ADVOCATEA L B E R T A C O L L E G E O F S O C I A L W O R K E R S
THE
Volume 34, Issue 2, Summer 2009
www.acsw.ab.ca
Cover story: Conference highlights page 22 Meet our 2009 ACSW Award Winners! page 18 Acknowledge the past, look to the future page 26 A day in the life: At the heart of the matter page 36 The history of Alberta social work association involvement in social action and social justice page 38
2009 Conference - 100 Years of Change & Beyond
Conference writeup & photos, pages 22-33
The Advocate • Summer 20092
THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY: The Advocate seeks to serve as a “meeting place” for Alberta social workers by publishing information about social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; books, journals, and other media of inter-est to social workers; continuing education and job opportunities; and the comings and goings of Alberta social workers. Members and the public are welcome to submit articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, thoughts and ideas. Letters to the editor, announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are also welcome. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit submitted material. Please call the ACSW office for a copy of “Writing for the Advocate” before submitting any material. Publication does not imply endorsement by the College.
The Advocate is published quarterly. Deadlines are JANUARY 15 for the SPRING issue (March publication), APRIL 15 for SUMMER (June publication), JULY 15 for FALL (September publication), and OCTOBER 15 for WINTER (December publication).
ALL SUBMISSIONS: The Advocate, ACSW, #550, 10707 - 100 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1
ATTN: Lori Sigurdson • E-MAIL: [email protected] • PHONE: (780) 421-1167 • FAX: 421-1168.
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COVER STORY
Conference highlights ................................................. Cathy Vaessen and Rose Lamoureux ................ 22
FEATURES
Meet our 2009 ACSW Award Winners ............................. Joan Marie Galat ......................................... 18
Acknowledge the past, look to the future ...................... Joan Marie Galat ......................................... 26
A day in the life: At the heart of the matter .................. Rochelle Cristofori ....................................... 36
The history of Alberta social work association
involvement in social action and social justice ............... Barbara McPherson
Butch Nutter
and Grace Elliott ......................................... 38
NEWS
From our desk to yours ............................................... Lori Sigurdson ..............................................3
Letters: Front line social workers are exploited ............... Michelle Fearon .............................................5
The Faculty Beat: Farewell to two key Faculty members ... Lynne Dulaney ..............................................8
Book Review: We Generation ........................................ Peter Smyth................................................ 34
REGULAR FEATURES
New RSWs ................................................................. Membership as of May 14, 2009 ......................7
President Kennedy had it right… ................................ Randy Harris ............................................... 10
Stand Up for Public Health Care ................................... Rod Adachi ................................................. 11
Ethics in action: Employers’ obligations and
the Health Professions Act ........................................ Alison MacDonald ........................................ 12
Private Practice Roster member profile .......................... Laurie Fisher ............................................... 16
Diploma Dialogue: Audacity of Focus:
NorQuest College’s Social Work Diploma Program ........ Eugene Ip .................................................. 14
For Your Information .................................................. Announcements .......................................... 43
All material with bylines is ©2009 by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed.
The AdvocateVolume 34, Issue 2, Summer 2009
Published by:The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
550 10707 100 AVE NWEdmonton AB T5J 3M1Phone: (780) 421-1167
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-661-3089Fax: (780) 421-1168 or toll-free 1-866-874-8931
E-Mail: [email protected]: www.acsw.ab.ca
Executive Director & Registrar: Rod Adachi, MSW, [email protected]
Associate Registrar: Alison MacDonald, PhD (Cand), [email protected]
Professional Affairs Coordinator: Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, [email protected]
Coordinator, Finance and Administration: Gladys Smecko
Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director: Kim Chiles
Registration Secretary: Monica VasconezRegulatory Secretary: Desiree Hurst
Administrative Secretary: Nearint NeamPromotions Coordinator: Ilona Cardinal, BA, BFA
Competency Secretary: Jennifer Catt
ACSW Council:President: Randy Harris, MSW, RSW
Vice President: Bob Johnson, MSSW, RSWSecretary: Elaine Spencer, MSW, RSWTreasurer: Bonita Decaire, MSW, RSWMembers: Derek Chewka, BSW, RSW
Tera Dahl-Lang, MSW, RSWRichard Gregory, MSW, RSW
Barry Hall, PhD, RSWJolene Losness, MSW, RSW
Terry Wilson, BSW, RSWAboriginal Committee Representative:
Verna Wittigo, BSW, RSWPublic Members: Marija Bicanic, LLM
Lynne Davies, BScN, MEd Ralph Westwood, Dip Mental Deficiency Nursing, BEd, MEd CASW Representative: Emily Drzymala, PhD, RSW
The Advocate is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties.
Editorial Board: Papiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair)Duane Burton, BSW, MEd, RSW
Eugene Ip, MSW, RSWLeslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW
Anne Marie McLaughlin, PhD, RSWElaine Paras, MSW, RSWPeter Smyth, BSW, RSW
Trudy Wilson, SW Diploma, RSW
Editor: Joan Marie GalatProduction Editor: Jena SnyderDesign: Kyle Loranger Design
Advertising space is available; please call the ACSW office for details or to place an ad. The Editorial Board
reserves the right to reject any advertising.
FALL 2009 ISSUE DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2009
Canadian subscriptions are $24/year (outside Canada: $24 US/year) Please notify ACSW
office immediately of any address changes.
ISSN 0847 - 2890PM NO. 40050109
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO550 10707 100 AVE NWEDMONTON AB T5J 3M1
in the news
3Volume 34 • Issue 2
From our desk to yoursby Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSWACSW Professional Affairs Coordinator
Lori SigurdsonSocial Workers Making a Difference in Women’s Lives National Social Work Week: March 1 - 7, 2009
Northwest RegionMany events were hosted across the province to celebrate National Social Work Week. The northwest region was particularly
busy with luncheons in High Level, Peace River, Grande Prairie, High Prairie and Slave Lake. Christine Ayling of the Virtues
Project gave a presentation encouraging adults to nurture children to reach their full potential. Grande Prairie Area Coordinators
Marianne Hartman, Ghislaine Boucher, and Sandra Guzzwell hosted the event.
Edmonton Edmonton Area Coordinators, with members of the
Continuing Competence Committee, hosted an evening
to assess our portfolio process. A passionate discussion was
accompanied by snacks, cake, and other refreshments. Also in
Edmonton, the Children’s Issues Committee hosted a pizza
lunch accompanied by a giant Happy Social Work Week! cake.
L to R, Grande Prairie Area Coordinators and hosts of the Social Work Week luncheon:
Sandra Guzzwell, Marianne Hartman, Ghislaine Boucher.
National Social Work Week luncheon in Grande Prairie
A bit further to the east, Portage College Community Social
Work Program students celebrated our profession in many
ways. First- and second-year students created posters, displays,
and presentations. Two second-year students, Melody Little and
Elizabeth Young, organized the Take Back the Night walk. This
fit well with our theme: Social Workers Making a Difference in
Women’s Lives. The Lac La Biche Post and Big Dog Radio ran
information pieces on social work. More “From our desk to yours” on page 4
Edmonton Social Workers from the Children’s Issues Committee
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The Advocate • Summer 2009
From our desk to yoursContinued from page 3
St. AlbertSt. Albert area coordinator Sharon Mills planned a luncheon
with the mayor for local social workers. Approximately
25 social workers met with Deputy Mayor Gareth Jones.
Michelle Fearon read a letter to the mayor on behalf of the
group, outlining the concerns in the community (following on
page 5). The mayor applauded the work of social workers and
proclaimed the week for the City of St. Albert in a small City
Hall ceremony.
CalgaryIn the south, Alberta Health Services in Calgary hosted many
Social Work Week events. On March 3, the second annual
regional Social Work Week celebration was held with 115
social workers attending. Special guests included Bob Johnson,
ACSW vice president, and Betty Lynn Morrice, senior vice
president of Therapeutic Services, Alberta Health Services.
Dr. Kerry Bowman, Clinical Ethicist from Mount Sinai
Hospital and assistant professor at the University of Toronto
delivered this year’s keynote address. He spoke on “Ethical
Considerations in Social Work Practice Within a Changing
Health Care Environment.” The formal program was followed
by an opportunity to network and socialize with colleagues
throughout the region. In addition, Dr. Bowan presented
a full day workshop, displays were created and set up, and
lucky draw baskets were available at each site, including a
gigantic “death by chocolate” arrangement at the Rockyview
Hospital. Coffee parties were held at each hospital, where
each social worker received a ceramic ACSW mug.
