Social work bodies respond —how the September 11 terrorist attacks affect social workers and their clients

Examining the aftermath page 20 Using the title of “social worker” page 4 Social work and crisis response… page 22 Reaching out to immigrant children page 24 Confronting racism page 26

ADVOCATETHE

volume 26, issue 4, winter 2001w

ww.

acsw

.ab.

ca

ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

Examining the

terroraftermathof

2 The Advocate • winter 2001 3Volume 26 • Isssue 4

COVER STORYExamining the aftermath..............................Erin Gray.......................................... 20

FEATURESSocial work and crisis response .....................Sheila Hallett.................................... 22

Reaching out to immigrant children ..............Sheila Hallett.................................... 24

Confronting racism......................................Sheila Hallett.................................... 26

Social work by other means..........................Shawn Vincent .................................. 28

NEWSACSW Awards..............................................Call for nominations.............................3

ACSW Council .............................................Call for nominations.............................3

Changes ....................................................Jena Snyder........................................3

Using the title of “social worker” .................Letter to the editor .............................4

2002 ACSW Conference update ......................March 14–16 in Red Deer.................... 31

Obligation to maintain professional registration ..................................................... 32

REGULAR FEATURESPresident‘s report........................................Jake Kuiken ........................................6

Executive Director’s report............................Rod Adachi.........................................8

Ethics in action ..........................................Alison MacDonald .............................. 10

Book review ...............................................Eugene Ip ........................................ 11

Committee reports .....................................Private Practice................................. 13

Clinical Social Work............................ 14

Red Deer Area Coordinator .................. 18

Children’s Issues................................ 19

ACSW Interest Groups ..................................Community Practice ........................... 14

Retired Social Workers........................ 15

Social Workers & Computers ................ 16

News from the faculty .................................University of Calgary.......................... 17

The AdvocateVolume 26, Issue 4

WINTER 2001

Published by:The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)

#550, 10707 - 100 AvenueEdmonton AB T5J 3M1

Phone: (780) 421-1167Toll-free in Alberta:

1-800-661-3089Fax: (780) 421-1168

E-Mail: acsw@acsw.ab.caWebsite: www.acsw.ab.ca

Executive Director & Registrar: Rod Adachi, MSW, RSWacswexd@acsw.ab.ca

Associate Registrar:Alison MacDonald, MSW, RSW

acswreg@acsw.ab.ca

Professional Affairs:Elaine Paras, MSW, RSWacswpac@acsw.ab.ca

Finance and Administration:Gladys Smecko

Membership Services:Brenda Gross

Monica Vasconez

Administrative Secretary:

Florence Reinhardt

The Advocate is published quarterly for members of the Alberta College of Social Workers

and other interested parties.

Editorial BoardPapiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair)Duane Burton, BSW, MEd, RSW

Erin Gray, MSW, RSWBill Kirwin, PhD, RSW

Trudy Lundvall, SW Diploma, RSWLeslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW

EditorSheila Hallett

Production & TypesettingJena Snyder

DesignKyle Loranger Design

Advertising space is available. Advocate rates are $400 per full page. Please call the ACSW office

for details, or to place an ad. The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertising.

SPRING 2002 ISSUE DEADLINE:

JANUARY 15, 2002

Canadian subscriptions are $24 per year (Outside Canada: $24 US per year)

Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40050109

ISSN 0847 - 2890Please notify the ACSW office immediately

of any address changes.

The Advocate Editorial PolicyThe 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 interest to social workers; continuing education and job opportunities; and the comings and goings of Alberta social workers. Submissions from members and the public are welcome: articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, thoughts and ideas. Letters to the editor, announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are 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: deadline is 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: Elaine Paras. E-MAIL: acswpac@acsw.ab.ca

PHONE: (780) 421-1167 • FAX: 421-1168.

Changesby Jena SnyderAdvocate Production Editor

Hazel Sangster, my long-time

working partner and co-editor at

The Advocate, decided this spring

that she wanted to build the

acreage summer home she and her

late husband, Hugh, had always

wanted. In the process of wrangling

plumbers, ordering light fixtures,

imagining windows and wall colors,

Hazel began to feel at home—so

much at home that she decided it

was time to leave Calgary and work

behind. She also decided it was

time to leave The Advocate. I’ll miss

working with her, and I know you’ll

join me in wishing her the best in

her new endeavors.

a season for change…

Change also brings new and exciting

opportunities, and we’d like to take

this one to introduce you to our new

Advocate editor, Sheila Hallett.

Currently working part time for

the Calder Seniors Drop-In Society,

Sheila worked from 1991–98 as the

communications coordinator for the

Edmonton Social Planning Council.

Her Bachelor of Arts degree from

Regina School of Journalism and

Communication, together with her

years of experience writing,

interviewing, reporting, editing,

designing, and more give her a solid

background. Her love of working

with people, evident at once in her

writing, makes her a perfect choice

for our new Advocate editor.

Please join me in welcoming Sheila,

and wishing her joy in the job!

The John Hutton Memorial Award for

Social Action/Policy recognizes members in

good standing who have made an out-

standing contribution to the profession

of social work and to the community

through advocacy, social action, policy

development/analysis, program develop-

ment or political action aimed at enhanc-

ing social functioning, service delivery

systems and the environments in which

we work with our clients.

The ACSW Award for Excellence in Social

Work Practice recognizes Registered Social

Workers who have exhibited exemplary

skills and commitment to the Code of

Ethics and mission of the ACSW while

engaged in providing direct service to

clients.

Honorary Memberships may be awarded to

a person or a group that has made a

significant contribution to the values and

ideals inherent in the profession of social

work and who have advanced the goals of

the ACSW.

Nominations should be submitted to

the ACSW office, in writing, with a ratio-

nale for the nomination and any support-

ing documentation to the Nominations

Committee. The committee will review

the nominees and make recommendations

to Council for approval.

Deadline for nominations is January 30, 2002.

For more information please call the

ACSW office at (780) 421-1167 or

1-800-661-3089.

Each year, half of the positions on the

Executive Committee and the ACSW

Council are up for election. The election

process involves a call for nominations,

the circulation of ballots to the member-

ship, and the mailing in of the ballots

to the ACSW office for tallying by the

Nominations Committee.

The greatest number of votes from the

returned ballots determines which can-

didates are elected. In the case of only

one candidate, approval is determined by

a majority of returned ballots. Unfilled

positions may be filled at the Annual

General Meeting by a majority vote of

nominees from the floor at a session

led by the chair of the Nominations

Committee.

Positions up for election in 2002

are: Vice-President, Treasurer and three

Council members.

The deadline for nominations is January 11, 2002.

If you or any member you know is inter-

ested in running for these positions, please

call the ACSW office at (780) 421-1167

or 1-800-661-3089 for the nomination

forms. The completed form must be

received by the deadline. It may be faxed

to (780) 421-1168 or mailed to:

Attention: Nominations Chair

Alberta College of Social Workers

#550, 10707 – 100 Avenue

Edmonton, AB T5J 3M1

ACSW Awards: Call for nominations

ACSW Council members: call for nominations

in the newsin

thi

s is

sue

5Volume 26 • Isssue 4

Further to this, we wish to voice our disappointment in the lack

of discussion with the stakeholders in the process in arriving at

this decision. We oppose any changes to the current registration

criteria for social workers in Alberta. We believe that the changes

currently being proposed by the Alberta College of Social

Workers, for compliance under the Agreement on Internal Trade

(AIT), are regressive and unwarranted.

We are concerned that the Canadian Association of Social

Workers (CASW) adopted a resolution establishing the four-

year degree as the basic standard for the use of the professional

title “social worker.” The CASW is a non-regulatory body, and

membership has always been left to the provincial associations.

Being that membership is a provincial matter, unless the ACSW

is surrendering the governance of membership to a national

body, the CASW does not have a role in dictating criteria for

the title of “social worker” in Alberta.

Currently, all graduates of social work programs, whether they

be Diplomas, BSWs, MSWs or PhDs in Social Work are called

“social workers” and rightly so. Why is one group being singled

out for a different designation? We question the process involved

in coming to the conclusion that diploma graduates are not

worthy of the title of “social worker.” There was no consultation

with employers, social work diploma graduates, or social work

diploma educators. The title of diploma graduates in Alberta

was not raised as an issue at the recent summit on Social Work

Education held in Leduc. There was no discussion on this topic

at the last ACSW general meeting. An issue that impacts as large

a percentage of the membership as this needs to have been

discussed openly, before it was ever brought to a national level.

The discussion around the title of “social worker” for diploma

graduates has been an ongoing debate for many years.

Depending on the membership of Council, Council has taken

various positions. In 1991 Council for the ACSW (at that time

the Alberta Association of Social Workers) agreed that diploma

graduates would be eligible for registration...

“We believe that the profession

of social work is a very broad

discipline, with ample

opportunities for individuals with

various credentials for practice,

ranging from diploma to PhD.”

We have several questions that remain unanswered. If indeed the

driving force behind this initiative is the Agreement on Internal

Trade, we think it is fair to know how many social workers

actually move in and out of Alberta each year. Our sense is

that the number is fairly low. If the number is low, how can

it be warranted to remove the title of social work from over

300 social workers who graduate from the province’s social work

diploma programs each year? In addition to this, we know that

other professions in Canada have different “levels” for entry in

the profession and that there is an “amending formula” within

the AIT to address these differences. Why would this not apply

to social work as well? We believe that, if necessary, the ACSW

should be advocating on behalf of all its members for changes

to the AIT that honour each province’s uniqueness. A registered

social worker in one province should seek registration in another

province based on that province’s criteria for registration. Yes,

Letter to the Editor:

Using the title of “social worker”

in t

he n

ews Alberta is unique. As Albertans we are used to doing things

differently. Why is it so hard to think that we can’t lead on this

one rather than follow?

Typically the critics of the social work diploma programs are

people who have never taken the time to look at the content of

the programs or at the abilities of our graduates. Our programs

teach social work theory. Our students are taught social work

values and ethics. Our curriculum is based on the social work

code of ethics. Our students are taught by social workers. Our

graduates work within the scope of social work practice. How

can our graduates not be called social workers? In addition to

this, there has not been any conclusive study that indicates that

there is a significant difference between college diploma graduates

and university BSW graduates. The most significant difference

in training is the two years of arts and science courses and the

number of social work elective courses required for the BSW.

We do not believe that this warrants a difference in title between

college diploma and university bachelor degree graduates.

Any effort to deny diploma graduates as rightful users of the

title “social worker” devalues the contributions made by thousands

of diploma graduates over the past 40 years. Such a move will

contribute to classism within our professional association. It will

split the association’s membership and foster elitism and exclusion.

4 5The Advocate • winter 2001 Volume 26 • Isssue 4

In response to the President’s report in the Fall 2001 edition of The Advocate

we, as educators in Social Work Diploma programs from across the province,

and as members of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), wish to

express our opposition to the concept of a different title for diploma graduates.

in the news

The Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation announces

a new cycle of funding under its Urban Issues Program.

Community groups and organizations working to improve the

day to day lives of urban residents are urged to apply. The

Urban Issues Program supports activities that help create

vibrant, long-lasting neighborhoods in Canada’s cities. Projects

must respond to demonstrated community needs and involve

local residents and community groups.

