FEATURE ETHICS IN ACTION DIPLOMA DIALOGUES Shifting Practices: Innovative Disclosure of Confidential Practicum in the Social Work During COVID Client Information Time of COVID

VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 3 FALL 2020 THE www.acsw.ab.caADVOCATEALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

SOCIAL WORK WEEK

PART TWO Cold Lake SPECIAL SERIES ACSW MEMBER INTEREST GROUPS

Strengthen your practice and our profession Member Interest Groups serve as a meeting place to focus on and support common fields of social work practice, offering opportunities to network and share resources. Participation may support your learning plan and apply towards competency credits. Students are welcome. Consider joining your fellow social workers in a group that meets your interests!

SOCIAL JUSTICE – CALGARY, EDMONTON, SOCIAL WORKERS IN HEALTH CENTRAL ALBERTA, FORT MCMURRAY This provincial group focuses on advocacy and These groups focus on social justice issues and resource sharing on issues related to social work advocacy related to poverty, family violence, practice in the health care system. Monthly disabilities, income support, sexual and meetings include presentations on health-related gender diversity, and international social topics. justice. Activities include hosting professional development events, attending rallies, and SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSITY engaging with various levels of government. This is a provincial group that focuses on facilitating networking, collaboration, and GERONTOLOGY – CALGARY, EDMONTON advocacy for LGBTQ2S+ social workers, while This group works to enhance gerontological promoting practical and positive action to support social work practice by addressing systemic social work practice. barriers that impact older adults. These groups offer networking opportunities, resource sharing RETIRED SOCIAL WORKERS – EDMONTON and organize professional development and This group offers an opportunity for retired social advocacy opportunities. workers to remain connected to each other and the social work profession. CHILD AND YOUTH This provincial group focuses on child and youth PRIVATE PRACTICE issues and advocacy with attention to child This provincial group provides support and welfare best practices, policy improvement, guidance to social workers in private practice and resource sharing, community support and is open to members on the Private Practice Roster. awareness, and education.

SOCIAL WORKERS UNITED For more information, contact Carlena Johnson at AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE [email protected] This provincial group focuses on family violence issues and advocacy including emergency shelter supports, men experiencing family violence, consent for minors, and multicultural perspectives. THE ADVOCATE Volume 45, Issue 3, Fall 2020 Published by: The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) 550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in AB): 1-800-661-3089

THE Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free fax: 1-866-874-8931 ADVOCATE [email protected] — acsw.ab.ca Registrar (Acting) Associate Registrar: COVER STORY: Suzanne MacKinnon, MSW, RCSW SOCIAL WORK WEEK [email protected] SPECIAL SERIES Executive Director (Acting) Associate Director - Professional Practice & Advocacy: 28 Seeing the Good Jody-Lee Farrah, MSW, RSW [email protected] Managers, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Directors: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB [email protected] Membership Activities - Team Lead: Charity Lui, MSW, RSW Social Workers - Membership Activities: Heather Johnson, BSW, RSW Andre Tinio, BSW, RSW Finance & Administration Officer: Kim Hyggen, CPA, CGA Finance & Administration Support: Audrey Kent, CPA, CMA Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross Executive Assistant / Office Manager: Noreen Majek Promotions & Events Associate: ETHICS IN ACTION FEATURE STORY Crystal King 12 Disclosure of Confidential 20 Shifting Practices: Innovative Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Carlena Johnson Jennifer Vasquez Toni Harrison Client Information Social Work during COVID-19 Tami Carlin Jessica Atamanenko Kathleen Lidbetter Emily Rypstra (Associate) Online Services Analyst: Laurie Nelson FEATURES ETHICS IN ACTION IT Support Analyst: Scott MacPhee 15 Introducing IASWG Alberta 12 Disclosure of Confidential ACSW Council: Client Information President: Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW 18 Collective Rage Requires Vice President: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW Collective Action THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE Treasurer: Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW 20 Shifting Practices: Innovative Social 14 COVID-19: Crisis or Opportunity? Members at Large: Work during COVID-19 Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Wilda Listener, MSW, RSW SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS Bobbi Michaud, MSW, RSW Baiju Vareed, MSW, RSW Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW Siu Ming Kwok, MSW, RSW 28 Seeing the Good 16 Inherent Dignity: ACSW Statement Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: 32 Andrea Heinz: Levels of Exploitation on Anti-Racism Vacant Public Members: 34 The Cost of Being Seen: Calgary’s RESEARCH & LEARNING IN Bukola Oladunni Salami Trevor Liskowich Ban on Conversion Therapy ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES Laura Delfs Charmaine Coutinho Editorial Board: 22 Community Engagement, Canada AROUND OUR PROVINCE Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW & Cardinal Fomradas, MSW, RSW (Co-Chairs) to Nepal Darnel Forro, MSW, RSW Tasha Novick, MSW, RSW 4 Around Our Province Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW Islam Deyab, BSW, RSW Bukola Oladunni Salami, Public Member DIPLOMA DIALOGS THE BIG PICTURE Editorial services provided by Bird Communications 23 Practicum in the Time of COVID 8 A Message from the Executive Advertising space is available. To place an ad, contact [email protected]. The ACSW reserves the right to reject Director & Registrar DAY IN THE LIFE any submissions and advertising. 36 Michael Hoyt, MSW, RSW Winter 2020 Issue Ad Deadline: October 15, 2020 9 A Message from the President Canadian subscriptions are $26/year (outside Canada: $26 US/year). Please immediately update IN THE NEWS FOR YOUR INFORMATION your member profile with any address changes. 38 The Advocate Editorial Policy ISSN 0847 - 2890 PM NO. 40050109 10 Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 39 For Your Information 550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1 INDIGENOUS VOICES The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta College of Social Workers 11 Smudging (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise. All material ©2020 by the ACSW or by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed. Reprint or copying (including digital or online reproduction in any form) of any Advocate material requires written consent of the ACSW.

Printing on Titan Dull text. 10% post consumer waste. Titan participates in a certified forest program. THE ADVOCATE 3 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW

COVID-19 Information As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to providing you with up-to-date information to support your social work practice and provide you with guidance. Please see our COVID-19 Information for Social Workers page on our website often for up-to-date information. You’ll find a link on the right-hand side of ACSW’s home page. Our office remains closed to visitors and members of

the public. However, we Photograph by Charles Chenard, used in his Compassion Satisfaction presentation continue to operate between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday Professional Development to Friday. Please contact us by Like many of you over the last few months, we have been shifting the way we go telephone at 780-421-1167 or about our work. This has meant more opportunities for our members to engage email to receive support with online, including professional development offered through Zoom. your registration and practice Charles Chenard, BSW, RSW, presented Compassion Satisfaction: Coping with needs. Secondary Traumatic Stress. This presentation provided an opportunity for General Inquiries: participants to reflect on their experiences with secondary traumatic stress and [email protected] how to achieve compassion satisfaction. Participants were given strategies to improve their mindfulness, self-care, and overall well-being. Registration Inquiries: [email protected] Alana Peters presented Bounce, Don’t Break: Daring Strategies for Resilience and Self-Care, an engaging workshop focused on giving participants practical Competency Inquiries: strategies for self-care including keys to sustainable caring and the importance [email protected] of connection to self and others. Complaints Inquiries: In celebration of Pride Month, Gilbert Drapeau, BSW, RSW, also known as Lady [email protected] Tenderflake, and Christy Garland presentedUnderstanding Diversity: The Queer Clinical Inquiries: Experience and Its Impact on Practice. They focused on issues that members of [email protected] the LGBTQ2S+ community face and how social workers can engage with the community in an open and reflective way. We offered a lunch and learn session on Basic Income featuring panelists

4 FALL 2020 Christy Garland

Advocacy Lady Tenderflake The ACSW Gerontology Network - North member interest group had the opportunity to meet virtually with MLA Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, Opposition Critic for Alberta Seniors and Housing. Members of Lee Stevens, MSW, RSW, of the group were able to highlight issues regarding seniors and COVID- Vibrant Communities Calgary; 19, including the impact of the pandemic, with seniors experiencing Erick Ambtman, Executive Director isolation and a lack of technology, the state of long-term care, and with End Poverty Edmonton; and navigating the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. In response Alison McIntosh with Climate to the meeting, MLA Sigurdson prepared a member statement which Justice Edmonton. They explored she shared in the Alberta Legislature. She outlined that, “Many seniors the current opportunities for Basic are unable to receive the supports they once did and engage in the Income in Canada and challenged activities that they enjoyed. Inclusion and social connectedness are some of the misconceptions on the key to good health.” She spoke about how much of our reality is now topic. online and that about 25% of seniors with limited financial resources We also hosted a series of Connection are being left behind. She called on the government to include funding Cafés as an opportunity for members for internet and devices through the Special Needs Assistance for to share resources and to connect Seniors program. with us and each other during the As we reflect on our senior population, particularly during this beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic pandemic, it is an opportune time to advocate for supports to enhance in Alberta. We appreciated hearing their physical and mental well-being. Together, in our particular fields how members have adapted their of practice, we create opportunities to bring forward important issues. practices and how communities have come together to support each other.

THE ADVOCATE 5 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

National Indigenous People’s Day

On June 21st, the ACSW Indigenous Social Work Committee provided a statement acknowledging National Indigenous People’s Day: “Now more than ever is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous social workers to come together. We cannot ignore the discomfort of the racialized environment that exists in our society today. Instead we must continue to speak out when we see the injustice and oppression unfold before us. But we can celebrate and acknowledge the beauty of the Indigenous cultures that are all around us. The Indigenous Social Work Committee of the Alberta College of Social Workers hopes you participated in the many events occurring across Alberta celebrating the Indigenous people of Canada on June 21st. We invite you to please check out the ACSW social media pages, where we have highlighted some great resources for you to further your understanding of the rich diversity of the Indigenous people.” In honour of National Indigenous People’s Day, we asked, “What is your favourite book with Indigenous content, by an Indigenous author or about Indigenous social work practice?” We received many resources through our social media.

Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola Campbell Wasáse: Indigenous Pathways of Reclaiming Youth at Risk: (children’s book) Action and Freedom Our Hope for the Future by Taiaiake Alfred by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, Seven Sacred Teachings by David and Steve Van Bockern Bouchard and Dr. Joseph Martin All Our Relations by Tanya Talaga Halfbreed by Maria Campbell In Search of April Raintree The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious by Beatrice Culleton Mosionier Account of Native People in North Seeking Mino-Pimatisiwin: America by Thomas King An Aboriginal Approach to Helping A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Michael Anthony Hart by Alicia Elliott Wícihitowin: Aboriginal Birdie by Tracey Lindberg For Indigenous Eyes Only Social Work in Canada by Waziyatawin Angela Wilson edited by Raven Sinclair, Michael Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations and Michael Yellow Bird Anthony Hart, and Gord Bruyere by Richard Wagamese

Lightfinder by Aaron Paquette Healing Traditions Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo edited by Laurence J. Kirmayer and CBC Podcast In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Gail Guthrie Valaskakis Resilience by Helen Knott Treaty Talk: www.treatytalk.com Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of The Reason You Walk by Wab Kinew Indigenous Canada: free massive open Indian Residential Schools: A Memoir online course, University of Alberta Conversations with a Rattlesnake: by Theodore Fontaine Raw and Honest Reflections on Raven Reads: An inspiring Indigenous Research is Ceremony: Indigenous Healing and Trauma literary subscription box. Research Methods by Shawn Wilson by Theo Fleury and Kim Barthel Ravenreads.org. The Sun Came Down: The History of From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle the World as My Blackfeet Elders Told It Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson by Percy Bullchild and Woody Kipp

6 FALL 2020 Statement on Reparative or Conversion Therapy

Conversion or reparative therapy is a set of “treatments” proposing that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed to reflect heteronormative and gender binary standards. These practices often target LGBTQ2S+ children and adolescents who are often forced into treatment. This can, and in most cases does, have long-term impacts. There is academic and empirical evidence that this practice is ineffective, unethical, and harmful to those exposed to it. In June 2020, the ACSW released a Practice Statement to advise all social workers that, based on social work core values and principles, ACSW 2020 we have a collective commitment to diversity, social justice, and evidence-based practice and therefore this form of “treatment” is STUDENT BURSARY not to be practiced by any social worker in Alberta. The CASW Code From August 28th until October 30th, of Ethics highlights that social workers must “Respect the Inherent 2020, applications are open for the Dignity and Worth of All Persons” and uphold human rights. In ASCW Student Bursary. All ACSW addition, social workers will respect diversity among individuals and student members and registered the right of all individuals to their unique beliefs. social workers are eligible. To further support social workers in their practice, a Frequently Asked For more details, see the Student page on acsw.ab.ca Questions document was included with the practice statement to include important definitions, information about the purpose, and practical implementation of the statement. Please see the FAQs for ALBERTA COLLEGE more information about what conversion therapy is, why the ACSW OF SOCIAL has released a practice statement, and how to work with a client WORKERS who wishes to explore conversion therapy in order to reconcile their religious beliefs with their sexual orientation or gender. 2021 Annual Conference March 25-27, 2021 To read the statement and accompanying FAQ document see the Social BMO Centre at Stampede Park Work – Practice Resources page on acsw.ab.ca. Calgary and online

Mandatory Training

Don’t forget to complete your mandatory training on Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Misconduct! All registered social workers must complete this training before February 14, 2021. Visit acsw.ab.ca for details!

CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities Team Lead. You can contact her at [email protected] regarding submissions for the Advocate.

THE ADVOCATE 7 THE BIG PICTURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR

THERE IS ONE THING that can always be counted on – change. In the face of change, social workers can be counted to lead with resilience and perseverance. The ACSW has been recruiting for a new Executive Director and Registrar, who will provide leader- ship to guide us into a thriving future. The Government of Alberta has proposed several changes to the Health Professions Act (HPA) that will impact the ACSW and the other health professions’ regulatory colleges. The HPA empowers the ACSW to regulate the profession of social work in the public inter- est. This has granted us the ability to be recognized as a profession, have protected titles, and self-regulate mandatory registration, continuing competence, and complaints and discipline. The ACSW is funded through fees from mandatory registration, which are used to support the regulatory mandate and association activities. The association works to pro- mote the profession, engage in advocacy on social policy issues and support our members JODY-LEE FARRAH is the through activities such as conferences. Historically, social workers have advocated for man- Executive Director (Acting) datory registration and to be included in the HPA. This is an accomplishment to be proud of! and the Associate Director, Professional Practice & In an effort to modernize the HPA, the Alberta government is making changes aimed Advocacy, of the ACSW. at improving the efficiency of the current regulatory system and increasing patient- SUZANNE MACKINNON is the Registrar (Acting) and the centredness. To achieve this, Bill 30 (2020) increased public member representation Associate Registrar of the on councils, hearing tribunals and complaint review committees from 25 to 50 percent ACSW. They can be reached at of the total members. The increase is intended to enhance the voice of patients and [email protected], and [email protected]. families in professional regulation through representation at the table where important decisions are made. This measure is consistent with the values espoused in the CASW Code of Ethics and with ACSW’s Standards of Practice. The participation of public mem- bers has always been valued by ACSW. The ACSW Council and staff are reviewing the amendment and identifying organizational impacts to governance structure, by-laws, policies, and practices. We can anticipate changes in the recruitment and appointment of social workers to Council and how executive officers are appointed. Late July, the Government of Alberta also introduced 17 proposals to possibly change the Health Professions Act. Included are possible amendments that would separate association functions from regulatory colleges and possibly put registration and com- plaints/discipline under centralized government departments. This would significantly curtail the health professions’ ability to self-regulate. The ACSW supports professional regulation and values the trust and partnership of the public and government to ensure that registered social workers are safe, ethical and competent. While we welcome efforts to increase standardization and transparency in our processes, we will resist releasing our ability to administer the registration, com- plaints, and discipline functions. Our roots of being a regulatory college stem from our intentional voluntary efforts to regu- late ourselves as a professional association even before legislative empowerment, and long before being included in the HPA. We have always believed what is good for the public is good for social workers. We are prepared to continue navigating our complementary man- dates of professional regulation, professional association, and social policy advocacy.

8 FALL 2020 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

THERE COME TIMES when we need to step up and speak out. For social workers, now is that time. In Alberta, we are witnessing the privatization of our healthcare system, attacks on education, threats to public service pensions, changes to AISH and other essential social services, and a serious threat to our unions – without which we risk AJAY HARTENFELD PANDHI returning to a time where exploitation of workers was commonplace and the concept of is the President of the ACSW Council. He is also the President a fair wage and workers’ employment rights simply did not exist. This is a moment to of Pandhi Counselling and be guided by the core social work value of the pursuit of social justice. Mediation Services and works as a mental health therapist I write today to bring attention to Bill 30 and its implications for change to the Alberta at Strathcona Community College of Social Work’s governance structure. Bill 30, the Health Statutes Amendment Hospital. You can contact Ajay at [email protected]. Act, 2020, is an omnibus bill that includes an amendment to the Health Professions Act (HPA). The HPA is the legislation that allows the ACSW the privilege of self-regulation in the public interest and lays out ACSW’s primary objective: to serve and protect the public. I write with a concern that Bill 30 will impact our ability to do that. On the surface, the suggested changes seem innocuous. The proposed amendment will increase the proportion of public members appointed to all regulatory college councils from 25 percent to 50 percent. This will mean more public representation on ACSW Council, Complaint Review Committees and Hearing Tribunals. As you may know, all public members are currently appointed by the Government of Alberta and under the new bill, will continue to be. In my approximately 10 years on Council, our public members have been largely marvelous, hardworking and dedicated. These public members have added to the strength of various boards. However, public members are paid for their time on the board, unlike elected social workers who volunteer their board-time. As public members are unelected, the Council has no input in their selection process, they are not bound by our Code of Ethics, and cannot be sanctioned or regulated for erroneous decisions by our stringent but fair regulatory standards. This makes them quite different from an elected social worker on Council. Social workers face diverse and complex scenarios daily. We are guided by our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in all we do. Changes to the HPA that support the integrity of social work practice and allow for greater transparency and accountability are welcome. Ones that limit our capacity to engage in right action are not. Over the coming weeks, ACSW’s Council will be discussing this change and what it might mean. Anything that increases transparency and protects the public is supported by the ACSW. Most social workers welcome the opportunity to hear the patient/client voice. My concern is that a majority of partisan appointments to our board may threaten the integrity of what it means to deliver social services and ensure the social fabric of our communities. I and the ACSW Council will closely observe the progress of this bill and share our knowledge with you. I encourage you to educate yourself about this issue, connect with others and if need be, speak out against proposed changes that will negatively impact our ability to do our jobs, attentive to the public good.

Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, MSW, RSW

THE ADVOCATE 9 IN THE NEWS

Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF JULY 14, 2020 8,722

Temitope Ololade Adebisi Yashwanti Devi Valerie Nadege Jamga Shailyn Nelson Shaylagh Lily Stevenson Arike Akomolafe Bal Krishna Dhakal Tchatchoua Byanca Nimijean Amanda Kathleen Strachan Ashlie Kaye Alexander Natasha Dharshi Jazmyn Johnson Melissa Noakes Micaela Diane Strelau Christine Gayle Alexander Nandeep Dhasi Jennifer Kathryn Jones Samantha Josephine Ashna Suchak Paige Alfano Marissa Dhunay Stephanie Christine Joshi Norberg Lailyne Michele Ramos Alana Dietrich Carrie M Kane Elizabeth Ann Nugent Melany Marie Allen Supilanas Nkeiru ThankGod Amadi Steffie Steventje Dijkstra Kaylee Lynne Karseboom Marie Nicole Nunziata Richard Ira Swaren Thea Marie Belle Anderson Kayla Dueck Amber Clara Caroline Keats Goddy Alunge Nzonji Christina Ta Rita Nneka Andrew Jamie Alison Dykstra Chelsea May Kelba Taylor O’Brien Jennifer Lynne Archer Paige Rene Eaglesham Kaitlyn Knox Mardzhona Odinaeva- Wei Tan Landyce Areshenkoff Natalia Iman Renee El Jeannette Joyce Kornak Sheffield Grace Tebe Tesi Shelby Lee Asmundson-Hall Namer Samuel Joseph Kosch Veronica Kanebi Odita Mary Thornton Tina Azimi Natnicha Ethamma Mallory Shaw Kristjanson Chinwe Getrude Omisore Adriana Caterina Todaro Hanan Baalbaki Sherry L. Flemming Kristina Mira Laban Alana Page Maria Alejandra Toro Amabelle Magalong Bacuno Jasmin Fleury Maricel Carpio Lacson Zeel Patel Sanjuan Jasmine Joyal Baker Heather Joan Fodor Katherine Angela Dawn Nicole Diana Pearson Micheline Trombley Sarah Nabulo Bamugye Heidi Forgo Lamoureux Karah Pegg Taylor Morgan Tutt Kaitlin Barr Kiera Jane Forrest Krista Kathleen Lantz Brenda Louise Peters Trixine Euneez Valeros Mikenzie Charlette Batke Jennifer Jean Forscutt Jessica Marie Larsen- Danielle Peyton Maxine Alexandra Vardy Devin Joyce Beaton Kelly Christine Fredrickson Halikowski Meighan Elizabeth Phelps Jannelle Sophie Vaughan Avery Lesley Jean Beaudin Jamie Fulcher Patricia Ann Mary Lebel Julia Price Amber-Rose Melanie Claire Robyn Benade Brittany Rachelle Gadwa Teagan Katherine Lee Tenaya Debrah Price Lindsay Patricia Billingsley Charlotte Gardiner Kathena Lin Allison Prime Vigoren Lauren Katherine Birks Kaitlin Grace Gareau Zabrina Link Tiffany Rose Primeau Samantha Jocelyn Waldal Justyne Elizabeth Boehm Georgia Marie Gerik Ka Kei Jacky Liu Laura Faye Quaale Patrice Georgia Walker Tonia Marie Lynne Bogart Selina Fay Giesbrecht Bailey Kim Locke Alessandra Danielle Brenda Lynn Whelan Rachel Bonney Keara Leigh Gillis Katelin Lomond Quartararo Rys-Ann Oralda Whyne Jessica Rinn Booth Kristin Morgan Gitzel Jessica Lindsay Loxdale Rocio Ramirez Rivera Dallyn Andrew Wirachowsky Roberta Bradley Keeta Gladue Bronwyn Morgan Shone Tamara Rascher Jessica Wloka Yonatan Moshe Braverman Mellesa Goalen Lucenko Nisha Raval Brandon Douglas Wood Noel Dianne Bray-Mills Shayna Elizabeth Gorber Candace Marie MacFarlane Chelsea Dawn Reddekop Konstantin Yemelyanov Brooke Nicola Bressette Christina Lynn Greabeiel Heather Mary Mackenzie Celeste Wavey Reid Gabriel Young Edna Tirsh Buffalo Feng Gu Nicole Louise Madamesila Darlene Rempel Dana Maria Zegers Che Lee Burnett Wendy Lynne Haley Marissa Malakoff Diane Marie Richard Yujia Zhu Alanna Maureen Campbell Trevor Simpson Hall Angelica Manalo TaShawna Marilynn Roberts Christopher Charles Cann Brittany Kathleen Hallett Taelor Dawn Elizabeth Madelaine Juliette Lucienne Courtney Shaye Zielinski Nicolle Carr Ambika Hamal Thakuri Marchant Robillard Margaret Zjadewicz Jessica Elizabeth Carroll Jillian Hannigan Sarah Mateshaytis Karina Rodriguez Gonzalez Titus Chan Bibhum Hari Emily Matheson Abigael Roth Zoe Katharine Chaytors Janette Helen Harty Kyra Brigette Rosalie Teila Paige Rowsell Tamar Cherniawsky Kelvin Hau McCarthy Marnie Beth Rusen Daniella Danelis Chikie Eman Hawamda Christie Agatha McCaw Ashleigh Sarah Christine Jeanette Lillian Alexandra Alyssia Charlotte Hawn Amanda McIvor Scarpelli Clarke Samantha Ashley Hay Rebecca Anne McMeekin Camille Rae Schulz 255 Robinson Clemente Sherri Lianne Hazell Uzma Mehreen Tessa Ann Marie Scoular Jessica Clements Jennifer Allison Irene Jacquelyn Middleton Rajitha Selvaratnam TOTAL REGISTERED Emily Elizabeth Anna Hedstrom Mikaela Jordan Mill Donald Steven Serink CLINICAL SOCIAL Connell Farrah Helwa Stephanie Ann Misura Dhruhi Shah WORKERS AS OF Fatoumata Y Conte Anna-Mariska Hemens Aisha Mohammed Jordan Sharp Kennedy Lee-ann Coston Priscilla Kashima Hibbert Faith Montehermoso Justine Crystal Sharpe JULY 15, 2020 Justin David Cottreau Katie A Hickey Stacey Lynn Morcom Victoria Onike Shears Devona Crnkovic Suzanne Louise Couturier Elyssa Hillis Erica Morrill Baylie Fau Simms Edwina Fernandes Colton Gerald Craner Rachel Hohl Nicole Mosele Courtney Simpson Susan McGowan Mary Veronica Cripton Mohamed Abdiwal Husseen Rita Lucia Motta Martinez Sabita Sitoula John Adam Cybulskie Daniel Chukwuebuka Kya Alexandra Mulholland Jenna E Skogberg Michelle Moar Kyra Kurina Davies Igwegbe Carmen Nashchuk Tanya Barbara Smith Deena Seaward Laiza Dellosa Sanjivkumar Inamdar Fidelis Ndum Taylor Soderstrom Jeffrey Whitehead Nour Deni Ayan Faisal Ismail Samater Chloe Jade Elizabeth Neifer Kimberly Lynn Stanyer Kimberly Houlihan Ciara Deschamps Kaywana James-Leon Kirsten Mae Nelson Nicole Amber Stevenson Cheryl Waite

10 FALL 2020 INDIGENOUS VOICES

Heather: When a smudge is occurring in a circle, is there a way to pass on Smudging participating in the smudge politely and respectfully? BY HEATHER JOHNSON, BSW, RSW Derek: Smudging is never mandatory. Respect for everyone’s own personal belief systems is a guiding principle in any Indigenous tradition. And yes, there is a way to pass respectfully. When the smudge is brought before you, simply place your hand over your heart. This will indicate to the person bringing you the smudge that you do not wish to participate. They will simply go on to the next person.

It is important, though, to reflect on why you are not participating. Is it because you think it is praying to a false god? Do you think it goes THE INDIGENOUS Social Work Derek: Smudging has been practiced against your religion or faith beliefs? Committee (ISWC) hopes it is helpful to by Indigenous peoples for thousands These are the things the Indigenous share some important teachings about of years. Variations of smudging have Social Work Committee has heard Indigenous protocols, ceremonies been found in many other cultures and beliefs with ACSW members. As and have even been traced back to about the practice of smudging. We the ACSW Staff Liaison to the ISWC Egyptian and Roman times. Our want all members to know that the and a non-Indigenous person, I had Elders have taught us the smudging opportunity for dialogue is open, and the privilege of asking questions to ceremony is a cleansing process questions are always welcome. expand my knowledge and ensure I whereby we “wash” ourselves with the Heather: So true. Thank you enter relationships with Indigenous smoke of medicine (sage, sweetgrass, for engaging in this important people in a respectful way. I’m happy to cedar and/or fungus can be used conversation about smudging. depending on where you are and the share this awareness with other social If anyone wants to continue this practices of that Nation). Smudging workers who might be wondering the dialogue, the Indigenous Social Work allows people to stop, become mindful same things but don’t know who or how Committee is willing. If you have to ask. These questions are important and ground themselves. Smudging other questions or comments, the because ACSW and its members have also allows people to let go the ISWC can be contacted through me at a responsibility to be actively involved negative things they may be holding [email protected]. in the Truth and Reconciliation onto, and in doing so, ask the Creator Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. for help to feel safe and calm in the moment. Smudging is one of the This edition of my conversation with more common ceremonies practiced Derek Chewka, Director of Child and and is done with the understanding Family Services at Yellowhead Tribal that things will be done “in a good Council, will focus on smudging. way.” It is also about a commitment to HEATHER JOHNSON, BSW, RSW is the What is smudging? Why is living the “good life” (which in Cree is ACSW staff liaison for the Indigenous Social Heather: Work Committee. She can be reached at

Photo by Leroy Schulz Photo by Leroy it done? referred to as miyo pimatisiwin). [email protected].

THE ADVOCATE 11 ETHICS IN ACTION PART 2 OF 2

Disclosure of Confidential Client Information: THE ELEVATED DUTY OF SOCIAL WORKERS TO SEEK CONSENT

BY BRUCE LLEWELLYN, MSW, RSW AND SHERYL PEARSON, MSW, RSW, LLB

CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONSENT treatment, follow-up, research, are ethical cornerstones of every or community intervention, or regulated profession The CASW to disclose confidential client Code of Ethics states “Social workers information. demonstrate respect for the trust and The general principles of Consent to confidence placed in them by clients, Share Information are outlined in communities and other professionals section B.5 of the ACSW Standards of by protecting the privacy of client Practice: information and respecting the client’s right to control when or B.5 Consent to Share Information whether this information will be (a) Except where otherwise permitted shared with third parties.” by these Standards (see section D.7), This is part two of a two-part series a social worker will obtain informed dealing with confidentiality and consent from a client prior to consent to share information. Part releasing any information about the one, published in the Summer 2020 client to any other party. Advocate, dealt with the principle The general rule is to obtain consent of confidentiality and exceptions to prior to releasing any information confidentiality. This article deals about a client. The exceptions to with the principle of informed confidentiality referenced in D.7 were consent, specifically consent to share discussed in part one of this article. information. Standard B.5 further provides: Consent to Share Information (c) Where legislation or agency policy The ACSW Standards of Practice 2019 permits sharing information define informed consent as: without client consent, a social worker will still seek consent unless Permission given by a client to a there is an urgent need to release social worker, based on reasonable the information without consent disclosure by the social worker and (emphasis added). understanding by the client, of the facts, risks and alternatives, to use As this provision makes evident, identified intervention procedures, it is important for social workers which may include assessment, to distinguish between when they

12 FALL 2020 are required to disclose confidential of information without consent, our At the same time, the Standards of information versus when they are Standards of Practice make clear Practice provide at B.5(b) that in all permitted to disclose confidential that social workers have an elevated circumstances where information information. ethical obligation to seek consent about a client is being released, with There are times when a social worker before disclosing the information or without the consent of the client, is required to disclose confidential (unless there is a reason not to). the following principles apply: information, for instance, when there Said another way, social workers i. Information will only be released are reasonable grounds to believe have an ethical/fiduciary obligation to those who “need to know.” that a child is at risk. In these cases, (exceeding their minimum legal ii. Only the minimum amount of a social worker must make a report obligation) to seek consent, if at all information required to address pursuant to the Child, Youth and Family possible, before disclosing client the need will be released. Enhancement Act. Another instance information, even where they are of a requirement to disclose is when a iii. The client will be provided permitted by law to disclose. To be social worker is subpoenaed to produce with information on how the clear, the expectation is not that a a client record or appear in court. information is intended to be social worker obtains consent, but used, and There are also circumstances when a rather that they seek consent. social worker is permitted to disclose iv. The client may withdraw consent client information without obtaining at any time (if it was obtained). consent, as is the case with the Health In summary, while there are Information Act and the Children exceptions to the principle on First Act. The Health Information It is important for social confidentiality and there is legislation Act (s. 35) provides that personal workers to distinguish that both requires and permits the health information may be disclosed sharing of client information without without consent to another custodian between when they are consent, the general rule is that for the purpose of providing and required to disclose a social worker will seek consent determining eligibility for health care unless there is a reason not to. Use and to a person who is responsible for confidential information your common sense about this. If a providing continuing treatment to versus when they are client/patient has already provided an individual. Similarly, the Children permitted to disclose consent to share information among First Act (s. 4) provides that a service service providers on a team or within provider may disclose to another confidential information an agency, then consent need not be service provider personal information about a child, parent or guardian, It is important to note that the ethical sought again. provided the disclosure is in the best obligation to seek consent does not For information regarding consent interest of the child. Both legislative apply when client information is and/or confidentiality with minors, provisions support the sharing of being shared among service providers visit our Guidelines on Consent and information in favour of a coordinated of the same care/service team. Confidentiality when Working with service model. For instance, in a hospital setting, Minors (acsw.ab.ca, click Social What is important to note here is that consent is not required from each Workers, then Practice Resources.) both Acts (as well as other policies client/patient for social workers to and legislation designed to enhance be able to speak to other health care collaboration through information providers on the service team. Indeed, sharing) permit the sharing of this would thwart the very purpose information but do not require it. of the health care teams and would SHERYL PEARSON and BRUCE LLEWELLYN Thus, while some legislation or render the provision of health care are Managers of Regulatory Practice for the agency policies permit the sharing services unmanageable. Alberta College of Social Workers.

