ACSW to cease professional association functions.

As a result, the current mandate of the ACSW will change, as it divests of its professional association to a single regulatory mandate. “This change is monumental,” says Labrecque King. “It is a major shift in viewpoint and philosophy. Future leaders will be challenged to maintain a holistic view of how our functions work together in increasingly separated areas of accountability.” Thinking big Social justice is a core tenet of social work. Part of the ACSW’s focus as an association is advocating for policies, programs and services that benefit everyone in society. Much of this work is done in collaboration with partners who advance social justice initiatives.

Lori Sigurdson

Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, has always been interested in macro social work. She served as the Professional Affairs Coordinator from 2006 to 2015 and is currently serving her second term as the MLA for Edmonton-Riverview.

“I got involved with the ACSW because I wanted them to think big,” Sigurdson says. “My goal was to look at those larger systems and activate social workers. Part of my responsibility was to facilitate ACSW’s special interest groups that meet on a regular basis. I always wanted them to be public and speak out. That’s so fundamental to our profession: advocating for social policies that support the populations we serve.” The ACSW has a number of member interest groups around a range of fields of practice, including gerontology, children and youth, and health. Sigurdson feels they are invaluable to create opportunities for collaboration, encouraging social workers to pursue advocacy and social justice. Some of Sigurdson’s other advocacy work through the ACSW included collaborating with the Edmonton Social Planning Council and Public Interest Alberta on the annual Alberta child poverty reports, writing letters to editors and op-eds published in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald newspapers. She and Adachi co-authored a chapter published in a 2001 book, Activism That Works, which discussed the ACSW’s work and the value of fighting for social justice initiatives. In the book, they write:

Activism That Works book

“Every social worker has a professional commitment to address issues of social justice – but many are without the means to fully express this commitment in their working lives. For example, immersion in the day-today obligations of protecting children, counselling women leaving abusive relationships or providing homecare for older persons can leave workers with little opportunity to tackle the systemic issues they know create the problems in the first place. The advocacy function of ACSW affords each of its members the means by which to contribute to social justice works. We do this through a variety of approaches to advocacy that include our own initiatives, working collaboratively with other organizations and providing support for external activities.” The ACSW developed A Social Policy Framework for Alberta: Fairness and Justice for All in collaboration with the Parkland Institute. The report highlighted structural causes that continue social and economic disparity and the impacts on low and middle-income Albertans. More recently, the ACSW and Alberta Indigenous Relations supported the development of Honouring Sacred Relationships: Wise Practice in Indigenous Social Work, an initiative led by the Indigenous Social Work committee. This practice framework is a resource that focuses on seven key themes grounded in Indigenous knowledge and is an invitation for social workers to learn about and incorporate wise Indigenous social work practices. THE ADVOCATE

1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN ALBERTA

ACSW Membership Activities Team

2019 ACSW Conference

There is always a need for professional practice support

One of their biggest accomplishments is the annual conference. Led by member volunteers, the ACSW’s conference is one of the largest annual social work conferences in Canada, where hundreds of social workers come together as a community to engage in knowledge sharing and skill development. This year, the conference was hosted virtually, which created a more accessible opportunity for members to attend.

and advocacy work. Over the last few years, that included a practice statement on conversion therapy spearheaded by the Sexual and Gender Diversity group. The ACSW has also supported their social justice member interest groups on advocacy in areas such as medical assistance in dying, universal basic income, supervised safe consumption services, encouraging members to engage in democracy and participating together in public demonstrations. The ACSW was part of the Alberta mental health review and provided a formal submission to the ministerial panel on child intervention. Growing and Connecting The ACSW continues to build a professional social work community by engaging with its members in a variety of ways to strengthen the profession. This work is led by the ACSW’s Membership Activities Team and its many member volunteers. Charity Lui, MSW, BSW, is Membership Activities Team Lead for the ACSW and has worked on the Membership Activities team at the ACSW since 2013. Charity Lui

“Our team has had the privilege of

providing opportunities for social workers across the province to connect with each other, to learn from each other and to grow in their practice,” says Lui. 18

FALL 2021

Member engagement has grown over the last 20 years. The ACSW now supports over a dozen member interest groups. The Membership Activities Team assists 55 volunteer area coordinators throughout Alberta to provide local opportunities in their communities for networking, professional development, and events celebrating Social Work Week. Additionally, the team fosters engagement with the Indigenous Social Work Committee, the Advocate Editorial Board, the Conference Planning Committee and the Nominations and Recruitment Committee. The ACSW is a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), which means that ACSW members have a seat at the table on a national level. Through this partnership, ACSW works collaboratively with national social work associations in promoting the profession of social work in Canada and advancing social justice. Membership also confers numerous benefits, including continuing education opportunities; access to

MEMBER INTER EST GR OUP PIONEER S

ERNIE AND SHEILA SCHLESINGER One of ACSW’s long-established Member Interest Groups is The Schlesinger Lectures: The Edmonton Area Retired Social Workers. Established in 2000, the group provides a forum for retired social workers to meet quarterly for presentations by guest speakers and continued advocacy actions.