Continued on page 6
Social Work Week in Calgary: Ron Richard, Linda Van Haar, Sue Ramsden,
Betty-Lynn Morrice
Social Work Week in Calgary: Kelly McLennan, Francine Abma-Vink, Christie Zayas
Social Work Week in Calgary: Erin Miller-McGovern, Sue Heron, Leon Mitchell,
Melinda Hatfield
St. Albert social workers along with Deputy Mayor Gareth Jones
in the news
5Volume 34 • Issue 2
Direct service workers are a direct link in our communities and
provide support to our seniors, youth, and families; whether
it be in mental health, rehabilitation, youth work, child care,
social work, or any other human services field. They liaise with
emergency services, medical services, government agencies,
legal services, and community programs in order to establish a
holistic connection for people within our community.
Front line workers are often exposed to personal dangers and asked to advocate on behalf of those who do not have a voice in society, and yet they themselves have lost their voice through exploitation by their agencies.
Even though the government contributes millions of dollars
towards social programs, this funding is not reaching the
direct front line worker, who is the person who will most
affect change in a client’s life and create a critical lifeline in a
person’s life.
Many social workers are forced to subsidize their families
with second jobs and many suffer burn out due to low staff
retention. It is disheartening that many social workers earn
less than a housekeeper and yet expose themselves to the
greatest tragedies and examples of human suffering within
our communities. Front line workers are often exposed to
personal dangers and asked to advocate on behalf of those
who do not have a voice in society, and yet they themselves
have lost their voice through exploitation by their agencies.
In my own experience as a front line worker, I was recently
involved in the planning of a funeral for a long-term client
because the family and agency were unable to provide a
personal element to the funeral service. Many front line
workers provide dignity and a personal connection to the
people that the agencies and government organizations
ultimately serve.
The business of serving people is undervalued in our society
and it is the responsibility of government to have a vision that
values marginalized individuals within our community and
those workers that are engaged to act on behalf of our society.
A letter to the Mayor of St. Albert, Nolan Crouse
Front line social workers are exploitedBy Michelle Fearon, SW Dip, RSW
March 5, 2009
Dear Mayor Nolan Crouse,
My purpose in coming to speak to you today is to bring awareness to the exploitation of many front line social workers.
As a front line worker, I can tell you that human services workers are not valued at the same level financially as workers
in the private sector. In most cases, workers are women who are expected to volunteer their time, and in many instances,
their caring nature is exploited.
I come before you today to speak on behalf of those who
work on the front lines of our community, supporting those
in need on our behalf. Their commitment to this cause needs
to be recognized by government and agencies to ensure that
workers are empowered and given professional recognition
for their contributions.
Sincerely,
Michelle Fearon, SW Diploma, RSW
Michelle Fearon is a social worker at Rehoboth Christian Ministries and regularly
attends St. Albert Area Coordinator Meetings.
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National Social Work Week in CanmoreCloser to the Rockies, Canmore area coordinator Jen Geary
promoted our profession at a career fair. She also spoke to a
group of Girl Guides about being a social worker. Further
south again, Lethbridge area coordinators organized their
annual Social Work Week conference: It’s All in Your Head:
Neuroscience and Social Work. Those who attended enjoyed
Category A workshops, a luncheon, and networking
opportunities.
Minister of Child and Youth Services Janice Tarchuk
recognized our profession in the Legislative Assembly. She
introduced three social workers who were recognized on
behalf of our profession: Lina Filomeno-Melchionna, Sarah
Banick, and Rhonda McKinnon. Calgary Mayor Dave
Bronconnier recognized Social Work Week. and Edmonton
Mayor Stephen Mandel proclaimed Social Work Week. Other
cities and towns also recognized the social work profession,
while all Alberta daily newspapers ran advertisements
acknowledging our work (opposite).
Many thanks to area coordinators and leaders in the social work profession who organized events!
Welcome new ACSW council members!
From our desk to yoursContinued from page 4
Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald - 500 lines - 5 11/16” x 7 1/8”
Registered Social Worker (RSW):The professional standard in social work
The Alberta College of Social Workers regulates social work practice in Alberta. Its primary focus is toserve and protect the public interest by promoting skilled and ethical social work. www.acsw.ab.ca
Across the province, Registered Social Workers canbe found helping others. Much of our work is withAlbertans who are vulnerable and marginalized.Inequality makes many women our clients.
Usually, a woman takes on the role as primaryfamily caregiver. This often leads to fluctuatingemployment patterns that negatively impact awoman’s ability to be financially stable. Lowerpaying jobs, inadequate child care programs,narrow employment insurance eligibility criteriaand restrictive retirement income policiescompound the situation. Lack of accommodation
of women’s needs by government, business andothers pushes many into poverty.
As social workers, in addition to working on thefront lines, we are advocates urging government torepair major cracks in our social infrastructure andto adopt social policies that look after the needs ofvulnerable Albertans.
Access to resources to meet basic human needs isevery person’s right. Alberta’s 6,000 RegisteredSocial Workers are advocates for fairness and socialjustice. Advocacy is a fundamental aspect of ourprofessional ethics and at the heart of what we do.
Social Workers Make a Difference! March 1 – 7 is National Social WorkWeek in Alberta.You can find out more about the advocacy initiatives of ACSW at www.acsw.ab.ca.
Social Workers:Making a Difference inWomen’s Lives
Joleen Losness Richard Gregory
Barry Hall Emily Drzymala
New ACSW council members for 2009 are:
Joleen Losness, MSW, RSW, Red Deer
Richard Gregory, MSW, RSW, Medicine Hat
and Barry Hall, PhD, RSW, Lethbridge.
Emily Drzymala, PhD, RSW, a past president of ACSW, is our new CASW representative.
Recommended Reading
If you have read a good book that relates to social
work or social work issues, please send us the title
and author’s name for our upcoming Recommended
Reading section.
regular feature
7Volume 34 • Issue 2
New RSWsMembership as of
May 14, 2009: 6,124
Altaf Ahmad Ali
Karissa Grace Maria Andre
Logan Alexandra Argan
Marta Asensio
Gloria Auger
Kimberley Dawn Baltimore
Val Beauchesne
Yolanda Pauline Becker
Lori Ann Bell
Carolyn Gail Berry
Kaylin Janelle Betteridge
Angela Yvonne Blakely
Dale Bond
Courtney Georgena Brake
Jeanne Burden
Stephanie Card
Patricia Chemago
Shirley Edna Clement
Teresa M. Collins
Anna Maria Czapiga
Elaine Davie
Joy C. Dela Cruz
Sheila Dielissen
Tiffany Jean Doucet
Melissa Ann Elliott
Cara Louise Erlandson
Lindsay Erin Faul
Anna Leah Fedoruk
Kyle Gregory Fehr
Audra Foggin
Sarah Fotheringham
Jessica Christine Foulston
Jamie Garcia
Emily Gauthier
Paris Hayley Marie Gauthier
Claire Gavin
Paige Rae Georget
Cheryl Marie Giberson
Rachelle M. Gietz
Jenesse Carol Glenn
Holly Golanowski
Leonard A. Grannemann
Marleen Patricia Gray
Kristina Joanne Grue
Dana Robyn Guild
Amalia Marie Haberstock
Jaclyn Haddrell
May Haines
Colette Marie Harker
Sharon Lee Hayward
Carolyn Charlene Heerschap
Jaclyn Christie Anne Horne
Ashley Paige Howes
Paula Andrea Jaramillo
Christina Kahlou
Kayla Rae Klassen
Angela Kosch
Jennifer Labrecque
Amy LaRose
Rainbow Lau
Deanna Joanne Ledoux
Donna Elaine LeMoine
David Robert Lillico
Stella C. Lukinski
Lisa Lyda
Courtney Lynn Mabbutt
Glynis Wilfa V. Manginsay
Liz Ann Mathew
Janice Ann McKenzie
Lisa Jane Moisey
Christopher Aaron Morrison
Tanya Myrfield
Andrea Jennifer Ney
Theresa Phuc Nguyen
Maria Owens
Amable Baron Pardinas
Yvette Pedneault
Melanie Rose Perka
Lindsay Danae Peterson
Shelley Pompana
Tammy Angel Porsnuk
Kim Rathwell-Austin
Christina Redgun-Schultz
Carmen Ann Rodwell
Holly Elizabeth Ryan
Ciel Sander
Heather Schneider
Jennifer Ann Scott-
Munoz
Nadia Hana Seifeddine
Ken Shand
Samantha Lee Shovar
Baljot Sidhu
Lesley Adrienne Smith
Ivana Srsen
Erin Michelle Stadnick
Monica Lynn Stark
Amy Stewart
Lindsay Lianne Storm
Connie Lynn Straub
Kerri Lynne Sutherland
Ayda Tehrani
Nicole Dawn Thibeau
Suja Varghese Thomas
Ellen O. Thuringer
Candice Lynn Vallieres
Erin Melissa Visser
Averill Vogels
Sandra Leanne Wagner
Melissa Dawn Marie Wall
Robert Edward Wanner
Gina Warren
Laura Webb
Colin P. White
Mary Colleen Williams
Loren Charles Wog
Hannah Chung Man Wong
Joy Yanko
Kyla Jo Zimbowski
The Advocate • Summer 20098
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The Faculty BeatLynne Dulaney University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work
Farewell to two key Faculty of Social Work membersElsie JohnsonThousands of students, alumni, field instructors and faculty members have had the pleasure
of working with Elsie Johnson over the past 21 years. Johnson, considered by many to be the
super-glue that holds the Faculty of Social Work together, is retiring in June from her position
as administrator of the Field Education Office and Dean’s Office.
