FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE The Value of One Solid Connection: The Mental Health of Public Members Social Work & Child Welfare Black Youth in Alberta

VOLUME 46 | ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 THE www.acsw.ab.caADVOCATEALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

CHILD POVERTY DURING A PANDEMIC SEE STORIES ON PAGES 6, 8, & 12

1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN ALBERTA 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE | MARCH 25 - 27, 2021

MARCH 25 – 27, 2021 | JOIN US VIRTUALLY | REGISTER NOW! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

REGISTER ONLINE AT ACSW.AB.CA

Get recharged, inspired, and connected while building your social work practice at the ACSW 2021 Virtual Conference.

At the ACSW, we know our members want to be part of an inspired, connected, collaborative community. You need opportunities to make meaningful connections within your profession to make this happen.

Together as a community of close to 9,000 social workers, we have knowledge and experience to share with each other as we work to build a strong profession. That’s why our community comes together once a year at the ACSW conference.

We’re working together towards serving and protecting the public and building social work practice.

 LIVE KEYNOTES

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 THURSDAY ENTERTAINMENT EVENT

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 ON-DEMAND WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE FOR 30 DAYS THE ADVOCATE Volume 46, Issue 1, Spring 2021 Published by: The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) 550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in AB): 1-800-661-3089

THE Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free fax: 1-866-874-8931 ADVOCATE [email protected] — acsw.ab.ca Registrar (Acting) Associate Registrar: Suzanne MacKinnon, MSW, RCSW [email protected] Executive Director (Acting) Associate Director - Professional Practice & Advocacy: Jody-Lee Farrah, MSW, RSW [email protected] Managers, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Directors: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB [email protected] FEATURE STORY: Membership Activities - Team Lead: ONE SOLID CONNECTION Charity Lui, MSW, RSW 31 Social Workers & Child Welfare 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 Coordinators: Brenda Gross Tami Carlin Jennifer Vasquez Executive Assistant / Office Manager: Noreen Majek Promotions & Events Associate: ACSW 60TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES FEATURE STORY Crystal King 19 Part One: 26 The Mental Health of Administrative Support Professionals: Tracy Houben Carlena Johnson The Roots of ACSW Black Youth in Alberta Toni Harrison Jessica Atamanenko Online Services Analyst: Laurie Nelson FEATURES SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS IT Support Analyst: Scott MacPhee 16 The Value of Public Members: 12 Child Poverty During a Pandemic ACSW Council: Bill 30 Leads to Change President: Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE Vice President: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW 31 One Solid Connection: Treasurer: Daryl Pamplin, BSW, RSW 14 Updating Your Virtual Practice Social Workers & Child Welfare Secretary: Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Members at Large: 26 The Mental Health of Black Youth BOOK REVIEW Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Wilda Listener, MSW, RSW in Alberta 15 Spirituality and Social Justice Bobbi Michaud, MSW, RSW Baiju Vareed, MSW, RSW Katie Richardson, MSW, RSW Siu Ming Kwok, MSW, RSW 19 ACSW 60th Anniversary Series Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: RESEARCH & LEARNING IN Part One: The Roots of ACSW Carrie Avveduti, BSW, RSW ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES Public Members: 22 Book Offers Hope for Youth in Care Bukola Oladunni Salami Trevor Liskowich AROUND OUR PROVINCE Laura Delfs Charmaine Coutinho 4 Around Our Province DIPLOMA DIALOGUES Editorial Board: Samuel Mammen, MSW, RSW & Cardinal Fomradas, MSW, RSW (Co-Chairs) 23 Moving from Reconciliation to INDIGENOUS VOICES Darnel Forro, MSW, RSW Tasha Novick, MSW, RSW ReconciliACTION Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW Islam Deyab, BSW, RSW 8 Indigenous Children and Poverty Bukola Oladunni Salami, Public Member Kassi McKen, SW Dip, RSW Meagon Nicholson, ACSW Student Member Debbie Posey, SW Dip, RSW DAY IN THE LIFE IN THE NEWS Editorial services provided by Bird Communications 28 Caeleb Goff, BSW, RSW 9 Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs Advertising space is available. To place an ad, contact [email protected]. The ACSW reserves the right to reject 24 Celebrating 2020 Student Bursaries FOR YOUR INFORMATION any submissions and advertising. 34 The Advocate Editorial Policy Summer 2021 Issue Ad Deadline: April 15, 2021 Canadian subscriptions are $26/year ETHICS IN ACTION 35 For Your Information (outside Canada: $26 US/year). Please immediately update 10 Practicing Outside the Scope your member profile with any address changes. ISSN 0847 - 2890 PM NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise. All material ©2021 by the ACSW or by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed. Reprint or copying (including digital or online reproduction in any form) of any Advocate material requires written consent of the ACSW.

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

Congratulations Congratulations to Monique Auffrey, MSW, RSW, recipient of the Universal Women’s Network 2020 Women of LAYERS OF DIVERSITY AND INTERSECTIONALITY Inspiration DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY Advocate THE NEMESIS OF MEN – MENTAL HEALTH and Catalyst for Change AND ITS IMPACT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE award! Monique is dedicated to working with families to end domestic violence. She is a courageous leader who has shared her personal experience with domestic violence and is the former CEO of Carya Society of Calgary. She is the secretary general of the Commonwealth Organization for Social Work and on the advisory board of the Global Institute for Social Work.