The program awards up to $30,000 a year for a period of up

to three years. To be considered, groups must send a letter of

intent to the Foundation no later than November 30, 2001. For

more information please visit www.bronfmanfoundation.org/

urban or call (514) 878-5270.

Call for proposals

As social workers we believe this is contrary to our professional

values.

We believe that the profession of social work is a very broad

discipline, with ample opportunities for individuals with various

credentials for practice, ranging from diploma to PhD. We believe

that the standards of practice clearly identify the competencies

for practice at the various levels. We are very concerned that any

changes in criteria for title of “social worker” could jeopardize

the passing of the Health Professions Act. In addition to this, any

changes to the professional title of diploma grads is contrary to

the “spirit” of the HPA that is built on the notion of public safety,

accountability, and skilled and ethical practice.

Social work diploma grads have made many contributions to the

field of social work in this province. Any move to take the title of

“social worker” away from the diploma graduates is unwarranted.

Again, we do not support any change to the current registration

requirements and we will vigorously oppose the change of title

for social work diploma graduates.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Vogels, RSW

Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, Alberta

(780) 497-5563

Jeanette Villeneuve, RSW, & Yvonne Bomberry, RSW

Maskwachees Cultural College, Hobbema, Alberta

(780) 585-3925

Richard Gregory, RSW

Medicine Hat College, Medicine Hat, Alberta

(403) 529-3967

Rita Grenville, RSW

Mount Royal College, Calgary, Alberta

(403) 240-6441

Carol McArthur, RSW

Portage College, Lac La Biche, Alberta

(780) 623-5562

Elizabeth Radian, RSW

Red Deer Community College, Red Deer, Alberta

(403) 342-3324

Letter to the Editor

6 The Advocate • winter 2001 7Volume 26 • Isssue 4

Response to the community college representatives

President’s ReportJake Kuiken, MSW, RSW President’s Report

regu

lar fe

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On June 29, 2001, ACSW Council ratified a decision by the

Board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)

and the presidents of the member organizations to establish the

BSW degree as the basis for the use of the title “social worker.”

This decision reflects the ACSW Council’s mandate to serve and

protect the public interest by the development of professional

standards. The decision was made after many years of discussion

and efforts by ACSW representatives at national meetings of

the CASW Board, presidents’ meetings and meetings of staff to

persuade colleagues elsewhere to accept Alberta’s position by

including diploma graduates as social workers.

At all levels, the decision was made in the national and inter-

national context of efforts by governments around the world,

including Canada, to chart a new direction by “harmonizing”

occupational and professional standards to enhance the free flow

of goods and services. It is a decision made within a public

policy context and framework that transcends provincial and

even national boundaries.

At the recent National Social Work Forum in Montreal, Dr.

Glenn Drover made that exact point in addressing provincial

delegates representing professional practice, social work educa-

tion, and professional regulation. According to Dr. Drover, many

of the developments, including the harmonization of profes-

sional standards currently impacting social work, especially pro-

fessional regulation, are very much the result of world-wide

initiatives. The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) is merely the

formal Canadian mechanism for implementing the various trade

agreements of which Canada is a part.

As a result, ACSW Council’s decision and response to the

specific concerns raised by representatives of Alberta’s two-year

diploma programs are conceptualized and understood within

that larger framework. The following issues are raised in the

letter from Alberta’s college diploma programs.

Issue: The community colleges were not consulted by Council

before making its decision.

ACSW’s Response: The assertion that ACSW Council should

first consult with the two-year diploma programs before making

this type of decision is factually incorrect. ACSW Council’s first

obligation is to inform its members of the decisions it makes

and that obligation was honoured by the formal announcement

in The Advocate. The education institutions/programs, whether at

a college or university level, are not members of ACSW; they

are not entitled to special priority and do not have a privileged

status in these matters.

Nevertheless, as a professional courtesy, the ACSW President

met with a representative from each of the approved social work

education programs letting them know of the decision prior to

mailing The Advocate.

Issue: This is a first step to de-registering or excluding college

diploma graduates.

ACSW’s Response: This is an initiative to establish a new and

protected title for two-year diploma graduates. This is not about

de-registering or excluding anyone. ACSW Council is commit-

ted to including diploma graduates as registered professionals,

with a unique and protected title. Diploma graduates have made

and will continue to make valued and important contributions.

The national resolution, ratified by ACSW Council, deals exclu-

sively with the matter of the first academic credential for the use

of the title “social worker.”

Issue: By making this decision, Council has not adequately

considered the issues related to those members who are gradu-

ates of diploma programs.

ACSW’s Response: In point of fact, Council has been and contin-

ues to be highly diligent in considering the needs of diploma

graduates. The fact that the resolution refers to a title-based dis-

tinction rather than a scope-of-practice-based distinction ensures

that Alberta’s diploma graduates will be recognized as full mem-

bers of the ACSW. Unlike some other jurisdictions in Canada,

diploma graduates will not be expected to establish themselves

as a new and different profession. Further, ACSW Council has

actively sought the cooperation of, and supported, the University

of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, in its efforts to maximize

opportunities for transferability of diploma graduates and the

establishment of a distinct stream for diploma graduates. In addi-

tion, Council’s decision is not intended to be retroactive. Indeed,

a notice period will be provided, to ensure that new applicants

to diploma programs are fully aware of the new and distinct

professional title the moment they first enroll in a program.

Issue: The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) has

no mandate to be involved in regulatory matters and therefore

acted outside of its jurisdiction by adopting this resolution.

ACSW’s Response: The assertion by the college programs that

CASW has no role or acted outside of its jurisdiction is factually

incorrect. While jurisdiction for professional regulation is indeed a

provincial/territorial responsibility, CASW by virtue of its bylaws

has been authorized by its 11 member organizations, “to provide

national leadership and to collaborate with member organizations to

promote activities aimed at strengthening and unifying the social work

profession across Canada.” Also in this context, the March 2000

CASW Board approved Scope of Practice Statement already

notes that the “accredited baccalaureate education is considered the

first professional practice degree.” Moreover, in the context of AIT,

nothing prevents the provincial/territorial members and Board

of CASW (seven of whom are regulators for the profession) to

make decisions that are subject to provincial/territorial ratifica-

tion. Accordingly, the report in the Fall Advocate points out that

the national resolution was ratified by ACSW Council at its June

2001 meeting.

Issue: The Social Work Education Summit held in Leduc earlier

this year did not raise this issue. Likewise, it was not raised at the

last ACSW AGM.

ACSW’s Response: The observation about the Social Work

Education Summit held at Nisku is factually incorrect. At least

one of the individuals speaking at the opening of the Summit

made specific mention of the issue, even though the Summit was

specifically directed to the issues of social work education and

had no formal mandate to deal with regulatory issues such as a

title change.

The suggestion that the most recent ACSW AGM did not provide

an opportunity to discuss a distinct professional title for college

graduates is also factually incorrect. The President’s Annual Report

to the membership, delivered at the most recent AGM, notes a

specific reference to: “An issue that continues to emerge from the

national scene as well as locally, is the professional title associated with

college graduates.” The report goes on to describe the issue from

a national and local perspective. In addition, the 2001 Annual

Conference included a workshop on the subject of distinct titles

for different educational credentials.

Finally, the Social Work Sector Study funded by Human

Development Resources Canada (HRDC) also raises the issue of

a title differentiation for two-year diploma graduates. Throughout

much of the Annual Report, two-year diploma graduates are

generally referred to as “social service workers.” The title “social

worker” is generally identified with the four-year university BSW

degree. There were three opportunities this year to discuss the

Annual Report, including the Social Work Education Summit,

and roundtables in Lethbridge and Slave Lake.

Issue: In 1991, ACSW Council (then AASW Council) agreed

that diploma graduates would be eligible for registration.

ACSW’s Response: A review of the 1991 minutes of ACSW

Council suggests that this claim is factually incorrect. The history

leading up to the current Act of 1991 includes ACSW’s proposal

of the mid-1980s to name community college graduates as “regis-

tered social services workers” and “certified social services work-

ers.” In addition, according to Hansard, two-year diploma gradu-

ates were not included in the current Act as eligible “registered

social workers” until consideration of the Act during Committee

of the Whole and then only as a last-minute amendment by

Government. Based on review of the 1991 minutes, ACSW’s ,

Continued on page 8

regular feature

approval for the government’s amendment was never sought or

obtained.

Moreover, based on discussions with officials involved in the

decision-making process, it is reported that community college(s)

were the principal lobbyists behind the government’s last-minute

decision to include two-year diploma graduates as registered social

workers. There is no record in the minutes of ACSW Council

during the 1991 time period referenced in the community col-

leges’ letter that the lobbying was done with the endorsement of

ACSW Council or ACSW members.

It’s also important to point out that the choice of “registered

social services worker” as the distinct title for diploma graduates

honours the history of diploma programs. A number of the

Alberta diploma programs began their history by carving out a

unique place in the spectrum of human services as “social service

programs” preparing students to become “social service workers.”

Issue: As Albertans we are used to doing things differently; we

should lead, rather than follow.

ACSW’s Response: ACSW is already a recognized leader! Alberta’s

existing legislation for the social work profession is already among

the best in Canada. When the HPA takes effect, it will clearly be

leading edge professional legislation. ACSW continues to play an

important and active role in the Canadian Association of Social

Workers. ACSW members have been represented on the execu-

tive of the International Federation of Social Workers for nearly

three consecutive decades. ACSW played a number of important

roles in the recent National Social Work Forum. Since joining

the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) in the USA,

ACSW Council members and staff have already made significant

contributions to the work of that organization. In addition, The

Advocate was recognized by ASWB as the best publication by

member organizations. In 2004, ACSW will host the annual

Spring Conference of the ASWB, in Calgary.

Clearly, Alberta does not exist in a vacuum. The national discus-

sion about who should be authorized to use the title “social

worker” and “social services worker” is not some isolated act

devoid of a public policy or legal context. Isolationism is not

an option! The suggestion that Alberta is used to doing things

differently might be a well-worn political slogan most often

tightly associated with right-wing politics, but doesn’t stand up to

closer examination.

Issue: Seeking a change in title for two-year diploma graduates

could jeopardize the “passing of the Health Professions Act.”

ACSW’s Response: The Health Professions Act is already “passed.”

The Alberta Legislative Assembly gave Third Reading to this

legislation on May 18, 1999, and Royal Assent was given the next

day. It now awaits proclamation while regulations implementing

the Act are finalized on a profession by profession basis. The

Regulation for Social Work has already gone through the public

consultation phase and is now in the drafting stage. In any case,

the government has already been officially advised that ACSW

intends to apply for an amendment to the HPA, only after the

Regulation for Social Work has been proclaimed.

Issue: The change in title devalues the contribution diploma

graduates make and will contribute to classism and elitism.

ACSW’s Response: Realistically, there’s no doubt that diploma

graduates have made and will continue to make valued contribu-

tions to the profession. Moreover, ACSW Council’s decision will

enable diploma graduates to continue doing so with a new and

distinct title that reflects a national and international standard

for the use of the professional title “social worker.” Moreover,

ACSW Council will continue to support and actively encourage,

wherever possible, opportunities for diploma graduates to ladder

their education to a BSW degree.