“Elsie is every dean’s dream of the quintessential senior staff person,” says Dean Gayla Rogers.
“In addition to being incredibly capable in her position, she is ready, willing and able to pitch
in wherever and whenever needed. She advocates for her staff, offers her experience and
perspective, motivates others, has a positive attitude even in difficult times, and at the end of
the day, gets the job done. She has been an important part of making the Faculty of Social
Work an inspiring place to work and learn.”
Hired in 1988 as secretary to then-dean Ray Tomlinson, Johnson became the graduate student advisor in 1992. In addition to
her administration of the faculty’s busy field education office, Johnson serves as head of human resources and office manager.
Over the years, she has taken on projects such as curriculum self-studies, special reports, and until 2003, faculty publications.
“I was very fortunate in having the opportunity to carve out my job, which is probably unique on campus,” Johnson says. “I
really enjoy connecting with people, and as support to the field education office, I am in contact with a lot of our grads who
are working in human service agencies in the city.”
Dr. Timothy Pyrch Dr. Timothy Pyrch is also retiring from the Faculty
of Social Work in June.
Before joining the faculty in 2004, Pyrch was a
longtime professor in the Faculty of Continuing
Education where he served as associate dean of
research and director of the workplace learning
research unit.
Active in the adult education and community
development fields for more than four decades,
Pyrch has focused on the dynamics between
education, poverty, and social justice.
Elsie Johnson
Dr. Timothy Pyrch
Elsie is every dean’s dream of the quintessential senior staff person.
— Gayla Rogers, Dean, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
in the news
9Volume 34 • Issue 2
“I confront my students with a responsibility to be
defiant of those who would perpetrate inequality and
social injustice,” he says. “Social workers are agents of
social change and in order to be effective, they have to be
smart and strategic.”
Pyrch teaches Participatory Action Research (PAR)—an
intrinsically political process that has been one of his
research passions for more than 20 years. He believes
participatory action researchers and scholars must work
as equal partners with oppressed or marginalized peoples,
empowering them to realize they have inherent know-
ledge that can be used to reflect on local issues, gather
relevant information, and implement strategic solutions.
Pyrch tells his students, “You will be a better social
worker if you can look at your client as an individual
who has innate knowledge; somebody to learn with, not
to categorize or fix.”
As well as being a mentor to many undergraduate,
graduate, and doctoral students over the years, Pyrch
has been instrumental in organizing events such as the
faculty’s annual Encounter with Social Justice, “Voices
International” speaker series, and student-led Social
Action Day.
“Tim is a tireless advocate for social justice and human
rights issues within the university and in the wider
community,” says Rogers. “He has helped forge a new
awareness of community in Calgary by bringing together
like-minded social activists.”
On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the
Faculty of Social Work, best wishes to both Elsie and Tim
for long and happy retirements. Both will be missed! n
Lynne Dulaney is the communications consultant for the Faculty of Social
Work at University of Calgary.
Mark your calendars: Fall professional development opportunities
The Centre for Social Work Research and Professional
Development is proud to offer two feature presentations
this fall. Other fall workshops will cover a variety of topics
including supervision, practice outcomes assessment, program
evaluation, adult mental health, loss and grief, support
groups, and others.
Visit fsw.ucalgary.ca/pd for more information.
n “Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for OCD and Anxiety: User-Friendly Treatment for Children and Adolescents”
Presented by Aureen Pinto Wagner, PhD
October 15 – 16, 2009 in Calgary
Dr. Aureen Pinto Wagner is clinical associate professor of
neurology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine
and Dentistry, director of the Anxiety Wellness Centre in
Rochester, NY, and member of the Scientific Board of the
Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation. She is a clinical child
psychologist widely recognized for her unique approach to
making Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) accessible to
children. She is a sought-after speaker, known for her depth
of knowledge, user-friendly conceptualization of CBT, creative
clinical innovations, and practical strategies
n “Spirituality, Suffering and Illness: What Clinical Practices Invite Individual and Family Healing?”
Presented by Lorraine Wright, PhD
November 19 – 20, 2009 in Calgary
Well-known international lecturer and author Dr. Lorraine
Wright is a University of Calgary professor emerita of nursing.
She is the author of seven books including Spirituality,
Suffering and Illness: Ideas for Healing (2005) and co-author
of Beliefs and Illness: A Model of Healing (2009). Dr. Wright
was bestowed an honorary doctorate by the University
of Montreal in 2008. A frequent speaker at national and
international conferences and workshops, she has 30 years of
direct teaching and clinical experience with individuals and
families suffering with serious physical and/or mental illness.
You will be a better social worker if you can look at your client as an individual who has innate knowledge; somebody to learn with, not to categorize or fix.
— Dr. Timothy Pyrch
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PresidentRandy Harris, MSW, RSW
Randy HarrisPresident Kennedy had it right…responsibility of citizenship
To paraphrase (with apologies) John F. Kennedy: “Ask not
what your College can do for you; ask what you can do for
your College.” We are not talking about the responsibilities
of citizenship but the basic responsibilities that we all need to
fulfil as members of a profession. One of those responsibilities
is paying our fees and renewing promptly every year.
In another area of responsibility, I have been approached
lately with reports of individuals who are either practicing
social work without being registered or who are working
as a social worker but deny that their duties fall within the
scope of social work practice (and therefore they don’t have
to register). It is clear that an individual practicing without
registration in Alberta is not meeting the responsibilities
of our profession or the requirements of the law. In other
provinces you might be able to do that, but not here.
So what should we do when we are aware of individuals
who should be registered but are not? The first thing is
to approach these individuals and advise them of their
responsibilities under the law. Their not being registered
could be the result of not realizing that registration is
required in Alberta—particularly if they have moved here
from a province where registration is not mandatory. If the
person chooses to not act on your advice, feel free to call the
ACSW office so that we can assist that person and his/her
employer to meet their respective responsibilities under the
law. In order to be an effective professional college that serves
and protects the public interest, we need to ensure that all
practicing social workers are registered.
Approaching a colleague in these matters is not easy—I get a
knot in my stomach just thinking about it. At the same time,
however, I wonder what the unregistered person is thinking.
Responsible professionals are accountable for their practice!
Another important responsibility for our members is
participating in ACSW elections. Having candidates
contesting for each position on Council is the ideal situation
but in some years, as we have just experienced, some
positions might not be contested. Our bylaws specify that in
cases where there is only one candidate for a position, that
candidate must receive 50% of the vote cast to be elected to
the position. So, whether or not a position is contested, voting
is important.
Sadly, only about 250 of our close to 6,000 members
exercised their right to participate in the last Council election.