THE ADVOCATE 13 VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE

the future. Have I developed a solid strategic plan? How will my business COVID-19: Crisis continue once I’m gone? Do I want to do this work until my working days are done? Maybe I should organize or Opportunity? those groups I’ve been planning to arrange. Working from home can be BY TERESA WINFIELD, MSW, RCSW an opportunity to use time previously given over to travel to gain some traction around all things business. AS A PRIVATE PRACTITIONER, it categorize stories in terms of a few is impossible to make it through a different topics: 1) How is your There are even social workers who day, much less an hour, without virtual work going? 2) Maybe I need see the silver lining in the otherwise talking about the pandemic and our to consider what I want for myself dark cloud of COVID-19. They may current situation. Conversations with and my business in the long-term, exclaim, “I’m working out every day colleagues and clients alike elicit and 3) The pandemic is a blessing in in addition to seeing my clients!”, questions, (How are you coping with disguise. “Maybe I don’t need to pay for an isolation? What is your most recent office!”, “I’ve played more board home-schooling struggle? How did games with my kids than ever!”, “I you get groceries this week?) AND never want to go back to the grind exclamations (I’m so sorry to hear of everyday life; I like things the about your job loss! I haven’t been out Private practitioners way they’ve been over the past few of my house in a week! I’m one Zoom are adept at being months!” or “My husband was so intrigued by the work I do that he’s meeting away from deciding to throw flexible and finding my technology out the window!) that decided to study social work too!” It’s seem to reflect a shared and yet varied opportunity in crisis clear some people have been treated experience for each individual and to really positive moments. While virtual work carries with family muddling their way through a When you own a business, it’s easy it some unique considerations, very strange new world. to find your stride in the good times doing it with little time to prepare Private practitioners are adept at and continue to build your dream. can be daunting. Everything from being flexible and finding opportunity However, when the universe throws equipment failures, to making sure a curve into your carefully considered in crisis, and this new reality is informed consent is achieved, to road map, it could mean it’s time likely no different. Each person must assessing risk from a distance was to dig in and hold on for the ride navigate their way through the maze shared. On the other hand, warm around the corner. Or it may be an of pandemic-related challenges while stories about having a glimpse into balancing the needs of their families, people’s homes (and sometimes a opportunity to see where the new road businesses and clients. Recently, I little too much of a glimpse – see leads you. spoke with other private practitioners “pants are mandatory when doing who shared their stories. virtual work!”), to see cherished pets What struck me wasn’t necessarily and touching moments of closeness the stressful and chaotic tales they allowed me to confirm just how much shared. Nor was it the resiliency they these clinicians were striving to do what is right by their clients. demonstrated in response. It was TERESA WINFIELD is a social worker in private truly the varied nature of experience There are stories about how the practice with 21 years of experience. She specializes in working with youth who have and the meaning that they drew pandemic made some turn inward demonstrated sexually concerning behaviours and from it that stood out. I could likely and reflect on what they want for the families who care for them.

14 FALL 2020 FEATURE STORY

Introducing IASWG Alberta: THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS

BY WILLIAM PELECH, PHD, RSW

GROUP EXPERIENCES ARE quintessential human The Alberta Chapter experiences. We are born into a group, we belong to an Just as there are many reasons to learn about how to work ever-changing group of friends, and as social workers, effectively with groups, there are important reasons to we work in a variety of groups. One does not need to lead become a member of IASWG. We are a developing chapter a therapy group to be a group worker. No matter what that offers annual training opportunities, networking, professional role we fulfil as social workers, we will always resource sharing, and informal peer support. be involved in some form of task group or committee. Indeed, in social work, work with groups ranges from Group Work Training Opportunities small social skills groups with individuals who experience The Alberta chapter recently offered two online workshops: severe mental illness, to groups charged with making Talking Circles and Social Work Group Practice and An changes to national social policy. We have all observed Inclusive Approach to Conflict Resolution. These online how groups can bring about social and cultural change. workshops and more will be offered in the fall. IASWG Jane Addams, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela Alberta members can attend the annual international effected social change through the power of groups. symposium and local conferences at a reduced rate.

Despite the power and ubiquitous nature of groups, we have Peer Support and Networking witnessed a decline in the availability of training in group work The Alberta chapter also aims to reduce the isolation felt across North America. In Alberta, while we are fortunate to by social workers who practice group work by helping have undergraduate and diploma social work programs which members make connections with fellow practitioners, offer basic training in group work, there is little available to educators and researchers. By building relationships with enhance group work practice after graduation. For this and peers and mentors, we provide an opportunity to share other reasons, a group of dedicated group workers chose to ideas and successes. form an Alberta chapter of the International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG). How to Get Involved To join the Alberta chapter, simply go www.iaswg. What is IASWG? org and click “Membership.” Once you join IASWG, IASWG is a not-for-profit international professional you automatically become a member of the Alberta organization of group workers, group work educators, chapter. For further information, please contact us at and friends of group work. Its objectives, and those of the [email protected]. Alberta chapter, are to support: • Practice and teaching of, and research into group work • Advocating for group work; teaching of group work • Sponsoring yearly international symposia on group work

• Supporting and providing programming, training and DR. WILLIAM PELECH is the chair of IASWG Alberta and served in the University networking opportunities of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work for nearly 20 years. He was presented the Killam Award for Innovation in Education and the University of Calgary Teaching • Collaboration with other group work organizations. Excellence Award for Educational Leadership.

THE ADVOCATE 15 SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

We recognize that our past plays a significant role in moving forward Inherent Dignity: to repair, heal, and reconcile relationships with marginalized communities. As a profession, we ACSW Statement must continue to raise awareness of all forms of racism, engage in difficult on Anti-Racism dialogue, reflect on professional social work practice, and take action to stop racism, discrimination, and

THE ALBERTA COLLEGE of Social social justice are core values of the oppression at all levels. Workers strongly condemns all social work profession. The CASW Social workers will continue to forms of racism, including systemic Code of Ethics guides our ethical, advocate for equity, particularly for and anti-Black racism. Negative moral, and professional conduct vulnerable and marginalized citizens. treatment and racist behaviour as social workers. Value 2: Pursuit It is our professional responsibility toward Black, Indigenous, and other of Social Justice states, “…Social to uphold our commitment to social people of colour are seen throughout workers oppose prejudice and justice and to combat all forms of Canadian society including our discrimination against any person or racism. Social workers must strive health and social service systems; group of persons, on any grounds, to be anti-racist, meaning engaging this must end. We have far to go and specifically challenge views and in the practice of identifying, in the pursuit of social justice actions that stereotype particular challenging, and changing the for racialized people, including persons or groups.” The Code also values, structures and behaviours fighting for safety from violence and states that social workers will not that perpetuate systemic racism. discrimination in the criminal justice tolerate discrimination based on age, We cannot move forward without and child protection systems, access abilities, ethnic background, gender, recognizing and learning from to a living income, adequate housing language, marital status, national the mistakes of our past, bearing and accessible health care and many ancestry, political affiliation, race, humility and a willingness for true other human rights. religion, sexual orientation or socio- collaboration and change. The inherent dignity and worth economic status (CASW Code of of all persons and the pursuit of Ethics, 2005, p.3, 5).

CONTINUING DIALOGUE“ ACSW IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING A DIALOGUE ON RACISM IN UPCOMING ISSUES OF THE ADVOCATE. OUR WINTER ISSUE WILL INCLUDE A FEATURE ARTICLE EXPLORING THE TOPIC OF ANTI-RACIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE, INCLUDING TOOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS. WE ENCOURAGE ACSW MEMBERS TO SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS ON THIS TOPIC, AS WELL AS QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS ON ANTI-RACISM THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE THE ADVOCATE EXPLORE.

16 FALL 2020 Illustration by Blackillustrations.com

RESOURCES FOR ALLIES:

ANTI-BLACK RACISM & SOCIAL WORK – 3-PART SERIES www.casw-acts.ca/en/senator-wanda- thomas-bernard-webinar-series

COLLECTIVE RAGE REQUIRES COLLECTIVE ACTION, SENATOR WANDA THOMAS BERNARD HONOURING JORDAN’S BRENÉ BROWN WITH IBRAM policymagazine.ca/collective-rage- PRINCIPLE: PUTTING X. KENDI ON HOW TO BE requires-collective-action/ KIDS FIRST AN ANTIRACIST www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/honouring- brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with- jordan%E2%80%99s-principle-putting- ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/ A SPACE FOR RACE kids-first www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/space-race THEN THEY CAME FOR ME: UNSETTLING OURSELVES: MARTIN NIEMÖLLER, RACE, HEALTH SETTLER ENGAGEMENT THE PASTOR WHO AND COVID-19 WITH TRUTH AND DEFIED THE NAZIS www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/race- RECONCILIATION author Matthew D. Hockenos health-and-covid-19 www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/unsettling- ourselves-settler-engagement-truth-and- reconciliation THE NEW SOCIAL DECOLONIZING JOURNEYS WORKER MAGAZINE: www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/ SOCIAL WORKERS: decolonizing-journeys CULTURAL SAFETY ALLIES FOR JUSTICE? IN INDIGENOUS HEALTH www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ CARE practice/social-workers-allies-justice/? CIRCLES FOR www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/cultural- RECONCILIATION safety-indigenous-health-care www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/circles- THE IFSW AFRICAN reconciliation REGION WEBINAR ENGAGING INDIGENOUS “No To Racism”: www.facebook.com/ YOUTH ifswglobal/videos/280425109827556 IN A GOOD WAY: PUTTING www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/engaging- THE TRC CALLS TO ACTION indigenous-youth INTO PRACTICE www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinar/good-way- putting-trc-calls-action-practice ALBERTA CIVIL RIGHT RESEARCH CENTRE RACISM AND POWER www.aclrc.com/racism-and-power

THE ADVOCATE 17 18 FALL 2020 FEATURE STORY

Collective Rage Requires Collective Action

BY SENATOR WANDA THOMAS BERNARD

George Floyd being killed by police in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. I know his cries for help were not unheard, they were just ignored. I see the clear parallel as the cries from African Canadians are also not unheard, just ignored. Many African Canadians have family and friends who live in the cities where protests are happening in the United States. Whether the connection is by blood or by common experience, the affinity we have with each other comes from our shared ancestry. They are our brothers and sisters. The strength of people of African descent is enormous. We have survived until this point, but we are tired. Witnessing racism in media creates a ripple of collective pain through all people of African descent. Collective pain requires collective action. Canada seems to be stuck in a state of non-action or insufficient actions. This cycle of non-action is enabled by continually occupying a state of shock and disbelief despite the continuous stream of new deaths, violence and injustices. As Angela Davis said, “It is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist”. That is also true for remaining in a state of non-action. Remaining in a state of non-racism and non-action, at this point, is as MANY CANADIANS seem to find a sense of comfort and harmful as racism itself. This is known as the bystander safety in discussing anti-Black racism at arm’s length. effect. In 2018, Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged When I hear media and people in conversation make a the United Nations’ Decade for People of African descent. distinction between current events in the United States and The Government subsequently allocated funds for Black race relations in Canada, I cringe. In our country, I see a communities in the 2018 and 2019 budgets, but change preference to discuss the strengths of multiculturalism and continues to be very slow. Despite these allocations, I hear diversity in contrast with American politics and blatant from many grassroots community groups that they face acts of violent racism. Colonialism, anti-Black racism and barriers accessing funds. Black Canadians need support white supremacy do not respect borders. I am reminded and resources to address years of neglect and indifference. of the daily racism that I experience in Canada, ranging Despite hearing from several senators on the many forms from passive-aggressive comments to outright denial of of anti-Black racism impacting Canadians during the anti- service. When I recount my experiences as a Black woman, Black Racism Inquiry in the last Parliament, other political I am often met with shock and disbelief, which results in leaders continue denying that Canada has a history of a feeling of invisibility and a denial of my reality. I heard systemic racism. Denial and ignorance enable the violence

Illustrations by Blackillustrations.com this same tone of shock as people reacted to the video of that results in our deaths.