The suggestion that Council’s decision leads to classism and

elitism fails on a test of logic. The conclusion as outlined by the

college representatives is based on the premise that a distinction

in professional titles introduces a class system, and thereby leads

to elitism. While ACSW Council’s decision is attributed as the

source for this class system, in reality, if it exists at all, it follows

only because of the two-year diploma program offered by the

colleges. Unless the colleges’ position is that there is no substantial

difference between a two-year diploma and a four-year university

BSW degree in terms of beginning professional competence, the

classism and elitism charged to ACSW Council logically begins

with the colleges themselves!

President’s reportcontinued from page 8

This fall has been a busy time for travel and meetings out of

province. In past years, attending such meetings was relatively

uneventful; however, since September 11, air travel has taken

on a new dimension with extra security requirements that have

added to travel time. Despite the uncertainties of travel, meetings

to discuss professional matters have continued to take place.

Annual Meeting of Executive Directors

On September 22 and 23, I attended the annual meeting of

Executive Directors representing provincial social work associa-

tions, held in Winnipeg. This yearly gathering offers a forum to

discuss social work issues common to all provinces as well as an

opportunity to update and exchange information about profes-

sional activities taking place within the respective provinces.

This meeting directly followed a meeting of representatives

from provincial social work regulatory bodies. The Manitoba

Association of Social Workers/Manitoba Institute of Registered

Social Workers hosted these meetings.

National Social Work Forum

Some 70 social workers from across Canada met in Montreal

from October 11-13 for a National Social Work Forum. The

goal of the forum was to foster a better understanding of, and

respect for, the education, regulatory and practice perspectives of

the social work profession in Canada and how these intersect, in

order to ensure that the public is well served.

The particular objectives of the event are to encourage and

enable communication among the practice, education, and regu-

latory components of the profession; to jointly identify and

prioritize common issues; to explore potential joint plans of

action to address priority issues; to evaluate this working model

and to explore how to make the Forum an on-going activity.

To start the discussions, a three-member panel made presenta-

tions on issues related to social work education, social work

practice and social work regulation. I made the presentation on

social work regulation based on a paper compiled by Alison

MacDonald. Gilles Rondeau gave the presentation on social

work education, while Gail MacDougall did the presentation on

social work practice.

Following the presentations, the participants were divided into

six small groups. On the first day, each group identified and

priorized issues, and on the second day, each group identified

strategies to address these issues. All groups reported their priori-

ties and strategies to the rest of the participants. A number of

commonalities amongst groups were identified. Some of the

issues reflected findings from the national sector study on social

work, In Critical Demand, the Quebec Estates General study

released in 1999, as well as the Alberta Social Work Summit that

took place earlier this spring.

Other participants from Alberta were Jake Kuiken, Margot

Herbert, Anne Marie McLaughlin, John Mould, Gayla Rogers,

and Kim Zapf. The results of the forum are being compiled for

distribution. The discussion papers on education, practice and

regulation will be posted on the CASW website.

Executive Director & Registrar’s ReportRod Adachi, MSW, RSW

Travels with Rod

regu

lar fe

atur

eregular feature

President’s Report

To date we have registered 1309 individuals under the grand-parenting provision. A profile of the grandparented RSWs reveals:

•Gender: 20.2 % are men; 79.8% are women•Education: 19.9% have a diploma or certificate; 44.8% have a baccalaureate; 17.1% have a graduate degree•Age: 27% are age 25 to 34; 49.5% are age 35 to 49; 22.2% are age 50 to 64•Location: 33% are from Edmonton; 24% are from Calgary; 43% are from the rest of Alberta.•27 are students in social work programs; 231 have completed the required course on social work ethics.

Grandparenting Update

10 The Advocate • winter 2001

Ethics in ActionAlison MacDonald, MSW, RSW

I am sure that most social workers have heard the stories

this past year about the psychiatric referral that was inadver-

tently faxed to a newsroom and the case information that was

e-mailed to the wrong address. Both these stories were quite

visible in the Alberta media and were used by the media to add

to the general negative image of the social work profession.

Need for vigilance

Neither of these cases necessarily constituted a breach of the

code of ethics or standards of practice for registered social

workers, but both clearly demonstrate the need for social work-

ers (or their administrative staff) to be vigilant in the use

of technology. With the growing use of electronic devices in

the practice of social work, we all must give thought to the

potential problems and appropriate solutions. Here are a few

scenarios to reflect upon.

“Can these clients complain about

the lack of competence when

it does not relate specifically

to social work knowledge, skills,

and abilities?”

A social worker is providing counseling services over the

Internet. The social worker lives in Idaho and the client lives in

Alberta. The social worker, believing that the distance provides

an effective screen, uses the client’s case in a presentation to

social workers in Virginia. Someone in the audience knows the

family, recognizes the case and informs the client. The client

decides to lodge a complaint for breach of confidentiality. To

whom does the client complain? The ACSW has no jurisdiction

over a social worker not registered in Alberta and the Idaho

legislation states that it is the “duty of the attorney general

... to represent and appear for the people of the state of Idaho

... in all actions and proceedings involving any question under

this act...”

Different skills

A social worker decides to set up a consulting practice with

on-line services to clients. The social worker is very competent

with regard to the consultation issues, but has limited computer

skills. On several occasions, information provided by clients is

lost and must be resubmitted. Can these clients complain about

the lack of competence when it does not relate specifically to

social work knowledge, skills, and abilities?

What about information that ends up in the wrong hands?

Simply having case notes on a computer that is connected

to others through a local area network can make information

accessible to people with the right computer knowledge.

Should social workers be held accountable for technology that

goes awry or for misdialing a telephone? Should there be a

standard limiting the types of information that social workers

can transmit through electronic means?

We are at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technological

advances and their impact on social work practice. The

ACSW is attempting to anticipate some of the situations that

may be problematic and discussing ways to address those prob-

lems. A group of social workers are beginning an on-line

discussion to share their thoughts and ideas. If you would

be interested in participating in this discussion, please contact

Alison MacDonald at acswreg@acsw.ab.ca.

Should social workers be held accountable for technology that goes awry or for misdialing a telephone? Should there be a standard limiting the types of information that social workers can transmit through electronic means?

Technology and social work practice

Book Review:Professional social service delivery in a multicultural world

Relative to the U.S. and the U.K., Canada is pretty dry when

it comes to publication on the subject of social work practice

in a multicultural setting. Professional Social Service Delivery in

a Multicultural World was, therefore, a welcome find. Edited

by Gwat-Yong Lie and David Este, the anthology contains

16 chapters by scholars and practitioners of the Canadian,

particularly Albertan, social work scene. Indeed, the idea of the

book was borne of Lie’s experience teaching at the University

of Calgary that “few articles or books…addressed cultural

competence practice in the social service field.”

Readers are quickly introduced to social and service-delivery

issues of an increasingly ethnoculturally diverse Canada in the

context of the country’s immigration history and official multi-

culturalism. The chapters that follow are grouped by four focuses:

practice; organizational change; evaluation and research; and pro-

fessional education, training, and continuing education. I particu-

larly enjoyed reading this book because its articles offer a subtext

rich in diverse perspectives that construct the practice discourse.

The underlying liberal view is evident in the articles. It is

assumed that the individual change agent is independent, capable,

and willing to effect change when he/she knows what to be and

to do. Hence, the contributors’ consensus on what it takes to

effect change is “a set of competencies and standards approved

by the profession, and followed by the design and development

of educational and training curricula that would creatively deliver

the knowledge, values and skills integral to the acquisition of the

specified competencies at the standard stipulated by the profes-

sional collegia.”

Within this commonality I found other interesting perspectives.

With various degrees of the race relations perspective, a number

of articles expose realities that challenge the liberal optimism

about institutions and people—yes, by extension, social workers

ourselves. This perspective is necessary for social workers to frame

multicultural issues in systemic terms and interventions from an

anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective.

A source of critical thinking in the book for me is the

discussion of diversity perspective without also a reality check

about the unconquerable force of assimilation in Canadian soci-

ety. MacLeod demonstrates well that diversity connotes values

of respect, acceptance and equality. Her critique of assimilation

suggests the related assumptions that one would simply be able

to substitute assimilation with diversification and that assimilation

occurs for no reasons concerning some sector’s vested interests.

If valuing diversity is about people as they are, I was wondering

how one would reconcile the promotion of this value on the one

hand, and the workplace’s first and foremost utilitarian motive in

having these immigrants because “(a)s the traditional labour pool

began to shrink, there was increasing pressure upon employers

to hire from non-traditional sources.” If, as MacLeod notes, these

immigrants will come with social deficits with respect to the

Canadian workplace, one cannot but imagine necessary limita-

tions placed on diversity management in terms of treating certain

groups as “equals.” Thus, the question of “what is the workplace’s

bottom line for accepting differences about an immigrant work

force from non-traditional sources?” must be confronted. How

would a workplace possibly determine whether changes expected

from “non-traditional” individuals are not disrespecting the dear-

est core of their culture?

Practitioners command a lot in the business of effecting changes

concerning their clients. What “professional discretion” ends up

as practice is unquestionably influenced by the perspective/s the

practitioner takes to understanding and interpreting the client’s

conditions and other qualities.

Edited by Gwat-Yong Lie and Davie Este

Reviewed by Eugene Ip, MSW, RSW

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12 The Advocate • winter 2001 13Volume 26 • Isssue 4

All current private practice roster members are invited to

attend the 2002 annual meeting, which will be held during the

ACSW Conference and Annual General Meeting in Red Deer.

Date and time for this meeting is:

Saturday, March 16th, 2002

7:30 am to 9 am

Continental breakfast included

A special workshop of interest to private practitioners will be

offered at the conference.

Private PracticeLynn Lambert, MSW, RSW

The fee schedule for social workers in private practice is reviewed

and adjusted by the private practice committee once every two

years. The present fee schedule represents approximately a 6.5%

increase annually and was approved by Council in March 2001. It

is important to note that this increase does not simply represent

salary or go directly into business profits. Fees represent core

costs that are directly expensed to the private practitioner. The

following outlines costs that are incorporated into the private

practice fee schedule.

Lease and parking costs

Lease costs have significantly increased annually for the past several

years, forcing many social workers to relocate a number of times

in order to obtain affordable office space. Private practitioners

incur increased costs for electricity, gas, water, security, and phone

lines; phone systems and installation; phone rental; and parking

costs, which have become prohibitive in any downtown core.

Office overhead costs

Office setup costs, including waiting room and office furniture,

are substantial. Other costs include purchase and maintenance of

computer and printer upgrades on equipment and software; fax

machine and photocopier purchase or rental; paper and stationery;

postage; costs to supply coffee, tea, and water for clients; insurance;

staffing (for many, this includes a receptionist and secretaries,

janitorial staff, and security staff); accountant fees, particularly if

the business is incorporated; and bookkeeper fees.

Advertising

Costs include advertising in phone books, newspapers, and com-

munity advertising; printing brochures; business cards; and signage.

Professional fees and liability insurance

These annual fees are the sole responsibility of the practitioner. To

be a member in good standing on the clinical registry as well as

Fee schedule for social workers in private practice

the private practice roster, you must acquire a minimum 40 hours

annually of professional training and development. Costs include

reading materials and books related to professional development;

registration fees, travel, lodging; and lost income.

Additional costs

Everyone is completely responsible for his or her own health

and dental insurance, life insurance, pension benefits, and disability

insurance (very expensive). There is no sick leave, maternity leave,

paid vacation, or employment insurance for slow work periods.

