The Advocate - Summer 2020 by ACSW

FEATURE

From Practicums to Practice: The Student’s Perspective

SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS COVID-19: Opportunity for a New “Normal”

IN THE NEWS

Honouring Our Own: ACSW 2019 Awards

ADVOCATE SUMMER 2020

THE

VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 2

www.acsw.ab.ca

ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

SOCIAL WORK WEEK PART ONE

Fort McMurray SPECIAL SERIES

COVID-19 AND SOCIAL WORKERS Social workers are trusted professionals that contribute to the health and welfare of Alberta’s most vulnerable communities, families, and individuals. Social workers should continue to follow government directives. Social workers will be at the front of the recovery efforts of the pandemic response.

Information is evolving rapidly – check our website & these online resources often! Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACSW is committed to providing you with up-to-date information to support your practice and offer guidance on important topics. 

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ACSW COVID-19 WEBPAGE acsw.ab.ca/site/covid-19

CASW FACEBOOK SOCIAL WORK PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT GROUP Facebook.com – Canadian Association of Social Workers, Groups

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CASW COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE www.casw-acts.ca/en, under resources

CASW WEBINARS are now accessible on demand and free of charge

COVID-19 Pandemic THE PURSUIT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE is one of the founding principles of our profession. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, it is incumbent upon us to be the voice for the most vulnerable. As social workers, we strive towards social fairness, reducing barriers and expanding choice. We stand strong, united to use our power and influence, to serve our clients responsibly and to promote social justice during this time. We encourage you to use the tools in your toolbox. Assess what are essential, urgent and emergency needs. Use your professional judgement, your Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics to guide you. Seek supervision. As a profession, we use our unique knowledge, skills and competencies to get us through the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in this together!

RSWs  Dr. Hinshaw ACSW would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw. Dr. Hinshaw’s dedication and compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic have been a comfort to Albertans, including many social workers. Thank you, Dr. Hinshaw!

THE

ADVOCATE

COVER STORY: SOCIAL WORK WEEK SPECIAL SERIES

THE ADVOCATE Volume 45, Issue 2, Summer 2020 Published by: The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) 550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in AB): 1-800-661-3089 Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free fax: 1-866-874-8931 acsw@acsw.ab.ca — acsw.ab.ca Registrar (Acting) Associate Registrar: Suzanne MacKinnon, MSW, RCSW associateregistrar@acsw.ab.ca Executive Director (Acting) Associate Director - Professional Practice & Advocacy: Jody-Lee Farrah, MSW, RSW assocdirector@acsw.ab.ca

24 The Power of Connection

Managers, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Directors: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB acswregulatory@acsw.ab.ca Membership Activities - Team Lead: Charity Lui, MSW, RSW Social Workers - Membership Activities: Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW Andre Tinio, BSW, RSW Finance & Administration Officer: Kim Hyggen, CPA, CGA Finance & Administration Support: Audrey Kent, CPA, CMA Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross Executive Assistant / Office Manager: Noreen Majek

IN THE NEWS 12 Honouring Our Own: ACSW 2019 Awards

FEATURE STORY 18 Valuing Our Profession: Lynn Labrecque King

Promotions & Events Associate: Crystal King Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Carlena Johnson Jennifer Vasquez Toni Harrison Tami Carlin Jessica Atamanenko Kathleen Lidbetter Emily Rypstra (Associate) Online Services Analyst: Laurie Nelson

FEATURES

11 Transforming the Field Education Landscape 18 Valuing Our Profession: Lynn Labrecque King 24 The Power of Connection 28 Social Justice Within the Workplace and What You Can Do to Contribute

THE BIG PICTURE 9 A Message from the President INDIGENOUS VOICES 10 Returning to the Teachings ETHICS IN ACTION 14 Confidentiality and Consent to Share Information

30 Métis Housing: Building Resilient Families While Helping House Our People

SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS 16 COVID-19: Opportunity for a New “Normal”

32 Point of Conception

RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES 22 “It’s Social Work’s Time to Shine”

AROUND OUR PROVINCE 4 Around Our Province IN THE NEWS 6 Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs 12 Honouring Our Own: ACSW 2019 Awards

DIPLOMA DIALOGS 23 Uncertainty Brings Growth to our Social Work Students FOR YOUR INFORMATION 34 The Advocate Editorial Policy 35 For Your Information

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

IT Support Analyst: Scott MacPhee ACSW Council: President: Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW Vice President: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW Treasurer: Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Members at Large: Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Wilda Listener, MSW, RSW Bobbi Michaud, MSW, RSW Baiju Vareed, MSW, RSW Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW Siu Ming Kwok, MSW, RSW Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: Derek Chewka, MSW, RSW Public Members: Bukola Oladunni Salami Trevor Liskowich Laura Delfs Charmaine Coutinho Editorial Board: Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW & Cardinal Fomradas, MSW, RSW (Co-Chairs) Darnel Forro, MSW, RSW Tasha Novick, MSW, RSW Sherri Tanchak, MSW, RSW Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW Islam Deyab, BSW, RSW Bukola Oladunni Salami, Public Member Editorial services provided by Bird Communications Advertising space is available. To place an ad, contact memberactivitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca. The ACSW reserves the right to reject any submissions and advertising. Fall 2020 Issue Ad Deadline: July 15, 2020 Canadian subscriptions are $26/year (outside Canada: $26 US/year). Please immediately update your member profile with any address changes. ISSN 0847 - 2890 PM NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1 The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise. All material ©2020 by the ACSW or by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed. Reprint or copying (including digital or online reproduction in any form) of any Advocate material requires written consent of the ACSW.

THE ADVOCATE

AROUND OUR PROVINCE BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW

Maxine Salopree and Jody-Lee Farrah with members of the Legislature

The Legislature lights up magenta

Edmonton film night

U of A Hospital thanks social workers

Gerontology group wine & cheese

Edmonton pub night

Celebratory cake at ACSW

400 years of experience in Calgary

Lethbridge pub night

Social Work Week 2020

aware of public policy and whether it creates or inhibits social justice.”

and by lighting the High Level Bridge in magenta.

As we strive towards educating the public on the diversity and impact of our profession, we chose again this year to feature social workers in a social media campaign. We were delighted to have collaborated with the Humans Experience, as they interviewed and photographed social workers from northern and rural Alberta. Over the next few issues, we will share these impactful stories. And it is not too late to share our March posts on your Facebook account.

In partnership with the National Film Board, the Edmonton Area Coordinators hosted their annual film night on March 2nd at the Citadel Theatre. The evening included a screening of six short films that touched on various areas of diversity including: indigeneity, sexual and gender diversity, racism and disability. ACSW President Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW, opened the evening with words to encourage and challenge those in attendance.

As a profession, we are fortunate to have social workers represented in our legislature. MLA Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, presented a member statement in the legislature during social work week. This is some of what she had to share. “I am grateful to say that I have been a social worker for over 30 years. Social workers have a unique vantage point. They are often on the front lines serving Albertans experiencing various challenges in living. Social workers understand the importance of government decisions regarding funding, as they directly impact their work and the lives of the people they serve. Thus, social workers are keenly 4

SUMMER 2020

Activities Across Alberta Edmonton The City of Edmonton recognized Social Work Week in a proclamation

The University of Alberta Hospital and Stollery Children’s Hospital hosted an appreciation luncheon for their social workers. The group enjoyed some downtime together and a beautiful performance by youthful Cree singer

Lethbridge PD Committee

Fort McMurray brunch

The next issue of the Advocate will include a feature article related to COVID-19 and the role of social workers. Fort McMurray student presentation

Camrose drumming circle

We want to highlight the impact our profession is making during this crisis. Consider sharing some of your experiences. For details, contact Charity Lui at memberactivitieslead@acsw.ab.ca.

Portage College, Cold Lake

Artwork from Lac La Biche

Noah Simon and his grandmother, Carol Powder. Charity Lui, MSW, RSW, brought greetings on behalf of ACSW.

Calgary

The ACSW Gerontology Network North interest group hosted a wine and cheese reception at the ACSW office. Participants had the opportunity to network and celebrate our profession.

The Calgary Area Coordinators hosted an event focused on intergenerational social work. New social workers, emerging social workers, experienced social workers and those close to retirement gathered to share their thoughts and wisdom around the profession. It was an opportunity to bring together multiple generations. As a fun end to the evening, those in attendance lined up from those with the most experience to those just starting their career. When adding up the years of experience of each social worker, there were nearly 400 years of experience!

Social Action/Social Justice Edmonton organized a pub night. It was a fun and informal evening where social workers and social work students met to celebrate the profession, share good food and drinks. The ACSW staff enjoyed cake at the office for Social Work Week. We hope you had the opportunity to celebrate yourself and acknowledge the phenomenal work that you do within the profession.

Mayor Nenshi recognised Social Work Week with a letter of recognition.

Retirement Lynn Labreque King, MSW, RSW, Executive Director and Registrar, has retired from her position at ACSW. The staff celebrated the many contributions she has made to our organization and to the profession of social work. She will be missed! Read the feature article on page 18 to be inspired by her leadership and career.

THE ADVOCATE

AROUND OUR PROVINCE

Cake in Cold Lake

Lac La Biche January social

Slave Lake celebration

Lethbridge

later in the week. It was a fun and creative event with much laughter, cheer and bubbles!

about our profession, leave notes of encouragement and enjoy cake and a warm cup of hot chocolate.

Later in the week, the Area Coordinators hosted a restorative yoga session. Participants were able to relax and exercise their bodies and minds.