THE ADVOCATE 19 George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek my community, for my family, especially for these two Chauvin and three of his colleagues as witnesses stood boys who are quickly growing into Black men. Too often by watching and filming it for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. when I see Black men depicted in the news, they are being This video has fueled an international rage. People of killed, or they are framed as a threat for simply existing. African descent have been expressing this same rage for Many African Canadians consistently share similar stories hundreds of years in many different forms, and yet it often with me about their daily experiences. This is why the goes ignored. Not only do we experience violence in ways message is urgent: Black Lives Matter. as tangible as seen in the video of George Floyd’s murder, On May 28, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, a young Afro- we experience violence through more subtle forms of Indigenous woman named Regis Korchinski-Paquet was racism. Both types of racism are killing us. From 2002 killed when she fell from her apartment balcony on the to 2010, I led a team of researchers who examined the 24th floor. Her family had called the police because she impact of racism and violence on the health of Black men, was in mental health distress. How does a woman in their families and communities in distress calling for help end up dead? three Canadian cities. We heard The death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet from Black Canadians about the tragically unites the injustice of missing detrimental toll racism-related and murdered Indigenous women with stress has on their lives. This misogynoir, a phrase coined by Moya racism-related stress is caused by Bailey representing the intersectional the cumulative impact of blatant experience of Black women: misogyny acts of racism, consistently being compounded with racism. Regis’ family is underestimated and undervalued, looking for an answer for what happened and over-criminalization. to their daughter, and African Canadians This burden has serious health are filled with rage and sorrow at the loss consequences for our communities. of our sister. We experience this violence daily, As I lie awake at night worrying about the in addition to the physical violence prolonged violence endured by people of seen in recent videos that have African descent, I reflect on when I have finally woken up the world to our Senator Thomas Bernard with her had this feeling before. Was it earlier this reality. There is a deep anger felt by grandsons and husband, George Bernard year when Breonna Taylor was killed in Black people in response to racism. her own apartment? Or was it in 1968, When that anger goes unexpressed, it remains unnamed hearing the accounts of the riots after Martin Luther and unacknowledged. That anger is often internalized King Jr. was killed? Was it 10 years later, in 1978, when and can erupt to a state of absolute rage. I often feel rage Buddy Evans, a young man with roots in East Preston was and have turned it into action. Over the years, I have killed by Toronto police who were later exonerated? Was strategically used my rage to fuel my activism work. it 14 years after that, in 1992, during the riots incited by The rage of protesters is the same rage. It is real, and it is the acquittal of the police officers who assaulted Rodney warranted. Until we see accountability from police, people King? Was it 22 years after that, in 2014 after the death will continue to feel forced to take the law into their own of Michael Brown? I ask myself what has changed since hands. Until we see reactions of non-violence from police these events, what we have learned, and what needs to towards Black people, we will continue to see violence happen now. I repeatedly hear leaders say that “We must erupt, mirroring systemic violence. What we are seeing do better” but at this point, those words feel empty as we now is an expression of rage in the fight against racism. find ourselves back in this place of collective grief because Black people are exhausted and frustrated. more of our brothers and sisters have been taken from us As an African Canadian, mother, wife, and grandmother so violently. “We must do better” is not a commitment to of two young Black boys, I bear the burden of stress and change. What we need to hear is who will take action, and worry of “living while Black”. This stress is for myself, for how they will do it. Black communities, Black youth and

20 FALL 2020 Black leaders are the genocidal myth ready for change. that Black lives We have been don’t matter. ready, and we We are met need partners in with violence action, not just in regardless of what words. We need BLACK we do, or how we collective action. act, simply for Since the middle LIVES being Black. of March, my mind This is why Black and work have MATTER people are protesting been occupied with that Black Lives the knowledge that Matter and why peaceful African Canadians are protests erupted into more susceptible to COVID- violent raids and looting in 19. This is due to higher rates Minneapolis and many other of pre-existing health issues, as US cities. The violence and looting we know racism-related stress takes are not about Mr. Floyd’s murder as an a toll on health. This vulnerability isolated incident, because his death is also due to an increased exposure was not an isolated incident. This to the public, as there are a higher is about the white supremacy and number of African Canadians who systemic racism that enabled his death, are employed in essential services. I and so many others. We are seeing have been advocating for the Canadian pent-up anger fueled by generations government to collect accurate data of systemic injustices that have finally disaggregated by race in order to fully erupted into rage. grasp this racial inequity and equip African Canadians are experiencing a Black communities with supports. As I cumulative exhaustion and rage that is a consequence of watch videos and news coverage of the protests erupting the collective perspective that Black lives are expendable in in American and Canadian cities in response to George Canada and the United States. The exhaustion and rage are Floyd’s death, I worry about the impact gathering in crowds an intergenerational reaction to hundreds of years of historic will put on our already vulnerable community. CNN’s The and current oppression, and messages that Black lives do Color of Covid highlights the disparities in America we not matter. Our ancestors were ignored, and we have been already knew existed. We do not yet know the full extent ignored, which is why our rage is real, and warranted. Black of the impact this pandemic is having on Black lives in Lives Matter. Canada, but we do know the “pandemic of racism” is proving to be more deadly than COVID-19. Reprinted with permission from Policy Magazine (policymagazine.ca). Ahmaud Arbery was killed by former police on February 23, 2020 in Brunswick, Georgia. Breonna Taylor was killed by police on March 13, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. George Floyd was killed by police on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All three of these deaths by police occurred during the time of this pandemic, and SENATOR WANDA THOMAS BERNARD is an Independent Senator from each of those killed were not violent. Even if they had been East Preston, Nova Scotia. As the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate, Senator Bernard advocates for reparations violent, intervention from police should not default to for the historic and continued anti-Black racism impacting the lives of ending their lives. This deadly double standard reinforces African Canadians. The Senator is also a social worker and activist.

THE ADVOCATE 21 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, CANADA TO NEPAL

BY RITA DHUNGEL, PHD, RSW

Community donations to support children in Nepal

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has impacted the global him a promise to do what I could, even without any ideas or socioeconomic environment in an unprecedented manner. It plans of how to do so. With guidance from my community is now social work’s time to shine by supporting communities practice background, I was able to initiate conversations in whatever capacities we have (Advocate, Summer about supporting the centre with friends from my social 2020). While an academic community primarily focuses work and non-social work communities. This resulted in the on scholarly activities including research, teaching and formation of a GoFundMe online fundraiser with the goal of publications for both personal and professional development, collecting CAN $5000 in donations to keep the Joint Disabled it is important for us to recognize our responsibility to engage Unity Awaz Centre’s doors open. To further meet this goal, in community building and organizing to respond to COVID- my initiative that had begun at the personal level was 19 at different levels. This is shown on the Community elevated to the international level through the involvement Engagement Pyramid (Diagram 1). of cultural communities across North America, Australia and Nepal. The role of the media, in our case the program INDRENI (an international foundation to support children in Nepal), played a critical role in collecting and delivering the money to the centre during the pandemic lockdown in Nepal. International Level Til Bahadur Karki called me the day after he received the donations, remarking, “You all saved my life, my children’s Structural Level lives. I was actually in the position of committing suicide. I did not have any other options. I had no hope.” I was Community/Societal Level speechless. He noted, “This proves that humanity can still prevail”. Overall, grounded in my own experiences

Personal Level and narratives, this initiative showed me that we all can have the capacity for community support and change, regardless of our professions, backgrounds or heritage. Diagram 1 It is imperative to assess our own strengths and explore potential ways we can take actions to support and build safe, welcoming and inclusive communities. Community Building from Canada to Nepal On March 29th, I received a phone call from Til Bahadur Karki, the founder of the Joint Disabled Unity Awaz Centre in Nepal. He spoke in a desolate tone and confided, “Our 48 children are going to be on streets if I don’t pay the rent, and there is no way I as a person with a disability can pay the rent RITA DHUNGEL is an assistant professor at MacEwan University’s School of during this pandemic… now I am devastated. There is no Social Work, Faculty of Health and Community Studies. Rita strongly believes in hope.” I felt the immediate urge to support him and made social change through community-based research and transformative learning.

22 FALL 2020 DIPLOMA DIALOGUES

PRACTICUM IN THE TIME OF COVID BY THALIA ANDEREN, MSW, RSW

7cups.com: an on-demand emotional health service and online therapy provider

WHO WOULD FEEL comfortable having surgery performed histories and contemporary issues), which aided in skills by a doctor who learned solely by reading textbooks building with diverse populations and provided students and watching YouTube videos, yet had never engaged in with micro-credentials they would not likely receive or supervised practice with patients? As social workers, we have time for traditionally. recognize the value practicums provide for students and Complementary reflective activities allowed students to be agencies, especially in affording students opportunities to vulnerable and “dig deep” into what they were learning. apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Utilizing case studies based on real clients, students The practicum placement process can be complex and time- practiced completing case notes, service, and discharge consuming in the best of circumstances. The pandemic plans. Students were also connected with various agencies presented social work programs with new challenges. to learn about the agencies, the populations they served, Various programs were tasked with developing up to and the client experience from intake to discharge. 350-plus hours of alternate learning activities when Presenting their learnings through power points and in agency-based practicums were no longer an option. While discussion boards afforded first and second-year students daunting, it has allowed programs to be innovative, with the opportunity to learn from each other. numerous opportunities for students to collaborate with Overall, students remarked that being a 7 Cups listener and agencies and engage in hands-on learning. participating in simulation and integrative activities allowed Questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of an them to practice social work skills with diverse individuals alternate practicum experience compared to a traditional and be creative in their responses. Students valued the ability agency-based practicum. At Bow Valley College, we have to connect with their faculty supervisor in a way they would been inspired by the successes of the alternate practicum. not have in a traditional practicum, and that participating in Students have had an integrative and practical learning the same activities as their classmates allowed them to learn experience - and even remarked they had opportunities more from each other. they would not have had in agency-based practicums. One While an alternative practicum cannot replace a traditional activity all students were involved in was with 7 Cups of agency-based practicum, this has demonstrated that Tea, a program where trained listeners offer virtual support students can still receive a rich learning experience with to individuals around the world. While listeners do not direct practice opportunities that may change the future of require professional backgrounds, 7 Cups allowed students social work practicums altogether. to utilize social work skills directly with individuals seeking support for a variety of issues, while engaging in reflective activities to assess their learning. The alternate practicum allowed students to engage in trainings and simulation programs, including the Brain Story (certification to understand brain development) and THALIA ANDEREN, MSW, RSW, is the Program Chair of the Social Work Indigenous Canada (an online course exploring Indigenous and Addiction Studies Diploma programs at Bow Valley College.