Supporting Social Work Practice The ACSW Social Workers in Health member interest group, in collaboration The Indigenous with the Centre for Race and Culture, hosted a workshop on unconscious bias on October 21st. Using an interactive format, presenter Noelle Jaipaul had Social Work participants reflect on the layers of diversity and the intersectionality of our Committee identities. The Indigenous Social Work On October 24th, the Calgary Area Coordinators hosted Dawn Lewis, registered Committee welcomes their psychologist, who presented an introductory workshop on Dialectical Behaviour new chair, Carrie Avveduti, Therapy (DBT). Participants learned practical skills and tools to enhance their BSW, RSW, and co-chair, practice, including emotion regulation tools and mindfulness activities. Laurie Mason-Kulusic, SWDip, RSW, and looks Hosted by the ACSW member interest group Alberta Social Workers United forward to working with Against Family Violence, Bonnie Kowaliuk, RSW, presented a workshop on them both! November 16th called The Nemesis of Men – Mental Health and Its Impact on Domestic Violence. This workshop covered mental health and strategies to support men as service users.

4 SPRING 2021 Elder Wil Campbell gives blessing at learning guide launch

Free learning guide developed & launched (Dis)placed webinar

(Dis)placed Learning Guide ACSW staffwere part of a working of Child Studies and Social Work. workers can influence and change group to assist in the development their practice to better support On November 2nd, ACSW staff Indigenous youth in care. of the Learning Guide for Professionals participated in the launch of the Working with Children and Youth to guide. In partnership with the The Learning Guide is free and can accompany the film (Dis)placed: Canadian Association of Social be accessed at kingcripproductions. Indigenous Youth and the Child Work among others, we hosted com/displaced. To view the free Welfare System. This work was done a webinar that included a panel on-demand webinar, visit CASW- together with film producer Melisa discussion with the filmmaker ACTS.ca – Continuing Education – Brittain, the First Nations Children’s Melisa Brittain; Bernadette Iahtail, Webinars. Action Research and Education RSW; Julie Mann-Johnson, MSW, Service, Creating Hope Society of RSW; Michelle Briegel; and Cindy Alberta, the University of Calgary Blackstock, PhD, RSW. The panelists Faculty of Social Work and the spoke to participants about tangible Mount Royal University Department and effective ways that social

THE ADVOCATE 5 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW

2020 Child Poverty report

ACSW Area Coordinators connect online Palliative Competency Framework

Collaborations On November 6th, Area Coordinators the 16.7 percent of children in Alberta develop their competency in palliative from across the province gathered who live in poverty and concludes care through self-assessing their together virtually for the annual Area with some recommendations. Also knowledge, skills, behaviours and Coordinator Retreat. There was an on December 8th, ACSW President attitudes. opportunity to reflect and discuss Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW and ACSW The framework can be found on the impacts and opportunities of the practicum student Samantha Vaux, the Covenant Health website under upcoming legislative changes. The SW Dip, RSW participated in a lunch Innovations – Palliative Institute: group also screened a film together and learn about the report. See page www.covenanthealth.ca/innovations/ and took part in a world café on the 12 for details. palliative-institute. topic of intersectionality. Together with health care In partnership with the Edmonton organizations, educational Social Planning Council and Public institutions, and the College of Interest Alberta, we released Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta, Spotlight: Lessons on Child Poverty ACSW participated in the creation of during a Pandemic on December 8th. the Alberta Social Workers’ Palliative CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities The 67-page comprehensive report Care Competency Framework. This Team Lead. You can contact her at [email protected] examines some of the issues faced by resource supports social workers to regarding submissions for the Advocate.

6 SPRING 2021 Access for 30 days! Watch on demand from your home or office! on demand Watch for 30 days! Access work practice and be miss this opportunity to enhance your social Don’t that grow the strength of your practice inspired with relevant workshops and help you stay meaningfully engaged. VIRTUAL CONFERENCE | MARCH 25 - 27, 2021 - 27, 25 | MARCH CONFERENCE VIRTUAL 2021 2021 Elder Abuse and Cross-Cultural Practice Bravely Engaging: Breaking Down Barriers Remedy in Canadian Higher Education: Barriers and Racism Understanding Systemic for Children in Poverty Claiming their Future: Empowerment Strategies Practice the Credential towards Advanced – Achieving Clinical Registry ACSW Exploration of the Continuing Competence Program A Personal ACSW: On Becoming ‘Black’ Stress Compassion Satisfaction: Coping with Secondary Traumatic Discussion Basic Income Panel ACSW of Practice Changes to the Standards Exploring Recent – Film Screening and Learning System and the Child Welfare (Dis)placed: Indigenous Youth Guide Launch Domestic An Introduction and Overview of the Disclosure to Protect Against Law: Clare’s Violence Act Understanding Diversity – The Queer Experience and Its Impact on Practice Understanding Diversity – The Queer Experience 30 DAYS Visit ACSW.ab.ca to register and find details on these workshops and more! workshops to register and find details on these Visit ACSW.ab.ca • • • • • • • • • • • • • ON-DEMAND WORKSHOPS INCLUDE: WORKSHOP The ACSW 2021 Virtual Conference makes 2021 The ACSW social workand learning with your connecting easier than ever before. community

MARCH 25 – 27, 2021 | JOIN US VIRTUALLY | REGISTER NOW! INDIGENOUS VOICES

are more likely to visit emergency departments for mental health crisis. Indigenous Children Evidently, aspects of a child’s social identity, such as race, ethnicity, class, and gender, intersect and and Poverty influence mental health and well-

BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW being. Given that colonialism is embedded in Canada’s health care system, the lack of access to culturally appropriate services, including THE STORY OF child poverty in is released annually to highlight access to traditional healers and Alberta is disproportionately a story of the reality of children living Elders, is partially to blame for these Indigenous children. without the resources they need consequences. The traumatic legacies of residential to thrive and succeed. The 2020 schools, the Sixties Scoop and report, Spotlight: Lessons on Child A Story of Living on Reserve ongoing systemic racism within the Poverty During a Pandemic included Kanakii Mekaisto, BSW, RSW, MEd, child welfare and judicial systems in a focus on Indigenous children. BEd, lives and works in Siksika with The following are excerpts related Canada continue to ripple through the the Siksika Nation, one hour east of to this vulnerable but resilient youngest generations of First Nations, Calgary. She shared her experience demographic. Inuit and Metis Canadians. Poverty as a social worker and teacher about the inequality children and youth is one of the repercussions of these Indigenous Children and experience on reserve. historic and ongoing injustices. Mental Health Suicide is one of the leading causes As a residential school survivor, of death among Indigenous children Kanakii sees the impact of and youth. Across age groups, intergenerational trauma and suicide rates for First Nations living poverty. The effects are apparent— The evidence suggests on reserve are twice as high as nearly every child is surviving with that Indigenous children First Nations living off reserve. In physical, cognitive or learning Alberta, the average rate of visits to disabilities, addictions and mental face higher rates of the emergency department due to health challenges, cultural and poverty, especially those self-harm among 10-to-24-year-old identity issues, lack of appropriate living on reserve. children and youth was four times housing, and/or food insecurity. The higher for those who identified as number of children in care, kinship First Nations compared to non-First care, and single parent homes is four All children who experience poverty Nations between 2006 and 2017. times higher for First Nations people. face poorer health, academic The rate of self-harm significantly According to Statistics Canada, more stressors including lower literacy increased for females aged 15-to-19 than one third of Indigenous children rates, and long-term developmental between 2011 and 2017. The annual aged 0 to 4 live with one parent. consequences. While census data increase was more pronounced Kanakii shared that Non-Status Indian for Indigenous people in Alberta is for those who identified as First children in Alberta are fully funded widely regarded as inaccurate and Nations (10.7%) compared to non- by the province for their public incomplete, the evidence suggests First Nations (5.2%). First Nations education. In contrast, children on that Indigenous children face higher children also had the highest rates of reserves receive only $10,000 from rates of poverty, especially those emergency room visits. First Nations Indigenous Services Canada towards living on reserve. children and children from families the cost of their education. This is The Alberta Child Poverty report who receive government subsidies about $8,000 less than every other

8 SPRING 2021 IN THE NEWS

Welcome to New RSWs & RCSWs TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AS OF JANUARY 15, 2021 8,796

Oluwakemi Agnes Kirsten Evans Sarah Elizabeth Lamping Shannon Christina Phillips Stefanie Rose Volk Adebayo Melissa Brianne Ember Large Alexandria Michelle Justine Georgina Walker Dhaka Prasad Adhikari Fernandez Ardelle Layden Porisky Alana Catherine West Getrude Adaeze Adiele Johnathon Hudson Connie Tracy Lee Clayton Gregory Prochnau Patricia Sage Wheeler Angela Adomonis Fortune Tia Luedee Tabitha Pruden Francis Anne Williams Isma Jamil Ahmed Kristen Marie Fritzler Esther Mabhegedhe Selby Allison Quinn Katelyn Elizabeth Elaine Tilak Singh Aryal Brandie Fudge Amber Margorie MacKay Rashmi Rai Willier Sarah Marie Ashton Kristen Dawn Gervais Meagan MacSween Brittany Irene Ramstead Hanna Woodward Veronica Benz Melanie Amber Giesbrecht Seema Mahmud Jessica Reimer Samual John Wright Jeremy Bissett Chelsea Gould Patrick Mahon Raegan Maeve Reiter Laure Yami Yimga Alvine Lori Olivia Blum Maren Taylor Grams Daniella Amalia Marroquin Ashley Marie Roby Clayton Lorne Green Stephanie Boland Samuel Marroquin Natalia Roubaud Ron Groff Amberlee Boulton Linda Brenda Masko Rinku Roy Eric Guglielmi-Wheeler Manpreet Brar Lisa Ann McElrea Gurneet Sadhra MacKenzie Elsie Adele Sanita Brasileno Chelsey McIntyre Heather Mary Samarron Guliak Veronica Bron Amy Mcnamara Jordyn Lee Schimpf 272 Sabrina Ann Hazlett Jessica Lynn Carlson Kirby Melanson Angela Faye Schneider Camille Tamara Kathleen TOTAL REGISTERED Michelle Chan Holt Trina Ann Miedema Tammy Elizabeth CLINICAL SOCIAL Carly Rene Cole Meghan Travis Honour Kirsten Mikkelsen Schneider WORKERS AS OF Jillian Cowan Marissa Danae Miller Mehwish Shahid Jessica Lynne Hubley JANUARY 15, 2021 Jessica Anne Craig Illana Krystine Huckell Grace Caroline Muchira Kelsey Raven Shaw Tabitha Dawn Davey Olufunke Olanike Ilesanmi Christine Murphy Barb Simmonds Christopher Scissions Francesca Debono Alina Jacob Wangui Muya Aidan Lewis Smith Johnathan Kuipers Melissa Dewhirst Pretty Patience Jena Amanda Ncube Mackenzie St Denis Patricia Miller Kallyn Dawna Dinning Dennis John Karla Ann Neufeld Karma Stewart Marnie Bolin Lawrena Dissee Kaylyn Juchli Natalie Nugent Kyly Sutcliffe Kali Shire Patrina Leonie Duhaney Irene Kakai Oge Esther Obiorah Justin Shinji Tams Jennifer Corbiell Minette Dione Ebong Kalisa Jilene Kazakawich Lauren Kaylee Odland Colleen Thomas Amelia Larson Regina Nzelle Ediage Breanna Elsbeth Kehler Chinenye Jane Ohalete Teika Ann Marie Laura Devereaux Maureen Eki Edomwonyi Cassidy Rita Elaine Sherry Anne Patriquin Thompson Priya Patel Mariam Elghahuagi Knockwood Amanda Marie Pedro Meral Unal Charmaine Patterson Shellina Mae Esch Badrudin Ladak Danielle Perreault Rebecca Viste Michael Haggstrom