Lac La Biche

Social workers were invited to a pub night in Lethbridge. It was an evening to enjoy good company and celebrate together. The Area Coordinators also organized a fun-filled night at a local comedy club. Lethbridge Professional Development Partnership hosted their annual professional development opportunity for local social workers. This year’s focus was on vicarious trauma. Barb Higgins, past television news journalist, spoke about how vicarious trauma has affected her personally, and shared her healing journey that included somatic, reiki and other therapeutic models. Working with trauma can erode our coping mechanisms and increase workplace conflicts. Kathleen Gorman, MSW, RSW, Trauma Counsellor with Aboriginal Counselling Services, has worked in the fields of trauma, mental health/ addictions, and domestic and sexual violence. She provided tools for how to manage trauma exposure while working in challenging environments. Fort McMurray The local Area Coordinators hosted their annual brunch to kick off Social Work Week. This is always a time filled with good food, discussion and laughter. A bubble art workshop was hosted 6

SUMMER 2020

The Area Coordinators also took the opportunity during Social Work Week to engage with local social work students. It’s a great opportunity a meet up-and-coming social workers, to discuss their roles as Area Coordinators and provide an introduction to the ACSW. Jasper Jasper Area Coordinators hosted a coffee and discussion event. It was great to connect with local social workers over warm drinks. Camrose & Lloydminster The “Be Good to You” event was organized by the Camrose and Lloydminster Area Coordinators. It included a drumming circle, where participants used fun rhythms and worked together to drum away their stress. This was followed by a gentle yoga time. It was a time to be energized and empowered.

Pizza lunch and some time to paint! The Area Coordinator in Lac La Biche invited social workers and social work students to take time out and get creative. Back in January, the Area Coordinators in Cold Lake and Lac La Biche organized opportunities for social workers and social work students to spent time together after the holidays. In Cold Lake, it was an evening of fun and games, while in Lac La Biche, social workers made calming jars. Slave Lake The Area Coordinators in Slave Lake kept busy during Social Work Week. Local social workers were acknowledged and gifted with journals, chocolate and candles. A beautiful photo booth was put together for some stunning photos. And of course, there was cake!

Cold Lake The Area Coordinators for Cold Lake hosted a booth at Portage College over Social Work Week. Students and faculty were invited to learn more

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

We Celebrate Pride and Diversity Did you know that Pride month originated from the Stonewall riots of 1969? This New York City uprising lasted six days and was the result of years of unjust police persecution of patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, due to their gender and sexuality. One year later, the first Pride march occurred in commemoration of the riots. Brenda Howard, L. Craig Schoonmaker, and Robert A. Martin are popularized the word “Pride”, and Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in 1978 — now synonymous with the LGBTQ2S+ community. We now see Pride events across the world, typically in June, celebrations of diversity with familiar rainbow colours. We all have a role to play in the continued fight for the inclusion, safety, and rights of all who are sexually and gender-diverse. The ACSW supports the Sexual and Gender Diversity member interest group. To learn more or get involved, contact staff lead Heather Johnson at memberactivitiessouth@acsw.ab.ca.

ACSW ELECTION RESULTS We wish to thank all members who participated in the ACSW election by voting or by running for a seat on the ACSW Council. The election results are: Treasurer: Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Council Members: Baiju Vareed, MSW, RSW Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW Siu Ming Kwok, MSW, RSW

ACSW CONFERENCE

CASW Content Winner Everett Randall Hamilton, MSW, RSW, of Valleyview, AB entered CASW’s National Social Work Month contest. Here’s his winning submission on how he’s been impacted by those he serves: “Having worked in major metropolitan areas including Toronto and Ottawa, and being a strong advocate of quality services for everyone who needs them, I decided two years ago to make a drastic change in my life, both personal and professional, with a move to remote Northern Alberta. As a mental health therapist working primarily with children and adolescents and coming to a historically under-serviced community, I was welcomed with open arms. My expectations were much different from reality, and the issues I saw, although different in some ways, very much mimicked what I saw in the larger centres. The acuteness was much higher due to lack of resources, and the trauma experienced by Indigenous people was palpable but this, after all, was why I chose to relocate. The diversity is much greater than one might expect in a small Northern setting, allowing me the opportunity to not only work with Indigenous clients but with new immigrants, members of the LGBTQ2S+ communities, children and many others. Having lived in Toronto for many years, I always felt that diversity was a prize to be cherished and I am very happy to report that diversity is alive and well in small and remote communities all over Canada.” Congratulations, Randy, on your inspirational submission.

Save the Date! March 25-27, 2021. We are excited to announce that the ACSW 2021 conference will be in Calgary at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park.

Compassionate Heart The AHS Provincial and Calgary Zone Social Work Practice Councils and the U of C Faculty of Social Work sponsored the first of two digital story creations. ‘A Compassionate Heart’ features Lee Ann’s experience with her critically ill child. This initiative highlights the importance of psychosocial supports and exceptional medical interventions for families in very difficult situations. See the story on YouTube at AHSChannel by searching for ‘A Compassionate Heart.’ THE ADVOCATE

IN THE NEWS

Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs 8,714

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF APRIL 9, 2020 Satinay Abzakh

Haley Marie Dykstra

Olamide Atilola Ishola

Kit Sum Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly

Stella Sylva

Wendy Adams

Mathewos Lendido

Noor Jomaa

Roselyn Oyugi

Parker Tatoulis

Emil Joseph

Leanne Jessica Perrin

Glory Mundi Tekeh

Gagandeep Kaur

Miranda Prosser

Aksel William Tigley

Theresa Kawalilak

Michelle Lee Racicot

Adriene Claire

Kaitlin Ashley Knupp

Tess Raithby

David Lee

Kaitlyn Dawn

Evelyn Asana Alla-ah Eyinmwan Ereya Amorighoye Crystal Gail Anderson Oluwakemi Ibukun Anjorin-Ohu

Ersumo Derek Thomas Falkowsky Fawzia Feroze Rebecca Allie Fitton David Fletcher

Erika Lemon

Anita Claire Archibald

Rebecca Foshole-

Lorna Atieno

Luke

Brooklyn Michelle Dawn Bentley

Heather FoureyesCharles

Nathalia Liknes

Mary Bihnam

Maria Cristina Franco

Maggie Annie Lo

Tanya Marie Boorse Diane Claudette Bouchard Brandon Jerred Bullen Brooke Louise Buller Chelsea Rose Butler Sarah Campbell Rebecca Lynne Cardinal Michael Victor Clements

Mancebo Besrat Gebreselase Paris Gerow Amanda Lea Goodnough Roberta Graham Monique Aimee Greenwood Cavell Leta Griffiths- Blair Tasnim Hasan

Abigail Michelle Lidster

Robert MacIsaac Carly Rae Martin Kimberly Nicole Mayer Catherine Elizabeth Nora McCallum Gordance Benson Mendez Skye Anne Miller

Rebmann Joshua David Marion

Underhill Sejal Nirav Valand Charisse Cervantes Villanueva

Richard

Eva von Buchenroder

Brealyn Tate Riley

Cassandra Wade

Lindsey Michelle

Charmaine Paula

Ryland

Linda Wallace

Sasha Renee Sage

Jaclyn Wiebe

Mansi Saini

Cheyenne Victoria

Samantha Valerie Sanders

Wolfe Erik Michael Yuson

Sophie Sapergia Janice Tennille Schneider Maria Sgro

251

Florence Mudzongo

Sherbaniuk

TOTAL REGISTERED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AS OF APRIL 7, 2020

Anttu Omer Muhamed

Kendra Lee Sieben

Michael Sommerfeld

Molly Maguire Mundy

Dorsa Sobhani

Bonnie Wolski

Bryna Dawn Newborn

Ashley Lynn Staton

Rebca Zawde

Tanya Rae Moore

Kalista Maria Ruth

Shauna Rae Cowan

Sara-Jayne Hebert

Tracy Lee Day Chief

Kyla Jean Hicks

Michell Alejandra Diaz Mancha

Cara Lindsay Jean Horsley

Tanya Janette Ng

Ashley Marilyn Strain

Charlene Frank

Laurel Ann Driedger

Brittany Hudak

Thi Hong Thu Nguyen

Brittiany Rae Sunshine

Breanne Noel

SUMMER 2020

THE BIG PICTURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

AJAY HARTENFELD PANDHI is the President of the ACSW Council. He is also the President of Pandhi Counselling and Mediation Services and works as a mental health therapist at Strathcona Community Hospital. You can contact Ajay at acswpresident@acsw.ab.ca.

GREETINGS, ALL SOCIAL WORKERS. Summer is finally here and the hot sun is surely a welcome sight. This promises, however, to be a very different kind of summer than we are used to, specifically in regards to the ongoing pandemic and the sociopolitical response to COVID-19. At times like this, we realize the true depth and scope of social work practice – we have never been more relevant than we are today. Social workers possess many skills to help citizens cope and thrive in times such as this. We can provide moral and instrumental support, access to services, advocacy to address client needs, therapy to help clients deal with anxiety, loneliness and trauma, community organization, and so many other methods of supporting the socio environment. We have all heard about the number of deaths attributed to the Spanish Flu but this apt quotation from Noah Y. Kim of The Atlantic points out the other casualty, which was community interactions with each other. “John M. Barry, the author of The Great Influenza, told me that feelings of loneliness during the pandemic were worsened by fear and mistrust… Individual feelings of loneliness compounded, in some cases eroding once-strong community bonds. ‘People were actually afraid to talk to one another,’ said Daniel Tonkel, an influenza survivor, during a 1997 interview for PBS’s American Experience”.1 Keeping in mind the similarities between both these pandemics, we must not, as a society, repeat a similar situational response again. Let us ensure, by following our social work ethics, that COVID-19 does not take away our humanity as a citizenry. We Canadians are a caring society – we look after those who are finding it hard to look after themselves. Social workers epitomize this caring ethos by portraying to others what it looks like to be humane, to have humility and grace under fire, have forbearance, strength and determination, and to be present and truly awake in the moment. As the fears and real ‘newness’ of the pandemic become normalized, we are going to start feeling the economic and social impacts, especially in Alberta. We know that there is going to be a tremendous need for emergency and long-term social services and supports. As people lose their accustomed way of ‘normal’ life, mental health conditions and concerns are going to also rise exponentially. With this pressure, burnout is a real risk. It is thus critical that we make sure to look after ourselves and remain balanced and healthy. We cannot help others if we don’t help ourselves. This means that we reduce stressors in our personal lives and take on realistic tasks when it comes to our work. Social workers, please take time for self-reflection, stay connected to family and friends, make time for heartfelt discussions whilst continuing to involve yourselves with social action and social justice work, and please find time to relax and be happy. Thank you for all the good work you are doing. Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, MSW, RSW Kim, Noah Y. (March 31, 2020). How the 1918 Pandemic Frayed Social Bonds. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/coronavirus-loneliness-and-mistrust-1918-flupandemic-quarantine/609163/

THE ADVOCATE

INDIGENOUS VOICES

Returning to the Teachings BY DEREK CHEWKA, MSW, RSW

a heavy heart, I called Elder Leona Makokis who was to facilitate the ceremony to tell her the news. When she answered, she said, “I wondered when you were going to call.” When

Read a book to a child. Practice deep breathing. Learn something new. Pray and smudge. Learn 5 words from your native language.