Some of the reasons that members have given me include ”I
forgot about it” or “I couldn’t remember my password.”
Interestingly, some 700 members made use of the online
registration process for the conference but many did not
take the time to vote while logged onto the ACSW website.
My hope is that the poor voter turnout was partly due to
our initial trial of an electronic voting process and that our
members will participate in future elections in greater numbers.
I continue to remain open to meet with members to discuss
their concerns about fees or any other ACSW matters.
During these discussions, though, you might be asked about
what you can do for the College. n
Randy Harris is the president of ACSW. He can be reached through the ACSW office
One benefit of being involved with the ACSW is the opportunity to meet members and discuss their concerns. In my
interactions with members a significant theme has been “What do we get for our $300.00?” We are all concerned about
getting value for our dollar and I am more than happy to discuss what you get. I would, however, like to change the
direction of the discussion.
regular feature
11Volume 34 • Issue 2
Stand Up for Public Health CareThe Stand Up for Public Health Care Rally organized
by the Friends of Medicare on May 9th attracted over a
thousand concerned Albertans from across the province.
Social workers attending the rally gathered around an
ACSW banner in front of the Alberta legislature with other
organizations and individuals to denounce plans to de-list
health services in this province.
The de-listing of health services in Alberta is one of many
health care issues of concern to social workers. The last
issue of the Advocate included an article about retired
RSWs speaking out against the government’s proposed
pharmaceutical strategy and continuing care strategy. The
negative reaction to these proposed strategies influenced the
government to re-think its plans to change the drug plan for
seniors.
On May 6, the Edmonton region of the Canadian Mental
Health Association and the Alberta Alliance on Mental
Illness and Mental Health (AAMIMH) co-sponsored a MLA
breakfast in support of Mental Health Week. As a member
of the AAMIMH, ACSW was included in this opportunity
to meet with MLAs to discuss issues and concerns related
to mental health. Amongst the MLAs in attendance were
Health and Wellness Minister Ron Leipert, Liberal leader
David Swan and Rachel Notley from the NDP. This event
provided an opportunity to enhance the awareness of MLAs
of the high incidence of Albertans faced with mental health
issues and the concerted effort required to ensure appropriate
mental health programs and services are made available.
Questions about the delivery of mental health services is one
of many arising out of the massive re-organization in health
launched a year ago to create Alberta Health Services (AHS).
An estimated 30% of ACSW members provide health related
services through a range of settings including hospitals, home
care, long-term care, mental health, addictions, community
services, private practice and primary health care. Given
the scope of this reorganization, it will be many months
before we are fully aware of the impact of the changes
that are taking place. In order to monitor the effect of the
reorganization on social work, ACSW held an initial meeting
with a senior AHS official in April. Given the ongoing
changes, we anticipate further meetings will be required to
fully discuss the contributions social workers bring through
their various roles within AHS.
Health issues add to the concerns of Albertans facing poverty.
The ACSW has been a strong supporter of Public Interest
Alberta (PIA) and its campaign to discuss a comprehensive
poverty reduction strategy for Alberta. This campaign
has particular importance during a period of economic
downturn when many families are struggling. This spring,
PIA conducted a number of forums on this topic across
the province and has scheduled forums for Edmonton and
Calgary in October. More information about this campaign is
available at: www.pialberta.org/events.
Rod Adachi is the Executive Director and Registrar of ACSW. He can be reached
through the ACSW office at [email protected].
Executive Director & RegistrarRod Adachi, MSW, RSW
Rod Adachi
The Stand Up for Public Health Care Rally
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12 The Advocate • Summer 2009
Ethics in actionAlison MacDonald, MDipl, RSW
Alison MacDonald
Employers’ obligations and the Health Professions ActSocial work is a profession, not a job. We choose to go into social work for a variety of reasons. For some it is because of
experience “in the system” while growing up. Many of us are attracted to social work because we want to help people.
Others come into the profession on the heels of a friend or relative we look up to.
Regardless of what drew us, by the time our social work education is finished, we are clearly part of a community with
knowledge, values, and beliefs that are unique to the profession. I may work at the corner store and still be a social
worker, but a person employed within the scope of social work such as a family counselor, mental health therapist, child
welfare worker, or community developer who does not qualify for registration as a social worker is not a social worker,
regardless of what the public may think.
Under the Health Professions Act (HPA), Schedule 27, the
scope of social work is defined as follows: In their practice,
social workers do one or more of the following:
(a) enhance or restore the social functioning of individuals,
families, groups, organizations and communities by
improving developmental, problem-solving and coping
capacities of people and systems,
(b) promote effective and humane systems that provide
resources, opportunities and services to people and link
people to those systems,
(c) contribute to the development and improvement of social
policy, and
(d) provide restricted activities authorized by the
regulations.
If a person has a degree or diploma in social work from
an approved program and their practice involves any of
the above, that person is active in social work and must be
registered. This is not an exclusive scope of practice; that is,
people who are not social workers may be hired to do the
same or similar functions.
This approach to regulation, which is not unique to Alberta,
causes some confusion both for those who qualify for
registration and for employers. While employers may hire any
person felt to be qualified for a position, they cannot make a
person a social worker simply by hiring them into a position
normally held by social workers. On the flip side, they cannot
hire a social worker and make that person into something
else simply by changing the title. A person who is qualified
for registration and working within the scope of practice
must be registered, regardless of the title used or whether the
employer was specifically looking for a social worker. As a
result of this legislation you may have two people working
in the same position, one whom must be registered and the
other unable to be registered.
Specifically,
46(1) A person must apply for registration if the person
(a) meets the requirements for registration as a regulated
member, and
(b) intends to provide one or more of the following:
(i) professional services directly to the public;
(iv) the teaching of the practice of a regulated profession
to regulated members or students of the regulated
profession;
(v) the supervision of regulated members who provide
professional services to the public.
regular feature
13Volume 34 • Issue 2
We frequently hear social workers say they have not been reg-
istered because their employers did not require it. What many
employers do not understand is that it is not up to them to
determine whether or not registration is required.
The HPA states:
47(1) No person shall knowingly employ a person who meets the
requirements of section 46(1)(a) to provide services described
in section 46(1)(b) unless that employed person is
(a) a regulated member, or
(b) authorized to provide the services pursuant to another
enactment.
The legislation goes on to state that a person who qualifies
for registration must provide evidence of a practice permit in
good standing, or the authorization under 47(1)(b), prior to
being employed.
Failure to meet these requirements does have legal repercussions:
48(1.1) A person who knowingly employs a person in contravention
of section 47(1) is guilty of an offence.
(2.1) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1.1) is
liable
(a) for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $4000,
(b) for a second offence, to a fine of not more than $8000,
and
(c) for a third and every subsequent offence, to a fine of
not more than $12,000 or to imprisonment for a term
of not more than 12 months or to both a fine and
imprisonment.
The HPA also includes requirements regarding information
sharing between the regulatory body (in this case, the ACSW)
and the employer. Any time a regulated member’s practice
permit is cancelled, suspended, or issued with conditions, we
must provide notice to the employer. Upon receipt of that
notice the employer is prohibited from requiring an employee
to undertake any activities that would be in contravention of
the notice.
Ethics in action
The employer must also provide notice to the college under
the following circumstances:
57(1) If, because of conduct that in the opinion of the employer
is unprofessional conduct, the employment of a regulated
member is terminated or suspended or the regulated member
resigns, the employer must give notice of that conduct to the
complaints director.
(2) On being given notice under subsection (1), the complaints
director must
(a) treat the employer as a complainant,
(b) despite not receiving a complaint under section 54, treat
the notice as a complaint in accordance with section 56,
and
(c) notify the employer and the regulated member
accordingly.
(3) For the purposes of this section, “employment” includes
being engaged to provide professional services on a full-time
or part-time basis as a paid or unpaid employee, consultant,
contractor or volunteer.
Professionals are held to a higher standard than the general
workforce. Social workers are accountable to our profession
through the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and to
the public through legislation. Employers benefit from the
professionalism and accountability social workers bring to the
worksite but also have a responsibility to ensure both they and
their employees meet the requirements of the law. n
Alison MacDonald is the Associate Registrar for ACSW.
If there are any topics you would like to see addressed in a future Ethics in Action
column, please send an e-mail to Alison at [email protected].