Continued from previous page child in Alberta. For those children the continuation of their cultural Edmonton Social Planning Council. who attend provincial schools and expressions, languages, and spiritual Special thanks to Kanakii Mekaisto who live on reserve, the Nation must make distinctions. There is an urgency graciously shared her knowledge with up the difference (approximately to preserve and honour Indigenous the research team. $8,000) to the province. As a result, languages and cultures in order to there are significantly less funds combat some of the root causes of left to put towards the education of Indigenous child poverty. those children who live and go to This information was included in the school on reserve. Spotlight: Lessons on Child Poverty Nevertheless, the resilience shown During a Pandemic report that was CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities by these diverse communities is released by ACSW in partnership Team Lead. You can contact her at evident throughout Alberta in with Public Interest Alberta and the [email protected]

THE ADVOCATE 9 ETHICS IN ACTION

Scope of Practice The social work scope of practice is Practicing outlined in Schedule 27 (section 3) of the HPA: Outside the Scope Schedule 27 states that in their practice, social workers do one or CAN YOU REALLY DO THAT?! more of the following: a) enhance or restore the social BY SHERYL PEARSON, MSW, RSW, LLB functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities by improving developmental, problem-solving and coping capacities of people and systems b) promote effective and humane systems that provide resources, opportunities and services to people and link people to those systems c) contribute to the development and improvement of social policy, and (c.1) teach, manage and conduct research in the science, techniques and practice of social work, and d) provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations. In Alberta, the legislation does not limit or protect the scope of practice for social workers exclusively to social workers, but instead recognizes that regulated health professions have overlapping scopes of practice. Thus, the activities outlined as the HERE AT THE Alberta College of We do that by ensuring that social scope of practice for social work may Social Workers, we often receive workers are practicing competently be performed by people from other telephone and email inquiries from and safely. Social workers may disciplines, including those who are our members asking whether they practice outside or beyond the scope not regulated health professionals. can perform activities that are of social work practice, provided When people outside the profession of social work provide these services, not considered part of social work the activity performed is not a it is not considered social work. practice. The answer is sometimes, restricted activity and the social but not always. worker can safely and competently Restricted Activities The function of the Alberta College of perform the activity. Competence to Restricted activities are higher- Social Workers is to govern registered perform the activity may be gained risk activities that require specific social workers in a manner that through education, training, and/or competencies to be carried out safely. protects and serves the public interest. supervised experience. Restricted activities may only be

10 SPRING 2021 performed by the health professions Currently, most COVID-19 testing specifically authorized to perform procedures (such as throat or PRACTICE RESOURCES them. For instance, while social nasal swabbing) are not restricted workers are authorized to perform activities and can be done safely NEW! PRACTICING the restricted activity of psychosocial and competently by trained social OUTSIDE THE interventions, social workers are not workers. However, nasopharyngeal SCOPE OF SOCIAL authorized to perform the restricted swabbing is more specialized and activity of delivering a baby or has been identified as a restricted WORK PRACTICE prescribing an orthodontic appliance. activity which social workers are not GUIDELINE authorized to perform. See Practice Resources on Practicing Outside the Scope of ACSW.ab.ca Social Work Practice The role of social workers in opioid Social workers may practice outside overdose response of the scope of social work practice, Social workers play important roles provided the activities being responding to the opioid crisis and Take Home Message performed are not restricted. At the have the potential to be on the front In a nutshell, whether a social same time, social workers must limit line when an overdose emergency worker is performing an activity their practice to areas in which the occurs. In Alberta, the administration that is within or outside the scope of of any injection is a restricted activity. social worker has gained competence social work practice, it is the social Social workers are not authorized to through education, training, or worker’s responsibility to engage in perform this restricted activity and supervised experience (s. E(4)(b) of the relevant training (directed by their the Standards of Practice). Thus, may not perform injections (overdose employers or otherwise) and follow provided an activity is not restricted response or otherwise) as part of their the policies related to the activity. by the Health Professions Act or other professional role. Standard E.4(d) of the Standards of relevant legislation, a social worker For specific guidance around Practice (2019) states that: may apply this standard. Below are naloxone, please consult the examples of how this standard relates Practicing Outside the Scope of A social worker, when developing to the performance of COVID-19 Social Work document on the ACSW competency in a professional medical swabbing and injections for website, by clicking Standards of service or technique that is overdose response. Practice under the Social Workers tab. either new to the social worker