Be in nature. And be silent.

Call a loved one and tell them how much they mean to you. Laugh. Laugh lots. Make a list of what you are grateful for. Ask one person how they are O doing.

Read.

Wash your hands. Go outside. Role model social distancing. Try new foods. Stay hydrated.

L TA EN

PH YS IC

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, we will have been many weeks in the tight grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives have already changed, and the future is uncertain. Hopefully, as this

Diagram 1. Self-Care During a Pandemic Using the Teachings of the Medicine Wheel, author unknown.

issue is released, we will have stopped the spread, and the curve will be on a downward trajectory allowing us to return to whatever our new normal is. The Indigenous Social Work Committee was deeply saddened when we heard the ACSW Conference had to be cancelled. We felt the loss of the months of planning for the teaching Sweat Lodge ceremony to be offered at the conference. With 10

SUMMER 2020

I told her that the sweat planned for the conference had been cancelled, she replied, “It’s not cancelled, just postponed. It will happen, just not right now.” She went on to share that this is time for us to remain calm, not to make rash decisions and listen to what Mother Earth is telling us. Many people want answers as to why this is happening. Leona shared that when

we are all ready, we will be provided with the why. Right now, we need to look after ourselves and our families, pray and smudge. I would go on to tell those in my circle what Leona shared. I told people outside my circle. I told whoever would listen. Be calm, do not make rash decisions and listen to what Mother Earth is telling us. After a few weeks passed, we began planning next year’s conference in Calgary – a welcome opportunity to focus on something positive. In my professional role, my team and I planned how to respond to COVID19 and shift to working from home to stop the spread. I was thrust into a professional role that I was familiar with: responding to crisis. To do so while remembering Leona’s teachings required that I be grounded. I searched for tools to help achieve this for myself and my team. Here’s what helped, courtesy of a caring co-worker: a medicine wheel (see diagram 1) depicting self-care strategies one can practice while being isolated during the pandemic. Need motivation to get up and do these things? Extend an invitation to someone to participate with you. We are in this together. Reach out to your neighbors to make sure they are OK. Each of us is strong. Together, we are stronger.

DEREK CHEWKA is Chair of the Indigenous Social Work Committee and Director of Child and Family Services with Yellowhead Tribal Council. He recently commenced his PhD studies with Walden University.

FEATURE STORY

TRANSFORMING THE FIELD EDUCATION LANDSCAPE:

An Introduction to the Partnership THE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS is proud to be a partner in “Transforming the Field Education Landscape” (TFEL). TFEL is a partnership project that aims to better prepare the next generation of social workers in Canada by creating training and mentoring opportunities for students, developing and mobilizing innovative and promising field education practices, and improving the integration of research and practice in field education. With funding from a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Partnership Grant, the fiveyear TFEL partnership is headed by Project Director Dr. Julie Drolet, PhD, RSW, a professor in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work based in Edmonton. With a focus on training and mentoring students, TFEL is creating many opportunities for BSW, MSW and PhD students, along with postdoctoral scholars, to become involved. We are hiring students to lead a number of research activities and extending invitations for students to participate in various training and mentoring initiatives. We have already started a repository of information and resources on our website, www.tfelproject.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@TFELProject) for up-to-date information on training events and initiatives, job openings, and helpful resources. Or feel free to reach out to tfelproject@gmail.com for more information. The ACSW is excited to support this project in “transforming the field education landscape”!

TFEL OBJECTIVES  TO TRANSFORM SOCIAL WORK FIELD EDUCATION BY BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND PRACTICE;  TO STRENGTHEN THE RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE RESEARCH;  TO TRAIN AND MENTOR STUDENTS AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS;  TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE MODELS OF FIELD EDUCATION; AND  TO ENGAGE STUDENTS AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS IN PARTNERED KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION AND THE MULTI-DIRECTIONAL EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE.

THE ADVOCATE

IN THE NEWS

Honouring Our Own: ACSW 2019 Awards ACSW is pleased to celebrate the contributions of some of Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exemplary social workers.

John Hutton Memorial Award

Excellence in Social Work Practice

This award recognizes a registered social worker in good

This award recognizes social workers who have exhibited

standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the

exemplary skills and commitment over time.

profession of social work and the community through social action and policy.

Marianne Wright, BSW, RSW Marianne has been a social worker

Richard Shelson, MSW, RCSW

for over 40 years, as a clinical

Richard has been a social worker for

social worker in private practice,

40 years, supporting individuals and

a social work educator and a field

families through counselling and mental

placement instructor. Marianne

health therapy, and advancing clinical

retired in 2019 after teaching at MacEwan University

social work practice in the mental health

since 1980. Throughout her career as an educator,

field. Richard was involved in advocacy for the social work

Marianne contributed to the development of courses

profession to be included in the Health Professions Act and

that focus on clinical skills and social work methods.

has served as a long-time ACSW volunteer, including serving

Marianne is dedicated to giving back to the profession,

on Council in multiple roles, on the Clinical Committee

including supporting the ACSW with participation on

since its inception, and by continuing to provide leadership

the Private Practice, Complaints and Discipline, and

on the Private Practice Committee. Richard was also the

Clinical Committees, as well as being an investigator and

first Canadian member on the Association of Social Work

co-chairing the ACSW Conference Committee. Marianne

Boardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Practice Analysis Taskforce, and a member and chair

has demonstrated excellence in social work through

of their exam committee. His support for the profession is

her support of students, practitioners and community

unparalleled, and he continues to be an advocate, teacher

agencies, fostering dedication to the ongoing growth and

and mentor within Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social work community.

development of the profession.

SUMMER 2020

Clinical Social Work Practice This award is presented to a registered social worker who has exhibited exemplary leadership, skills and commitment to the advancement of clinical social work, as well as continuing excellence in clinical competence, ethical practice, and respect for diversity.

Tera Dahl Lang Memorial Award for Wise Indigenous Social Work Practice This award is presented to a registered social worker who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to the advancement of Indigenous ways of knowing and continuing excellence in Indigenous social work practice.

Val Gervais, MSW, RCSW

Sharon Steinhauer, MSW, RSW

Val is a twospirited Métis addiction and mental health therapist residing in Edmonton. For 35 years, Val has been working within addiction and mental health, justice and collaborative concurrent disorder shared care, acute care, community and primary health care, and community activism and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about: providing knowledge translation to health care providers so they can develop sensitive cultural care for Indigenous clients, families and communities; and modelling Indigenous cultural approaches to teaching methods and clinical practice. Val is the creator of the “Storyteller’s Blanket”, used to assist with knowledge translation, and is a passionate educator, most recently with the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work. She created the first LGBTQ2S+ BSW course for the Faculty of Social Work in Edmonton in 2019, and has been an instructor and practicum supervisor for MSW students who are interested in addiction and mental health clinical care.

Sharon has been a social worker for over 30 years, dedicated to the development and advancement of Indigenous social work practice in Alberta. Sharon’s goal is to live life with relational accountability and work for social and economic justice by honouring diverse ways of knowing and being, with an emphasis on restoring Indigenous families, organizations and communities by addressing the impact of colonization. Sharon has been a teacher and leader at University nuxełhot’įne thaaɁehots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills from 1998 until her retirement as the social work program lead in 2019. Sharon’s published work includes topics such as understanding childhood trauma in Indigenous communities, economic security of Indigenous women, and health of Indigenous children, families and communities. Sharon was the co-developer of the ACSW Indigenous social work practice framework and is a leader, collaborator, and wise teacher who has served her community and profession with dignity and honour.

CASW Distinguished Service Award The Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award is given on the occasion of National Social Work Month to a recipient chosen from CASW Partner Organizations. Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW Lynn is a compassionate social worker and leader with 35 years of service to the social work profession. She is known nationally within the social work profession and was instrumental in bringing ACSW back to the Canadian Association of Social Workers to ensure Alberta has a national voice. She has served as the President of the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators and contributed leadership in addressing the interjurisdictional mobility of social workers within Canada. Throughout her social work career, Lynn has demonstrated tenacity, creativity and collaborative leadership in her various roles at Alberta Children’s Services and while serving as Executive Director and Registrar of the Alberta College of Social Workers. Through the foundational values of caring, communication and collaboration, she has instilled pride and service to the profession while collaboratively aiming to achieve excellence. She is an exemplary leader, upholding integrity and treating others with kindness, dignity and respect.

THE ADVOCATE

ETHICS IN ACTION

PART 1 OF 2

Confidentiality and Consent to Share Information IS THERE EVER A RIGHT TIME TO DISCLOSE OR SHARE INFORMATION WITHOUT CONSENT? BY BRUCE LLEWELLYN, MSW, RSW AND SHERYL PEARSON, MSW, RSW, LLB

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONSENT are ethical cornerstones of every regulated profession and social work is no exception. Some might say that social work, more than most, requires a foundation of confidentiality and consent, given that trust and respect are fundamental to the social worker–client relationship. The CASW Code of Ethics state that “Social workers demonstrate respect for the trust and confidence placed in them by clients, communities and other professionals by protecting the privacy of client information and respecting the client’s right to control when or whether this information will be shared with third parties.” This article is part one of a two-part series dealing with confidentiality and consent to share information. Part one will address the principle of confidentiality and the exceptions to confidentiality. Part two will address the principle of consent to share information. Confidentiality The ACSW Standards of Practice 2019, section D.5, Confidentiality, provides that: (a) A social worker will safeguard the confidentiality of the information obtained in the course of practice, 14

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including while teaching, providing supervision, conducting research, or other professional duties. (b) Except as noted in section D.7, a social worker will disclose information about a client to others only with documented informed consent from the client. Value 5 of the CASW Code of Ethics deals with Confidentiality in Professional Practice in a similar way: Social workers only disclose confidential information to other parties (including family members) with the informed consent of clients, clients’ legally authorized representatives or when required by law or court order. Thus, there are only two conditions that justify the release of confidential information by a social worker:

is permissible when a social worker believes that disclosure is necessary to protect against a clear and substantial risk that the client will inflict imminent serious harm on self or others. The CASW Code of Ethics provides that “the general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable and imminent harm to a client or others.” Notably, this exception sets a high bar for disclosure of confidential information without consent. There are three factors that must be taken into consideration. (See Supreme Court of Canada case Smith v. Jones, SCC, 1999). (1) Is there a clear risk to an identifiable person or group of persons?