THE ADVOCATE 23 24 FALL 2020 FEATURE STORY

Shifting Practices: INNOVATIVE SOCIAL WORK DURING COVID-19

BY EMILY RENDELL-WATSON

WHEN THE PANDEMIC BEGAN, social workers across “that would feel comforting and medicinal in their own Canada had to quickly find new and creative ways to way,” she explained. “You become the eyes and the hands continue their practices. Many adapted to working from for them.” home, navigating how to connect with clients virtually. The As the months unfolded, Ames drew strength from following stories profile four Alberta social workers and working alongside health care colleagues and collaborating how they’ve each been resilient in tackling new challenges, to solve problems in real time through the stress of the all while supporting clients and their colleagues. pandemic. (Please note: this story was written in July 2020 and may “Our greatest strength is our ability to gather together not reflect the current state of the pandemic, or work to connect, communicate and cooperate. Alone we are situations for each of the four social workers profiled.) vulnerable, together we can be strong.”

Lindsay Ames Debbie Kozdrowski As a medical social worker When Westlock’s Aspen in the University of Alberta Primary Care Network had Hospital’s intensive care unit, to close its doors to the Lindsay Ames, BSW, RSW, public, the first thing Debbie has been on the frontlines Kozdrowski, RSW, did was of the COVID-19 pandemic. go through the Standards of She provides family support, Practice for social work. which involves facilitating communication, crisis Kozdrowski, a Behavioural intervention, grief and end of life care, as well as practical Health Practitioner, knew assistance and supportive counsel to help people navigate she would have to rely on her training and expertise to the health care system. get through the pandemic as the only social worker in her workplace. Ames knew that families would be impacted by provincial visitor guidelines, and even more so if their loved one “It was the Standards of Practice that I used to start tested positive for COVID-19. providing some guidance and directional insight: to determine what was the best way for me to provide services “Families are experiencing a high level of stress because to my clients, what were the challenges — there are a lot of they are reacting and responding to the larger picture of a barriers in rural areas,” said Kozdrowski. pandemic and are also navigating a critical care admission that could be directly related to the pandemic,” Ames Westlock is about 85 kilometres north of Edmonton. said. “I had to keep my wits about me and figure out the Kozdrowski worried about her clients being able to access new needs emerging … to empathize as well as strategize the internet, or if they had devices through which they around what families would need.” could connect to her. When families couldn’t come inside the unit to visit, She handles the early intervention component of Ames would go and meet them outside of the hospital. helping people learn how to better manage symptoms of Some dropped off iPads filled with music or sacred texts depression, anxiety, stress, and more.

THE ADVOCATE 25 “The other issue with virtual was privacy at home. I had “I’ve had to get more creative and really do my research … some clients saying, ‘Even if I had it, I wouldn’t do it. It’s to fill those gaps.” too weird. It’s too awkward’,” she said. Kozdrowski decided Luckily, new programs have been created to help out, like to connect with clients by phone. charities that have started delivering groceries to seniors She said she usually relies heavily for free. on psychoeducational material With the increased mental health stress to support her work and trying to of COVID-19, Ikuta has also noticed explain the methodology over the that many of her clients have increased phone was challenging. Our greatest strength their use of addictive substances, “It forced me to slow down and think is our ability to gather which has prompted her to respond this through to ask myself, how do I with a harm reduction approach. be precise and clear enough to really together to connect, “So (I’ve been) having ongoing take this image and paint it in my communicate and conversations with those clients, client’s mind? So that’s actually been making sure that they have access good for me because it’s really forced cooperate. to support, and working with them me to take that step back and think creatively to make sure that they try to things through to vocalize them,” minimize their use as much as possible while also making she explained, adding that in many ways, the pandemic sure that they have a safe amount,” Ikuta said. has made her step outside of her comfort zone, which has ultimately made her a better social worker. Joan Chambers Charlotte Ikuta Before the pandemic began, Joan Chambers, BSW, RSW, Charlotte Ikuta, BSW, RSW, was working with a group is a homecare case manager of clients using dialectical in Edmonton with Alberta behavior therapy (DBT), Health Services. Her role focusing on regulating skills includes working with clients and identifying the best to organize in-home support supports for stressful moments. for homecare services and also But that work was forced to a figuring out what other kinds halt when she had to shift to of health professionals may working from home. benefit them. “We were really struggling with not being able to The risk of COVID-19 has meant she’s had to think outside complete that course. And we really felt it was important the box to find a balance of ensuring clients have access that we were able to do that,” said Chambers, who is a to the care and services they need, but to minimize any Family Mentor with Hull Services in Calgary. She works potential exposure. For a short time at the beginning of the with families who have an adult with a suspected or pandemic, there was a transition to offering only essential diagnosed mental illness. Most of the work is with the services for some clients, which Ikuta said was a challenge. adult who is struggling, but she also works on developing family dynamics. “We’re trying to reduce the amount of staff that are going into that home, and how many times a day they’re going Chambers and her colleague decided to turn to Zoom to in, to reduce everyone’s chances of contracting COVID-19,” complete the course, an unfamiliar platform that came Ikuta explained. “I think it brought out the resiliency of our with its own set of challenges, including reading body clients, and families really stepped up in amazing ways.” language when you can only see a client’s face. Many of the resources and services she normally accesses “Sometimes you get those mixed messages when you see for clients, like food support, clothing or furniture, were the whole body. They may seem just fine but you can tell closed or working at reduced hours. by their body stance that maybe they’re not so fine,” she

26 FALL 2020 explained. “You have to be more mindful of watching to visiting her clients’ homes and interacting face-to-face little subtle cues within their facial expressions.” once it’s safe to do.

She initially thought they’d lose clients by taking DBT Each of these four social workers have experienced online, but the opposite has happened — clients were change and tackled new challenges because of more engaged than ever. COVID-19 -- from taking client meetings online to “They’re sharing faster than I’ve seen in the past. Working seeking out innovative programs to fill the gaps. If with clients has actually enhanced our ability to reach them at a different level now,” Chambers said. you want to share how your social work practice has changed during the pandemic, please email ACSW at Her clients have had to apply the skills they’ve worked on throughout the pandemic, with many of them at home [email protected]. full-time with families. “They’re learning how to communicate differently and more effectively because they have to communicate together,” she said. “I think everyone’s learning to adjust to this new norm.” Despite the success in taking her practice online, EMILY RENDELL-WATSON is an Edmonton-based multimedia journalist. When she’s not chasing a story, you can find her coaching speed Chambers said she is still looking forward to returning skating or adventuring in the backcountry with her rescue dog, Abby..

THE ADVOCATE 27 SOCIAL WORK WEEK

PART TWO Cold Lake SPECIAL SERIES

BSW, RSW

28 FALL 2020 COVER STORY & SPECIAL SERIES • PART 2: COLD LAKE SEEING THE GOOD AS TOLD TO JERRY CORDEIRO OF THE HUMANS EXPERIENCE

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

JACINTA JANVIER, SW DIP, RSW

urrently, I work as a Healthy Families Home Visitation Worker with Native Counselling Services of Alberta. I work with parents who have childrenC from prenatal to 5 years old. We help monitor their child’s development. We also help families develop goals and encourage them to reach the goals that they set. We teach life skills and provide referrals. A typical day for me really varies. Some families just need me to come in and do the assessment on their child, whereas some families are struggling and might need more assistance in their life. Some things that I help with are transportation to the food bank, medical and legal appointments. I help with resumes as well as taking them to Alberta Works to look for work and get assistance for financial aid. I came into this profession a long time ago, but I just didn’t know that there was a name for it. I enjoyed helping people and making positive differences in people’s lives and in the community. My mindset was a lot like everyone out here that social workers just take kids away and that it wasn’t something I wanted to do. However, one day a colleague was applying to teach social work and I had made a joke that if she ever taught social work, I would sign up and be her student. Well, what do you know, she got the job and that’s how I ended up becoming a social worker. While going to school, I learned that there was more to social work then just taking children away, and even that mindset was gone. Social workers help lessen the burden SW Dip, RSW that one may be carrying to make it lighter. They fight Jacinta for social justice and help make a positive difference in people’s lives and their community. They’re role models

THE ADVOCATE 29 that people seek out when they need help…. It’s always been a passion of mine to make a difference in people’s lives and it’s even better that you get paid to do something that you love. Cold Lake  When it comes to social work, you are not in it for the money: you are in it to make a positive difference in POPULATION: 14,961 (2016 CENSUS) people’s lives. You become the voice of those who don’t have one. You advocate and support people in need. LOCATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY. THE COLD LAKE FIRST Social work is life, you have a new awareness and you NATIONS INCLUDE ALMOST 3000 MEMBERS. see things differently than before. HOME OF CANADIAN FORCES BASE COLD LAKE

PORTAGE COLLEGE OFFERS THE LISA MURPHY, BSW, RSW COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

work in the prevention and diagnosis and offer COLD LAKE IS ALBERTA’S SEVENTH LARGEST LAKE AND IS intervention supports for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum HOME TO ALMOST 300 SPECIES OF BIRDS I Disorder (FASD), a disability that affects four KINOSOO BEACH WAS NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 BEACHES percent of Canadians. Through advocacy and education, IN CANADA BY CANADIAN GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE we support individuals with FASD, their families and the community to understand the disability, and abilities of each individual. their father. Trying to find some hope while piecing our In my role, I manage the day-to-day operations of our lives together. I didn’t get through any of these losses on organization. I meet with the staff and help them to work my own. I had a team of people— friends, family, and through some of the challenges they face when supporting my social work coworkers— picking me up each time I our clients. I support my staff to look at each unique case questioned the point of it. and find solutions that would be most beneficial to the client. The scope of social work practice is really so broad. When I started, I never imagined I could be where I am today. This I don’t know that there was any one moment in my life that was a dream I thought could never be attainable, but I had lead me to social work. As a child, I was always drawn to people who believed in me, people who never gave up on helping people. I strongly felt that every person deserved to me, people to cheer me on. And that’s what social work is be happy and loved. I refused to believe that some humans all about. were bad and not worth putting faith in. It was this deep- rooted feeling that set me on my path to social work. Social workers play an important role in many people’s lives, LYLA ALLAN, RSW advocating for those who may have a challenging time advocating for themselves. instruct and coordinate the Community Social Work I think the most rewarding part of my job is helping others program at Portage College. Our team provides to see the good in difficult situations, focusing on all I students in rural northern Alberta generalist social successes no matter how small these successes are. My work education. The two-year diploma allows students hope is to guide others to see good, find a reason to keep to start their social work career as soon as they finish. going and to find their passion. I want others to find hope. Each day brings its own adventures. Days may include meetings, phone calls, dealing with students, instruction I’ve dealt with my own life challenges, losing people really and paperwork. Every day is busy, and I attempt to create close to me because of addiction, mental health, medical positive solutions and impacts on the people I connect with complications and accidents. Standing by my friends while on a daily basis. they (and their children) go through a divorce. Watching my young children as we grieved together at the loss of The social work field was a natural fit for me. I was the