The role of social workers in COVID- Specifically, registered social workers or new to the profession, will 19 medical swabbing may not do the following: engage in ongoing consultation with other social workers or Regulated health professionals, • Inject Naloxone, UNLESS doing so including social workers, have clearly falls within the Emergency suitable professionals who are been recruited to perform COVID- Exception: knowledgeable in the area and will 19 testing, contact tracing, and seek appropriate education and i. there is no authorized individual sharing health information as part of training in the area. available to do the injection; Alberta’s response to the pandemic. While medical testing procedures are ii. the Naloxone is provided in order not within the scope of social work to provide physical comfort or practice, there is nothing preventing stabilize the individual who is social workers from performing these ill, injured or unconscious as activities, as long as the task is not a a result of an accident or other restricted activity, and a social worker emergency; and is sufficiently trained to safely and iii. no compensation is expected or SHERYL PEARSON is one of the Managers of Regulatory Practice for the Alberta College competently perform them. received by the member. of Social Workers.

THE ADVOCATE 11 SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

Child Poverty During a Pandemic

BY CHARITY LUI, MSW, RSW AND SAMANTHA VAUX, SW Dip, RSW

THE ALBERTA COLLEGE of Social daily case detection, COVID-19 has They estimate that throughout the Workers, in partnership with Public unquestionably affected child poverty pandemic, the number could be as Interest Alberta and the Edmonton in Alberta. One of the most serious high as 1 in 3 children, an increase of Social Planning Council released impacts of COVID-19 felt by Albertans an additional one million children. Spotlight: Lessons on Child Poverty has been on the economy. In June

During a Pandemic in December 2020, the unemployment rate in School and Education 2020. This report on child poverty in Alberta hit 15.5 percent. School closures took a heavy toll on Alberta has been released annually children, with major inconsistencies since 2008. in the quality of education provided and access to supports typically This year, seven students participated available for students. The capacity in the research and writing of the for parents to support their children’s report, including social work student WHO calls violence education also varied. Samantha Vaux as part of her against children the placement at the ACSW. The following hidden crisis of the During lockdown, many children, is a short overview including content specifically those living in low- directly from the report. COVID-19 pandemic income families, did not have adequate access to computers COVID-19 and Its Impact Food Insecurity or wireless internet in order to on Child Poverty Food insecurity has a negative impact participate in online schooling. Due to the rapid changes in public on nutrition, which in turn influences health measures and the evolving the physical and mental health of Child Abuse nature of the pandemic, the full children and their families. The World Health Organization impacts of COVID-19 on child poverty (WHO) calls violence against children In Alberta, 38.4 percent of food bank and well-being remain to be seen. the hidden crisis of the COVID-19 clients are children. Statistics Canada pandemic. Due to closures of schools As of November 2020, Canada reported that food insecurity rose by surpassed 10,000 deaths attributed and childcare centres, many children 7 percent to a staggering 19.6 percent to COVID-19. This has caused living with family violence found in households with children at the irreparable loss for the families who themselves without a safe refuge. onset of the pandemic. Food banks have lost loved ones. The pandemic Kids Help Phone reported increased have also felt increased pressure due continues to sweep across Canada, calls regarding physical, sexual, and to the pandemic. Usage of food banks and many people face health and emotional abuse. The RCMP’s National in Canada increased by 20 percent socioeconomic uncertainties. Though Child Exploitation Crime Centre, following the COVID-19 pandemic. provincial health safety measures which is responsible for investigations have been put in place to limit the The Breakfast Club of Canada reported into child sexual exploitation online spread, the health impacts have been that, prior to COVID-19, nearly 1 in and child pornography, has also devastating. With case numbers 4 children (one million) in Canada reported an increase in the sexual increasing, and record-breaking went to school without breakfast. exploitation of children.

12 SPRING 2021 VULNERABLE CHILDREN Among households with children, 16.7 percent of Albertans under the age of 18 lived under the poverty threshold in 2018—more than 160,000 children. A COVID-19 STORY Child poverty is not distributed evenly among family types (see below). Ahmed is an 8-year-old boy, Almost 95,000 children living with a single parent are low-income, representing the youngest of four children. He lived in a refugee camp for four half of all children in this family type. years prior to coming to Alberta. Ahmed and his family currently live 48.4% in a two-bedroom apartment. These 50 were some of the impacts that he and his siblings faced during the 40 COVID-19 pandemic: • The family shared two devices to 30 attend schooling online. All four