The Advocate magazine, 2010

insurance, social work journals and the private practice portal; monthly updates on CASW initiatives and national resources; national representation on coalitions and sustained lobbying of the Parliament of Canada. The ACSW also publishes the Advocate magazine quarterly. It’s another way that the ACSW communicates with its members, providing information about ACSW activities and relevant issues in the social work profession. “I am particularly proud of the Advocate Editorial Board, says Lui. “We have been intentional in having a Board that reflects the diversity in our province. The Advocate is such an amazing opportunity for members to highlight their work, research and front-line experiences.” Reflecting on accomplishments The ACSW flourished over the last two decades as it found ways to balance the needs and priorities of its two mandates, the regulatory college and the professional association. This is a time to be proud of what the ACSW has accomplished and how it has fostered so many connections, continued to help elevate social workers and strengthened the profession. Membership engagement has proven rewarding both for the ACSW, and for the Alberta social workers who have collaborated and learned from it. The ACSW is proud to provide many rich opportunities for social workers to

Ernie and Sheila Schlesinger were dedicated social workers who contributed a great deal to the profession. Ernie worked for the City of Edmonton and for Jewish Family Services, while Sheila spent many years in the Social Work Department at the Edmonton General Hospital. Upon retirement, Ernie and Sheila took a leadership role in establishing a group for retired social workers, and in recognition of their work, ‘The Schlesinger Lectures’ was added to the group’s name in 2017. Sheila was the first registrar of the Alberta Association of Social Workers. Ernie Schlesinger passed away in March 2021 and was predeceased by his wife Sheila Schlesinger in 2017. The profession has lost two valued colleagues whose long commitment to the profession was an example for all.

connect with one another and their profession. Their integrated mandate supports ethical and competent social work practice that works in the public interest. “This continues to be a big strength of the ACSW: people are brought together and are supported,” says Sigurdson. Ultimately, the ACSW offers many ways to help each individual member become a stronger professional.

MEL PRIESTLEY is an Edmonton-based writer who focuses on local news and culture as well as wine, food and the arts. Find more of her writing and current projects at melpriestley.ca.

THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

To Lead and Serve

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ACSW’S COUNCIL MEMBERS (2021-2022) COMPILED BY SIU MING KWOK, PHD, RSW, ACSW COUNCIL PRESIDENT. THE LIST IS ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY BY LAST NAME.

Carrie Avveduti, BSW, RSW, is a Nehiyaw Iskwew from the Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6 territory. Carrie is the Chairperson for the Indigenous Social Work committee at the ACSW. With over 35 years experience of social work in Indigenous communities, she is the Program Manager for Indigenous Services with CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health. Carrie is very committed to the wellness of her people. She works everyday to advocate, create and collaborate for programs that will support the wellness journeys of Indigenous Peoples. Peter Baylis, PhD, RCSW, is the ACSW Council Vice President. He works as a clinical supervisor with Alberta Health Services. He is interested in critically considering how our practice should evolve to better promote/facilitate the well-being of others, and to serve the public good. This informs his interest in facilitating the development of professional competencies to meet the challenges associated with our changing times. We need to increasingly ensure our professional values align with and inform the progression of our professional competencies. 20

FALL 2021

Laura Delfs was appointed as a public member of the ACSW Council in 2018 and is currently serving her second term. Laura is a corporate lawyer with experience as in-house council for a professional regulatory body. At the College, she is a member of the Registration Committee and has served on several internal task forces. Laura is an avid cyclist, and outdoor enthusiast, and does international volunteer work in the field of anti-human trafficking. Dayirai (Dye-Rye) Kapfunde, MSW, RSW, is honoured to serve on the ACSW Council as the Secretary. The concept of “becoming Black” fuels her passion for social justice, dedication to social work and a continued commitment to serve. In the spirit of “Ubuntu,” she is motivated to learn unique ways to collaboratively build a sustaining bridge of empathy as our world continues to shift. She enjoys music, dancing and spending quality time with family and friends. Siu Ming Kwok, PhD, RSW, is the President of the ACSW Council. He has over 30 years of social work teaching and practice experiences and serves on different post-secondary education accreditation boards in

Canada and beyond. Currently, he is a professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary.

into the ACSW and in 2019, received his BSW through University of Manitoba.

Trevor Liskowich, BCR, RRP, CVRP, is a public member of the ACSW Council. His background includes more than 20 years in the development and management of programs and services to improve the lives of people. This has included working with diverse populations including people with developmental disabilities, people with mental health concerns, older adults, teens and youth.

Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW, has been an elected member of the ACSW Council since April 2020 and has volunteered with Membership Activities since she arrived back to Alberta in 2015. Katie is passionate about professional practice in pediatrics and is the Clinical Lead for Social Work at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Katie holds a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership and Public Policy and earned her Master of Social Work degree at McGill University in 2010.

Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW, is an elected member of the ACSW Council. He works as a Program Manager at Oak Hill Ranch, Bon Accord. In this capacity, he works with Indigenous and nonIndigenous Albertan children as part of a child-centred treatment team comprised of families, Indigenous elders and other professionals. His previous international employment experiences have afforded him with a holistic skill set serviceable to the social work profession. It has also helped shape his deep commitment towards social justice, inclusivity and diversity. Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW, is an elected member of the ACSW Council and fills the role of Treasurer. Outside of the ACSW, Daryl works as a social worker with the Calgary Diversion program with Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatric Services (Alberta Health Services). In this role, Daryl assists individuals living with mental health difficulties who are in conflict with the law navigate both systems. In 2001, Daryl was grandparented

Dr. Bukola Salami, RN, MN, PhD, is a public member of the Alberta College of Social Workers and an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta. Her research program focuses on policies and practices shaping migrant’s health. She has been involved in around 60 funded research projects. She founded and leads an African migrant child research network of 35 scholars from four continents. In 2020, she founded the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program at the University of Alberta. Baiju P. Vareed, PhD, RSW, has been a member at large of the Council since 2018. Baiju holds a PhD in social work and is currently an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at MacEwan University. He has international experience of social work in community and clinical settings. His areas of practice and academic interests are in critical social work, immigration, and post colonialism. THE ADVOCATE

RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES

UCALGARY TO REDESIGN BSW PROGRAM BY DON MCSWINEY

THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Faculty of Social Work recently announced they will be “reimagining” and redesigning the iconic Bachelor of Social Work program for a new generation of students.