1. The client (or their legal representative) has consented to the release of information; or

(2) Is there a risk of serious bodily harm or death?

2. The social worker is required by law or court order to do so.

Clearly, this exception includes the situation where a client is considered homicidal or suicidal.

The intention of this article is to explain the exceptions to confidentiality. Exception 1 Disclosure of confidential information

(3) Is the danger imminent?

Exception 2 Disclosure without a client’s consent is permissible when a social worker is required by a Provincial or Federal

Act or regulation or a court order to disclose the information. 1) Court orders to disclose/share information must always be adhered to. 2) The Canada Evidence Act (1985): A subpoena may compel a social worker to attend court and/or provide testimonial evidence. Law enforcement agencies/lawyers may also subpoena file documentation. 3) The Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (2000) states at section 4(1) that any person who has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a child is in need of intervention shall forthwith report the matter to the director or a police officer. 4) The Communicable Diseases Regulation (Public Health Act, 1985) requires the reporting of communicable disease such as sexually transmitted disease and pandemic influenza to the director of health. The regulation provides that when a person is infected with a communicable disease to which the Act applies, notice shall be given to the medical officer of health. 5) The Workers’ Compensation Act (2000) provides that all health professionals, including social workers, have a duty to report workplace injury and treatment to the Workers’ Compensation Board within 48 hours. And, particularly relevant to our current circumstances: 6) Under the Health Professions Act (section 1.1(1)), a regulated professional (including RSWs) must immediately notify the medical officer of health if they

know or reasonably suspect the “existence of a nuisance or a threat that is or may be injurious or dangerous to the public health.” According to the Public Health Act, a “nuisance” is a condition that is or that might become injurious or dangerous to the public health, or that might hinder in any manner the prevention or suppression of disease. This would include reporting information about a client who is at risk of having COVID-19 and not engaging in self-isolation. Each of the above provincial or federal acts requires the disclosure of information, which is distinct from permitting the disclosure of client information. When disclosure of information is required, as indicated in the cited Acts above, section B.5(c) of the Standards of Practice does not apply. However, when agency policy or legislation permits or allows the sharing of information without consent (for instance, as provided for in the Health Information Act and Children’s First Act), section B.5(c) of the ACSW Standards of Practice applies (more on this in part two of this article in the next issue.) Exception 3 Disclosure of confidential information about a client is also permissible to a collection agency if it is necessary in order to collect a fee. Exception 4 Disclosure is permissible when the information is required for a social worker to defend against a complaint of unprofessional conduct and/or when directed to do so by an investigator or prosecutor of a complaint under the Health Professions Act. In all instances, social workers disclose

SECTION D. 7 OF THE STANDAR DS OF PR ACTICE PR OVIDE THAT:

(a) Notwithstanding section D.5, a social worker may disclose information about a client without the client’s consent in the following situations: i. when a social worker believes that disclosure is necessary to protect against a clear and substantial risk that the client will inflict imminent serious harm on self or others; ii. when a social worker is required by a Provincial or Federal Act or regulation or a court order to disclose the information; iii. to a collection agency if it is necessary in order to collect a fee; iv. when the information is required for a social worker to defend against a complaint of unprofessional conduct; and v. when directed to do so by an investigator or prosecutor of a complaint under the Health Professions Act. the least amount of confidential information necessary to achieve the desired purpose. There you have it: exceptions to the principle of confidentiality in a nutshell. We will continue to explore the topic of consent to share information in part two of this series in the next Advocate.

SHERYL PEARSON and BRUCE LLEWELLYN are Managers of Regulatory Practice for the Alberta College of Social Workers. THE ADVOCATE

SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

COVID-19: Opportunity for a New “Normal” BY JODY-LEE FARRAH, MSW, RSW

WHEN ALBERTANS STOPPED what they were doing and stayed home, many social workers, steadfast alongside other essential service workers, continued to respond to the needs of clients and families in their communities. They knew that now, more than ever, health and social support systems would be critical to meet the needs of an increasing number of people plunged into crisis. By design, these systems exist for Albertans to fall back on in our most desperate times. When struck by a global pandemic and spiraling economic crisis, our systems to aid the most vulnerable became crucial to aid everyone. The crisis is serving as a spotlight, exposing the gap-filled systems for what they really are…a threadbare fabric of our society. Pursuit of Social Justice Social workers value social justice and uphold the rights of people to have equal access to resources to meet basic human needs. “Social workers believe in the obligation of people, individually and collectively, to provide resources, services and opportunities for the overall benefit of humanity and to afford them protection from harm. Social workers promote social fairness and the equitable distribution of resources, and act to reduce barriers 16

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and expand choice for all persons…” (Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics, 2005, Value 2: Pursuit of Social Justice). Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, basic needs such as food and water, safe shelter, access to health care and income security stood at the forefront of what people needed most, compounded by the mental, psychological, emotional and socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic. While government supports made what was previously impossible possible, it still has been difficult to have enough to meet the needs for all. Furthermore, social workers are helping those throughout the pandemic while managing their own experience. They also turn to the future and advocate for the needed supports for the recovery post-pandemic.

to support those who experienced loss of employment due to COVID-19. Although there was strong support for this, advocates called upon the government to go further to meet the needs of those who did not meet the program criteria and would fall through the cracks. In a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, the CASW urged the federal government to act, saying, “A crisis is not the time to add administratively onerous programs to an already overburdened Public Service and a population seized by uncertainty and collective anxiety. The fundamentals of a uBIG are already in place in Canada and the evidence of the immediate positive impact of a uBIG is undeniable and overwhelming. It is time to merge the levers of Canada’s social safety net into a uBIG that will have all people in Canada live and die with dignity and respect.”1 Without this crisis, we may never have seen such support for minimum income support. The Senate of Canada has called upon the Government of Canada to take this positive opportunity to evolve the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit and build upon its development so all Canadians may have access to a guaranteed minimum basic income, preventing people from falling through the cracks, and ensuring greater social and economic equity.2

Universal Basic Income Guarantee

Food Security

Social policy advocates and social workers, including the CASW, have long advocated for basic income reform in Canada through a Universal Basic Income Guarantee (uBIG). To meet the urgent income security needs of Canadians during the pandemic, the federal government took immediate action to implement a Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

In the early weeks of the pandemic, there was wide-spread concern about whether there would be enough food supply across Canada. There was a sense of panic as hoarding of essential items such as eggs and flour, dry and canned goods, meat and poultry (and even toilet paper) emptied stores. These actions called into question the resilience of Canada’s food

systems. With pre-existing precarious employment and food insecurity, the impact of COVID-19 could be monumental. One in eight Canadians experience food insecurity and with the impacts of COVID-19, this number was expected to increase.3 According to the recently released PROOF report, “Before COVID-19, more Canadians were experiencing food insecurity than ever before, a number that has risen to 4.4 million people, including 1.2 million children under 18. Food insecurity damages the health and wellbeing of adults and children. People who are food-insecure are much more likely to suffer from chronic physical and mental health conditions and have lower life expectancy.”4 There are several factors contributing to food insecurity that highlight the depth of the problem, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health response: low-income households; renters; lone parents – particularly females; individuals who receive social assistance and households with children younger than 18 years.5 According to Food Secure Canada, COVID-19 has highlighted the inequities in Canada’s food systems, and the need for change: “…This crisis is an opportunity to strengthen our food system overall, revitalize rural economies, improve the health of Canadians, and build resilience - to climate change and other system shocks - now and into the future.”6 There is an opportunity to re-think food systems with a focus on local producers to provide for Canadians in a more sustainable, equitable and healthy manner. To thoroughly address food insecurity in Canada, Food Secure Canada is advocating for a universal basic income that will meet the needs

of those experiencing food insecurity – citing this “once in a lifetime chance” to make change. Safe and Affordable Housing The COVID-19 crisis heightened awareness of those one paycheque away from homelessness and the increasing challenges of those already experiencing homelessness in Alberta. Public health directives around physical distancing and personal hygiene challenged social workers and organizations providing supports to vulnerable populations. Providing a safe place for those facing homelessness would be critical in supporting vulnerable people to have a safe and healthy place to live while taking important steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. While provincial and federal governments developed plans to help shelters respond to COVID-19, they also committed millions to support organizations to address the needs of those requiring emergency shelter. In Edmonton, an innovative, strengthsbased solution was created to address housing needs during the crisis. Homeward Trust Edmonton and Boyle Street Community Services came together to provide a temporary housing solution at the Coliseum Inn for people experiencing homelessness. This was implemented alongside day services at the EXPO Centre for those requiring isolation and other supports. Homeward Trust stated, “This creates more capacity for us to provide everyone with something most of us have been able to rely on in this crisis – a stable home where we can be healthy and protected.”7 The role of a Universal Basic Income Guarantee is substantial in preventing homelessness and ensuring people can reach health and social supports.