Income can vary considerably and clientele is no guarantee.

In summary, there are many risks and expenses associated with

private practice that can be easily overlooked or minimized by

those who have never ventured onto this path. Nevertheless, it is

a truly rewarding journey and my professional colleagues certainly

share this sentiment.

Announcement Private Practice Roster Annual Meeting

Barbara AbelLoiselle S ArcandRobert Lorne

ArmstrongGeorge AtkeyTamara Tanya BabiakEmma Jayne BaldwinRhonda Vivian

BarracloughDeborah BeckerMary Yvonne Pearl

BelhommeAndrea Lynn BentonJacqueline Marie

BertonciniSherri Big Sorrel

HorseDonna Gail BilodeauVirginia BlackplumeMarie Vivian

BorynskyClara Joyce BottShannon Lee

BoucherKelly Marie BriseboisBarbara Maria

BudzynskiRoberta Leigh Calf

RobeAdeline O CardinalSylvia Florence

CarterJulia Dawn CaseyLaura Anne CavicchiRosalind Sau Wan

ChanBrenda J ChiniquayEsther Maria ClarkClifford Todd ClarkePatti ClowTrudy CockerillMaureen A ColemanMaureen ComeauCatherine Anne

CresswellGlen Cornel DahlkeDori DavidowDarcie Anne DeanSharon Dillon-

GauchierMarie Madeleine

Dioszegi

Rachel Lorraine Doepker

Rhonda Aileen Edwards

Allan David FaldenRhonda Gail ForthGordon Alexander

FoxMarc Peter GadwaNicole Lynnette

GagnonNorma Freda

GamblerBonita L GedlamanPatricia Rose GeringChristine Beryl

GiffordAngela C HalwaLinda M HearnDavid R HeckLeona M HeydenRobert Joseph

HillockJune D HunterCaroline MA HyattVictoria Gail JellinekMichelle Mary JensenMiranda May JohnsShashi KaliaSairose KassamMary Jane KleinMiriam KleinerDana Lee KnappBonnie Lynn

KowaliukNatasha Lee

KowalskyLinda LaliberteVirginia Li LauTammy T LautnerPatricia LawrenceTara Jane LeederMichael Myron

LemiskiDelia Rose LerouxKimberly Ann LewisValerie LidfordTwylla Joy Little

ShieldsLorraine F LourieHeather June

MacAulay

Liane Theresa MacDonald

Kenneth Roy MacDougall

Karen Anita MacLeodLanny MagnussenJanice G Mann-

RevoloneRebecca Many Grey

HorsesSantanita ManychiefJocelyn Carol MarcilNatalie Alana

MarshallDavid J MartinHeather Elizabeth

MartinFay MasonMary Catherine

MasseBarbara MatthewsValerie Jean

McGriskinTammra Ann MealingLorrie Ann MertzLeona Delphine

MetchewaisJodie MillsMonica Rachel

Mitzner

Kimberly Dawn Mondor

Joan Morrison O’Hara

Stephen Anthony Morrissey

Rachel Leah d’Entremont Muzzerall

Neal Edward MyttonAnnie NapierBetty Jean NeilChristine Nelson-

VoigtKamlyn Ng-See-

QuanSherri OpdendriesKatherine A OttieLisa C ParrishRoger Charles

PelletierDonna Marie PerryTamie PerrymentRoberto Andres

PetersenAllison E PurcellShirley A PurvesTamara Raeburn-JansKelly RedpathBarbara Ann Remple

Deborah G RichardsDorothy Heather

RichardsCamille Anne RiesNicola RobinsonKim Lori RodgerDolores Joyce RossRichard Anthony

RothLorene RyhardMaureen K SanderLisa Marie

SangregorioMarie Christine SavillKaren Saylor-RayTannis Michelle

SchnellDeborah Louise

ShawYvonne ShoutingDeby SinghMarge M SmallfaceKaren Maureen

SmithKaren Lynn SparkesPatricia Anne SpencerSherry Lynn StahlkeMaralee Dawn

Steward

Jacqueline StewartGary Thomas

SummerbellStacey Brent SupinaJo-Anne SutherlandPatricia A TailfeathersRalph Merlin ThalerLori ThompsonSharon Dianne

TkalychChristina D TortorelliShonalie J UphillKaren Heather

VanderwellTreena-Marie WardHeather WaxKeith G WeirKimbereley WelteMary Lynn WestHoward Jonathan

WielerJeanna WilhelmLinda Joanne

WilliamsDevin K WogCatherine Anne

WorthingtonShawn Cameron

Jason Yellowbird

New Members4450 members as of Oct. 12, 2001

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Post-Graduate Training Opportunities

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Opportunities available on a full or part-time basis

Calgary Counselling Centre

regular feature

14 The Advocate • winter 2001 15Volume 26 • Isssue 4

Bob Rechner, the retiring Children’s

Advocate, and John Mould, Acting

Children’s Advocate, were the guest speak-

ers at the inaugural luncheon meeting of

the Edmonton area Retired Social Workers

Group on October 3, 2001, at the U of A

Faculty Club. Twenty-five people attended.

Bob addressed the ongoing problems faced

by Alberta’s children in need of protective

services. With the Children’s Services

Ministry facing a significant projected def-

icit, the Ministry is working on cost con-

tainment and adjusting to recent cutbacks.

In Edmonton, layoffs that represent nearly

one-third of the managerial staff have

already been announced. Other cuts are

expected. “We have to attack all those

expenditures that don’t help kids,” the

CEO for the Ma’mowe Capital Region,

Bill Meade, was quoted as saying in the

Edmonton Journal (September 26, 2001).

These cuts are happening in the face of

the Children’s Advocate’s repeated reports

of a child welfare system in crisis. Year

after year, their reports have consistently

listed serious deficiencies in placement

resources and noted the general deteriora-

tion in the quality, availability, and acces-

sibility of services for vulnerable young

people. Children’s Advocate officials sub-

stantiated 439 maltreatment allegations

during the past fiscal year made by young

people receiving child welfare services.

The farming-out of services that was initi-

ated a few years ago appears to have added

to the deterioration of child protection

delivery. Services seem to have become

compartmentalized and fragmented. This

appears to have led to the distancing of

the assigned child protective workers from

Children’s Advocates address Retired Social Workers Interest Group

Ernest Schlesinger, MSW, RSW

their clients. Lines of responsibility and

accountability seem unclear to the staff,

the contracted agencies, and the families

they serve.

John and Bob acknowledged the dedica-

tion of frontline workers and managers,

but noted that workers were unable to

speak publicly about the deficiencies in

the system because they stand to suffer

consequences. Similarly, contracted agen-

cies were constrained to speak out in fear

of losing their contracts.

Bob and his predecessors, besides speaking

on behalf of the children in care, have

tried to help the children speak for them-

selves as well. However, in his last report

as Children’s Advocate, Bob says: “I am

concerned about what attempts there may

be to quiet the voice of the Children’s

Advocate and the voices of young people.”

It was for this reason that John challenged

the retired social workers to become

informed and active in speaking out on

child welfare issues. John noted the count-

less years of experience and the wealth

of knowledge of the people attending

the meeting. He suggested the Retired

Social Workers Group of ACSW could

make an important contribution, collec-

tively and individually, by advocating for

the improvements that need to be made

for a more responsive child welfare system.

Social action is not the prerogative of only

those who are employed. Old social work-

ers never fade away until they die. Stay

involved!

Note: Retired social workers interested in reviewing what is happening in child welfare are invited to get in touch with Ernie Schlesinger at (780) 439-2129.

Clinical Social Work CommitteeAlison MacDonald, MSW, RSW

The Clinical Social Work Committee has now processed most

of the applications that were received over the first year, and

has been able to turn its attention to some of the policy

issues that must be addressed for the long-term viability of the

clinical designation. There are three questions that have had

some preliminary discussion, and the committee is interested in

receiving feedback from clinical registry members to assist with

drafting policies.

First is the matter of continuing competence. As all social

workers should now be aware, under the Health Professions Act

there will be specific requirements to be met annually by all

RSWs with regard to continuing competence. The committee

is proposing that clinical social workers should be required

to complete 50 hours annually, of which 20 must have a

clinical focus. Further, they are proposing that each clinical

social worker should be required to demonstrate that they have

spent a minimum of 10 hours per year in supervision, consulta-

tion, or peer review, and that such activities should reflect the

full breadth of the social worker’s practice.

The committee has also been reviewing the definition of clini-

cal practice, particularly as it applies to those social workers who

are primarily involved in teaching, research, and administration.

The committee is recommending that all these activities be

included within the definition, but that any clinical social

worker who has not been working directly with clients for a

period of three or more years be required to work under the

supervision of another clinical social worker until they have

demonstrated current competence.

Finally, the committee has been discussing the issue of insur-

ance, and questioning whether the requirements for clinical

social workers should be for more than basic liability insurance.

Committee members are of the opinion that some social work-

ers are not knowledgeable about the limits of their insurance

and that this may result in problems in the future.

The committee would be interested in receiving feedback from

clinical social workers with regard to these and any other issues

relevant to clinical practice. Other matters that will be discussed

Policy issues require feedbackat future meetings include assessing equivalencies, redesigning

the clinical reference form, supervision requirements for new

graduates, and policies with regard to re-writing the exam. Please

direct your comments to Alison MacDonald at the ACSW.

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Ejike Ohuegbe, BSW, RSW

At the 2001 ACSW conference in Calgary, a group of stu-

dents interested in the area of community practice met to

share their experiences. Many expressed a desire for us to

continue to stay in contact after the conference and to pro-

vide one another with professional support; we agreed there

was a need for a formal Community Practice Interest Group.

To ensure continued development of this group, we wrote to

ACSW Council seeking their support. In its April 2001 meet-

ing, Council “approved in-principle, the request to establish

formally, the Community Practice Interest Group (CPIG).”

The next step is to develop a terms of reference, and we’ve

received a format for that from the ACSW. To facilitate the

development of a draft terms of reference, a core group

should be formed. Volunteers from all parts of Alberta with an

interest in community practice are encouraged to get involved

to ensure representation.

We expect the time commitment to be about three meetings

by telephone or video conferencing, to ensure all volunteers

can participate. The draft terms of reference must be ready for

the upcoming 2002 conference in Red Deer, where it will be

a topic for discussion.

Social workers interested in volunteering in this capacity can

contact Ejike Ohuegbe at eohuegbe@ucalgary.ca or call (403)

974-1926.

An invitation: join the new ACSW Community Practice Interest Group (CPIG)

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Derwyn Whitbread with Ernest Schlesinger, Chair

Bob Rechner addressing the group

(L to R) Marie MacDonald (standing), Marie MacDonald (sitting), and Monsignor William Irwin at the luncheon

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16 The Advocate • winter 2001 17Volume 26 • Isssue 4

University of CalgaryFaculty of Social WorkElaine Eskow, MSW, RSW

Research Study

Do racism or other forms of oppression play a role in affecting

the professional life of visible minority social work professionals

in Alberta? Dr. Daniel Lai is looking to conduct interviews (in

confidence) with visible minority social workers, students and

educators about their experience. Call (403) 220-2208 or email

dlai@ucalgary.ca for information.

In Memoriam

Pearl Comanor passed away on August 19, 2001, at age 83. Pearl

and her husband Albert taught at the School of Social Welfare in

its formative years and had an enormous impact on the profession

in Alberta.