“We’ve purposely created a variety of opportunities for

“Students have different needs than they did ten or 20 years ago,” says Social Work dean, Dr. Ellen Perrault, PhD, RSW. “At the same time, social work practice is becoming more layered and cutting edge. This redesign is creating a program that balances student needs while preparing social workers who are adeptly qualified to contribute to our profession and our communities.”

are also welcome to reach out to us directly with their

To create the best possible program, the Faculty of Social Work is undertaking an unprecedented engagement process that will involve students, alumni, field education instructors, the social work profession and interested members of the public – especially those involved in the faculty’s many community-based research initiatives. The engagement will continue into the fall leading up to the program unveiling in the spring of 2022.

Undergraduate Program Director. “And, of course, people recommendations and ideas.” You can find out more about the faculty’s engagement plan around the BSW on their website – socialwork.ucalgary. ca/newBSW, through the alumni newsletter and through notices in the ACSW’s provincial emails. Perrault says that the Canadian (CASWE) 2021 accreditation standards

There are many ways that you can get involved in the BSW redesign process

There are many ways that you can get involved in the BSW redesign process including surveys, web-polls, feedback forms, focus groups, and town halls. In addition, the engagement team is conducting one-on-one meetings and focus groups with key individuals across the province. FALL 2021

says Dr. Cari Gulbrandsen, PhD, RSW, the faculty’s

Association for Social Work Education

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with all of our partners,” says the faculty’s Vice Dean, Dr. Jessica Ayala, PhD, RSW. “I feel confident that if our new BSW captures the vision, insight and experience of our communities, our field education instructors, and our alumni and students, we’ll truly create something amazing.”

people to connect to make it easy for them to contribute,”

update, and the pursuit of continued excellence, have led the faculty to redesign the BSW program, which is recognized for its quality and innovation across Canada. “This is a re-imagining,” she says. “A reimagining that takes into account

the needs of our students, the social work profession and reflects the lessons that COVID taught us around how we can, for example, better leverage effective online education balanced with high-quality and impactful in-person learning.” The University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work has long been recognized for its innovative approach to social work education. The faculty pioneered distance learning in the early ‘90s with its Online Virtual and Community-Based Learning Circles. DONALD MCSWINEY is the manager of Communications and Marketing in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work.

DIPLOMA DIALOGUES

FIELD IN THE TIME OF COVID BY ELAINE SPENCER, MSW, RCSW, AND ERIN WILLMER, BA PYSCH

WE LOVE IT WHEN a plan comes together. Like many social workers, the pandemic changed almost everything in our world of social work education. The faculty at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP; formerly Red Deer College) adapted to suit the conditions. Field education is key to the integration and success of social work graduates. In the unpredictable circumstances of spring 2020, many of our field placement agencies were not able to commit to traditional placements for our over 100 social work diploma students. Elaine Spencer, MSW, RCSW, as the Field Instruction, Education and Liaison Designate, found herself calling partner agencies to see if any arrangements could be made. The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) Executive Director, Patricia Arango, with Crisis Program Lead Erin Willmer, responded, and a unique “group placement” arrangement was made. CASASC runs a 24-7 phone/text/webchat crisis and support service for Albertans impacted by sexual violence. With orientation and support from Erin, about 75% of our secondyear field placement students joined the help line roster, working remotely doing day, evening and overnight shifts. (Others were able to remotely engage in more traditional placements). Faculty extended their liaison roles to include enhanced field supervision, engaging with students providing individual crisis support. Students rallied around the new field experience and focused their energy, commitment, and skills. They found unique solutions to remote practice, and found spaces within shared accommodation to fulfill their duty to their clients (yes, one student actually repurposed their closet). Despite “unprecedented” conditions, and with the goodwill and collaboration of all, excellent learning occurred, collaboration was furthered, and new ways of field learning were born. For CASASC, this partnership came at the right time. Presumably due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24-hour Help

Line saw a significant increase in calls. In 2019, the Help Line received 60 to 80 contacts per month. Once provincewide restrictions were in place, the Help Line started to receive 80 to 100 calls per month, with July 2020 having 177 contacts. This increase required additional supports on the Help Line, so CASASC welcomed the educational experience and professionalism the RDP students could offer. Students received direct client interaction via phone calls or text/ webchats, learning how to support individuals impacted by sexual violence. Being one of the only help lines in Alberta to remain operational 24-hours during the start of the pandemic, CASASC saw an increase in calls ranging from domestic violence, mental health concerns including suicidal ideations, isolation, and individuals needing general support. By using trauma-informed care practices, students learned foundational support and responding skills while assessing the needs of the caller and offering appropriate resources and information. While many students felt overwhelmed at the prospect of supporting people potentially in crisis and impacted by sexual assault, they realized that by answering calls and giving callers space to speak freely, they were significantly helping their community. This growth in students informs our plans to continue this partnership. We really do love it when a plan comes together! Welcome to Jolene Wright, MSW, RSW, the incoming Field Instruction, Education and Liaison Designate.