30 FALL 2020 LylaRSW

oldest of four children in a Chinese immigrant family. I actually did not start off in social work because I would Being the oldest child to immigrant parents brought about have had to move away to go to university and my parents certain responsibilities and expectations. I was responsible needed me to stay and help with the business. I ended up for assisting in the operation of the family restaurant at our local university and took a Bachelor of Education business and providing the supports necessary to maintain and went into teaching. When we moved to Alberta, I was the regular day-to-day business. If there were any called by the superintendent of the school division to teach questions or concerns that my parents had, I was tasked at the local women’s shelter. This is when I was fortunate to find the answers. Anything from dishes, replenishing to become immersed in teaching and social work. I always supplies and completing the financial books were a few of say I am fortunate to have the best of both worlds; my my roles. As the eldest, I was expected to be the “helper”, desire to teach and do social work were both fulfilled. but it was also a natural role for me. I interpreted for my Teaching and social work are both roles where advocacy parents, my grandparents, aunts and uncles as well as is involved. I believe that social workers are important to cousins. I enjoy helping others and if I can assist in making advocate and assist in the betterment of all. life a little easier for others, that is very fulfilling for me. JERRY CORDEIRO founded the Humans Experience in 2014.

THE ADVOCATE 31 FEATURE STORY

Andrea Heinz: Levels of Exploitation

BY KATHY KING, RETIRED SOCIAL WORKER

ANDREA HEINZ resides in Edmonton. She KK: You mention three levels of involvement. holds a Correctional Services diploma and AH: Yes, I also like to use the iceberg analogy. Most sexual is completing her final year of a Bachelor of exploitation is submerged or hidden from sight although Professional Arts in Governance, Law and society is slowly becoming more aware of the extent of Management. She is an advocate, educator, filmmaker and human trafficking. There are over 10 million people, proud mother of three young children. Her passion, based mostly women and children, around the world who have on previous life experience, is to create awareness about been forced into the sex trade. These are the Level 1 commercial sexual exploitation and to facilitate exit strategies providers who have no personal agency. for those wanting to leave the so-called “industry.” To that end, she developed the InSTEP Model: Insights from Sex Trade KK: Were you one of those? Experienced Persons, in which she identifies optimal exit points. AH: No, I was the tip of the iceberg, licensed by my city and living the “happy hooker” myth. I decided to do what I did InSTEP Model to get out of serious debt and then stayed because I became TIPPING POINT caught in an unsustainable lifestyle of seemingly easy money. Looking back, I label myself “quasi-autonomous” STAGE 1 STAGE 2 or Level 2 in that I did make a voluntary decision, albeit based on financial constraints.

KK: And who are Level 3? AH: They are a very small minority of women who have other economic options and claim to love what they do. PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4 They are often privileged and vocal, and, unfortunately, do ENTRY POSITIVE ACTIVE NEGATIVE ACTIVE EXIT not seem to understand how proclaiming their enthusiasm 2 STAGES minimizes the tragic experience of exploitation that POINTS OF INTERCEPTION defines the majority of sex providers. Kathy King: Congratulations on the development of your KK: Just so I understand, you were part of an in- paper and thank you for taking the time to further explain between group, not trafficked, not living your dream, but your InSTEP Model. I am moved by the candid disclosure of participating for financial gain? your seven years in commercial sexual exploitation and your motivation to help others who want out of a similar journey. AH: Yes, that is a critical part of my model. I made an unfortunate decision based on extreme financial distress. Andrea Heinz: Thank you. I feel very fortunate to have The reflections I share have been corroborated by many exited after seven years of licensed exploitation without other women. serious physical trauma or addictive habits. Part of my motivation is to expose prevailing myths so that we as KK: Please describe the model. You said it will help a society can offer helpful alternatives to individuals, readers understand the internal process of quasi- particularly women, caught in the sex trade. autonomous providers. AH: First is the Entry phase. It is important to understand

32 FALL 2020 that most providers are ambivalent in the beginning and usually driven by financial desperation. Following that, however, they move into what I call the Positive Active stage. The monetary rewards are high enough that negative experiences tend to be discounted or deemed worth the sacrifice. Women at this stage will justify and defend their choices.

KK: How long does that stage typically last? AH: It really varies. Some women leave quickly. Others sit in that phase for a very long time if they are better able to dissociate - or they develop an addiction (substance and/or process) to help them cope. Other women may try different tactics within the industry, such as I did, to see if running my own studio could reduce the harm I experienced. KK: You mentioned that once providers pass the Tipping KK: Is harm inevitable? Point, they never go back. What happens if they can’t AH: Yes, the harm is insidious and pervasive. Even though figure out an exit plan or if can’t find the resources they money is exchanged, the emotional impact of providing need? services is similar to being sexually violated over and over AH: They run the risk of becoming dead inside, completely several times a day. Women also need to be continually on dissociated from a sense of themselves, or they may spiral guard for degradation, physical and verbal abuse, being short- into despair. That was a very frightening period for me, changed by customers, being filmed without their knowledge, when I realized I was so “numbed out,” I didn’t feel real. I and dealing with unbelievably disgusting requests. often fantasized about suicide as a way of ending the daily pain and struggle. KK: That sounds like a lot to handle on a regular basis. AH: Definitely, and that leads to the Tipping Point when KK: That sounds like a sad place to be. What do you hope the rewards no longer justify the abuse. readers will learn from your model? AH: (1) When providers call on feminist principles and KK: Is that when providers make a change? speak out about their right to “work,” it is important AH: Unfortunately, it’s often not that simple. Most to realize they are at just one stage of their journey; (2) providers move through what I call the Negative Active Commercial sexual exploitation exists within gender-based Phase. The first phase is shedding denial and the second inequality and is intrinsically damaging to providers; phase is beginning to look at options. That can be a and (3) We as a society need to recognize the inherent difficult time because women face a number of challenges. exploitation and be prepared to provide realistic exit They still have bills and expenses, they still have limited support to those who enter quasi-voluntarily as well to the education, they lack employable skills, they may have millions who have been trafficked. addictions or mental health issues, they often feel stigmatized or criminalized by larger society, their self- esteem may have taken a hit from years of abuse, and they may be anxious about leaving relative economic security.

KK: It sounds difficult. AH: Yes, many women attempt to exit a number of times KATHY KING is a retired clinical social worker who became an independent before they are finally able to put their old life behind social advocate. Always concerned for the poor and disadvantaged, her involvement became more personal when her teen daughter began to and establish some sort of new financial stability. Many experiment with drugs, developed recurring psychosis, and disappeared from different supports can be helpful during that time, such the streets of Edmonton in 1997. As well as volunteering, writing and public speaking, Kathy developed a website, MissingCara.ca, and Facebook page, as financial literacy, trauma counselling, career planning, Missing Cara, which share her daughter’s story and provide information about and bursaries. vulnerability, exploitation, trauma and healing.

THE ADVOCATE 33 FEATURE STORY

The Cost of Being Seen: CALGARY’S BAN ON CONVERSION THERAPY

BY HOLLY JENKINS, BSW, RSW

ON MAY 25TH, 2020, Calgary’s City Council put members conversion therapy due to their gender, sexual identity, of the LGBTQ2S+ communities in an impossible position: and/or expression. to either face the danger that accompanies being visible While we celebrate the passing of this bylaw, we cannot and speaking out, or to stay silent and let a decision about ignore the divisive nature of this process, which remains their rights be made without them. traumatizing and painful. For countless individuals who What took place on this day was the momentous event identify as LGBTQ2S+, this was not the first time they have of Calgary’s ban on conversion therapy, making Calgary had to live through the harm and violence of defending the seventh municipality in Alberta to do so. The bylaw their own existence. would prohibit conversion therapy as a business, ban “Calgary wants to be inclusive by painting Pride flags on advertising and carry a possible $10,000 fine and year- the sidewalk, but the fact that we can debate the morality long prison term. of conversion therapy shows how little of a human lens Formalized in January 2020, the Alberta Assembly of LGBTQ2S+ people are seen through. My sexuality doesn’t Social Workers (AASW) is an anticolonial, antiracist, and make me less of a human, nor should my safety be equity-seeking civil society action group. While the AASW conditional on whether or not I supply a group of strangers was born from the call for justice for the with a good enough reason to protect Wet’suwet’en, the AASW’s work thus far my rights,” says Sebastian Pears, a is structured around a need for mutual member of the AASW. “Those Pride aid and community care as we provide a flags represent visibility - that’s great. quick response to calls for action during Visibility has to be met However, visibility has to be met with safety and we can’t have safety until we COVID-19. Upon hearing about the with safety and we can’t City Council meeting and the option to have criminalized conversion therapy engage in the discourse surrounding have safety until we have within all levels of government.” the rights of LGBTQ2S+ community criminalized conversion Similar perspectives shared by AASW members, the AASW held a planning therapy within all levels LGBTQ2S+ members focused not only meeting to support this bylaw. We on the burden of performing their recognized the necessity of this bylaw of government own worth, but also the exhaustion to preserve the safety and mental health that comes with the unrelenting of LGBTQ2S+ identified persons and prevent the further need to validate one’s own life. Such statements reinforce stigmatization, segregation, and outright violence these the experiences of harm that accompany the need for persons face. This call to action fell well within our social LGBTQ2S+ peoples to risk their safety in order to be work practice, as conversion therapy directly endangers acknowledged by cis/heteronormative society. These the rights and dignity of persons (CASW, 2005). expressions solidified the AASW’s resolve to call on AASW members submitted written statements to their the voices of allies to speak during this traumatizing city councillors, and called in to the council meeting to and painful process, while ensuring a continuum of urge Calgary’s municipal government to take action to community care. protect the rights and safety of all persons, specifically This was especially important to counter the those targeted by the harmful and archaic practices of irresponsibility of the City Council in opening the floor up

34 FALL 2020 for public debate, subjecting members of the LGBTQ2S+ Canada and needs our support to hear this call to action. community to a flood of oppressive and unsubstantiated Additionally, the Government of Alberta will require a claims from those who opposed the bylaw. strong and united call to move forward with this essential “I wish that my first act of public membership in the work for LGBTQ2S+ rights. queer community could have been something joyous. For all of those who have been touched by this event, Instead it was marked by the very reasons I stayed please know that we stand with you, and will move forward closeted by 25 years: for fear that others would try to with you to have all levels of government ban “conversion convince me that something was wrong with me,” said therapy.” With the passing of this bylaw, we are excited AASW member Caeleb R. Goff. “Because I have hidden, to see Calgary evolve into a stronger community that I have been able to avoid the comments I heard at this centralizes safety, genuine acceptance, connection, and meeting being directed at me specifically, but even hiding well-being. cannot prevent the pain that such discriminatory words cause. And yet, I felt a hope for the future and connection with each member of my community and allies that spoke up that day and continue to speak up. We won and we will continue to win.” Goff reminds us that the work is not over, and we must continue to build bridges as allies if we are to continue HOLLY JENKINS is a new graduate of the University of Calgary’s Social Work program and an active member of the AASW. She writes from to win against injustice. Our federal government has Calgary and would like to acknowledge the other members of the Alberta discussed banning so-called conversion therapy in Assembly of Social Workers for their work used within this article.