Visiting Scholar This Term

Dr. Carolyn Noble from the University of Western Sydney

(Australia) has been busy teaching, conducting workshops and

developing a post degree continuous learning certificate in pro-

fessional supervision.

New Faces

Dr. Johanna (Jeannette) Waegemakers Schiff is an assistant

professor and project manager for the Children’s Mental Health

University Educational Initiative (July 2001).

Dr. Ted Weiden is the director of the Centre for Social Work

Research and Development (October 2001).

Linda Fehr joined the academic staff of the Lethbridge Division

in January 2001 as an instructor.

Bruce MacLaurin will join the Faculty as an assistant professor

in January 2002.

Continuous Learning

We hope to have site-based professional development in

Lethbridge, Edmonton, Calgary and Grande Prairie for summer

2002.

What’s on at the facultyUpcoming Continuing Education Offerings

Workshops

DSM IV-TR with Dr. Carlton Munson in Edmonton, March 13,

2002, and Calgary, March 14, 2002.

Watch for a series of workshops and colloquia on various

children’s mental health topics, January–April 2002

Continuing Education Luncheon Series

Everyday Violence in the Lives of Women Exploited by Prostitution with

Leslie Tutty and Kendra Nixon, January 29, 2002.

Dancing Towards Wholeness: Patterns of Nonverbal Behavior in a

Psychotherapy Group with William Pelech, February 21, 2002

Diversity Among the Homeless and Those at Risk with Peter

Donahue, April16, 2002.

For details, check the Faculty’s website under Continuous

Learning.

Social Workers & ComputersJohn A. Long, BSW, RSWSteve Natran, BSW, RSW

Council gave the go-ahead, so we are monitoring a ground-

up rebuilding process of our web site. A state of the art,

database-driven engine will allow ACSW to greatly increase

the services provided over the Internet and www.acsw.ab.ca is

also getting a new look.

To preview, please check out www.kldesign.com/acsw/

about.htm. Let us know what you think by sending your

comments to John at webmaster@acsw.ab.ca.

Site redesign is a perfect opportunity to reflect upon how this

technology can best serve membership needs; therefore we

are boldly soliciting your ideas about which website features

you would appreciate and use.

We computer “geeks” do have many ideas; however, one of

the primary goals of the site is to serve you. Let us know how

you now use the site and what additional features would add

value in a redesign—whether that be a interactive message

board, chat rooms, facilitation of ACSW committees, stream-

ing audio of conference presentations, whatever! Please send

your ideas to John at webmaster@acsw.ab.ca or drop by the

web site and leave a message on our message board.

Finally, please note that the Social Work and Computers

Interest Group (SW&CIG) is looking for additional working

members. This group not only provides vision and guidance

for the ACSW web site, it also focuses on larger issues

such as the impact of information technology on social

work practice. For example, there has been an increase in

counseling over the Internet—how do we govern social work

practice that does not respect governmental or territorial

boundaries?

Website redesign is happening

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OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

Full and Part-Time office space available

in a private psychotherapy office.

Members of Clinical Specialty Registry

or other Psychotherapy professionals are

welcome to call:

Janet Lockington, MSW, RSW

at (780) 431-1832 or

Dr. Paul Copus

at (780) 431-1777

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta

represents about 12,000 professional,

technical, and support employees in the public

and private health care sectors of Alberta.

We fight for fair wages and decent working

conditions for our members. We also raise

public awareness about the shortages of

health professionals such as social workers.

Toll free: 1-800-252-7904

www.hsaa.ca

If you’re interested in issues such as these, please contact Steve

Natran, RSW, chair of the SW&CIG at steve@natran.ca.

John A. Long, BSW, RSW, Webmaster

Steve Natran, BSW, RSW, Chair of the Social Work and

Computer Interest Group

Please send your ideas to webmaster@acsw.ab.ca or drop by the web site and leave a message on our message board.

regular feature

18 The Advocate • winter 2001 19Volume 26 • Isssue 4

Red Deer Area Coordinator CommitteeDerryn Yeomans, MSW, RSW

“You know you’re a social worker when

you think stacking files on the floor is the

best way to file…when you think a 2.2 per

cent raise is a good deal…when you know

there’s a full moon without looking up.”

With those tongue-in-cheek comments,

Dave Rolfe, MSW, keynote speaker, opened

the Third Annual Summer Institute of

Social Work with laughter followed with

an entertaining but valuable presentation on

“Surviving as a Social Worker.” Dave exam-

ined the causes and symptoms of stress for

social workers and offered several concrete

solutions: know when enough is enough;

establish an environment where you can be

vulnerable and talk to someone you trust;

focus on your total well-being, find balance.

Good advice.

The Summer Institute, held this year at Red

Deer College (RDC) August 23–23, is a

joint project of ACSW and RDC Social

Work program. The 2001 organizing com-

mittee included Colleen Palichuk (chair),

Derryn Yeomans, Angie Moore, Emily

Drzymala, Evelyn Neufeld-Konshuh, Elaine

Paras, and Maxine Depner-Hill.

Throughout the day, participants could

attend two of four workshops. The morning

workshops were: Reclaiming Cultural Identity

by Bess Rasmussen and What’s New at

ACSW by Rod Adachi and Elaine Paras. In

the afternoon each workshop had three dif-

ferent presentations. Adolescent Issues includ-

3rd Annual Summer Institute of Social Work

ed information on Anger and Aggression

by Garth Fitch and Tara Green; Eating

Disorders by Shelley Anderson; and

Substance Abuse by Colleen Milne and

Erin Skocylas of AADAC. Midlife Issues

included Returning to School by Elizabeth

Radian; Career Changes by Sue Patton;

and Private Practice vs. Working for Others

by Wendy Klassen. All presenters are

social workers currently practicing in

Central Alberta.

Comments by participants on their eval-

uations reflected their appreciation of

the workshops: “Dave gave me a lift—great

speaker,”“Excellent topics and presenters.”

An important part of the Summer

Institute is giving Central Alberta social

workers an opportunity to network with

colleagues. This year, the 42 attendees

could meet and mingle at a Thursday

night social or at the luncheon between

workshops. The exchange of ideas, sto-

ries and “shop talk” was motivating and

especially appreciated by social workers

who work in rural areas.

Colleen Palichuk will continue as Area

Coordinator, and other volunteers are

being sought.

Planning has already begun for the

Fourth Annual Summer Institute, which

will be held August 22 and 23, 2002.

If you are a social worker in Central

Alberta and would be interested in

working on the planning committee or

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eChildren’s Issues CommitteeElaine Paras, MSW, RSW

A call to action: Who will speak for the children?

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Founded in 1982, a non profit society, VATI is accredited by the

Private Post Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia.

Committee members began their fall activities with two

September meetings concerned with Children’s Ministry

decisions. Stephen Brown, Executive Manager of the Child

Welfare Act Review, provided an overview of the mandate and

timetable of this review and invited the profession to get

engaged in the process.

Following the meeting, the committee set forward a proposal

to Council to request that a formal submission be prepared. In

late September, Council approved and set aside resources for this

special project. The committee is awaiting the Ministry’s discus-

sion paper, but is moving forward by requesting proposals from

consultants who are interested in undertaking this initiative for

ACSW. We anticipate facilitated member consultations will start

by the end of November.

Another matter of interest to the committee was the negative

impacts of the “cost containment” injunction placed on all Child

and Family Services Regional Authorities.

At the September 26 meeting it was decid-

ed that widespread member feedback was

required. A sub-committee was established

to develop several strategic opportunities to

receive member feedback and plan alter-

native actions. This plan was quickly modi-

fied when the government announced an

across the board one percent budget “cut-

back” above the balanced budget injunction.

Further Ministry budget reductions are

anticipated.

This political reality has not held back some

members from recounting the nature and

extent of their concerns. Their stories of

abruptly terminated service, disrupted rela-

tionships (as if trust and care are equitable

and eminently transferable), redefined “need” for service, etc., are

difficult to hear and more difficult to carry out. A variety of opin-

ions exist within the committee, however they desire action to

support ACSW members and the children and families of Alberta.

Where many government departments “cut” infrastructure, we

know that the decisions implemented by the Children’s Ministry

have tangible and long-term impacts on the quality of our civil

society.

This sort of action requires broad membership support.

Information will soon be available to assist you to take action to

support and insist on decision-making that is based on sound, eth-

ical social work practice, not economic vagaries. We also request

that you become knowledgeable, or share your knowledge, about

the impacts and implications of “cutbacks” on real children and

families. This builds shared understanding and assembles the cour-

age for change—social justice in action. Your letters of concern

will help the ACSW support you publicity without recrimina-

tions. Thank you for your continued support.

regular feature

During the luncheon, Rod Adachi presented Derryn Yeomans with a Service Award honoring her work for 11 years as Central Alberta Area Coordinator for ACSW.

The Summer Institute Planning Committee Back Row: Derryn Yeomans, Maxine Depner-Hill, Elaine Paras (staff), Emily DrzymalaFront Row: Colleen Palichuk (chair), Angie Moore, Evelyn Neufeld-Konshuh

offering a presentation on some aspect

of social work, please contact Elaine

Paras at ACSW.

21Volume 26 • Isssue 4

This year marks the completion of the Association’s first full

operating cycle since the adoption of our new ‘Ends’ state-

ments. Under the Board's governance mandate these ‘Ends’

represent our strategic vision for the Association, while the

Association’s management is charged with determining the

‘Means’ by which this vision is achieved.

The year provided some exciting challenges to the board's

governance model, particularly when faced with more unique

issues such as alternatives to the redevelopment of the Calgary

International Hostel. These tests provided an excellent means

to identify both successes and areas for improvement in our

Ends implementation and to remind us that even policy must

sometimes be dynamic.

Overall, we are pleased with the progress made the past year

and with the opportunities which lie ahead, both from a strate-

gic and operational perspective. We are anxious to continue our

progress towards greater alignment between our national mis-

sion statement, our regional board of directors, the Association,

and our membership.

On behalf of the 1999/2000 HI-SA Board of Directors, I

would like to thank you for your support and look forward to

another great year. The Canadian Hostelling Association began

when two schoolteachers from Calgary, Catherine and Mary

Barclay, hatched the idea to establish hostels as part of a student

exchange program. Over sixty years later, Alberta is proud to be

home to 17 hostels, 10 in Southern Alberta and 7 in Northern

Alberta.

Today, there are 4 million Hostelling International members

worldwide with over 4,500 hostels in 70 countries. The

Canadian Association accounts for more than 33,000 members

At this point it appears that thousands of innocent people may

have lost their lives—and the lives of their families and loved ones

will be changed forever. It is critical that in responding to this that

the actions of any government—but most particularly the American

government—do not lead to a similar loss of innocent lives elsewhere

in the world.

The CASW statement says:

The families of the victims of the terrorist attacks have our deepest

sympathy and while it is important to express sympathy, these

families require more from us. They deserve a response to their loss

that respects the memory of their loved ones and does not replicate

their own experience of devastating loss.

“As we move forward in responding to

this week’s tragedy, let us all recognize

the strength we have within to endure

difficult times and the responsibility we

each share to help our nation heal.”