ELAINE SPENCER is a member of faculty (on sabbatical studying social work leadership) and the outgoing Field Instruction, Education and Liaison Designate in the Social Work Diploma Program at Red Deer Polytechnic. ERIN WILLMER is Team Lead, Crisis Programs, Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

THE ADVOCATE

SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2021 SPECIAL SERIES – PART 2

Many Paths to Social Work BY SAMANTHA VAUX, SW DIP, RSW

AFTER A YEAR OF UNCERTAINTY, WITH HOPE ON THE HORIZON BUT NO CERTAIN END IN SIGHT, IT’S CLEAR: SOCIAL WORK IS ESSENTIAL. BY DEMONSTRATING STRENGTH, EMPATHY AND RESILIENCE, ALBERTA SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE MADE AN EXCEPTIONAL IMPACT THIS YEAR, AND EVERY YEAR. THIS THREE-PART SERIES CAPTURES THE DIVERSITY AND COMMITMENT OF ACSW’S MEMBERS.

Kathleen Kufeldt, PhD, RSW I am from a suburb of London, England, and grew up in a family of ten children. In my last year of high school, my father became sick. It was not expected for him to live for more than a year. After his passing … I began working as an assistant house mother. That is where my passion developed for working with children and youth. I ended up contracting tuberculosis and had to leave my job for treatment. The doctor said I could not go back to my job as it would be too physically demanding. The hospital social worker that visited me during my illness encouraged me to go to university. During my work with the children, I used to get very angry at the social workers because they would never talk to the children or the staff directly. I thought they must be the people with power and privilege, which led me to think that if I were a social worker, I could help the children more.

need. A large part of our job is correcting these imbalances in our society. I belong to the ACSW Child and Youth Interest Group. I enjoy the connection with others. Over the years I have been involved with the ACSW in other capacities. Those of us who are called to social work are blessed. It is not easy and we go through tough times. It is rewarding because if you can make a little difference for each client you meet, it is worth it. We cannot change the world alone, but as a unified collective, we can do it together. Ella Ferman, MSW, RSW My grandparents, as newcomers to Canada, really relied on their community, as did my parents. We are Ashkenazi Jews. As a minority and a newcomer, the importance of trust and dependency on your community is crucial. I am indebted to my grandparents for passing down this principle of building relationships based on mutual respect and shared understanding.

I have been involved in direct care of children, front I have always worked with older adults. line protection, probation, and family I volunteered at seniors’ centres and counselling. I have co-authored long-term care facilities as a teenager. I textbooks, published in journals and studied gerontology before receiving my taught social work. In 1979, I organized the first Canadian conference for youth Social work requires BSW. I have been working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) for 11 rewarding in care, planting seeds for the now a solid footing in our years. I started out as a rural social flourishing Canadian Youth in Care Network. I also get called into child professional ethics and worker and now work as a placement case manager, managing 11 supportive protection cases as a key witness. I live in Standards of Practice living sites in and around Athabasca. Calgary and am working on a co-edited textbook with Brad McKenzie and Rural social work is something I am Barbara Fallon. passionate about. A challenge in rural practice is usually Social workers are essential because we are able to provide services to marginalized individuals. For example, not every child gets the compassion and support that they

FALL 2021

being the only social worker in a 200 km radius. You have to be able to stand on your own two feet as you are on your own a lot.

I am involved in guiding people into assisted living and/ or long-term care placements. It is essential for us to help our clients navigate through this in a way that is respectful and kind. We know that most clients do not ask for this change. We try to help them adjust by taking a client-centred approach. Some clients are facing hard challenges—splitting from their family, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, or a brain injury. These are not easy things and require us to be empathetic and supportive as they work through their feelings of fear, loss, and denial. I am a member of the ACSW Gerontology Network North group. I like that it helps us share resources and keep learning.

Social work requires a solid footing in our professional ethics and Standards of Practice. Yet we need to be flexible in our approach… We need to have an analytical mind and an empathetic heart. It requires communication, teamwork, and the willingness to stand one’s ground in the face of inequality and injustice. It is not what you do, it is how you do it. Ashwini Dake, MSW, RSW Pursuing a career in social work came naturally for me, as I wanted to be part of a profession where I could help empower individuals and

THE ADVOCATE

families. I am a first-generation immigrant and moved to Canada with my family as a teenager. I was inspired by the social workers we encountered at the immigrant-serving agencies we accessed. I chose social work because the professional values and Code of Ethics resonated greatly with my worldview. The principles of self-determination, cultural competency, social justice, and advocacy align with my values. I am an advisor on the Diversity and Inclusion team with Alberta Health Services. I am there to facilitate systemic change and promote inclusive practices. I try to find ways to ensure policies, operations, and activities incorporate inclusiveness and reflect social work values. My main role is to lead the anti-racism work within AHS and lend a social justice perspective. This work is essential because diversity and inclusion are vital to everything we do at AHS.

Within the ACSW, I am actively involved with the Area Coordinators, Disciplinary Committee, and Social Action Social Justice Edmonton groups. These groups have offered me the opportunity to learn about an array of resources, services, and best practices from my fellow social workers practicing in different areas.

From a young age, I was taught to advocate for people who are disadvantaged or marginalized. I grew up in a small remote town where everyone played sports. By growing up there, I learned that each individual is valuable. Whether you excelled at sports or not, everyone had a role. You had the cheerleader, the leader, the listener, and even the first aider. Without having each person participate, the team could not function. I believe that is the same with working with individuals, families, and communities; everyone has a role to play and a job to fulfill.

I currently work in a frontline role with the Family Intervention Program, a partnership program with Children Services. It was important for me to join the ACSW Child and Youth Interest Group as I am passionate about working with young adults. As a group, we strive to advocate for issues at higher system levels.