Opportunity for New “Normal” From crisis also comes opportunity to assess and critically reflect on our individual professional identities as social workers and our collective role as a profession to create and shape a new normal — a normal that will develop a positive way forward to implement radical system change to address poverty, food insecurity, income security and homelessness. Humanitarian and social justice advocate Sonya Renee Taylor reflects, “We will not go back to normal. Normal never was. Our pre-corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, depletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate and lack. We should not long to return, my friends. We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment. One that fits all of humanity and nature.” https://www.casw-acts.ca/sites/default/files/ documents/uBIG_during_COVID_-19.pdf

https://99ef1c2f-cf4f-4886-a2a6e608d33a7c01.filesusr.com/ugd/138236_ ba7a4dd75e85420994980904ba220a12.pdf

https://foodsecurecanada.org/resources-news/newsmedia/COVID-food-secure-canada-response

https://proof.utoronto.ca/more-canadians-are-foodinsecure-than-ever-before-and-the-problem-is-onlygetting-worse/

https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/ nutrition/if-nfs-household-food-insecurity-in-alberta.pdf

https://foodsecurecanada.org/resources-news/newsmedia/covid-19-highlights-food-system-inequitiestime-systemic-change

http://homewardtrust.ca/covid-19/

JODY-LEE FARRAH is the Associate Director, Professional Practice & Advocacy, at the Alberta College of Social Workers. THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

Valuing Our Profession: Lynn Labrecque King BY MEL PRIESTLEY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS THE WORLD CHANGES, I think we can be assured that some things are not going to change. Our social work values for things like self-determination and the value in human dignity are foundational truths and cornerstones to the profession.â&#x20AC;? Over the course of her 38 years in social work, Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW, has witnessed enormous transformation in the profession. But no matter where she was or what she was working on specifically, she has always been most proud of her work with the amazing teams of social workers whom she worked with throughout her career. Labrecque King retired from her role as the Executive Director and Registrar for the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) at the beginning of February and has had some time to reflect on her career. She also served as president of the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators, worked in management and workforce development, and with families, children and youth.

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In all her positions, but especially in her later years in leadership and organizational development, Labrecque King was most excited by the collaboration and accomplishments of the teams with which she worked.

always included appreciation for diversity as part of the profession’s values – this is still strong as ever. We rightly have a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and growing stronger together with Indigenous communities in our country. Our laws are changing relative to ensuring equality for persons immigrating, gender equality and transparency in general. As societal structures are evolving, so is our profession and we are continuing to define and update what social work is.”

“The magic really happens when we’ve got multiple minds working together for one common purpose,” she says. “I am most proud of having been able to organize with teams of social workers. That was one thousand times true in my role as the Executive Director and Registrar for the College. It was an The Code of Ethics amazing privilege to have been able to provides both a do that work. Part of the success that we encountered has been in knowing that foundation and haven we have always been in it together.”

for social workers who may find themselves feeling a bit confused or lost because of all the changes in the world and within their profession.

Maintaining connection with both colleagues and the profession as a whole is always important but becomes absolutely critical in times of flux. 2020 has been a year of astonishing change, with significant challenges for those in the helping professions particularly. Even before the COVID19 pandemic started, Labrecque King had been reflecting on how quickly the world is changing and the new challenges that globalization, technology and radically shifting ideologies have brought to social work. “Globalization has had and will continue to have an impact on the evolution of the profession. Social work has

Rather than a succinct definition of social work, Labrecque King instead points to several important lines of thinking that are shaping the current discussions in the profession.

“Social work is research-based and it’s critical to have good clinical skills and to be a systems-thinker,” she says. “Social work education has evolved in conversations around anti-oppressive practice approaches, for example. As we move forward, it may serve us best to be more focused not on which theories are the best, but on how we can have them work together in practice so that social workers of the future are prepared from a diversity of perspectives.” “I think that’s what makes social work rich,” she continues. “There are multiple ways of looking at things as we do our work.”

THE ADVOCATE

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, I have always appreciated Lynn’s collegial approach and commitment to finding solutions to advance every issue. Her leadership has extended beyond the ACSW to the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators. Throughout her tenure there, especially in the role of president, she has been a shining example of commitment to Canadian social work regulation! Her colleagues across the country appreciate her many accomplishments and will miss her. Lynn, enjoy spending more time with your family, your travels and the wonderful adventures that lie ahead! LISA CROCKWELL, MSW, RSW NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS

One thing that’s not going to change, Labrecque King says, are the ethics and values for social justice upon which social work is founded. The Canadian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics provides both a foundation and haven for social workers who may find themselves feeling a bit confused or lost because of all the changes in the world and within their profession.

The ACSW

I WORKED WITH LYNN WHEN she was a manager of Workforce Development with the Government of Alberta starting in 2003. She led a number of huge provincial initiatives, including the implementation of the provincial training of the new Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and the complete rewrite of provincial delegation training for Children’s Services. There was a great deal of pressure to provide results with very short timelines. Lynn always led with thoughtful humour, patience, and creativity. She ensured everything we did reflected excellent social work ethics, practice and principles. Working with Lynn was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my social work career. JACQUIE MASTENBROEK, BSW, RSW

She also notes that the ACSW is a critical part of how she was able to stay connected and engaged, as it acts like a beacon linking workers with their profession and with other colleagues. This is especially important for workers in small offices or who are working in smaller communities outside urban centres, and for anyone working in more virtual environments – which was certainly something that has acts like a happened universally in 2020.

“It always comes back to our values beacon linking workers “I’ve always said the ACSW is not and principles,” Labrecque King says. Labrecque King began her social with their profession and an office somewhere in a city, it’s a place where we can go to network, work career working with adults with other colleagues. coordinate with each other and have with disabilities in Peace River, and conversations,” Labrecque King says. then moved into working in child “Oftentimes it does feel like we’re on our own, but we’re welfare, adoptions, income support and Assured Income really not. We can count on the fact that supervision and for the Severely Handicapped in the Grande Prairie and discussing with colleagues is such a strong part of our Edmonton areas. She completed her Bachelor of Social profession. – I will always value my time with the ACSW Work at the University of Victoria and her MSW at and encourage all members of the profession to stay Dalhousie University. connected.” Thinking back over her progression in the field, she Labrecque King has never thought of herself as someone marvels at the sheer variety of career avenues that social who gives advice, but rather as someone who co-creates work offers. ideas with others who are working together on a common “It’s such a diverse profession – there are just so many purpose. She has a couple of ideas that have worked for different angles possible with a social work degree,” her over the course of her profession. Labrecque King says. “No matter where I lived, I was able “Keep growing in your profession through reading, to work in different areas of the profession.” 20

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I DON’T KNOW IF MANY PEOPLE understand the complexity involved in balancing regulatory practice and membership services. Lynn enthusiastically accepted this challenge. During my terms as president, I knew her to be hard working, diligent and caring. She is a passionate social worker and committed to the profession, ACSW, our members, and the people we serve. Lynn was a visionary leader for our organization. It was a privilege to work with her. RICHARD GREGORY, MSC, RSW PAST ACSW PRESIDENT

ongoing learning and networking with colleagues in the profession,” she says. “Research shows that staying competent through our careers is amplified when we are connected and engaging professionally with colleagues. It’s so important to know we are not alone in our work. “Prepare for everything, no matter how small,” she continues. “Social work is a research-based profession. The only way to intentionally apply social work knowledge is through advance thought. I always suggest having two appointments for every meeting, one to prepare and one for the actual meeting.”

I MET LYNN [IN] MY FIRST JOB with the government so my learning curve was steep. Lynn was unfailingly helpful and walked with me every step of the way. Lynn has always been deeply committed to ensuring front line staff and supervisors have the competencies they need. While Lynn is serious about this commitment, she does not take herself too seriously. Her energy, creativity, sense of fun and support helped our team stay strong and connected. GINA ANDERSON

Rotary Club, having just completed a term as president. She plans to continue volunteering and hopes to continue doing some teaching. As for the future of social work, Labrecque King has some insights gleaned from her decades in the profession. “If we are to remain strong as a trusted

Keep growing in your profession through reading, ongoing learning and networking with colleagues.

As Labrecque King moves into new adventures, she has been enjoying spending more time with her family of six children and six grandchildren. “I’m very proud of being a parent, grandparent, sister and daughter,” she says. “I have a wonderful spouse and partner, and we always look forward to family gatherings. We love fishing and the outdoors.” She enjoys gardening and oil painting, with several paintings currently in progress – she hopes the future will bring some time to finish them! Labrecque King values volunteering and is very active in her local chapter of the

profession, it will be critical to connect the activities happening at local levels, political levels and social levels to the agreed-upon foundations for social work education,” she explains. “The result of collaboration among all parts of our profession, including education, regulation and associations,

can be confidence and clarity for a strong identity, along with the respect and trust of those we are privileged to serve and to serve with.”

MEL PRIESTLEY is an Edmonton-based freelance journalist who writes about local news and culture as well as theatre, food and wine. Find more of her writing and current projects at melpriestley.ca.

THE ADVOCATE

RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES

“IT’S SOCIAL WORK’S TIME TO SHINE.” BY DON MCSWINEY

Dr. Ellen Perrault, PhD, RSW

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY ANNOUNCES NEW DEAN OF SOCIAL WORK: DR. ELLEN PERRAULT, PHD, RSW The week Ellen Perrault was selected as Dean of the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work wasn’t exactly a great one in Alberta. CBC reported the number of COVID-19 cases in Alberta had jumped to nearly 3,000, while the New York Times reported that the price of oil actually dropped below zero. In the midst of this, Ellen remains typically upbeat. “Well, my ancestors were farmers,” she says. “They knew that if you don’t plant a crop in the spring, you won’t have anything the next year. Whether it’s raining or dry, you still need to plant your crop and do the hard work to ensure a bountiful future.” As the new Dean of Social Work, Perrault will be tasked with bringing in a beautiful crop from what many would suggest could be a harsh environment. However, she believes that societal shifts and experiences from the pandemic can guide the faculty to transition into the future and become stronger in the process. “COVID-19 is uncovering the critical need for social workers,” says Perrault. “I think it’s also creating new opportunities to build new hubs of community connection and action in education and research. If we’re guided by the values of social work, and we take a compassionate, collaborative approach, I really believe we’ll be able to look back in five years with pride at how the faculty and the social work profession really flourished.” “Social workers are trained to create positive change in these times of uncertainty,” says Perrault, “I believe social work will help society recover from the pain. What a great opportunity to move from, ‘Oh and we 22

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have social workers…’ to having a leadership role in rebuilding the community to be ready for the next crisis.” Perrault also believes that the global pandemic has created an important crossroads for the profession. “We either provide leadership now, or our profession will not survive, and other professions will take over.” Perrault points to troubling trends in the erosion of social work roles in several areas: nurses supporting family members in hospitals; child and youth care workers in child welfare; psychologists moving to provide more mental health interventions; business sector professionals and planners taking on community leadership; NGOs struggling with international development; and public and health policy analysts advocating for a fair society. “We need to step up” says Perrault, “because what other profession than social work will work towards equity for the poor, the homeless, and the marginalized? What other profession is going to ensure the bigger systems are supporting the microsystems? What other profession is going to create new knowledge in these areas so that we can move forward? What other profession will work towards the common good and wellbeing of society while ensuring communities, families and individuals are thriving? It is social work’s time to shine.” Perrault will begin her term as the new Dean of the Faculty of Social Work on July 1, 2020. The faculty is planning on celebrating current Dean Dr. Jackie Sieppert’s legacy, soon, when we can gather in-person.