The NASW statement, while it does not overtly advocate for or

against violent reprisal, does express its support for some type of

governmental action not yet identified:

These senseless actions have devastated lives, families and our nation-

al sense of security. Our 150,000 members fully support the

President and Congress in their efforts to find the perpetrators and

bring them to justice.

Furthermore, the NASW statement upholds the social work

values of respect and acceptance for all people and it recognizes

the strength inherent in embracing diversity and democracy

simultaneously. On this point the statement declares:

As members of the human family, everyone in our country will

struggle with a wide range of intense emotions in the coming weeks

... our national unity, commitment to democracy and respect for,

and acceptance of, all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural

background and religious beliefs, can sustain us through this stressful

time and help us cope with our immense loss.

Advocating against the misuse of power, the CASW and IFSW

statements remind us of the endless suffering endured when

violent means are used in order to appropriate power and realize

revenge. As social workers, we must consider whether or not

the act of violent retaliation is a justifiable one. I support the

arguments against violent retaliation made in both the IFSW and

the CASW statements. The choice to refrain from such retaliation

does not infer support for terrorist acts nor does it mean that

we mourn any less the lives lost as a result of terrorism. Yet,

we do not recover from the tragic killing of innocent lives with

further violent action that inevitably results in additional killing of

innocent human beings.

Of course a composition as brief as this one cannot begin to

address the complexity of the historical and contemporary cir-

cumstances surrounding the new war against terrorism. However,

I believe strongly that as social workers we must have faith

in humanity’s resolve to create a safer and just world for all

citizens. At this time, when it is the most difficult to do so,

we should reflect and encourage what is best about humanity.

In this case, I believe that we are most admirable when we

ascend our inclination to lash out in anger—in seemingly justifi-

able retribution—and when we allow our interests to recede in

order to facilitate a greater good. Our humanity shines when we

sacrifice for peace.

Endnote: The full text of the CASW, NASW and IFSW state-

ments are located at the following web site addresses:

www.casw-acts.ca/statementonterrorism.htm

www.naswdc.org/terror/statement.htm

www.ifsw.org/News/Terror.htm

For suggestions on how you can participate in advocating against

military retaliation please see:

www.ifsw.org/News/Justice.htm

The author welcomes and encourages feedback and comments from social workers in order to facilitate dialogue on this timely and urgent issue. She can be reached at Erin Gray <ejgray@ualberta.ca>

Examining the aftermath: social work bodies respond

to the terrorist attacks

By Erin Gray, MSW, RSW

On September 11, 2001, the world became less

safe and more uncertain—well, it did from a North

American perspective, at any rate. Images of hijacked

jetliners exploding into buildings, people jumping

to their deaths, and decimated city space have

paralyzed our sense of security and altered our

perception of the world and perhaps our place in it.

How have social workers responded to this devastation

and tragic loss of life? Official statements made by the

Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), the National

Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the International

Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) were reviewed in an effort

to address both the overwhelming impact of the terror that

struck the United States of America, and responses to the

option of coercive retaliation.

The magnitude of such violence, while not new to the world

at large, is far less familiar in North America than elsewhere.

Although U.S. national security personnel have worried about

potential terrorist acts for some time, most of us who witnessed

the events of September 11 on our television screens were

stunned by the violence. How could this happen in the United

States? Depending upon which spin one prefers, we could

rationalize the general western world belief that our way of

life will remain fairly predictable and, for the most part, undis-

turbed as indicative of either a psychological necessity or an

uninformed and a somewhat arrogant complacency. To be fair,

the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Nonetheless,

the perception of the security of our world is shaken. Attempts

to comprehend the devastating impact that has resulted from

these attacks is complicated by the fact that the current situation

is blanketed in a disquieted uncertainty. Threats of imminent

violence are ongoing. Security measures banning certain media

reports, the recent incidents concerning bio-terrorism and the

anthrax investigations, and the possibility of other attacks of

unknown origins continue to kindle fears. Consequently, there

is a heightened sense of vulnerability, and we approach each

morning’s news broadcast with trepidation.

The CASW, NASW, and IFSW statements on the attacks in the

U.S. extend deeply felt sorrow and sincere sympathy to all those

affected by the tragedy. Understandably, the NASW statement

focuses on the current crisis at hand and highlights the capacity

of their nation to respond to the emergency and to facilitate

recovery from the wreckage. The following passage exemplifies

this point:

Our country’s greatness is evident in so many ways, but our resil-

ience, compassion and commitment to human dignity are central

to who we are. As we move forward in responding to this week’s

tragedy, let us all recognize the strength we have within to endure

difficult times and the responsibility we each share to help our

nation heal.

The CASW and IFSW statements also reflect the need and

desire to assist in recovery efforts and in fact the CASW

recognizes the activities of Canadian social workers involved in

this process.

When examining the positions on military reprisal, the CASW

and IFSW clearly advocate against violent means of retaliation.

This lack of support for coercive action is closely linked with

the acknowledgement of, and indeed respect for, the innocent

lives already lost. On this point, the IFSW statement reads:

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20 21The Advocate • winter 2001 Volume 26 • Isssue 4

22 The Advocate • winter 2001

wounding a police dog. There is almost always a need to reassure

kids in those situations.

Barry's job is typically to meet with the principal and possibly

with staff to determine how to give information to students if

they don't already know about the incident, such as the death of a

student or teacher. Or, in the case of a traumatic situation, he may

help the school with communications to students and parents,

and provide one-on-one counselling if necessary.

“Some students and parents

may require extra support and

counselling following traumatic

situations because it brings up

past issues that aren't resolved.“

Young people often want to do something and Barry encourages

schools to allow students to make cards or to plan an event to

mark the significance of the trauma, such as a memorial assembly

with student presentations and speakers that provide an opportu-

nity for closure. Some students and parents may require extra

support and counselling following traumatic situations because it

brings up past issues that aren't resolved.

Crisis work is only part of what Barry does, but his training and

his 23 years of experience as a social worker on the field team

have really made him appreciate his work. "Sometimes when

you're doing social work, you don't realize how unique it is," says

Barry. "Social workers tend to be fairly well-prepared in terms of

responding to crises ... being able to identify what the risk factors

are, where the community resources are that are going to provide

support for that person at risk, and also having the skills to sit

down with someone one-to-one for counselling." Dealing with

the unpredictable is part of any social worker's job description

and Barry says it provides the confidence that is necessary when

going into a crisis.

Thankfully there are not crises every day or Barry and the five

other social workers on field teams would be overwhelmed. On

normal days, Barry makes his way up to his second-floor class-

room office in Meadowlark Elementary School, where he shares

space with one other social worker, an educational psychologist,

and a reading specialist. Together they make up one of the three

field teams in Edmonton—the other two sites are located in

Park Allen School and Belvedere School. Barry gets referrals

from schools involving kindergarten to grade 12 students for

attendance issues, behaviour problems and family or staff issues.

Barry responds to about 30 schools in Edmonton, and between

the six social workers employed by Consulting Services, all the

210 public schools are covered.

"You sometimes go into a school kind of cold, because you don't

know the culture within the school—you don't know the teach-

ers," says Barry. It requires lots of intuition, knowing how you

can fit in and help in various situations. Whether it's mediation,

in-service training, one-to-one counselling, crisis management,

home assessments for visiting international students, service refer-

ral, or providing direct service to students, parents or staff, it's all

part of this social worker's job description. "It really makes the

job interesting," he says.

For more information about child trauma you can visit www.childtrauma.org/

feature article

Take September 11th—Barry and other members of the field

teams were called in to the Centre For Education (Edmonton

Public School's central office) to help plan communications

to local schools and to determine advice for teachers as they

attempted to answer student questions about terrorist attacks

in the U.S.

In this particular situation, the provincial and federal govern-

ments were providing some advice and direction for things that

needed to be done, but the team also had to pinpoint schools

in the city that might need immediate support. Schools with

high populations of Muslim children were identified because

there was potential for reaction between students or reaction

from people outside the school directed towards these visible

minority youth.

The anxiety is still out there, mainly because people don't know

where this is going to go, says Barry, and kids can be especially

anxious because they may imagine more.

A set of communication resources have been prepared to aid

schools in dealing with the subject: in-service training sessions

with teachers to help them answer questions from children is

one example.

Training is also available in non-violent crisis intervention so

teachers can intervene and prevent violence at schools (this

training is not something new). Barry says that a meeting has

taken place with members of the Muslim community to see

where they're at and what advice they can offer the system to

help minimize negative reactions.

For social workers who work with Muslim children, Barry

suggests the young people should be given opportunities to

discuss how they're feeling. He says they may be fearful, and

talking about things helps to provide some relief. Some of these

kids are feeling threatened and they do need extra support

right now.

The September 11th call was rather unique, especially since

most of the crisis calls involve a local event that has affected

the school community. Examples include a teacher or student

has died, or a traumatic situation has occurred; such as when

the children arrived at school to find that someone from the

community committed suicide by hanging himself from the

playground equipment. Or the incident when a man arrived

on a local elementary school playground carrying a gun while

kids were outside doing activities—the kids were hustled back

into the school, police arrived, and the man ended up fatally

On the front line:

Social work and crisis response

Barry Heffernan, MSW, RSW, never really knows what to expect when he goes to work each day. He is a member of a field team of Consulting Services for Edmonton Public Schools, and crisis response is a part of the work he does. “You go to work in the morning and you never know what the day will hold—you might have an agenda, but then the phone rings and my agenda is out the window,” says Barry.

By Sheila Hallettfe

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22 23The Advocate • winter 2001 Volume 26 • Isssue 4

This year marks the completion of the Association’s first full

operating cycle since the adoption of our new ‘Ends’ state-

ments. Under the Board's governance mandate these ‘Ends’

represent our strategic vision for the Association, while the

Association’s management is charged with determining the

‘Means’ by which this vision is achieved.

The year provided some exciting challenges to the board's

governance model, particularly when faced with more unique

issues such as alternatives to the redevelopment of the Calgary

International Hostel. These tests provided an excellent means

to identify both successes and areas for improvement in our

Ends implementation and to remind us that even policy must

sometimes be dynamic.

Overall, we are pleased with the progress made the past year

and with the opportunities which lie ahead, both from a strate-

gic and operational perspective. We are anxious to continue our

progress towards greater alignment between our national mis-

sion statement, our regional board of directors, the Association,

and our membership.

On behalf of the 1999/2000 HI-SA Board of Directors, I

would like to thank you for your support and look forward to

another great year. The Canadian Hostelling Association began

when two schoolteachers from Calgary, Catherine and Mary

Barclay, hatched the idea to establish hostels as part of a student

exchange program. Over sixty years later, Alberta is proud to be

home to 17 hostels, 10 in Southern Alberta and 7 in Northern

Alberta.

Today, there are 4 million Hostelling International members

worldwide with over 4,500 hostels in 70 countries. The

Canadian Association accounts for more than 33,000 members

“We look at what strengths each

person has and we celebrate and

honour them—we can all learn

from each other.”

Mana Ali

The “Securing Hopeful Futures” program and the “Stay in

School For a Brighter Future” program, both run by the

MCN and the Mosaic Centre in Calgary, are mandated to help

children and youth in the settlement process through educational

programming. They utilize first-language contact by having

volunteers and staff with multi-language skills.

Mana Ali is a community worker at the MCN as well as a part-

time social work student at Grant MacEwan College. She helps

coordinate the “Stay in School” program based out of Queen

Elizabeth High School, where they serve about 28 immigrant

students with the help of seven volunteers and two teachers.