Jenna Schlaht, BSW, RSW

An advocacy concern we have is the proposed changes to Support and Financial Assistance Agreements. These agreements are in place for young adults between 18 and 24 years old who have been involved with child intervention. They provide financial aid to assist with rent, groceries, health benefits and other supports. The government plans to decrease the maximum age to 22. This would impact many vulnerable individuals at risk to fall into systemic gaps. Based on trauma research, this is a crucial age to help set the stage for a young person to succeed.

I chose social work as my profession because I have always had a passion to help empower people. I strongly believe in looking at social issues

Social work is essential because we are the lifeline. The ability for someone to have access to proper health services is crucial. It is our responsibility as social workers to continue to advocate for those who cannot.

To me, social work is not a profession; it is a journey and a way of being. The teachings that I have received in social work, like practicing ongoing self-reflection and selfawareness, have helped me grow professionally and in navigating life experiences.

FALL 2021

[In my] 12 years of working in the field … I have been part of clients’ journeys in their most vulnerable moments. I have witnessed people become empowered to improve their quality of life. I have [helped] families lost in complex systems take a stand and have a voice.

I chose social work because the professional values and Code of Ethics resonated greatly with my world view. I wanted to be part of a profession where I could help empower individuals and families

Some may think of my role as non-traditional. I would say that social workers come with transferable skills such as problem-solving, relationship management, community development, asset mapping, advocacy, and the ability to assess the needs of an individual, teams, or an organization.

from a community context and examining what role we play in solving social issues.

BOOK REVIEW

ohpikinâwasowin / Growing a Child: Implementing Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Indigenous Families REVIEWED BY CAROL D. AUSTIN, PHD

Indigenous social work practice to Indigenous community development. All eight chapters represent projects related to Indigenous child welfare, implemented with guidance from Elder Dr. Leona Makokis from Kehewin Cree Nation. Some projects involve Indigenous research or wisdomseeking, each implemented with approval from both Indigenous and Western research ethics committees.

ohpikinâwasowin/Growing a Child: Implementing Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Indigenous Families

This book should be required reading

Edited by Leona Makokis, Ralph Bodor, Avery Calhoun and Stephanie Tyler

work education programs across the

Fernwood Publications, 2020 224 pages

for all students and faculty in social country. Social work professional credentialing and advocacy organizations should encourage the adoption of this book in their

I WRITE THIS REVIEW just after the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the grounds of the residential school in Kamloops. More of these discoveries are anticipated at the sites of former residential schools across the country. In perverse and endlessly cruel ways, colonizers were attempting genocide under the guise of providing “help” to Indigenous Peoples. The colonization of Indigenous communities has been embedded in laws, policies and practices by governments that have violated human rights in the past and continue to do so today. Such policies and practices are a direct attack on foundational Indigenous values of ceremony, connection, belonging, relationship, balance and harmony. ohpikinâwasowin/Growing a Child could not be more timely and powerfully relevant. Against this stark, gut-wrenching reminder of intergenerational trauma perpetrated by colonizers, this book represents a significant and deeply

grounded resource. It provides an opportunity for social work students, faculty, policy makers and program administrators, as well as elected officials to learn about the iyiniw (First people, people of the land) universe, a parallel reality that remains largely unknown and unexplored by those who design and deliver child welfare programs and services. It can promote transformative change in current policy and service delivery, with the goal of reducing the involvement of child welfare in the lives of Indigenous families and communities. ohpikinâwasowin is a compendium of eight chapters bookended by an introduction and a conclusion. The Cree Turtle Lodge Teachings provide a structure around which the chapters are organized, with each chapter presenting content associated with a stage within the teachings. The reader is taken on a learning journey from exploring Indigenous understandings of truth, through

continuing education programs. ohpikinâwasowin/Growing a Child represents a major contribution to social work’s foundational knowledge and value base. Deep gratitude is owed to all who were involved in bringing this project to fruition. Together with the guidance of Dr. Leona Makokis, they have worked across cultural boundaries to role model methods and develop approaches that honour the iyiniw universe, its worldview, values and knowledge.

CAROL D. AUSTIN holds the rank of Professor Emerita at the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work. She retired in 2012 after twenty years of service. She specialized in gerontology, conducting research and writing about community-based long term care, long term care case management and community engagement with older adults. Throughout her career, she focused on collaboration with the practice community. THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

The Social Work and Disaster Network BY JULIE DROLET, PHD, RSW; BONNIE LEWIN, MSW, RSW; SHIVANI SAMRA, BA, BSW, RSW; AND ELLADEE WINDSOR, BA, MSW STUDENT

ALBERTA HAS EXPERIENCED several major disasters in recent years: the 2013 floods, the 2016 wildfires, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers and social service professionals play an important role in supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities in disaster contexts, particularly in long-term disaster recovery. These roles are often invisible, misunderstood, and unrecognized by emergency management. Drawing from the results of recent research conducted by social workers in Alberta, a new network has been established. The Social Work and Disaster (SWAD) Network in Alberta is a new opportunity for social workers and social service professionals to connect, learn and gain support to engage in disaster social work at all levels of practice (micro, mezzo, macro). Dr. Julie Drolet, PhD, RSW and professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, and Bonnie Lewin, MSW, RSW, and emergency planner for the City of Calgary, serve as the co-chairs of the SWAD Network launched on June 22, 2021. SWAD aims to create awareness of the role of social work in disasters, create peer support for social workers in a disaster, connect like-minded professionals, and support professional development opportunities for social workers and social service professionals in disasters. SWAD aims to contribute towards building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society while reducing inequalities and vulnerabilities in Alberta. The objectives of SWAD are: 1. To facilitate information exchange, networking, and relationship building.