DONALD MCSWINEY is the manager of Communications and Marketing in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work.

DIPLOMA DIALOGUES

UNCERTAINTY BRINGS GROWTH TO OUR SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS BY DENISE SMITH, MSW, RSW AND EMMA WRIGHT, MSW, RSW

IN THESE UNSETTLING TIMES of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of us have been impacted personally and professionally in different ways. As instructors, we also felt ourselves pulled into a realm of anxiety, as the weight of the responsibilities for our students’ learning required significant reconstruction. Writing this article started as an account of this academic restructuring; however, repeatedly we saw the conversation gravitate to our students’ responses to these uncertain times. As our curriculum adjusted to this new normal, we observed our students rising to the challenge, demonstrating their social work values and principles. As students maneuvered through this pandemic, it became apparent to us that we were witnessing the evolution of their practice. Within their interactions with instructors and fellow students, social work ethics and standards of practice were on full display. Here are some the things that we saw: F.4 IMPAIRED ABILITY TO PERFORM (a) A social worker will maintain a reasonable level of self-awareness necessary to appropriately manage personal needs, feelings, values, and limitations in the context of a professional relationship. (from ACSW’s Sttandards of Practice) Students demonstrated great self-awareness in terms of expressing their disappointment, anxiety and practical limitations that they were experiencing. Simultaneously, they communicated strategies and techniques to face these struggles allowing them to stay focused on their schoolwork. Value 6: Competence in Professional Practice: Social workers analyze the nature of social needs and problems, and encourage innovative, effective strategies and techniques to meet both new and existing needs and, where possible, contribute to the knowledge base of the profession. (from CASW’s Code of Ethics)

Students engaged in self-advocacy while problem solving new and innovative ways to meet the outcomes of their program. Students remained open and flexible as they sought clarification and presented their ideas. Collaborating allowed instructors to gain inside knowledge on the needs of students. Value 4: Integrity in Professional Practice: Social workers demonstrate respect for the profession’s purpose, values and ethical principles relevant to their field of practice. (from CASW’s Code of Ethics) Students expressed continued empathy towards us as instructors. We received genuine inquiries concerning our own wellbeing as well as great patience and understanding from our students as overnight, curriculum and practicums had to be adjusted and changed. From what first appeared to be a terrible circumstance emerged into a coming together between students and instructors. It became apparent that when our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are at the forefront of our framework, social work skills and values define the response. At the time of writing, there remain many unknowns about the progression of this pandemic. What is clear is that the resiliency displayed by students throughout this experience has shaped their social work practice.

DENISE SMITH is the Coordinator in the Social Work department at Northern Lakes College. EMMA WRIGHT teaches in the Social Work department at Northern Lakes College. THE ADVOCATE

SOCIAL WORK WEEK PART ONE

Fort McMurray SPECIAL SERIES

Bremda

MSW, RSW

SUMMER 2020

COVER STORY & SPECIAL SERIES • PART 1: FORT MCMURRAY

THE POWER OF CONNECTION AS TOLD TO JERRY CORDEIRO OF THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE

TO CELEBRATE 2020 SOCIAL WORK WEEK, ACSW COLLABORATED WITH THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE. PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST JERRY CORDEIRO TRAVELLED THROUGHOUT OUR PROVINCE TO INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPH NINE ALBERTA SOCIAL WORKERS WHO GRACIOUSLY SHARED A GLIMPSE INTO THEIR NORTHERN AND RURAL PRACTICES, AND THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE PROFESSION. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SPECIAL THREE-PART SERIES!

AMY PARSONS, MSW, RSW

Northern Lights Regional Health Centre and have spent over two years as a mental health therapist.

t its heart, social work is about connection. It is about bearing witness to the vulnerability that is inherent to the human condition, and doing so with empathy, compassion and kindness. Judgement, shame and blame have no place in this profession. Social workers recognize that any of us are a few unpredictable events away from needing support.

Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is supporting people in achieving their goals or assisting them in accessing supports and services that they did not know were available. Being entrusted to support people during some of their challenging times is an indescribable privilege.

As a mental health therapist, you sometimes hear the phrase, “I’ve never talked to anyone about this…”. When you hear those words, you know that you have established a genuine connection and created a safe space, allowing someone to be their most vulnerable and authentic self. What is shared is rare, intimate, and immensely personal. To join in a person’s achievements and setbacks, to support them in their journey, is profoundly humbling and the greatest honour. Growing up, I was a very empathetic child. Because of this, my family often referred to me as “softhearted”. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to be a “helper” - it was an innate part of me. When I arrived at Memorial University, I began a series of courses to better understand how I could take my passion and make it my profession. I found social work and the rest is history! My eight years of direct social work practice have varied tremendously. I spent five years working for a social-profit agency where I facilitated, coordinated, and directed family access programming. I spent nine months as the Acute Care social worker at the

And that is why I love this profession. Social work opens your eyes, your mind, and your heart. The people you meet teach you far more than you teach them. You’re a supporter, a cheerleader, and a thought-challenger, but you are never a “teller” or a “knower”. I firmly believe I am a better person because of what social work has brought to my life. BRENDA M. SMITH, MSW, RSW

remember growing up feeling concerned for others and wondering why things were the way they were; like why kids were starving, why people were homeless, why there were wars or bullying. I think I was destined for social work and fortunately, the universe steered me onto the right path. I grew up a tomboy because there were very few girls in my neighborhood. In my early 20s, I applied to a college mechanic program, thinking my years of backyard tinkering would be an advantage, but I didn’t get in and was told by the college they “needed men” for the program. Not being assertive as I am now, I said nothing. My application defaulted to my THE ADVOCATE

Janene

BSW, RSW

second choice, Human Services, which I had chosen because nothing else was of interest. What do you know, I excelled, tutored others, graduated with honours, and went right into a structural-based BSW program at St. Thomas University. Throughout, I focused my studies, practicums, and employment in mental health, spending several years exploring micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice as well as the diverse psychosocial facets of mental health. I honed in on clinical practice and mental health program development and loved it too. I then chose to do my MSW in Leadership, completing a thesis on bullying in health and social service professions, with a special clinical focus on psychotherapies for trauma. The accumulation of 20 years in mental health experience joined by leadership has guided me to full-time private practice. I love how ironic it is that my journey into a field of social justice started with injustice, and how my career pathways have guided me to rich experiences in Northern Alberta, and into a perfect fusion of my leadership and clinical passions. So many times, I have been grateful for my social work and mental health background, including when I 26

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needed it to support myself and my community during a time of wildfire crisis and recovery, and now, during the global crisis with COVID. I continue to specialize in best practice trauma treatment, using advanced EMDR protocols, and taking a special interest in supporting the supporters, such as military, veterans, RCMP, first responders and front-line workersâ&#x20AC;Śincluding those in that special profession called social work. JANENE HICKMAN, BSW, RSW

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a registered social worker for 16 years. Currently, my scope of practice is an eclectic combination of short-term counselling, critical support, and workshop facilitation. I also work to bring services and support to the rural communities in my region with a focus on holistic wellness, supported by Indigenous culture and knowledge. A typical day for me may include facilitating trainings or workshops related to suicide prevention or intervention. I acknowledge the participants and their willingness

Fort McMurray  PART OF THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO LOCATED ON TREATY 8 TERRITORY HOME TO KEYANO COLLEGE, WHICH OFFERS A SOCIAL WORK DIPLOMA PROGRAM POPULATION: 66,573 (2016 CENSUS) / 111, 687 IN WOOD BUFFALO (2018) FOUNDED IN 1870, INCORPORATED AS THE VILLAGE OF MCMURRAY IN 1947 MOTTO: WE HAVE THE ENERGY

Amy

MSW, RSW

to participate in something that may be emotionally challenging, seen as a taboo subject, or that may have a personal impact. I work hard to create a space that is respectful, supportive, and non-judgmental. Participants are tasked with homework after each of my trainings: to take time to care for themselves. Intentionally taking a few moments to reflect on the day, acknowledge any feelings that have come up for them, and do something that helps them care for themselves is key. I do this homework! I’m honoured that my career has afforded the opportunity to help increase awareness and understanding of mental health and wellness. I’m passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide, and am a strong advocate for those who are courageous in sharing their stories and seeking out support. As a young adult, I didn’t have the language to support my quest for justice, equity, inclusion and respect; however, these were values that supported my life and are now foundational to my practice. Humour, honesty and acknowledging we are all humans, and flawed, are also values that I bring into my work with clients and groups.

I believe in the power of connection. Connection with others helps break down barriers, reduce isolation and loneliness, and provide all of us opportunities to grow. Many individuals I’ve worked with have noted that the fear of being judged, misunderstood, or not heard are all reasons that stand in the way of them reaching out for support. Connecting with people and acknowledging that their story is their truth and offering a safe, supportive space to share their story is a gift that all of us can benefit from. So many in our community don’t feel that they have real connections, as families and friends often live in other communities or counties. I also believe that social workers are brave. Social workers will listen, will care and will help. This willingness to sit with people on their darkest days and journey through unspeakable challenges also means that we are willing to open our hearts to the pain, suffering and injustice experienced by others.