THE ADVOCATE 35 IN A CAREER THAT HAS spanned nearly 30 years, Michael DAY IN THE LIFE Hoyt has been involved with family violence prevention from a variety of angles. He started as a psychologist’s assistant, conducting assessments and writing reports to form pre-sentencing recommendations for criminal cases including domestic violence. Eventually he began running programs, first for domestic violence perpetrators, and later for individuals who had been caught shoplifting. Running the programs inspired Hoyt to become a social worker. “I didn’t want to psychologize problems,” he says. “I was seeing that problems, for a lot of people, were not just related to their personal capacity, that there were social barriers we needed to address. The idea that we could teach women to be assertive was not going to end domestic violence, certainly not with the attitudes and structures in our society, and the way we privilege some people over others, men over women. There’s a social lens on that problem.” Hoyt, who had a BSc in psychology from the University of Alberta, went back to school,earning his BSW at the University of Calgary (U of C) in 1994. He continued providing intervention services, working with perpetrators at the Edmonton Family Violence, Treatment, and Education Centre. Hoyt is now a Community Social Worker with the City of Edmonton’s Family Violence Prevention Team. His job is to BY DEBBY WALDMAN build connections between the agencies and service providers that develop programs to engage men and help them build healthy relationships and become positive caregivers. The network he has built is vast. It includes the Edmonton region of the Alberta Father Involvement Initiative, The MICHAEL Terra Centre for Teen Parents, NextGen Edmonton, Getting Ready for Inclusion Today (GRIT) Edmonton, the U of C Faculty of Social Work, Edmonton Police Service (EPS), and HOYT the Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention BSW, RSW Initiative network in Edmonton. “A lot of my work has been getting these people together, looking for ways to answer questions that men have, to meet the needs that men have, and making sure that we have spaces where men feel comfortable going to address those concerns,” Hoyt says. Hoyt learned the importance of identifying those spaces early in his career, when Planned Parenthood Edmonton hired him as the first male to provide counselling services. Many

36 FALL 2020 couples were seeking advice, and the staff concluded it would be helpful to have a social worker with whom expectant fathers could identify. It wasn’t as helpful as hoped, Hoyt recalls somewhat ruefully. “It turned out that the man’s role was to drop the woman off and wait, in the car, or a coffee shop, while the woman talked to a counsellor.” The experience taught Hoyt an important lesson: if you’re going to initiative, the Project to End Domestic “People would turn to me and say, engage men, you need to meet them Violence. As part of an examination ‘I don’t think resources should go where they are most comfortable. of how communities can address to men until every woman is safe in It’s what initially led him to begin family violence, it identified seven the City of Edmonton.’ But we have networking in earnest, which entry points to engage men in had a lot of progress since then—we turned out to be an unexpectedly primary prevention. are becoming much more aware of the value of engaging men as part of illuminating experience. In an effort to increase the number the solution, and we have a lot more Hoyt discovered quickly that it of entry points in the Edmonton knowledge of how to do that.” wasn’t only the men seeking help area, Hoyt and his network of service who were disconnected from the providers are working to introduce an It’s not an exaggeration to say that right resources: many of his male Australian program, “The Men’s Sheds social work is all-encompassing Edmonton-area colleagues who were Movement.” In Australia, a shed is for Hoyt. His wife is also a social leaders in the field—activists, service similar to a garage, a place where guys worker—they met while he was doing providers, agency directors—didn’t hang out and work together. Men’s a placement at the Bissell Centre and even know each other. Sheds provide a place to network, she was dropping off her resume. They often spend holidays supporting “They had never met,” Hoyt recalls. converse, and do something creative projects and scholarship funds in El He began bringing his colleagues to move out of social isolation. “If the Salvador where she was born. together. “There is no way that I can door is open on the shed and somebody fully understand the nature of the is down there puttering around, it tends “Some of those students go on to problem unless I have connections to gather men,” Hoyt explains. post-secondary education and acquire degrees with the promise that they will with the broader community,” he says. What has happened in Australia and go back to their communities and serve For example, EPS provides a picture of increasingly in Edmonton and area, … areas that are quite disadvantaged,” what domestic violence looks like in the is that groups are building sheds Hoyt says. “A great joy in our life is community. Researchers help Hoyt to where men can meet and talk about accompanying our friends in the south, understand some of the challenges men whatever is on their minds. “These same as in the north, toward becoming face in achieving good relationships, become centres where men can get the best that we can be.” health, and well-being. Agencies information, because guys typically provide clarity on what programs are are not networked and socialized in the available. People in communities are same way that women are,” Hoyt says. essential because “we cannot do this Traditionally, programs to support work for other people,” he says. “We parents have been designed for can only do it with them.” and appeal primarily to mothers. DEBBIE WALDMAN is an Edmonton writer whose work has appeared in publications including One of Hoyt’s latest projects draws Hoyt recalls that when he began his People, Parents, and Publishers Weekly. She also on research conducted by a U of C networking mission in the early 2000s, writes books for children.

THE ADVOCATE 37 All CTRI Workshops are approved by ONLINE VIRTUAL ASWB TRAINING OPTIONS CATEGORY A COMPETENCY CREDIT FALL 2020

FREE RESOURCES PROVIDING SUPPORT REMOTELY–Strategies for Helping from a Distance September 22 ADDICTIONS & MENTAL ILLNESS–Working with Co-occurring Disorders September 24 & November 4 Every month we offer a different free on-demand webinar. We also have free ANXIETY IN CHILDREN & YOUTH–Practical Intervention Strategies September 26 e-manuals, handouts, assessment tools, as well as a free MANAGING DIFFICULT PHONE CALLS October 1 on-demand workshop. DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY–Balancing Acceptance & Change October 5, 7 & November 30

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY–Tools for Thinking Differently October 7

PLAY THERAPY–Tools for Helping Children & Youth October 20

TRAUMA–Strategies for Resolving the Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress October 21-22 MEMBER PLAN CRITICAL INCIDENT GROUP DEBRIEFING October 28 CTRI offers a membership plan that provides the member with unlimited access to our on-demand BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER–Understanding & Supporting October 29 1-hour webinars as well as special BRIEF FOCUSED COUNSELLING SKILLS–Strategies from Leading Frameworks November 2-3 discounts and promotions. Visit HARM REDUCTION–A Framework for Change, Choice, & Control November 5 our website for details. ANXIETY–Practical Intervention Strategies November 16

DEPRESSION–Practical Intervention Strategies November 17

AUTISM–Strategies for Self-Regulation, Learning, and Challenging Behaviours November 18-19 www.ctrinstitute.com [email protected] All workshops run from 9 am - 4 pm CT. Please visit our website for details on more workshops Please visit our website for details and registration. coming this November/December. 877.353.3205

THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY The Advocate is the official publication of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties. The Advocate Editorial Board encourages submissions from all social work practice areas and perspectives, including: social work research, theory, practice, and education; social justice initiatives; the work of the College; member activities; continuing education; reviews of books, journals, and other media of interest to social workers. Articles of up to 1000 words and letters of up to 500 words will be considered, but publication is not guaranteed. Submissions from ACSW members will be given preference. Copy may be edited to fit the space available or for legal or other reasons. Please contact the ACSW office for full submission guidelines. PUBLICATION SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES Spring issue: January 1 deadline for general submissions (articles, letters, etc.) January 15 for advertising Summer issue: April 1 for general submissions April 15 for advertising Fall issue: July 1 for general submissions July 15 for advertising Winter issue: October 1 for general submissions October 15 for advertising

ALL SUBMISSIONS The Advocate, ACSW, 550 10707 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Charity Lui: [email protected] • PHONE: 780-421-1167 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-661-3089 • FAX: 780-421-1168

38 FALL 2020 FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Advocate’s For Your Information section gives preference to Alberta-based educational opportunities and non-profit events for social workers. Send your submissions to Carlena Johnson at [email protected].

www.covenanthealth.ca/innovations/ Save the date! palliative-institute/annual-palliative- education-research-days 2021 Alberta College of Social Workers PARTNERS Conference Parkland Institute 2020 Conference May 25 – 27, 2021 November 20 – 22, 2020 ACSW’S PUBLIC POLICY PARTNERS BMO Centre on Stampede Park - Calgary Details to be announced. and online www.parklandconference.ca Edmonton Social Planning Council edmontonsocialplanning.ca Transforming the Field Diverse Voices Family Violence Virtual  Conference Friends of Medicare Education Landscape friendsofmedicare.org Virtual Field Summit November 12-13, 2020 Public Interest Alberta Presentations, discussions, workshops and This two-day conference is the largest annual pialberta.org more were part of this July summit for educators, family violence conference in Western Canada. students, researchers and practitioners https://diverse-voices.com/ Parkland Institute Recordings and content online now! ualberta.ca/parkland Indigenous Canada https://tfelproject.com/virtual-field-summit/ University of Alberta Massive Open Canadian Association of Social Online Course Workers Webinars Online, free / Registration open now Free, on-demand This free course explores Indigenous histories Recent webinar topics include Self-Awareness: and contemporary issues in Canada. The First Step to Anti-Racism; Canadian https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions- Immigration Policies and Family Reunification: programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/ ADVOCATE DEADLINES Implications for Social Work; Grief in the Time index.html of COVID-19: Lessons for Social Work. SUBMISSION https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars, or on DEADLINE YouTube under CASW, Playlists. For the Winter 2020 issue 31st Annual Palliative Education & Research of the Advocate is Day Virtual Conference October 1, 2020 Kaleidoscope of Diversity: Honouring All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui Individuality in Palliative Care [email protected] October 19, 2020 Our ability to recognize our implicit biases towards race, ethnicity, religion, sexual AD DEADLINE orientation, and other stereotypes influences patient-provider interaction. For the Winter 2020 issue of the Advocate is October 15, 2020 All ad inquiries to Visit the ACSW Events Calendar to find more training, events and workshops, [email protected] at acsw.ab.ca, Social Workers tab, Calendar of Events.

THE ADVOCATE 39 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 550 10707 100 AVE NW EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE

ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE MARCH 25 - 27, 2021 BMO CENTRE AT STAMPEDE PARK – CALGARY AND ONLINE