communities before (preparedness), during (response) and after (recovery) disasters. Research on Social Work and Disasters Julie Drolet and Bonnie Lewin met at the ACSW preconference symposium on social work and disasters in 2017. Lewin, who has responded to several disasters in Calgary including the 2013 Southern Alberta flood and 2016 Alberta wildfires, and Drolet, who has conducted extensive research in the field of social work and disasters, identified the need to bring social workers together to further develop capacity in disasters. Drolet was awarded a grant to study the role and responsibilities of social work practitioners and human service professionals in long-term disaster recovery following the 2016 Alberta wildfires. The research findings of this project, which Lewin contributed to as an MSW practicum student, further identified the need for a network of support and education for social workers and social services professionals in disasters. Dr. Drolet’s research team collected data with 140 social work practitioners through individual interviews, focus groups, and an online survey to understand their role in long-term disaster recovery in Alberta. The analysis of the data identified six themes: 1. Role of social work in disasters; 2. Understanding trauma and resilience; 3. Intersections that challenge disaster recovery; 4. Advocacy in social work practice and policy; 5. Wellness and wellbeing of practitioners; and

2. To enhance collaboration and partnerships among disaster social workers and social service professionals.

6. Building capacity through professional development and training.

3. Through training opportunities, peer-support, and educational events, the Social Work and Disaster Network will contribute to building the capacity of

The research findings demonstrate that the role of social workers in disasters is broad, diverse, and occurs in the micro, mezzo and macro fields. One focus group participant said:

FALL 2021

“I think there's a natural synergy for social work to lend its support at all levels… In supporting immediate recovery and over the long term as well, getting people back on track to live their lives as fully and meaningfully as they possibly can.” Participants identified social work approaches in disasters: active listening; anti-colonial, anti-racism, and anti-oppressive theories; community development; crisis intervention; empathy, grief and loss; personcentred; critical incident debriefing and stress management; solution-focused, strengths-based; systems theory; and green social work theory are needed to help understand trauma and resilience during a disaster. Social workers are engaged in advocacy to support the unique needs of individuals, promote equitable services, facilitate connections with practitioners, build relationships with organizations, and support the longterm needs of individuals, families, and communities post-disaster. Participants identified several intersecting challenges that affected disaster recovery such as a lack of sustained funding, limited professional supports and resources, compounding disasters in Alberta (such as the economic downturn and COVID-19), previous and intergenerational trauma, lack of priority on mental health and wellbeing, and practitioner compassion fatigue and burnout. Self and community care, such as debriefing with peers and colleagues, and building a community of supports, were cited as very important by many participants in the study. Training opportunities and professional development were found to be needed for capacity development including psychological first aid, business continuity, emergency management, posttraumatic stress, grief and loss, to better equip social workers to support individuals and communities.

THE SOCIAL WOR K AND DISASTER NETWOR K

HOW TO JOIN SWAD Social workers and students are invited to join the Social Work and Disaster (SWAD) Network by emailing swadnetwork@gmail.com or join the SWAD Facebook group by searching for Social Work and Disaster Network to keep updated on disaster information and discussions. For more information on this study, please contact Dr. Julie Drolet at jdrolet@ucalgary.ca

and provided an opportunity to support future Alberta disasters. 5. Social workers feel supported by their peers in disaster contexts. SWAD is hosting a variety of training opportunities, including free virtual Psychological First Aid training and will continue to offer webinars and workshops throughout the year. To learn about upcoming disaster webinars and training opportunities, and join the network, please email swadnetwork@gmail.com. To learn more about the network and disaster social work research, listen to Drolet’s podcast: https://anchor. fm/ucalgaryfsw/episodes/Social-Work-and-DisasterNetwork-e12khbf. Acknowledgement: this project is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Drawing from the research study findings, the researchers recommend that:

DR. JULIE DROLET is a professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. She is currently serving as co-chair of the SWAD Network and Project Director of the Transforming the Field Education Landscape (TFEL) partnership.

1. Social workers be recognized in the disaster phases of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

BONNIE LEWIN is a social worker and the City of Calgary’s Emergency Social Services Planner. Her 20+ years of disaster experience has shown that collaboration with non-profit organizations builds an effective emergency program.

2. Social workers are provided opportunities to support all levels of government and non-profit organizations.

SHIVANI SAMRA is a registered social worker and research assistant with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary with a passion for green social work and environmental justice.

3. Social work education includes disaster training. 4. Social workers with disaster training are identified

ELLADEE WINDSOR is a research assistant and Master of Social Work student at the University of Calgary, specializing in International and Community Development.

THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

Social Work Through Relationships BY GRACE BERIKOFF, BSW, LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

WHAT IS YOUR SOCIAL LOCATION AND WHY DOES YOUR SOCIAL LOCATION INFORM HOW YOU WILL PRACTICE SOCIAL WORK?

development, fostering, and maintenance of community relationships. Establishing culturally sensitive, culturally appropriate community relationships is paramount in the delivery of ethically sound social work, particularly in a remote northern Indigenous community.