Mana says these youth are at risk of dropping out of school

because they’re finding it too much of a challenge to fit in both

academically and socially. By bringing in immigrant volunteers

who are university graduates, the program provides role models

for the youth— “We made it and you can make it too.”

Mana says refugee children may have huge gaps in their educa-

tion, or they may have no formal education whatsoever. These

refugee children are often assessed using the same questions that

are used for other children, without taking into consideration that

some of the questions have no relevance in the child’s culture.

Assessments may result in false assumptions about the child. They

may be placed in schools according to their biological age and

are expected to fit in and make friends. It’s a process that can set

them up for failure.

They may also have confusion about who they are because

their identity was connected to their culture and they may feel

pressure to be like other students. It’s important to make them

feel comfortable, build their self-esteem and help them understand

they don’t have to give up their culture just because they now

live in Canada.

There is a waiting list for the program that brings the youth

together once a week. This is the second year the program is

being offered to English as a Second Language students (ESL).

The program helps students improve their grades as well as make

friends and be more outgoing. They have celebrations to mark

general occasions such as the start of spring or the end of the

program year, and they look for every opportunity to help these

young people build their self esteem and to feel comfortable with

who they are and where they came from.

Don Baergen, RSW

Don Baergen, supervisor of employment counselling services at

the MCN, says we need to understand where immigrant children

have come from and be more informed about world-scale issues

and their political context. We can’t jump to conclusions about

people based on their culture and we need to understand the

inter-connectedness of our world.

For social workers who may work occasionally with immigrants,

especially refugees, Mana and Don had the following advice:

Listen to their stories—hear them out; authenticate, and acknowl-

edge their feelings; assure them it’s safe to express their feelings;

ensure that the environment is safe for them, and be honest and

sincere.

“Kids are very smart—even if they don’t understand our language,

they can read our body language and how we communicate,”

says Mana.

Referrals may be necessary, but there are support systems out

there to help immigrant children, youth, and adults if they require

counselling or other services.

“When you are working with immigrant kids, take time to

understand them without jumping to conclusions. Be non-judge-

mental and, on the other hand, be their voice too,” says Mana. You

may be called to be an advocate for them.

feature article

Reaching outto immigrant children: four points of view

In light of the recent conflicts involving the U.S. and world terrorist groups, we asked the question “How do you reassure children?”

By Sheila Hallett

This article focuses on immigrant children and their needs. I

spoke with four people who work with immigrant populations

daily, to get their views on how we can better understand and

serve immigrant children.

The events of September 11th were shocking for most North

Americans, but terrorism is not new to many immigrants.

The recent attacks bring back painful memories of life in

a homeland that was left behind. Working with immigrants

requires social workers to be open to diversity and to have a

welcoming attitude and good listening skills. This is especially

important in making an immigrant child feel safe and valued.

Hadassah Ksienski, BSW, RSW

Hadassah Ksienski, the chief executive officer of the Calgary

Immigrant Aid Society (CIAS), says immigrant children often

display separation anxiety in programs.

The CIAS’s Mosaic Centre serves ages 0–6 in child and parent

programs and ages 12-18 in the “Immigrant Intergenerational

Skill Building and Support Program.” Often children don’t

want to let parents out of their sight, so parents are encouraged

to stay and take part for as long as their children wish.

After September 11th, Hadassah saw this anxiety increase and

she has reaffirmed the need for programs to be predictable,

consistent, and offered in an environment of safety. Hadassah

says that any time you have a program that encompasses a very

diverse group, you must make extra time allowances as neces-

sary; and with such tension and anxiety in the world at present,

children are really needing extra time and understanding.

Eita Repsyte

Eita Repsyte is the early intervention program co-ordinator

with the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (MCN) in

Edmonton. In her work with the “Securing Hopeful Futures”

program, Eita recognizes the importance of supporting

immigrant children by creating safe, comfortable environments

where they can learn to adjust to Canadian life.

Eita says there is a misconception that immigrant children can

adjust quickly to change and manage fine whereas their parents

need lots of support to help them adjust. She says many of

the refugee children have been living in camps for years before

arriving in Canada and the living conditions there were often

deplorable—kids had to fight for food and some were witness

to violence.

The “Securing Hopeful Futures” program serves young people

6–12 on Thursday evenings and 13–17 on Wednesday evenings.

They use art and computers to help kids to express themselves;

young immigrant volunteers also provide role modelling. Last

year there were 11 languages represented by the 35 children

involved in the program and the program tries to have volun-

teers who can speak these languages.

“We look at what strengths each person has and we celebrate

and honour them—we can all learn from each other,” says Eita.

Part of the focus is on social skills to help young people prevent

or resolve conflicts. A psychologist is on staff at the MCN to

help both kids and parents deal with emotional concerns.

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24 25The Advocate • winter 2001 Volume 26 • Isssue 4

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26 The Advocate • winter 2001 27Volume 26 • Isssue 4

title section

Management) class. It can also be offered as a one-day workshop

outside of school, on a Saturday when students would voluntarily

give up their free time to attend for example. Phase two has stu-

dents utilizing their program skills to help immigrant newcomers

to the school. Willing students are encouraged to form a post-

workshop group to offer friendship and assistance, during lunch

hour and after school, to fellow students who are attempting to

settle at the school. Phase three is a process where students are

trained to become facilitators with the hope that one day they

can offer parts of the program to their peers. Saori says there are

currently seven youth who have been involved in this training

for almost one year.

“The key to the concept of cultural

sensitivity is to have participants

understand and identify their

own ‘cultural hooks’… ”

The workshop part of the program uses games and activities to

help students learn about diversity. The key to the concept of

cultural sensitivity is to have participants understand and identify

their own “cultural hooks”: their own opinions and preferences,

how they deal with people who are different from themselves,

and what expectations they have ingrained in their personalities

that would then make them uncomfortable with other cultures.

Saori says that helping people recognize and be aware of their

own cultural hooks enables them to get past the differences they

recognize in other people.

They approach conflict resolution through active listening, ana-

lyzing communication styles, and examining how conflict hap-

pens. They cover peer pressure, self-identity, self-esteem, and how

participants relate to conflict. Saori said youth are more open

to discussing and dealing with cultural sensitivity than adults;

they ask straight questions and are curious, and some may have

personal experience with racism or discrimination. They come

up with their own understanding and, she said, it is interesting

to hear how they articulate their understanding. Many of these

students identify themselves as Canadian, and this often brings the

group to discussions of “Canadian identity.”

A number of the immigrant students find themselves in a cultural

gap with their parents, who have strong ties to the culture they

grew up with. The older the student, the more experience they

have had in understanding cultural sensitivity. Saori said junior

high students require more support as they work to interpret and

process information.

In discussions with a colleague, Saori says she recognizes the

tendency we all have to lump people into groups based on

physical characteristics, language spoken, country of origin, and

so on, when really we should never assume that people from the

same cultural background hold the same beliefs, or practice the

same religion, or have the same preferences or opinions. “We all

need to know where our own barriers are when we work with

people from other cultures,” says Saori.

feature article

Saori Beer, RSW, works at the Calgary Catholic Immigrant

Society, where she performs two roles. She is an assistant to

the HOST Volunteer Program and she is also a facilitator with

the Youth Cultural Ambassador Training Program (Y-CAT). It

was in her capacity as a facilitator that she visited the local

school September 17th this year and it was a perfect time to

discuss racism with the group of grade 10 students she had been

contracted to do a workshop with.

The fresh graffiti provided a natural starting point in the discus-

sion and Saori got the youth to talk about how it made them

feel. Some felt scared, some felt intimidated, but many were

shocked that it happened at their school.

The school is one that is highly populated with visible minority

and immigrant youth—in fact, 52 cultures are represented in

the student population. Through discussions it was deemed that

the perpetrators must not be from the school and, considering

another local high school was also defaced in the same time

frame, their conclusion was probably correct.

“I think it brought the students together,” said Saori in

retrospect.

Her philosophy is to be open and honest with students and

to provide them with support as they come to their own

understanding of cultural sensitivity.

The Y-CAT program is aimed at junior or senior high students

and it covers diversity, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and

leadership. It is a program that was developed in 1997 by an

implementation team with Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society

along with Alberta Community Development. In her two and a

half years on staff, Saori has many positive things to say about

the program and how students have embraced it. “Many of

the students are eager to talk about diversity and have a great

acceptance of the program… I belong to a visible minority as

well and I’ve always been welcomed and felt a nice, accepting

atmosphere.” Visible minority and immigrant students especially

do not often get an opportunity to discuss racism and discrimi-

nation with fellow students, parents, or anyone for that matter,

says Saori, so they’re ready for the chance to speak up.

The Y-CAT program has three phases: phase one is a six-

to-eight hour workshop offered in a classroom setting. The

program is more easily accommodated by the separate school

system via a religious or CALM (Career Advancement Lifeskills

On the front line:

Confronting racism

As Saori Beer stepped out of her car in the parking lot of a Calgary high school September 17, 2001, she could tell she had her work cut out for her. The school was plastered with racist graffiti that the caretaker said was still wet at 7 AM when he arrived for work.

By Sheila Hallettfe

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26 27The Advocate • winter 2001 Volume 26 • Isssue 4

Terrance (Terry) Wigley, Registered Social Worker and

co-founder of the Trident Foundation, died in a highway

accident on December 8, 2000. Terry is survived by his

wife, Jenny Geary, Registered Social Worker, and their young

daughter, his beloved Carriahd, both of whom were also injured

in the same accident.

A trust fund for Jenny and Carriahd has been established

in their home community of Canmore, Alberta. Members of

the Alberta College of Social Workers are encouraged, by your

colleagues in the Bow Valley, to contribute to this much-

needed fund. Donations should be made payable to

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

— In Trust for Carriahd Wigley and Jenny Geary

709 – 7 Street

Canmore, Alberta T1W 2C3

(403) 678-5191

Trust Fund Established

29Volume 26 • Isssue 4

the task of data collection takes many forms in both disciplines–

surveys, interviews, document and database reviews–to mention a

few. The data gathered with respect to the subject of interest, often

both qualitative and quantitative in nature, needs to be organized

and analyzed. Observations are recorded, and conclusions drawn

based on observations and evidence. Finally, recommendations for

change and improvement are made, communicated to the client

and stakeholders, and the results are followed-up to determine if

the proposed recommendations made a positive difference.

The aims of both social work and the OAG are fairly similar. Both

work to assist persons or groups (e.g. organizations) in adapting

to their environments, or in helping make environments more

responsive to people. Change, development and improvement in

functioning are objectives associated with the work. The vision

of the OAG expresses a commonly held social work aim, that

of making a difference: “We are committed to making a differ-

ence for the Canadian people by promoting, in all our work for

Parliament, answerable, honest and productive government that

reflects a commitment to sustainable development.”

Helping government programs identify opportunities to become

more efficient, more effective or more economical helps us all.

In financial terms, Canadians can get more “bang for the buck,”

while, operationally speaking, the OAG’s work may help govern-

ments obtain more of the desired outcomes for their programs

with the best use of resources. Improved program effectiveness,

efficiency and economy potentially means more resources avail-

able to ease the federal debt burden, to invest in new or existing

social programs, or for any other purposes that Parliament decides.