JERRY CORDEIRO founded the Humans Experience in 2014.

THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

Social Justice Within the Workplace

AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CONTRIBUTE BY MEAGON NICHOLSON, BA, BSW STUDENT

THOSE OF US IN THE SOCIAL WORK FIELD often feel driven to change the world. Yet we often meet, or even work with, people who do not share the same value system. The dissonance created can either make or break a career. We do have options for dealing with this, but like all choices, there are consequences to every action. I am still continually learning how to best approach situations where I perceive social injustice in the workplace. The Role of Social Workers Clients can experience discrimination and marginalization when social workers are not advocating for social justice within our organizations. Social workers are in a position of privilege and power as we are in control of referrals and services given to clients. If misused, we can oppress our clients and contribute to social injustice. The Canadian Association of Social Workers lists competence in professional practice as its sixth core value. Social workers uphold this value through professional development and high quality of services. The Alberta College of Social Workers Standards of Practice are another important part of social work best practice. Social workers maintain competency through professional development and delivering high-quality services. Historically, social work practices depended on the views and the politics of the time. Social workers have needed to stay within government and organizational boundaries, sometimes with unfortunate results. 28

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Why Does This Occur? During times of crisis, not every social worker questions the status quo. Blackstock, Phd, RSW, an activist for child welfare and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, explains four common justifications social workers use to rationalize their behaviour: we didn’t know better, we didn’t realize it would cause harm, it was outside our mandate, or the group in question required our intervention1. Social workers, as with most people, like to believe we are good, competent, and decent. When met with information or experiences that seem to contradict this, people are quick to create excuses that rationalize their behaviour and protect their self-esteem. These situations highlight the need for self-reflection and critical thinking in social work practice. People fall victim to social standards of obedience and conformity, which can impede their behaviour. After World War II, Stanley Milgram studied compliance and found that 62% of participants would administer a 450 volt of electricity to another because they are commanded to (Lillenfield et al. 2011). Jerry M. Burger replicated Milgram’s study to the best of his ability under ethical regulations and found people reacted in the same manner in 2009 (Burger, 2009). Solomon Asch studied conformity in 1951 in which confederates deliberately gave wrong answers to test questions. By the end of the 12 trials, 75% of participants agreed with the confederates and chose the wrong answer on at least one trial (Lilienfeld et al. 2011).

As social workers, we are privy to obedience and conformity norms like the rest of the population. When change is slow and incremental, it becomes easier to miss marginalization and oppression. Social workers are required to be competent within our professional practice, which means constant professional development and continual learning to keep minds sharp and focused on social justice. Ongoing education and recognizing signs of injustice can also deter social workers from falling into obedience and conformity traps. What Can We Do? The social worker’s Code of Ethics dictates as social workers, we must uphold the integrity of professional practice. If a social worker witnesses internal or external injustice, we are obligated to act, which could include examining the organizations where we’re employed at the micro or mezzo level, or challenging the status quo through activism at a macro level.

I have learned to be more prepared and come prepared with possible cost-effective solutions (professional development on the issue at hand, or mentorship with management, for example). Supervisors may want to introduce mediation, which can be a tool to express concerns in a controlled environment and can be a place of learning for both parties. During one mediation with a co-worker, it was discussed that my “A” type behavior was a trigger for this colleague, and we were able to discuss possible resolutions. Of course, we may still “butt heads,” but now we know more about each other and can handle concerns as they arise. Some days, I feel it is too overwhelming to discuss every potential misrepresentation of clients and their situations. Still, I know that if I do not address the prejudiced behaviours that my co-workers may have, those labels will stay with the clients at every agency and will affect the level of care they receive.

Social workers are human, and therefore we are subject to error. In this profession, holding onto bias can lead I am still continually to social injustice. As social workers, learning how to best we must advocate for social work core approach situations where values and encourage change to fight I perceive social injustice oppression and marginalization. As I continue to learn more about social in the workplace. work, and strive to uphold our code of ethics, I am thankful for colleagues who When personally dealing with prejudice or stereotypes within support my constant growth as an advocate against injustice. the workplace, it’s good to remember that social workers are The Advocate is excited to share this piece from a social work a team and we need to act as such. With this in mind, I first student, and supports the importance of student writing as a spoke with the person directly about their behaviour. If done path to increased understanding of the complexities of social in a kind and respectful manner, the problem may resolve work practice. The Advocate Editorial Board welcomes student on its own. If the situation continues, I suggest reflecting submissions at memberactivitieslead@acsw.ab.ca. on whether your concern is personal or professional. If the 1 Blackstock, C. (2019). The occasional evil of angels: Learning from the organization has union involvement, it may be appropriate to experiences of Aboriginal peoples and social work. First People Child & Family Review, 14(1), 137-152 speak to the union about your concerns. I have been working in the human services field roughly six years and am now working towards my Bachelor of Social Work. I know that realistically, pursuing social justice at the mezzo level is not straightforward. The following are some ideas I have tried when I encountered social injustice in the workplace, with varying success.

Going to management is difficult. As social workers, we may find it easy to support clients, but advocating within your own organization can feel like a completely different concept. Advocating for change at the agency level means we are advocating for social justice, and these changes will directly affect our client base. The first time I spoke with a supervisor about what I saw as social injustice in the workplace, I was not prepared with specific notes detailing the behaviours I had witnessed and I was left feeling that all my concerns were not addressed.

References: Burger, J. (2009). Replicating Milgram. American Psychologist, 64(1), 1-11. Lilienfeld, S., Lynn, S., Namy, L., Woolf, N., Cramer, K., Schmaltz, R. (2011). Psychology: From inquiry to understanding. (Canadian ed.). New Jersey: Pearson.

MEAGON NICHOLSON is a rising social worker and passionate social justice advocate. She has worked within a social work field for six years and will be entering the last year of her BSW in the fall. THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

Métis Housing: Building Resilient Families While Helping House Our People BY DALE LADOUCEUR, MÉTIS URBAN/CAPITAL HOUSING

A FAMILY REUNIFICATION program, down payments on new homes, home repairs, rental supplements and offering housing twenty percent below market rate or based on a fraction of the family’s gross income; this is Métis Housing. Established in 1982, Métis Urban Housing Elaine and her sons Corporation (MUHC), along with sister company Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC, founded in 2007), is the largest Indigenous owned housing organization in Canada. Métis Housing has always believed in a compassionate approach to housing supports and services. Although the two sister companies are focused on offering different programs and services, both are unified in their goal of supporting Alberta’s Indigenous families with secure, healthy homes. Take, for instance, the singular Family Reunification Program (FRP), whose goal is to reunite families with their children in a safe and healthy environment, building their skills and ultimately closing their file with Child and Family Services. The program provides parenting skills (including employment and educational planning), support and skills development for children, child care, mentoring and 24 hour routine and emergency supports. We are very proud of the FRP being a model for similar programs in development around the province. 30

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Elaine is a young, single mom with two sons who recently graduated from the Family Reunification Program. This is Elaine’s success story in her own words. “I have two sons: Grason (5) and Carter (3). I moved into the FRP to learn how to deal with Carter’s health challenges. I left my home town in High Prairie and moved to Edmonton where I knew no one. I was 18 at the time and never lived in the city alone, so it was a big adjustment. When I moved into FRP, I got hooked up with all these different types of specialists and it was good; [doctor] appointments for Carter every other week. Doctors now say Carter will grow at his own pace, in his own time.” When asked what was most effective for her while enrolled in the FRP, Elaine was quick to respond. “The FRP provided counselling with Elders and parenting groups, anger management and stuff like that. They had a bunch of other [supports] offered too that really helped a lot.” Rita Arcand, BSW, RSW, Certified Addiction Counsellor II, who works closely with the FRP is also an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. “I do many different workshops but I always start off with the healing process from my teachings on the impacts of residential schools. It sets the pace because I look at all those impacts, and it’s huge. There is intergenerational trauma, PTSD, of course addictions and I’m an addictions counsellor as well. I also go in once a month to do one-on-one counselling. “I do parenting workshops and spend a few days teaching how to build a structured parenting program for themselves, which is so important. Teaching how to discipline children in a healthy way is [also essential]. Because of my age, they look to me as an Elder and I teach them the cultural piece: prayer, smudging, etc.” Cordene Gerlat, Director of the Family Reunification

Program, sees the value of staff with an RSW credential who can also bring the cultural element into the lessons for those Indigenous residents receptive to their culture. “Rita is an essential part of the FRP,” Gerlat reports. “Rita told me once that she wanted to help heal people. She has a unique way of opening individuals up to work on their childhood traumas and supporting the FRP residents through those journeys in a significant way.” Elaine found those teachings personally invaluable. “Looking back at the two years in FRP, most

Both are unified in their goal of supporting Alberta’s Indigenous families with secure, healthy homes. of the programming helped me find my voice and become the person I am today and see how other people parent. Where I’m from, there are a lot of teen parents. Seeing how other people parent was a great help! “Advice I would give to any parent thinking of going into the Family Reunification Program,” continues Elaine, “you have to have a strong head on your shoulders… you have to be willing to put in the work. I’m glad I went [through the program] because now I know what kind of parent I am. I have my own voice and I stand up for myself.” Since 2013, the FRP has achieved very positive outcomes. As of 2019, 65 percent of families have reunited

with their children with a 100 percent success rate in those children remaining with their parents. “I’ve been an RSW for over 20 years and there are huge benefits it brings to the work” enthuses Arcand. “It’s a title, yes, but the biggest [benefit for clients] is the Code of Ethics. The code is well written and is one of my most effective tools.” When asked what the rewards are when working in the Family Reunification Program, Arcand said it was hard to choose. “The best moments in my career are when I’m working with FRP clients and they have that ‘aha!’ moment that shifts them and changes their life. I have seen those moments in these families and I know they are still making it out there.” For low income families, MUHC offers subsidized housing with rents set at 25 percent of the family’s gross income. MCHC handles affordable housing, offering rental rates 20 percent lower than Alberta market standards. MCHC also has seniors as a major focus: Calgary’s Ephram Bouvier Manor, Edmonton’s Nihgi Seniors Lodge, and Renaissance Tower are 55+ buildings with Renaissance Tower having 30 of their 90 suites barrier-free for mobility-challenged tenants. Since last October, Alberta’s Métis citizens can access rental supplement programs for students and families as well as those thinking of buying or repairing their home. For almost 40 years, Métis Urban Housing and Métis Capital Housing have set themselves apart in a crowded field of housing providers

MÉTIS CAPITAL HOUSING CORPORATION www.metishousing.ca

OTIPEMISIWAK MAGAZINE is the official voice of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Visit their website at www.albertametis.com/ otipemisiwak-magazine

because they offer programs and services like the FRP, designed to have families succeed. Whether that be by promoting and prioritizing communication between Tenant Relations Officers and tenants, or offering supports and programming to families, Métis Housing wants Indigenous families to continue to grow resilience while contributing to their Alberta communities in unique and powerful ways.