While employers may hire any person felt to be qualified for a position, they cannot make a person a social worker simply by hiring them into a position normally held by social workers.
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14 The Advocate • Summer 2009
Diploma DialogueEugene Ip, MSW, RSWNorQuest College
Audacity of Focus:NorQuest’s Social Work Diploma Program Social Work Diploma Program – Multicultural FocusWhen NorQuest College’s diploma program
was launched in July 2008, the Edmonton Journal
reported: “The courses have the same structure
as other social work programs, but they are
threaded with themes such as human rights, racism,
oppression and multicultural politics.”
To borrow a phrase from President Obama, these
words betray an audacity of focus for social work
education. Further in the reporting, divisional dean
at that time Ruth Hunter-Moffat offered a social
context to the multicultural focus of the college’s
initiative: “(t)he face of Alberta is changing. There is a
strong Aboriginal component…. There are a lot more
immigrants coming to our communities, and they need people
with a high level of intercultural confidence and sensitivity.”
In September 2008, NorQuest’s program went live. If
multicultural focus had still been but a promise, the
extraordinary ethno-racial diversity of the college’s first 33
students would have lent a strong suggestion of deliverability.
This remarkable demographic has already proven to bring
fascinating and divergent life realities with experiences and
perspectives that inform learning and teaching. Yet despite
differing points of reference, there is a unity of worldviews.
One example of students’ common grounding is seen in
this stanza of the winning poem in the college’s recent Erase
Racism writing contest by student Nancy Villegas:
I hope “tolerance” would be more than an idea,
And I want to see my people sharing real friendship,
brotherhood,
Accepting all their neighbors and changing our destiny,
Living in peace and harmony, as a family of love.
While still attending to everyday teaching and student needs,
staff must also manage the hefty developmental agenda that
accompanies a new program. There are informational materials
to prepare, such as practice and policy manuals. Numerous
planning items must be completed in a timely manner, including
documents relating to the ACSW program approval process,
faculty development, student recruitment, and field education.
Existential needs, however, go beyond the here and now. A
mission to train social workers to competently address troubling
issues and unmet needs with an informed sensitivity to
multicultural relations and politics challenges the program with a
particular strand of long-term development planning questions.
One key concern is that educating with attentiveness
to oppression, racism, and multicultural relations means
addressing how to accomplish being multicultural through
curriculum, course syllabuses, faculty recruitment and
development, and pedagogical practices. There is no program
model to reference and borrow from.
Another consideration is what this training perspective means
in relation to practicum experience. In mainstream agencies,
social work practice with a multicultural focus as described
by NorQuest’s program is—at best—far and few between.
Eugene Ip
NorQuest College Social Work Program students and instructors Donna Rensen, MSW, RSW (middle
row, first from left), and Eugene Ip, MSW, RSW (back row, fourth from far right)
regular feature
15Volume 34 • Issue 2
Diploma Dialogue
Yet it seems essential to develop field training focused on
serving communities of difference, not only of diversity, as well
as to address service delivery and practice issues relating to
multicultural politics.
An esteemed colleague once romanticized a new social work
program as an artist’s canvas waiting to be created upon.
It is definitely a stretch for effect, particularly given the
regulatory regimes a new program is subjected to. However,
the metaphor may not be a bad reminder of how much there
still is to plan for and fill in—a thought that is at once both
daunting and deliciously fascinating.
Happenings elsewhere in the province…• Grant MacEwan College experiences continuing, strong
demand for admission to their social work program, and low
program attrition. This speaks to the finding that student
and employer satisfaction ratings continue to be high.
Other noteworthy developments include an increase of
full-time faculty from five to six people, the continuation
of Hinton’s program, and a successful partnership with
Catholic Social Services to offer a continuing education
series for human services professionals. Finding and
maintaining good field placements continues to be an
ongoing challenge.
• The Red Deer College program will commemorate 40 Years during 2009-2010 and celebration planning is
underway! The college needs help updating their contact
list of program graduates so that people can be officially
invited to the events. If you graduated
from the RDC program within the last 40
years, please contact Brenda Joyce, Chair, at
[email protected] or (403) 314-2478.
• The Medicine Hat College social work program is very proud to acknowledge second-year student, Jana Roose,
who received a Tier Two Canada Millennium Scholarship.
She is the only Alberta social work student to win, and
one of three social work students from across Canada.
Roose also received a $2500 bursary. At her request, it will
go toward a Palliative Care Society Hospice Committee
project, a Medicine Hat group she is involved with.
A single mother of two children, Roose organized the first
“Spring Sprint” fund raiser for the Brain Tumor Foundation
in Medicine Hat last year and is planning the second annual
event this June. Also involved in social work student society
activities, Jana is very respected by her classmates and her
instructors for all she is and does.
Medicine Hat College was well represented at this year’s
ACSW conference. Twenty-two students and all three social
work instructors attended the conference. The group also
took the opportunity to tour Calgary social service agencies.
• InApril,eightMount Royal College and six Medicine Hat social work students, along with Medicine Hat instructor Richard Gregory, traveled to Zambia for a
social work practicum. The students worked primarily in the
village of Mwandi on United Church of Zambia Mission
programs. The group is away until the end of June. n
Eugene Ip is the assistant coordinator/instructor of the Social Work Program at
NorQuest College in Edmonton.
Medicine Hat College students and instructors – ACSW 2009 Conference L to R: Richard Gregory, Medicine Hat College Social Work Program
Coordinator; Jana Roose, recipient of the Millennium Scholarship;
Dr. Nora Way, Dean, Division of Health Studies, Medicine Hat College
On behalf of the Alberta Association of Social Work Diploma Programs
(AASWDP) and its member programs, have a great summer!
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16 The Advocate • Summer 2009
Private Practice PageLaurie Fisher, MSW, RSW
Private Practice Roster member profileIn an effort to introduce you to some of the members of the Private Practice Roster and their practices,
we will profile one or two members in each Advocate. If you would like to be profiled (and we do need
volunteers), please submit a brief description of your practice to Laurie Fisher at [email protected].
Judi Baron, MSW, RSW, Calgary
Judi Baron has more than 30 years experience working with individual, couples, and groups. She delivers workshops and
seminars on a variety of topics in both the United States and Canada, with clients coming from as far away as Europe. Baron
has been providing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services since 1993 and also ran a three-year training program for
therapists at the Gestalt Institute of Calgary.
With training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),
a comprehensive, integrative psychotherapy approach, and Critical Incident
Stress Debriefing (CISD), Baron specializes in working with normal adult
development crises. She focuses on issues of identity and mid-life transitions,
personal development, family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem,
grief and loss, divorce recovery, boundaries, stress management, adult survivors
of abuse, co-dependency, and conflict resolution.
Through both teaching and private practice, Baron’s goal is to help others
develop a more positive, communicative, and healthy lifestyle by providing a
supportive but challenging environment.
Private Practice Committee Annual Meeting
The Private Practice Committee held its annual meeting on Friday, March 27
at the ACSW Conference. It was well attended, especially by people new to
the committee. A lively discussion took place on the need for private practice
social workers to educate the public and other social workers about what we
do and the competency of therapists who have a clinical focus. Parity with
psychologists is a huge issue for us and several attending the meeting agreed
to start looking at how to approach this.
Linda MacKenzie agreed to co-chair the committee with Laurie Fisher,
while Brenda Duncan agreed to work with Laurie on the Private Practice
Page in the Advocate. We are pleased so many new people have shown an
interest in this committee! n
Laurie Fisher is the chair of the Private Practice Committee and can be reached at:
Laurie Fisher
Macadamia:Users:jenasnyder:Documents:ACSW:##SUMMER 09:advocate ad 2009.doc
A licensed open adoption agency is
looking for registered social
workers in Edmonton, Grande
Prairie, Medicine Hat, Bonnyville,
St. Paul, Vermilion, Lloydminster,
and Cold Lake to complete Home
Assessment Reports and provide
birth parent counseling on a
contract basis.