As social workers, we have some definite ideas on how govern-

ments should spend taxes, particularly in the areas of health and

social programs. However, as an auditor, my role is to be an

objective and non-partisan observer and reporter, leaving policy

considerations to the representatives we elect to serve us. As an

auditor and a social worker, I work to help all Canadians by

participating in audits that will help our governments to deliver

the best quality services possible. I also try to make a positive

difference in my workplace and in the teams that I am a part of

at the OAG. Applying my skills and knowledge both internally

to the office and externally to government departments is aimed

at improving the functioning of our public service. And in my

mind, serving the public is still a noble calling, whether one is an

auditor, social worker, or both.

Editors note: Shawn is being transferred back to Ottawa at the

end of November, 2001. Our best wishes go with him.

Social work by other means: some thoughts by a legislative auditor

By Shawn Vincent, MSW, RSW

I have been working for the Office of the Auditor

General of Canada (OAG) for three years now and

explaining what it is that I do has not gotten

any easier. Most people have a hard time seeing a

connection between social work and auditing.

When I mention to someone that I am an auditor, their

first reaction is typically confusion or fear, as they associate

auditing with taxes and the old department of Revenue

Canada. However, once I provide some detail on what I do,

they generally nod and smile, now having an understanding

of the work that the OAG does and its importance for all

Canadians.

The OAG is an independent organization that reports to

Parliament on the operations of the federal government. It is

also responsible for audits of Canada’s three territories, and

in those cases, reports to each respective territorial assembly.

Besides conducting annual financial audits that examine gov-

ernment revenue collection and spending, the OAG provides

another valuable service for legislators at the federal and territo-

rial levels—it conducts value-for-money audits of government

departments. That is where I come in.

Using social work in the OAG

The OAG hires a range of different professionals to be trained

in the work of value-for-money auditing, which is as much

an art as a science. Besides the expected cadre of accountants,

the OAG employs economists, political scientists, engineers,

environmental scientists and yes, even social workers. Value-

for-money audits involve examining government operations,

observing the delivery of programs and services in the

context of economy, efficiency, effectiveness and respect for the

environment. Based on audit findings, recommendations

designed to help improve management of these programs are

written into a report that is delivered to Parliament and then

made publicly available to Canadians.

In the course of doing all of this, my social work training has

served me remarkably well in many of the day-to-day tasks

I encounter. Conducting interviews and communicating with

audit clients is one area that particularly stands out in my mind.

As auditors, we know that establishing and maintaining rapport

with clients is crucial and more often than not that rapport

translates into being able to access critical pieces of information.

Without the information interviews provide us with, it would

be much more difficult to audit effectively. Social work training

has also prepared me to address difficult circumstances that arise

occasionally in interviews. It enables me to give people room

to “vent” if it is needed, or to probe beneath the surface of

answers when it seems there is more going on than is being

overtly communicated.

Similarly, social work training has prepared me for much of

the teamwork that occurs within the OAG. Whether leading or

participating in teams, the communication and relationship skills

I bring to my work makes me more effective as an auditor. Also,

by sharing my knowledge in areas related to personal wellness

(mental health, for example), I support and encourage the efforts

of my teammates to strike an appropriate balance between the

demands of work and home life–a critical requirement for high-

performing individuals and teams.

Auditing and social work: serving the public

Many of the same processes that social workers commonly use

in practice are shared in the work of auditing. For example,

feat

ure

arti

cle

for your information

28 29The Advocate • winter 2001 Volume 26 • Isssue 4

ProblemGamblingMany Albertans gamble as an occasional

form of recreation. They spend an evening

at a casino, pick up a lottery ticket or drop

a few loonies into a VLT. When the game is

over, they go on to other activities.

For some people however, gambling

becomes a problem as they spend more

time and money on the games than they

intend. When gambling impacts your

health, finances, and relationships or those

of someone you know, AADAC can help.

For further information or referral, call the

toll-free Problem Gambling Help Line:

1-800-665-9676

When it’s no longer a game...

30 The Advocate • winter 2001 31Volume 26 • Isssue 4

for your information

for

your

info

rmat

ion

Workshops, Courses, Seminars“Trauma & the Triune Brain: The Psychobiology of Relationships, Attachment, Intimacy & Trauma”

Seminar offered by the Canadian Foundation for Trauma Research and Education, a non-profit society. For more information, see http://www.cftre.com/PDF/TTBCalgary.pdf

National Social Work Conference 2002 in Moncton, NB

Information on the conference and plenary speakers can be found at www.nbasw-atsnb.ca/conference2002.htm

Community Economic Development Conference May 30–31, 2002, Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton AB

Call for papers, workshops and presenters by January 17, 2002. Contact Bob Marvin, MSW, RSW, at Innovative Services (780) 496-7898 or bob.marvin@gov.edmonton.ab.ca.

“On the Tail of the Dragon 3”Recent Developments n the Treatment of PTSD sponsored by the Lousage Institute Inc. Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, 2001, in Calgary AB

Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, will discuss treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder including innovations such as EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Treatment, and a variety of body-ordered psychotherapies. For information call toll-free 1-888-LOUS-AGE; lousage@compusmart.ab.ca, or see www.lousage.com.

Preparing Comprehensive Play-Based AssessmentsRocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute January 21 & 22, 2002

Registration deadline is Jan. 4, 2002. Call for brochure and/or application packages: (403) 245-5981.

Introduction to Suicide Intervention The Support Network presents a One-Day Introductory Seminar for Anyone Working in the Helping ProfessionsDec. 6, 2001

For more information, call (780) 482-0198 or see www.thesupportnetwork.com.

“Quality Living in Today’s World”People and Progress ConferenceThe 14th Annual Volunteer SessionThursday, Feb. 2, 2002 Edmonton AB

Sponsored by the Capital Care Foundation and the Capital Care Group.

For more information, call (780) 448-2421 or email shawna_serben@m1.capitalcare.net or see www.capitalcare.net.

“Is It Good For You?” Dialogue About Sex5th Biennial Western Canadian Conference on Sexual HealthMay 1 & 2, 2002

The conference will be held at the University of Alberta in Edmonton AB. For more information call Margaret MacCabe, Program Chair, at (780) 424-6312 or email mmaccabe@canparaplegic.org.

International Conference for the Advancement of Private Practice in Clinical Social Work June 8–13, 2002, in Lisbon, Portugal.

For more information, contact Warrent Zisserson, MSW, RSW, at (902)727-2461 or email marilynn.Z@ns.sympatico.ca.

“Earth & Sky: Horizon of Possibilities”APPE Convention 2002Jan. 23–26, 2002 in Edmonton AB

Presented by the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education. For more information contact Iris Cummings at (780) 482-8998 or pastcoun@connect.ab.ca.

2002 ACSW conference updateMarch 14–16, 2002, at the Capri Centre, Red Deer

From Insight To Action: Stepping Stones to Change

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS CONFIRMED TO DATE:

Social Justice/Social Action Panel: • Maude Barlow • Ben Carniol • David Wagner • Maureen Wilson

Clinical Supervision: • Carlton Munson

Ethics and Boundaries: • Frederic Reamer

Attendance at all keynote speakers presentations and workshops will be recognized for ACSW continuing competency credits.

Along with workshops and paper presentations, we are fortunate to have the following individuals confirmed as keynote speakers to present material that will challenge and inspire us.

Maude Barlow, Chair of the Council of Canadians, actively promotes alternatives to corporate led globalization. Her current publication, co-authored with Tony Clarke, is Global Showdown.

Ben Carniol is a professor of Social Work at Ryerson University in Toronto. His most recent book is Case Critical: Challenging Social Services in Canada (4th Edition).

Carlton Munson is a professor of Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. His publications include Clinical Social Work Supervision (3rd Edition).

Frederic Reamer is a professor of Social Work at Rhode Island College. His publications include Social Work Values and Ethics.

David Wagner is a professor of Social Work at the University of Southern Maine. His most recent book is What’s Love Got to Do With It: A Critical Look at American Charities.

Maureen Wilson is a professor of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Her most recent book, co-authored with Elizabeth Whitmore, is Seeds of Fire: Social Development in an Era of Globalism.

For your enjoyment, we have stimulating local entertainers: Tree House Theatre, On-the-Rim Drummers, and The Raging Grannies.

Inquiries about the conference can be directed to:

Elizabeth Radian, RSW, conference co-chair (403) 342-3324 dayemail: elizabeth.radian@rdc.ab.ca

Pam Ralston, RSW, conference co-chair(403) 342-2206 evening

ACSW Office (780) 421-1167 or 1-800-661-3089

Wherever you go,Whatever you do,

SAY YOU’RE A

SOCIAL WORKER!

You’d be surprised how often social workers say “I work with alcoholics” or “I

do therapy” or “I counsel troubled children” or “I direct an employee assistance program.”

There’s nothing wrong with these statements, but preface each with

“I AM A SOCIAL WORKER,” then add, “I work with troubled youth,” and you’ll be

performing an invaluable public education service that benefits your profession and ultimately yourself.

The best way to bolster the image of the social work profession is for social workers to identify themselves

as SOCIAL WORKERS!

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS

in t

he n

ews

32 The Advocate • winter 2001

IF UNDELIVERABLE PLEASE RETURN TO:

Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)#550, 10707 - 100 Avenue

Edmonton, AlbertaT5J 3M1, Canada

Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 0528803

ISSN 0847 - 2890Date of Issue: NOVEMBER 2001

An amendment to the Social Work Profession Act (SWPA) requires qualified social workers to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers with some temporary exemptions.

The legislation also obligates Registered Social Workers

(RSWs) to maintain their professional registration.

Cancellation of registration can result from non-payment

of professional dues. Under the SWPA, if an individual’s

registration is cancelled, that individual is not legally able

to engage in social work activities. The legislation also

requires the ACSW to notify the employer and the Minister

of the cancellation.

Individuals whose professional dues have not been received

in the ACSW office by the renewal date are advised by

letter that non-payment of renewal dues will result in

the cancellation of professional registration. This letter

references the legislative requirements for professional

registration, advises that cancellation of registration will

result in the loss of all the rights and privileges of a RSW,

and states that the individual will not be able to practice

within the scope of practice of social work in Alberta.

Although some recipients of this letter have objected to its

tone, its intent is to provide a clear message about the

legal requirements for registration and the consequences for

non-renewal. Under the SWPA, individuals who contravene

the legislation by continuing to practice without current

registration are guilty of an offence and liable for a fine,

or fines and/or imprisonment depending upon the number

of offences.

In some instances, members move and neglect to inform

the ACSW. This creates a problem as the renewal notices,

which are sent to the last address available to ACSW,

go unheeded if the recipient has moved. When those

individuals fail to renew as required, their registrations

are cancelled for non-payment, an action that does not

enhance professional character and reputation. To prevent

such situations, members must advise the ACSW of changes

in their circumstances that affect their professional status.

Under the Health Professions Act (has been passed and is

awaiting proclamation) there is an added obligation for

employers to ensure that all social workers are registered and

have a current practice permit. A number of large employers

regularly contact the ACSW requesting verification that

their social work employees are currently registered. Some

employers do advise social workers who are not currently

registered to stay home until they become registered.

The purpose of professional registration is to serve and

protect the public interest. Social workers are legally

obligated to maintain current registration in the best

interests of the public.

Obligation to maintain professional registration