ow Income (%) children were attending school, 16.7% 20 and the mother was attending ESL classes. They had one tablet that the 8.5% school lent to the family temporarily, 10 Families in L and one laptop that the family acquired through a community 0 organization. This was a struggle for All TypesCouples Single Parent the family, as they had to take turns each day to determine who would Family Type attend their classes. Proportion of families under the Census Family Low Income After-Tax Measure threshold in 2018, Alberta, based on tax-filer • The children had accessed a data. Source: Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0018-01 After-tax low-income status of tax filers and dependants based on Census Family Low Income Measure (CFLIM-AT), by family type and family type composition. school lunch program and were able to get snacks and lunches for free. This allowed them to easily access healthy food daily Conclusion To read the full report, visit ACSW’s while they were in school. When the lockdown measures were put COVID-19 has wreaked havoc globally website under the “Advocacy/ in place, Ahmed’s mother had a and here at home. It’s easy to get Publications” tab. There was also hard time acquiring enough food a lunch and learn event that was overwhelmed and feel defeated in face for the family, as the amount of hosted by Edmonton Social Planning of so much that is unknown. money she had budgeted did not Council. To view this recording, increase, while the amount of food However, there are actions we can visit their website at https:// the family needed did. do right now in Alberta to support edmontonsocialplanning.ca/. vulnerable children and their families. • The children were accessing supports through their school Let us continue to arm ourselves to address some of the with the facts that back up the truth migration-related traumas around child poverty. Let us continue they had experienced. The to pursue social justice and to fight family needed to find support for the children elsewhere during to uphold the rights to food security, From left to right: CHARITY LUI is the fair and equitable access to public Membership Activities Team Lead with the school closures and are still on ACSW, SAMANTHA VAUX is currently a 3rd year a waitlist for programming. education, mental health support and BSW student with the University of Manitoba take steps to end family violence. and a practicum student with ACSW.

THE ADVOCATE 13 VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE

You’ll also find the link to ACSW’s Standards of Practice and COVID-19 Updating Your page, which includes information on Virtual Social Work Practice; or find these directly on the ACSW website. Virtual Practice: Especially important are considerations for how your CONSIDERATIONS insurance coverage will address online work, how you can confirm

FOR E-THERAPY the identity of clients, and how to keep records and ensure privacy of BY TERESA WINFIELD, MSW, RCSW client information. Also mentioned there are the importance of providing informed consent to clients about • mobile phone applications MANY OF THOSE in private practice the risks involved in virtual work have become familiar with the back- • online assessment or and how to ensure that you know and-forth dance between in-person diagnostic tools their location prior to starting therapy and virtual work. With • blogs and podcasts each session. A handy form can be concerns about safety from illness found on the CASW website to suit • therapeutic gaming programs, and professional ethics in practice at just about every need. While many robotic simulation and virtual the forefront, practitioners maintain clients move smoothly over to a reality systems. resiliency by being flexible and virtual platform, some may not be allowing for different modes of delivery While the concept of virtual work appropriate for this mode of service of therapeutic services. However, has has been around for some time, the so careful consideration of individual your practice kept up with all of the need to use technology to meet with client need is recommended. considerations involved in moving over clients has certainly broadened the All of this and we haven’t even to a virtual platform? Long gone are number of resources available to mentioned the availability of software, the days of ensuring that your office do the work. Engaging in any sort Wi-Fi, e-mail and cloud security to has a double lock and a password to of work with clients comes with ensure that you are mitigating the protect electronic files. With all of the considerations for ethical practice. potential risk of hacking, malware and ways in which client information and We need to particularly ensure that trojans meant to gather confidential therefore, confidentiality, could be we are competent in the services information. As private practitioners breached, it is crucial for a therapist to and functions we undertake on know well, if you don’t know how consider how they can protect this and behalf of those we serve. We must to handle all the aspects of virtual engage in ethical e-practice. consider whether we have the skills to manage the technology used in work on your own, the best rule of According to the Mental Health virtual practice and to seek training, thumb is to seek consultation from Commission of Canada (MHCC) supervision and consultation to knowledgeable professionals. E-Mental Health Toolkit, the following support this work. may be included under the umbrella of virtual work: Luckily, a wealth of resources has been made available to assist us. If a • instant messaging and video-based private practitioner wanted to know counselling services (also known as more, they could access resources telehealth or telepsychiatry) through the Canadian Association TERESA WINFIELD is a social worker in private • consumer information portals of Social Work website under Virtual practice with 22 years of experience. She specializes in working with youth who have • online support groups, forums and Counseling Resources to find specific demonstrated sexually concerning behaviours and social networks provincial requirements on this topic. the families that care for them.

14 SPRING 2021 BOOK REVIEW

current framing of social justice in the Canadian Association of Social Spirituality and Workers’ Code of Ethics”. The book asks, “ What difference would it make spiritually and practically if we were to Social Justice critically reflect on the contradictions between our social justice values and SPIRIT IN THE POLITICAL the lived experience of social work, rather than adhere to the comforting QUEST FOR A JUST WORLD belief that we are continually creating structural and social change?” I REVIEWED BY LYNN KING, MSW (RETIRED SOCIAL WORKER) especially appreciate that the entire book provides Canadian content and Spirituality and Social Justice – Spirit in applicable examples. the Political Quest for a Just World Reading this book can provide rich Edited by Norma Jean Profitt and Cyndy Baskin opportunity to reflect on our own Canadian Scholars’ Press, 2019 spiritual foundations and critically review how to apply them to practice. With an expanded awareness, we beliefs and the merit of spirituality to IT’S A NATURAL ASSUMPTION can reflect on their application to the profession at all levels, from micro that the profession of social work individual practice as well as to to macro practice. is perfectly suited to a meaningful advocacy within social and political exploration of the relationship of Throughout the book, the case is made structures. In so doing, we move spirituality and religion to social that spirituality is in fact inextricably toward our collective goal of working justice. With social justice in social connected to our experience within for a world that is more kind and just. work as the theme of this book, every individual, family, community, This volume is both timely and social worker can find relevant ideas political and societal realms. relevant and as readers will discover, and critical thought with a multitude Indigenous spirituality is deliberately the spiritual is indeed political. of perspectives in every chapter of at the forefront in order to this engaging collection. Whether acknowledge its relevance to social curious about how spirituality and BOOK REVIEWS work practice and every aspect of religion can be applicable in social Canadian culture and beyond. The The Advocate welcomes book work today, or seeking well-written book covers ethical and political reviews on topics of interest to diverse viewpoints, the book will dimensions related to social justice social workers. To find out more make an excellent addition to the on our book review guidelines, from a diversity of perspectives bookshelf of anyone committed to please contact Charity Lui at including Indigenous, Islamic, ongoing reflection. [email protected]. Christian and an article on “The As a young social worker, I recall Witches’ Way to Ethics: Social clipping and pasting the Social Justice and Social Work.” There is a Work Code of Ethics to the top of review of definitions to expand our my desk. I have always been aware understanding of spirituality and of the basis of my values and beliefs religion. A strong case is made for the as a foundation of my practice. The importance of social workers “turning LYNN KING, MSW (retired social worker), is editors and authors featured in this the gaze reflexively back to ourselves a long time social worker. Most recently she book demonstrate the importance of to assess our ethical commitments served as Executive Director and Registrar for the ACSW and is past President of the Canadian linking reflection on our values and to social justice in the face of the Council of Social Work Regulators.