DALE LADOUCEUR is the Communications & Marketing person for Métis Housing. She has been a writer/journalist for over 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, corporate crime and media anti-misinformation research.

THE ADVOCATE

FEATURE STORY

Point of Conception

DREAMING OF CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE SEE DOWN SYNDROME BY SUE ROBINS

This is a chapter from Sue Robins’ book called Bird’s Eye View: Stories of a Life Lived in Health Care. Here Sue shares the story of being the mom of her third child, Aaron, who has Down syndrome. Social workers often work with people with disabilities. This chapter is a peek into the life of families who have children with disabilities. All parenting turns on a crucial question: to what extent parents should accept their children for who they are, and to what extent they should help them become their best selves. - Andrew Solomon DOWN SYNDROME OCCURS AT the point of conception. For Aaron, he always had it. For me as his mom, my initiation into the world of having a child with a disability was my new reality. It was unusual for his diagnosis to come so late. Most Down syndrome diagnoses come prenatally or right in the delivery room. A nurse or the physician will recognize something different about the baby – low-set ears, almond-shaped eyes, a gap between the toes. Sometimes, but not always, the baby has urgent medical concerns that alert them in the direction of Down syndrome, like difficulty breathing or a heart condition. I’m not sure why nobody at the hospital picked up on Aaron’s markers for Down syndrome. Maybe it was because he was born at 12:30 in the morning and we only stayed for 10 hours. It could have been because a resident caught him – I hesitate to say a resident delivered him, as I was the one who delivered him through my own sheer will! It probably was because Aaron had no serious medical complications, so nobody looked at him that closely. For me, not knowing he had Down syndrome for the first two weeks of his life was a good thing. I fell in love with him deeply as a person, 32

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without all the shock and readjustment that comes along with suddenly finding out you have a disabled child. Some call this readjustment grief. My mantra continues to be that the baby I expected was not the baby I got. I had to grieve for the baby I expected in order to accept the baby I now had. Some people don’t agree with this grief model but this was my reality. Every family is different. If I’m truly honest, this adjustment had more to do with me and my own ego, misconceptions and ableist ideas about people with Down syndrome. I know that some health professionals grapple with these things too, for it comes through in how they handle sharing a diagnosis of disability and the subsequent care they provide for their patients. This circles back to the question: who gets to decide who is human? What assumptions do health professionals have about people with disabilities and how do those assumptions harm patients and families? My dream is one day news about Down syndrome is presented in the media, in novels, and by health professionals in the way news about twins is shared. As with any unexpected diagnosis, there is time for adjustment to accept the baby I have, instead the baby I thought I had. But there’s no need to engage in fear mongering about Down syndrome. Down syndrome has been around for a very long time – perhaps from the beginning of human history. Images of people with this chromosomal difference have been identified from the 15th century. Since I’ve been Aaron’s mom, I’ve thought a lot about the meaning of disability. I believe that people with disabilities are a part of the human fabric, just like all other people with differences. In fact, many of us will experience disability ourselves in our lifetime. The phrase, “We are all one car accident

Aaron Waddingham, age 15, (middle) with his mom and dad

away from a disability,” reminds us we are all vulnerable to unexpected news in our lives. I had the experience of visiting a family who had just adopted a baby girl with Down syndrome. The baby’s name was Emily. Emily’s mom was beaming when she answered the door. She and her husband were thrilled to have their long-awaited daughter in their arms. We talked about resources and services, but mostly we just basked in the joy of that new little girl. Emily was very much wanted and loved. Contrast that with the way most biological families receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome. If it is a prenatal diagnosis, clinicians can set up automatic appointments for termination, and use terminology like “burden” and “suffering.” After birth, families are often shunted away to rooms at the end of maternity wards. Hospital photographers never show up to take baby photos. Nurses avoid the room and social workers peek in the window. Nobody brings flowers or balloons. Hardly a celebratory welcome to the world for that beautiful new baby. The birth of every single baby deserves to be celebrated, and what health professionals sometimes forget is that most of us parents love our children unconditionally. Andrew Solomon has written a wonderful book called Far from The Tree. It is ground-breaking work about children who are different from their parents. He extensively interviews families with children who are deaf, or born with dwarfism or who have Down syndrome like Aaron. He draws parallels with his own experiences being a gay man

and searching for approval from his own parents.1 Rumi said that light enters you at the bandaged place. This book’s conundrum is that most of the families described here have ended up grateful for experiences they would have done anything to avoid. – Andrew Solomon How I wish all authors, journalists, editors and health professionals would read Solomon’s book to understand that different is not bad. It is just different. Even if you do see having a baby with a disability as a tragic event, don’t transfer your subjective values onto your readers and families. Saying “Congratulations” instead of “I’m sorry” would go a long way to contributing to progressive change in this world. I might have stars in my eyes, but I hope for a world where we all belong, disability or no disability. It is within our own individual power to make this happen. 1 Solomon, Andrew, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity, 2012, http://andrewsolomon.com/books/far-from-the-tree/

SUE ROBINS’ first book, Bird’s Eye View, was published in October 2019. She is a senior partner in Bird Communications and the mom of a young man with Down syndrome. In 2017, Sue also became a patient when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. THE ADVOCATE

We can all help promote the social inclusion of seniors

While social isolation is a complex problem, some of the solutions don’t have to be. Everyone can reach out to seniors who might be feeling isolated. It strengthens our community and creates a shared benefit. As a social worker, you are a critical connector for seniors in your community. Connecting Edmonton Seniors has compiled an online listing of Edmonton resources to help you connect your senior clients.

For more information visit: www.ConnectingEdmontonSeniors.ca

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 Spring issue: Summer issue: Fall issue: Winter issue:

January 1 deadline for general submissions (articles, letters, etc.) April 1 for general submissions July 1 for general submissions September 1 for general submissions

January 15 for advertising April 15 for advertising July 15 for advertising September 15 for advertising

ALL SUBMISSIONS The Advocate, ACSW, 550 10707 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Charity Lui: MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca • PHONE: 780-421-1167 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-661-3089 • FAX: 780-421-1168 34

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Advocate’s For Your Information section gives preference to Alberta-based educational opportunities and non-profit events for social workers. Send your submissions to Carlena Johnson at activitiesadmin@acsw.ab.ca.

Save the date! 2021 Alberta College of Social Workers Conference May 25 – 27, 2021 BMO Centre on Stampede Park - Calgary

Pride Month

Current State of Covid-19: Telehealth, Liability, and Business Insurance Considerations www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars An overview of coverage consideration when delivering services via Telehealth or via private practice. This information is a meant merely as a guide during these rapidly changing times.

PARTNER S

ACSW’S PUBLIC POLICY PARTNERS Edmonton Social Planning Council edmontonsocialplanning.ca

June 2020

CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health

Friends of Medicare friendsofmedicare.org

Stay safe while supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ community.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health Web Series

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Six sessions are available online with topics including the pandemic’s impact on addictions, on youth, on parents and more.

Public Interest Alberta pialberta.org

June 21, 2020 Celebrate Indigenous culture in your home or online! #NIPDCanada The Canadian Association of Social Workers The CASW webinars are now free on demand. Depending on your learning plan goals, these may be applicable as Category A credits. www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars Recent webinars: Personal and Professional Strategies to Reduce Psychological Stress During a Pandemic Free webinar – access & watch at any time Social workers have always helped the most vulnerable. During this pandemic, their needs have increased while supports may have diminished. Learn strategies to reduce and mitigate the impact of this stress.

Parkland Institute ualberta.ca/parkland

www.casaservices.org/web-series ACSW Private Practice Networking Upcoming meetings are June 18th, September 15th, October 15th, November 17th, and December 17th. Are you on the Private Practice Roster? Have you been in private practice for two years or more? If so, the Private Practice Committee is inviting you to join us each month on Zoom for a networking opportunity. This is for members in private practice looking for meaningful connections with colleagues, with varying topics monthly. Afternoon and evening meetings are held on alternate months. Email Charity at memberactivitieslead@acsw.ab.ca for more information!

Visit the ACSW Events Calendar to find more training, events and workshops, at acsw.ab.ca, Social Workers tab, Calendar of Events.

ADVOCATE DEADLINES

SUBMISSION DEADLINE For the Fall 2020 issue of the Advocate is July 1, 2020 All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui MemberActivitiesLead@acsw.ab.ca

AD DEADLINE For the Fall 2020 issue of the Advocate is July 15, 2020 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

THANK YOU! THANK YOU TO THE SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES. THANK YOU TO THE SOCIAL WORKERS WHO ARE FINDING NEW AND CREATIVE WAYS TO SERVE INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU TO SOCIAL WORK EDUCATORS FOR USING NEW METHODS OF INSTRUCTION. THANK YOU TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS THAT END SO UNEXPECTEDLY. AS A PROFESSION, WE USE OUR UNIQUE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES GET US THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

The Advocate - Summer 2020

Articles inside

PART ONE Fort McMurray

COVID-19: Opportunity for a New “Normal”

Confidentiality and Consent to Share Information IS THERE EVER A RIGHT TIME TO DISCLOSE OR SHARE INFORMATION WITHOUT CONSENT?

Honouring Our Own: ACSW 2019 Awards

Returning to the Teachings