Please forward resumes to:
Ramone Kindrat, BSW, RSW
Program Director
Adoption By Choice
315, 908 - 17th
Ave. SW
Calgary, AB T2T 0A3
Fax: 403.245.8897 [email protected]
```8897
for your information
17Volume 34 • Issue 2
• Addiction Studies • Adult Educator Seminar Series• Police Studies • Human Justice • Supportive Counselling Skills • Child Care Leadership• Confl ict Resolution • Children’s Mental Health*• Behavioural Strategies • Child & Youth Human Rights*• Children’s Environmental Health & Wellness • International Community Development*
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REGISTRATION: 403.440.3833 E-MAIL: [email protected]
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Become an Everyday Hero while developing your career!Online and Classroom Study
* These programs are only available online
MOUNT ROYAL
Continuing Education
The Advocate • Summer 200918
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By Joan Marie Galat, Advocate Editor
2009 Conference — 100 Years of Change & Beyond
Joan Marie GalatMeet our 2009 ACSW
Award Winners!
Rebecca Withers Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice
What led you to enter social work?
I’ve always valued justice and equality
and thought that being a social worker
would bring more of this to the world.
Your journey from graduation to present…
I graduated from the University of
Calgary in 2002. Since then, I have
worked in youth programming,
community advocacy, family enhancement, and mental health.
A short anecdote…
A few years ago, a client of mine committed suicide. After his
death, his wife came to tell me how much her husband had
enjoyed working with me and despite the tragic ending, she
was thankful for all the efforts I’d made to help him.
Fondest achievement as a social worker…
Assisting a man with untreated schizophrenia to get Income
Assistance, a psychiatrist, and housing.
What has surprised you during your career?
When I first started, I was hesitant to work in mental health
because I thought this might be a scary population to work
with. To my surprise, I’ve found that this is the most rewarding
area to work in. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
How does receiving the award impact you?
I am incredibly honoured as it has given me an opportunity
to appreciate my passion for being a social worker and for
working in mental health.
What advice do you have for those just entering into social work?
Take time to find an area of social work you love by
getting experience in a variety of settings.
n Rebecca Withers, BSW, RSW, is a Mental Health Social Worker at the Banff Mineral
Springs Hospital.
Rebecca Withers
The ACSW Awards recognize those who have exhibited exemplary skills and commitment to the Code
of Ethics and ACSW mission while providing direct service to clients. Nominees working in a variety of
practice settings are considered to ensure that over time, those from a variety of practice settings are
recognized. Awards were presented at the annual conference.
feature article
19Volume 34 • Issue 2
Megan MacLeod Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice
What led you to enter social work?
Family modeling, helping out others,
crossing paths early with a memorable
social worker, and finding it was a great
blend of sociology and psychology.
Your journey from graduation to present…
I’ve studied at the University of
Lethbridge, University of Calgary,
Institute for Integrative Body
Psychotherapy, and EMDR Canada. Work roles include
Family and Social Services (adoptions and foster care),
counseling in the areas of mental health, trauma, and domestic
violence.
A short anecdote…
In my first BSW practicum I was keen to help seniors in a
lodge develop a resident council, believing this would greatly
benefit them. Through meetings with residents I learned they
did not see a need for such a council. Thankfully I learned
early that rather than imposing my beliefs and values on
clients, I needed to take the lead from them.
Your fondest social work achievement…
Being a small part of clients’ success as they redefine their
lives after years of living with abuse.
What has surprised you during your career?
Patience and acceptance—both in myself and with clients,
and just how much I learn from my clients.
How does receiving the award impact you?
I am both honoured and appreciative.
What advice do you have for those just entering into social work?
Maintain balance, practice good self-care, and remain open to
learning.
n Megan MacLeod, MSW, RSW, is a Clinical Supervisor with Jewish Family Service
in Calgary.
Mary Shillington Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice
What led you to enter social work?
As a woman and counselor I have
provided social work all my adult
life, but only in 1991, as a mature
woman, did I begin formal social work
education at the Lethbridge Division of
the University of Calgary.
Your journey from graduation to present…
As a bachelor of social work (BSW) graduate, I worked for
a year as an off-campus counselor for the Lethbridge College.
In 1995, now with a master of social work degree from
Calgary, I began to work for Lethbridge Family Services as
a bereavement counselor. I will do bereavement and trauma
work until I retire in mid-June 2009. In these 14 years I
have facilitated 25 closed bereavement therapy groups and for
13 years continuously ran an open-ended suicide bereavement
group. I have supervised 15 BSW practicum students and
co-supervised 16 practicum students working on various
master degrees.
A short anecdote…
People joining the suicide bereavement group have often been
amazed at how they could laugh together in the midst of their
pain and really feel understood by others in the group.
What has surprised you during your career?
How very resilient our clients are.
Your fondest social work achievement…
Having the opportunity to mentor beginning social workers
and grow with them!
How does receiving the award impact you?
I am very honored to receive this award but even more
honored to be nominated by my Lethbridge Family Services
team!!
Megan MacLeod Mary Shillington
Continued on page 20
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The Advocate • Summer 200920
Award winnersContinued from page 19
What advice do you have for those just entering into social work?
Be true to the social work ethics and to your own knowing!
n Mary Shillington, MSW, RSW, is a Clinical Social Worker/Counselor with
Lethbridge Family Services.
Lynn King John Hutton Memorial Award for Social Action/Policy
What led you to enter social work?
Social work is something I always wanted
to do, though I didn’t have a name for it
until seventh grade guidance class, where
I learned about it as a profession.
Your journey from graduation to present.
Red Deer College, the University of
Victoria, and the University of Dalhousie.
Work in community support, financial
benefits, adoptions, foster care, child
protection, supervisor, trainer, manager, and consultant.
A short anecdote…
One day, I was visiting a farm family and was offered some
rhubarb. The hostess was very sincere in wanting to give me
this gift, but I was nervous because I was a young worker
who had just been to a course that warned against accepting
gifts. Her arms were full and we were in the middle of a very
muddy yard. I relented and for months afterward, the family
smiled very big smiles whenever rhubarb was mentioned.
Your fondest social work achievement?
Working with a team of bright professionals to design
learning programs for Alberta Children and Youth Services.
What has surprised you during your career?
The number of people who live in poverty and isolation
throughout our province. There also is richness in diversity
that continually challenged my thinking on the meaning of
helping. I’ve learned that collaboration and creating great
results can look a myriad of different ways.
How does receiving the award impact you?
I am grateful. It is a reminder of all the people who engaged
and collaborated with me in our work and projects over the
years. For that I am thankful.
What advice do you have for those just entering into social work?
At times it may feel like you are alone—you are not alone!
Think “team” and doing what needs to be done—together.
n Lynn King, MSW, RSW, is the Management Development Consultant with
Corporate Human Resources.
Barb Scott ACSW Honorary Membership
What led you to enter politics and work as a Citizenship Judge?
Frustration at city inaction regarding day
care and housing issues.
Briefly describe your educational and career background.
BA at Colby College, Waterville, Maine;
MA at Boston University; and research
at Social Planning Councils in Toronto,
Edmonton, and Calgary.
A short anecdote…
In a low-income area of the city, where opportunities for
different forms of children’s play were extremely limited, I
argued with council for a year to get a budget for a wading
pool in one of the area’s few playgrounds. Finally got it, but
once built, the little pool became a place to toss empty beer
bottles. Not safe for children. I had to have it removed, as it
was a hazard to children.
Once it was removed, I heard from a mentally challenged
chap who had made it his job to fill the pool with water; this
was his job, his pride and I had removed the pool and thereby
removed his sense of achievement. Clearly, prior to removal, I
should have been in the area, identified this chap and worked
with him to explain the reasons for the removal and to find
another “job” for him.
Lynn King
Barb Scott
feature article
Volume 34 • Issue 2 21
What has surprised you during your interactions to achieve social change?
The common sense approach to problem-solving that home-
less people, or people experienced with homelessness, have.
How does receiving the award impact you?
As I have been out of commission for some years (illness as
well as some limitations that came with age) it pleased me
that work done earlier is still bearing fruit.
What advice do you have for people who want to advocate for social change?
Know all the communities/leaders/players in the issue and
work with all positively.
n Barb Scott, CM, MA, is a Citizenship Judge.
Frank Hoebarth CASW National Social Work Week Distinguished Service Award
What led you to enter the field of social work?
The sixties were a time of concern for
the welfare of the broader community.
Maturing during this time gave me the
desire to help others.
Your journey from graduation to present…
I began a two-year program at the
University of British Columbia and
obtained a masters degree in social work.