THE ADVOCATE 15 FEATURE STORY

The Value of Public Members: Bill 30 Leads to Change

BY DEBBY WALDMAN

WHEN MURRAY HIEBERT JOINED the Alberta College of the members of the profession,” she says. She wanted of Social Workers (ACSW) Council as a public member in the opportunity to bring similar value to a board, so 2014, his knowledge of the profession was limited: he she responded to a newspaper ad for public members. assumed that there were a few hundred social workers in Then she had an interview and was put into a pool of the province, most of them in the field of child protection. preauthorized public members. After five years on the Council, the retired consultant from In addition to her law degree, Delfs has a master’s degree Calgary not only has a comprehensive understanding of in international development and experience in the global the profession, he has boundless admiration for those who fight against human trafficking. She suspects that made practice it. her a good fit for the ACSW. Her three-year term began in 2018 “My only regret is that the people and she says she intends to renew of Alberta don’t know enough of her commitment. She also serves what social workers do,” he says. on the board of Homeward Trust “They don’t understand the impact Edmonton and is a member of the that social workers have on the City of Edmonton Subdivision and lives of Albertans, particularly in Development Appeal Board. times of need. It was a big learning MURRAY LAURA DELFS experience for me.” “My experiences serving on HIEBERT various boards have been very The ACSW has had public positive,” says Delfs. “My board work typically provides members on its council for more than 20 years, and the an opportunity to work alongside competent, interesting number is about to double. Bill 30, the Health Statutes people, and certainly with a regulatory board, these are Amendment Act 2020 which the Alberta government tabled also people that are committed to their profession. Because in July, has increased the required percentage of public serving on a board is time-consuming, I think people members on regulatory colleges’ governing councils, who volunteer with their professional regulatory body are hearing tribunals, and complaint review committees from often very interesting people, very inspiring people, very 25 percent to 50 percent. The change will come into effect committed people. I like interacting with people like that.” on April 1, 2021. Public members are invited to participate in other Although the government posts openings for specific functions of the ACSW by serving on committees. Delfs is agencies, boards and commissions, applicants don’t always a member of the ACSW’s Registration committee, and also know until they are chosen where they will serve. chaired an ad hoc committee that made recommendations That was the case for Laura Delfs, an Edmonton lawyer to Council about balancing the ACSW’s advocacy and with previous experience working with a regulatory board. regulatory roles. She was inspired to fill out an application, recognizing Bukola Oladunni Salami, an associate professor in the from her prior experience that public members have much Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta who also to contribute. serves as a public member on the Council with Delfs, “I think public members bring an interesting joined the committee responsible for publishing the perspective, one that is often quite different from that Advocate.

16 SPRING 2021 Most recently, she’s contributed in some of my personal and to conversations around creating professional expertise. We are space and intentionally inviting able to contribute multiple lenses Black social workers to contribute and multiple perspectives to really to the magazine. “Because of enrich the conversation.” my knowledge of the Black Salami understands that ACSW community, I am able to reach members are concerned that half people who can speak to the BUKOLA AUSTIN of the organization’s board will issue,” she says. OLADUNNI SALAMI MARDON soon include people who are not Salami applied to be a public trained in the profession. member hoping she would be assigned to the ACSW “That is a fair concern,” she says. “There are benefits of board; on her application, she indicated that it was her having social workers on the board, but some of the benefit preference. of having non-social workers is having people with lived “I just like the idea of social justice and social workers, experiences of receiving help from social workers, and that in terms of addressing the social determinants of different perspective broadens our view and lets us see how health,” she says. “One of my motivations was to be to improve health services and social services.” able to influence and contribute to a profession that is When Austin Mardon served on the board from 2011 really focused on those issues and on the well-being of to 2015, he brought a viewpoint distinct from other marginalized populations.” members. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 30, At meetings, Salami has expressed support for ensuring Mardon knew what social workers did because he had that the ACSW registration environment is a positive one often received their services. for social workers who are gender minorities, to ensure “It turned out it was a very good fit because I had a lot of that they don’t feel excluded in terms of how genders are perspectives that were unique in terms that they would described. never have had somebody like me through any other “The diversity of perspective is important,” she says. “It situation,” he says. “They were always surprised at how helps that we have people within an affected community much I knew, which was different in many cases from their on our board, such as people who are gender minorities. perspective, and that is the primary thing about public The fact that I am Black meant that I am able to bring members. Sometimes, professionals get so focused and