Social location is defined as a multifaceted concept which includes geographical location, class, age, religion, I would define relationships as the interrelated gender, culture, sexual orientation and social class. connection and dialogue which takes place between two Essentially it is how you locate yourself within your or more people, in relation to any real life situation. The society and culture, asking yourself, who or what is my relationship we have with ourselves is vitally important identity? How will my social location impact my ability as it informs our ability to introspectively self-reflect as a social worker, and more importantly, the kind of regarding our intentionality as individuals relationships I forge and maintain? I and as social work practitioners. In understand social location in this way. I relation to this, I have always had a few liken it to cultural awareness of myself. burning questions: How do I authentically It all starts with me (but not in a vain It was during support others? How do I move past my way): If I am not aware of myself and who deep-seated lack of confidence and my I am, how am I able to effectively situate this time of raw insecurities to show up authentically for and connect with myself, and ultimately, vulnerability that others? What does authenticity really connect and build relationships with my authentic self mean and how do I know I am being others? My learning experience during authentic and integrity-filled in my my practicum has been an incredible emerged personal and professional relationships? journey of personal growth, professional How can I be truly authentic and vulnerable in my awareness and political insight. relationships when I am terrified of being judged? I had the privilege of engaging in a qualitative research I have come to a few answers. As I began my practicum, study with community members on how foster care I was nervous, not quite sure what to expect, with the services may be improved, which sparked incredible understanding that I had much to learn. I focused my conversations and honest feedback with the results attention on developing my personal and professional indicating the need for more connection and support from authenticity in terms of relationship-building. the department. These conversations were nourished by a foundation of trust, rapport, and respect. Consequently, One week into my practicum, our community was people were willing to share with me, not because I presented with a natural disaster in the form of a spring knew something, but because trust was present. I was flood. This flood presented me with deep, insightful authentically interested in their story, in their opinion, learning. I finally understood what vulnerability and and in their lived experience. authenticity meant, because I lived it. Before this I have come to a deeper understanding of my social location and how it directly impacts my Indigenous worldview in terms of my renewed commitment to the 30

FALL 2021

experience, I had only possessed a theoretical knowledge of the concepts, but lacked the lived experience to make the connection.

With the flood came displacement time of raw vulnerability that my authentic self emerged. I agreed from homes, and in many cases, to take on a new role as volunteer family and friends. Many community Grace (far left) and community members coordinator and with a strong support members were evacuated out of the system of amazing social work staff, and many community community to a safe location. I was also displaced from professionals and volunteers, our team was organized and my home and from all that was familiar, to higher ground, effective. I was no longer afraid. I offered my authentic though I remained in Fort Simpson. The displacement self and reconnected with people during a time of crisis brought with it a few gifts: the gift to shed the carefully intervention, response and relief efforts; consequently, woven cocoon I built around myself to remain hidden and safe; the ability of deep self-reflection and introspection; and relationships were forged and solidified. It is at this juncture the chance to nurture relationships with fellow professionals that I made a choice, a choice to hold space -- and through holding space, relationships are created. Social work is and community members. The flood renewed my sense of about relationships. They are the cornerstone in the delivery purpose, leadership skills, humility, compassion, kindness, of authentic, culturally sensitive, culturally appropriate authenticity, vulnerability, courage and self-confidence. social work. My social location to each individual slightly varied Understanding my social location helped me connect. depending on the context. For instance, my relationship True, rich, authentic relationships are birthed from a place with my fellow social work colleagues was different than of vulnerability, uncertainty, and courage, where you are when I was comforting emotional clients and Elders who not afraid to show your humanity. were emotionally vulnerable, terrified of losing their homes. In Brené Brown’s book, Daring Greatly, she shares, “Being rather than knowing requires showing up and letting ourselves be seen. It requires us to dare greatly, to be vulnerable. The first step of that journey is understanding where we are, what we’re up against, and where we need to go.” (Brown, 2012, p. 16). I showed up. I stepped in, when I was desperately lacking courage and feeling insecure. I was unsure of how I could help and what would be expected of me. It was during this

Reference: Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.

GRACE BERIKOFF is a licensed social worker and practicum student with Foster Care and Adoptions in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. Grace recently completed her BSW through the University of Calgary. If you have any questions regarding this article, Grace can be reached via email at gberikoff@gmail.com. THE ADVOCATE

DAY IN THE LIFE

SAMUEL MAMMEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN passionate about working with youth. “I have worked in community development with children right from my high school age,” he said, which led him to his current role as program manager at Oak Hill Ranch, a therapeutic campus-based program for youth with complex challenges about 30 kilometres north of Edmonton in Bon Accord. “There’s a lot of research that says if we can be the trusted adult and support children during these years, especially during the early teens and around that developmental phase, we will be able to help children reach their potential.” Samuel, MSW, RSW, started at Oak Hill Ranch in 2012 as manager of Kicking Horse Lodge, the house where youth are first assessed. In 2018, he began managing the operations of all five of the residences there, which can host 36 youth who are 9 to 16 years old. Oak Hill was an all-boys ranch until April 2020, when it transitioned into a co-ed facility. All of the children who are hosted have a status with Children’s Services, and also have diagnoses that fall under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: ADHD, conduct disorder, FASD, or another clinical need. Each child is placed in a residence based on their age and level of functioning and on average, youth stay at Oak Hill Ranch for 13 months.

BY EMILY RENDELL-WATSON

SAMUEL MAMMEN

MSW, RSW

On a daily basis, Samuel’s role involves case management work, including meeting with caseworkers and parents of children who are staying at the facility. He also liaises with staff and helps them through crisis and reflective practice on a regular basis, plus connects with the principal of the on-site school and other program coordinators. “Case management is where I feel like I’m getting to be part of the change. It’s that opportunity to plant positive seeds and help problem solve, or help build some capacity with families or parents who cannot do that,” he said. Samuel is also a certified Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trainer and Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) educator with Cornell University. CARE is relationship-based, family involved, and trauma informed - with six principles on which the model is practiced. “Oak Hill is a certified TCI and CARE agency. We have a training wing at Oak Hill where we train practitioners from other agencies in TCI and the CARE models,” he says.