A family counseling field placement directed me to that
aspect of practice for a couple of years, first in Vancouver and
then in Hamilton. Job prospects as a social planner brought
me to Calgary. I became the Manager of Neighbourhood
Services and then the Manager of Social Planning and
Funding. Since retiring I have served as a volunteer on several
boards of agencies serving senior citizens.
A short anecdote…
One of the most interesting experiences was working with
several members of the FCSS Association to gain support for
a resolution requesting the province to sign on to the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child. The province
had been the lone provincial holdout but did sign shortly
after the resolution went forward from the FCSS Association.
What has surprised you during your career?
How groups, with a degree of encouragement, can focus and
work together to effect change.
How does receiving the award impact you?
This award not only acknowledges my contribution to the
social work profession but reminds me we do not work alone
to benefit Alberta citizens.
What advice do you have for those just entering into social work?
Keep the philosophy of service to others as a guide and place
business principles in this context.
n Frank Hoebarth, MSW, RSW, is a retired social worker.
Joan Marie Galat is the Advocate’s contributing editor, as well as a full-time writer
and presenter. Her latest book is Day Trips From Edmonton.
Frank Hoebarth The Health Sciences Association of Alberta represents more than 17,000 professional, technical, and support employees in Alberta’s health care system. We bargain for fair wages and decent working conditions for our members.
We also raise public awareness about the important role of allied health professionals including social workers.
www.hsaa.ca
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22 The Advocate • Summer 2009
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Conferencehighlights
100 Years of Changeand Beyond
At 5:00 pm March 28, organizers declared the 2009 ACSW conference a success! The Aboriginal
Acknowledgement Ceremony officially opened the conference with Aboriginal elders leading the
procession. The ceremony saw social work representatives take responsibility for our role in the
implementation of government policies on residential schools.
This historic event follows the Government of Canada
apology in 2008. It is ethically and morally appropriate that
Pope Benedict XVI, head of the Roman Catholic Church,
also offered his apology to the Aboriginal people of Canada
in April 2009. A group of Canadian Aboriginals attended
Pope Benedict XVI’s general audience on Wednesday, April
28, before a private meeting where the Pope expressed
concern about the former policy of forced attendance of
Aboriginal children at Christian-run schools.
At the conference, the Women’s Panel told stories on marginalized women and children, as well as women who
have exited the sex trade. They presented a closing dramatic
vignette illustrating changing women’s roles over the past
Cathy Vaessen, MEd, RSW, and Rose Lamoureux, BSW, RSWACSW Conference Co-chairs
Cathy Vaessen and Rose Lamoureux
Beverly Jacobs, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada,
greeting Charles Weasel Head, Grand Chief of Treaty 7
2009 Conference — 100 Years of Social Work —
feature article
Volume 34 • Issue 2 23
hundred years. The panel effectively interacted with the audience and each other, taking turns to
respond to a number of questions.
The keynote presentation was extremely well attended and received positive reviews from many colleagues. Gary Bailey spoke on reshaping the image of the social work profession, as well as the intersection of human rights, social justice, and role of social workers, in promoting equity and
fairness in a multicultural, multiracial, and gender diverse environment.
The story boards were well received with many conference participants enjoying
the opportunity to record their personal
stories, as well as their historical knowledge
of social work policies and agency changes.
It was suggested we enable more social
workers to write their stories by making
the storyboards into a travelling road
show to go to various social work events,
including the 2010 ACSW conference.
Sorrel Riders drum group
Actress Nicole Zylstra and author Susan McClelland, speakers
at the Women’s Panel on Friday
Round Dance
Mary Valentich writing a story for the story board
Veronica Marsman, CASW President, and Eugenia
Moreno, Executive Director of CASW
Keynote Speaker Gary Bailey
More on the conference!
pages 24-25 and 30-33
Susan McClelland at the
Women’s Panel
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The Advocate • Summer 200924
Participants enjoying a sunny lunch break
Participants at one of the many wonderful presentationsRalph Westwood, one of ACSW Council’s
Public Members, having stew and bannock
At the registration desk
Another idea was to commemorate the 100 years of social work
by making the storyboards into a book.
The self-care activities were well received as complimentary to the many informative and stimulating workshop sessions. Many
received a very good workout!
The success of the conference can be attributed to the many
social work volunteers, presenters, vendors, ACSW staff, and well-organized and dedicated 2009 ACSW Conference
Planning Committee — You Guys ROCK! And a special thank you to the 1200 social workers in attendance, for without you, there would be no conference.
It is our committee’s privilege in Calgary to pass the organizing
and planning of the 2010 ACSW conference to our Edmonton
colleagues.
The best to all members of the ACSW in 2009!
Cathy Vaessen is a Team Leader in the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Rose
Lamoureaux is a Community Social Worker with the City of Calgary.
2009 ConferenceContinued from page 23
Lori Sigurdson, ACSW Professional
Affairs Coordinator
Conference volunteers
Guadalupe Salgero and Rose Lamoureux, Conference Planning
Committee Volunteers
Bob Johnson, ACSW Vice President; Joe Ceci, City of Calgary Alderman;
and Rod Adachi, ACSW Executive Director
feature article
Volume 34 • Issue 2 25
Bernadette Iahtail, presenter for Reclaiming and Restoring the Aboriginal Family: Circle of Understanding
Workshop attendees
Alison MacDonald Associate Registrar,
presenter for Simple Steps to Avoid a Complaint
Presenters Andrea Silverstone and Marlette Reed, Listening for Meaning:
Spirituality in Treatment
Group discussion
Presenter Steve de Groot from Winnipeg
– A Relationship Based Strength
Approach to Discipline with Youth
Workshop attendees
26 The Advocate • Summer 2009
In a historic ceremony that began with drumming by the Sorrel Riders drum group and ended with a
closing prayer and invitation to join in a mini round dance, Aboriginal people and social workers came
together to hear powerful statements that acknowledged the role social workers played in implementing
the government policies that negatively impacted Aboriginal people.
By Joan Marie Galat, Advocate Editor
Joan Marie Galat
The Sorrel Riders drum group open the ceremony L to R Job Johnson, Veronica Marsman, Bev Weber, Charles Weasel Head, Beverly
Jacobs (hidden) and Pete Standing Alone
2009 Conference
feat
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theÊ pasttheÊ future
Acknowledge
lookÊ to
feature article
27Volume 34 • Issue 2
Emceed by social worker and
University of Calgary profes-
sor Betty Bastien, the event
was attended by nearly 300
participants at the 2009 Alberta
College of Social Workers con-
ference, held March 26, 2009,
in Calgary. CASW President
Veronica Marsman and ACSW
Vice-President Bob Johnson
delivered statements, excerpted
here and available in full on the
ACSW website.
During the delivery of the
acknowledgement statement,
Marsman described the colonial
mindset that saw Aboriginal
culture and beliefs as inferior to
those of Europeans, noting that
“the residential school system was
only one of many intrusions into
Aboriginal communities.” She
expressed the wish that people
“work together to make the
next century one that safeguards
human rights and social justice.”
Ceremony educates social workers“The acknowledgement cer-
emony gives a space for indig-
enous people to actually speak
about the atrocities of their
experience,” says Bastien. “When
there’s a conspiracy of silence or
societal denial, there’s no room
for people to heal or recover and
the first step to healing is telling
the truth about what happened
and having committed listeners.
And this is where social workers
can play a huge role.”
The acknowledgement ceremony served to educate social
workers about the issues Aboriginal people face. Bastien hopes
those impacted by the actions of social workers following
government policies will experience healing. ACSW Executive
Director and Registrar Rod Adachi shares this outlook.
“I hope this event was viewed as a welcome step in the
reconciliation and healing process for Aboriginal people,”
says Adachi. “Hopefully, social workers gained a greater
appreciation of both Aboriginal history and social work
practice in Canada that will help to improve their practices.”
Bastien feels that the level of understanding and truly
knowing what has happened is very rare in Canadian
society. “We still think in individualism but look at it
intergenerationally. The impact continues to amaze me.”
While long term effects of the ceremony cannot be predicted,
Bastien suggests a wait and see approach. “The impact will
come with time. In the western world we make a big deal
out of something in the moment. For us indigenous people
it’s the other way around. Time will tell.”