FALL 2021

Crisis management Samuel said staff at Oak Hill often cite a study on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which covers 10 types of adverse childhood experiences that children may have experienced in their early years. “When we look at any young person who we work with on a daily basis, they would have at least seven or eight adverse childhood experiences, which means they have experienced a lot of trauma in the past,” Samuel explained, pointing to potential physical or sexual abuse, neglect, and substance abuse as examples.

From the beginning, the youth are introduced to a school program and have access to sports, programming to develop life skills and art, as well as an on-site Elder, and an Indigenous liaison worker. Indigenous programs are directly integrated into daily programming. Intercultural connections Samuel completed his Master of Social Work in India and has worked there, and in Saudi Arabia. He has trained

practitioners and presented in the United States, U.A.E, Nepal and many parts of India. “My intercultural experience really adds value to my practice here. We work with Indigenous children – over 70 percent of our young people come from Indigenous families,” he said. “I have been able to integrate my learnings from working with different cultures and different ethnicities over the years, and [I represent] a different ethnicity, which can sometimes

Case management is where I feel like I’m getting to be part of the change. It’s that opportunity to plant positive seeds and help problem solve “Crisis management is a big piece where we as staff continue to learn. These children are very reactive and may not trust adults. Some children who come to our care have been through 35 placements. There’s this repetition of loss and rejection, making them wary to trust adults.” When crisis situations arise at the facility, Samuel says the team will look at a youth’s crisis management plan, evaluate and reflect about what could have been done differently. That work also involves managing peer groups to reduce the number of crises. THE ADVOCATE

at tables where decisions are made,” Samuel said about why he decided to volunteer with ACSW. ‘A giving profession’

help in building relationships, and help people work through intergenerational trauma.” Samuel has also been a long-time volunteer with the Alberta College of Social Workers in various capacities, including as a member since 2014 and now the co-chair of the editorial board that helps put the Advocate together. He is an ACSW council member for the 2021-2022 term. He initially connected with the organization in 2012 while representing a group of 75 social workers who immigrated to Canada from South India. “I’ve always believed in getting involved and being part of change. I want to be part of the solution and be able to share people’s experiences

When Samuel isn’t working, he’s spending time with his wife and three-year-old son in Edmonton. He said he is spiritually-focused, which has been crucial for his career as a social worker.

I’ve always believed in getting involved and being part of change. I want to be part of the solution and be able to share people’s experiences “I take time everyday to make sure I am grounded and in the right place and invested enough to do this work,”

he explained. “Social work is a giving profession, and being able to have the internal supply to be able to give is key so self-care is important for me. I take walks and get some physical activity every day to maintain my wellness.” Aside from self-care and time with family and friends, Samuel’s work with youth at risk, supporting and training staff and building community capacity is what keeps him going. “The everyday practice is what keeps me in this job - the little successes, working with children, being mentored, doing youth work - it’s all really cemented my commitment to the work I do,” Samuel shared. “I find a sense of meaning and purpose by pursuing what I do every day.”

EMILY RENDELL-WATSON is a multimedia journalist based in Edmonton. You can reach her at twitter.com/erendellwatson.

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. Writing 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 Winter issue:

October 1 for general submissions

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

FALL 2021

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 Crystal King at MemberActivitiesAdmin@acsw.ab.ca. Please check organization websites to confirm details.

Parkland Institute 25th Annual Conference

2021 Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Awareness Conference

Registration opens in September for an in-person and online conference.

Virtual RESET Society of Calgary September 20 & 21, 2021 Take part in workshops and presentations aimed to raise awareness.

November 19-21, 2021

www.Parklandconference.ca Diverse Voices Family Violence Conference Virtual November 17-19, 2021

www.resetcalgary.ca/conference/

Western Canada’s largest annual family violence conference.

Anti-Racism Spring Virtual Summit 2021 –

www.diverse-voices.com

Recordings available now SWHELPER, a progressive news website, and the Council on Social Work Education are offering recordings of their spring Summit sessions for $1.48 to SWHELPER subscribers. www.Globalsocialwelfaresummit.com Workplace Bullying Awareness Week October 17-23, 2021 Bullying is a worldwide problem. Together we are the solution! www.instituteofworkplacebullyingresources. ca/workplace-bullying-awarenessweek-2021-3/

Community Education Services Ongoing online education sessions - free

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

Topics focus on child and youth, including teens and risk-taking, adolescent brain development, and domestic violence. www.community.hmhc.ca/sessions/ The Canadian Association of Social Workers Webinars CASW webinars are free and on demand for all ACSW members. Depending on your learning goals, these may be applicable to Category A credits. www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars

ADVOCATE DEADLINES

SUBMISSION DEADLINE For the Winter 2021 issue of the Advocate is September 1, 2021 All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca

AD DEADLINE For the Winter 2021 issue of the Advocate is September 15, 2021 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 MemberActivitiesAdmin@acsw.ab.ca

THE ADVOCATE

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 550 10707 100 AVE NW EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS Mental health parity is essen al Economic parity is essen al Social work parity is essen al

You are Essen al to Visit casw-acts.ca to access all the member benefits and services of your na onal associa on.

The Advocate - Fall 2021

Articles inside

A Message from the Executive Director & Registrar