Marsman described feeling mixed
emotions during the event. “As an
African Canadian, I could relate to
the Aboriginal experience, in terms
of what it was like to have lost their
culture, to have their families torn
apart and to be displaced. It was
resonating with me. But it was a
wonderful opportunity for people to
be aware that as a national social work
association, we acknowledge what
has occurred. I felt very moved and
positive about the fact that we need to move on.”
After Marsman spoke, representatives from three Aboriginal
groups responded, encompassing Charles Weasel Head, Grand
Chief, Treaty 7; Beverly Jacobs, President, Native Women’s
Association of Canada; and Bev Weber, Regional Vice-
President Region 3, Metis Nation of Alberta.
Betty Bastien
Charles Weasel Head
Beverly Jacobs
CASW President Veronica
Marsman
Continued on page 28
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The Advocate • Summer 200928
Attach actions to the words“The response challenged us,” says Marsman, who hopes that
there will be some activity through Aboriginal committees in
every province that has one, as well as the CASW Aboriginal
Social Workers Interest Group. “We can’t speak for the
Aboriginal people but we can partner with them, review
policies on placing children, ensure there is proper education
for Aboriginal people to become social workers, and ensure
there the curriculum is culturally reflective. ”
The acknowledgement ceremony provides a pivot point to
address issues and develop meaningful actions and supports to
help Aboriginal people recover from injustices.
“I’d like to think that it’s an opportunity for Aboriginals
and non-Aboriginals to work together, strategize, and make
a difference,” says Marsman. “I hope it doesn’t become a
statement that gets shelved. Alberta made a statement. They’re
the trendsetters who have set the example for other provinces.
“Now let’s see some activity across the country,” says
Marsman. “This issue is on the agenda for the CASW
joint presidents and board meeting to be held in June in
Manitoba.”
“The danger of acknowledgements or apologies is that they
become words without action,” agrees ACSW president
Randy Harris, who is also the Project Manager at the Calgary
Addictions Initiative. “In future, we need to be a louder voice
against injustice wherever it happens and an active partner
with other social justice organizations.”
Harris feels the ceremony was generally received with interest
and respect, but notes that organizers entered the planning
knowing there would be different responses from all those
involved.
“Aboriginal people are diverse and I think the impact will
also be diverse. Some people will no doubt feel that the
ceremony did not meet their needs or hopes. Others will
feel that it was a start for change and others might feel that
it was unnecessary,” says Harris. “For me, the impact for the
Aboriginal community is that the ACSW will become a
more vocal and public partner in advocating for changes that
benefit Aboriginal people.”
Like Bastien, Harris finds that many social workers are
unaware of some of the events that were mentioned during
the ceremony.
“While we tend to focus on what social work has contributed
to improving communities, we also need to acknowledge that
there have been significant examples of misjudgment as well.
We need to be vigilant as individual social workers and as a
profession to our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
whenever we have doubts about the direction to take.
Additionally, when in doubt, consult
with other social workers to develop
clarity.”
Bastien describes watching the round
dance at the end of the ceremony,
seeing people participate, and feeling
honored to be part of a momentous
event. “The acknowledgment is a
celebration.”
“It is important to learn from the past
in order to do better in the future,” says
Adachi. “We must continue to improve
how we practice our profession.”
Celebrating the round dance
Acknowledge the past...Continued from page27
feature article
Volume 34 • Issue 2 29
Excerpt from closing remarks delivered by Bob Johnson, ACSW vice president. Looking back on social work’s
role in these situations, we are not
referring simply to historical events.
The outside influences on Aboriginal
culture and society continue—we
only need to look at the residential
school system and the 60s sweep to
appreciate examples of those outside
influences.
How do we explain why so many Aboriginal people live
in such challenging conditions on reserves? Why is it that a
disproportionate number of Aboriginal people are in prison
or, if a child, in care? How is it that so many of us might not
have a friend or neighbor of Aboriginal ancestry?
We all need to reflect on how this could be possible in a
country that values diversity and respect and dignity for so
many.
As social workers, we can find ourselves with many
conflicting responsibilities. As government employees or as
government funded social workers, as many of us are, we are
expected to carry out government’s policies.
However, those policies must be implemented in concert
with our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Our
primary duty, as social workers, is to our client. If we are not
in a position to change policies, we need to be vocal in our
concerns and advocacy on behalf of our clients.
As President of the Alberta College of Social Workers, to our
Aboriginal guests and colleagues, we recognize the impact of
our profession on your communities, families, and society and
its impact on your painful history. We truly regret events that
undermined your community and culture. The purpose of
today’s acknowledgement is to prevent this from happening in
the future.
Excerpt from CASW Acknowledgement Statement Today we acknowledge that social workers were participants
in activities that negatively impacted our Aboriginal citizens.
Today we express deep regret for those actions.
Although we cannot change the past we can recognize the
lessons learned from it and we can prepare for the future. As
we consider what has occurred over the last century we must
learn from the past to ensure that negative practices are not
repeated in the future. The historical treatment of Canadian
Aboriginal Peoples reflects both social justice and human
rights concerns. Many Aboriginal children, families, and
Aboriginal communities continue to suffer.
Today social work practice is supported by a professional
Code of Ethics that is founded upon the values and principles
of social justice and human rights. Today our professional
standards have moved social work beyond the colonial mind-
set of a hundred years ago.
The lessons of the past are often-times painfully learned.
We know that much pain continues to exist and that much
work still needs to take place to heal the damage that was
done. Recognizing our own part in history is an important
step in the evolution of the social work profession. Today’s
acknowledgement represents the social work profession’s
commitment to learn from the past and work towards a just
society for Aboriginal people and all Canadians. n
Joan Marie Galat is the Advocate’s contributing editor, as well as a full-time writer
and presenter. Her latest book is Day Trips From Edmonton.
Round dance participants
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The Advocate • Summer 200930
Art therapy workshopMarilyn Magnuson, who presented
Experiential Introduction to the field
of Art Therapy – Come and Play!
Art created at session
A popular education workshop, Interconnecting WebInterconnecting Web participants
Workshop participants Pol Ngeth, one of our presentersWorkshop particpants
Conference highlightsContinued from page 25
feature article
Volume 34 • Issue 2 31
Presenter Jeannette Waegemakers SchiffWorkshops
Workshop participant
Powerful Play workshop Powerful Play workshop
Workshops
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The Advocate • Summer 200932
Self-care activity - Laughter Yoga
Self-care activity - Capoeira
feature article
Volume 34 • Issue 2 33
ACSW AGM
Self-care activity - Tai Chi
Self-care activity - Belly Dancing
34 The Advocate • Summer 2009
in t
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ews
Book Review
We Generation: Raising Socially Responsible KidsBy Peter Smyth, BSW, RSW
We Generation: Raising Socially Responsible Kids
by Michael Ungar, PhD
McClelland & Stewart, 2009 (226 pages)
Teen girls swarm and rob a woman at a bus station. Youth are arrested for a gang-related drive-by
shooting. Junior high students are in court for torturing a cat. These disturbing offences contribute
to the belief that youth crime is on the increase, that today’s youth show little respect, and that the
future is in peril. It seems rehabilitation is not working, and as law and order agendas surface, people
discuss enforcing tougher sentences.
Internationally recognized expert on resilience in youth, as
well as clinician and research professor at the School of Social
Work at Dalhousie University, Michael Ungar has a much
more optimistic view of today’s youth. He believes adults
would do well to observe young people more closely, and in
fact, learn from them.
Unger is the author of We Generation: Raising Socially
Responsible Kids, published by McClelland & Stewart.
“Despite the moral panic of the press…” Unger writes, “Our
children are less likely to be criminals today, less likely to be
violent.”
ambiguous as we might think, nor as destructive as the media
portrays.
Ungar goes into great detail sharing his experiences in work-
ing with youth and hearing how they long for “genuine
flesh-and-blood, eye-to-eye connections.”
He describes how superficiality is out and how young
people are crying out for authenticity. They want be noticed
and know they count! Youth want unconditional love and
connections, and have a profound wish to belong. They want
to be touched physically and emotionally.
Peter Smyth
The author’s refreshing look at
youth shows a trend of young
people moving away from the
“me generation” to build a “we
generation” where t