THE ADVOCATE 17 [develop] tunnel vision, so they sometimes forget the forest for the trees. That is what a public member is supposed to do: bring that broader perspective.” PUBLIC MEMBERS Another important role that public members play is to protect Albertans by making sure that a profession is managing itself appropriately. With the INCREASING ACSW, Hiebert says, that was not an issue. THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC MEMBERS “Social workers are very IS INTENDED “TO socially conscious people. When people asked what I did GIVE ALBERTANS on the board, I used to make a A STRONGER Some of the benefit of having joke. I’d say, ‘I’m representing VOICE AND non-social workers is having the public of Alberta to prevent GREATER ROLE IN PROFESSIONAL people with lived experiences nefarious social work. It’s a really difficult job, because I OVERSIGHT.” of receiving help from social haven’t found anything yet.’” - From Bill 30, the Health Statutes workers…Different perspectives In addition to joining several Amendment Act, 2020 broaden our view and let us see committees and taking part Public members are chosen through how to improve health services in a discipline hearing, one an open selection, by filling out of the most memorable an application on the provincial and social services experiences of Hiebert’s board government web site. To be tenure had to do with the considered, applicants must be at Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation. When the issue was being least 18 years old, Alberta residents, debated in Parliament, he recalls, social workers were initially not included as familiar with the issues affecting the agency, and able to attend and professionals who could provide support to terminally ill people who wanted participate in meetings. They are to end their lives. compensated through honoraria for “The issue was front and centre for about a year, and I remember it being their time and reimbursed for any discussed in Council,” Hiebert recalls. “The ACSW made representation to travel-related costs. the federal government that they should be allowed to legally give advice to For more details, visit: www.alberta. people who asked questions about MAID.” ca/public-agency-serve-on-board.aspx Hiebert felt strongly that social workers should have standing when it came to MAID. “They were originally left out of the draft of the Act, which I think was a travesty. They work so closely with people in palliative care, but they were not going to be allowed to talk about MAID without violating the Medical Assistance in Dying: Bill C-14. It goes back to my major issue of how little the general public knows about what social workers do, and the impact they have in our province, in Canada, and in the US.” Mardon, too, got involved in standing up for social workers during his six years on the board. Among his proudest moments was a meeting with then- Premier Alison Redford to address the issue of a social policy framework and social determinants of health.

“I remember explaining in a very simple, grade-one level, what both were, and DEBBY WALDMAN is a writer and editor in it had such an impact on her that she started talking all about it,” he recalls. Edmonton who works part-time at the Academic Success Centre at the University of Alberta. Her “I think it’s important to keep the lines of communication open and talk to articles, essays, and reviews have appeared in the people and explain things, and not be too confrontational no matter what New York Times, Washington Post, People, Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Parents, your personal beliefs are, because we all have to work together.” Publishers Weekly, and Glamour.

18 SPRING 2021 1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN ALBERTA THE ROOTS OF ACSW ACSW 60TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES • PART ONE • BY SHAWNA DIRKSON

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A straight line to success— endeavours. This included the efforts of Black, Asian and and Alberta’s social workers know this all too well. There other racialized settlers, alongside Indigenous peoples, is, however, hard work, persistence, collaboration and all often left out of published histories. Alberta is a part of decades of commitment. When we look at the history of Canada’s social work history which includes the egregious social work in our province, and the associations that have chapters of residential schools, eugenics, the Sixties Scoop guided and regulated it, it’s abundantly and other shameful policies. clear that social workers know all about While social work history, good and these things, too. bad, certainly extends back before any Part one of this 60th anniversary official social work organization existed series explores the decades that led to Part one of this 60th in Alberta, even a hundred years ago, formation of the Alberta Association anniversary series grassroots organizing was beginning. of Social Workers (AASW). We learn Richard Ramsay, MSW (retired social how social workers who came before explores the decades that worker), served on the AASW Council us succeeded in incorporating, self- led to the formation of the (1971 to 1973), as president (1974 regulating, gaining and changing to 1979) and as the International legislation to further the profession. Alberta Association of Federation of Social Workers treasurer We uncover stories of setbacks and find Social Workers (1985 to 1992). Ramsay says that examples of how coming together to starting as early as the 1940s, work toward a common goal can change everything. small groups of social workers were meeting to share This is the story of how social workers came together to build professional concerns and standards of practice issues. a social work organization in Alberta from 1961 to 1991. “Right from the get-go, social workers were interested The Early Years in the protection of the public interest. They had two The Alberta Association of Social Workers, the precursor pathways. One was standards of practice, which was to the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), was to make sure social workers adhered to a standard of incorporated in 1961. However, the story of social work in competence and service, and the other was to influence Alberta starts many years before that. social policy and changes in systemic issues.” As far back as the 1890s, figures such as Marion Coutts Jake Kuiken, PhD (retired social worker), who was ACSW Carson and Lady Isabella Hardisty Lougheed left social president for eight years (1995 to 2003), notes that AASW work legacies in Alberta. Dorothy King, who later served was the product of a group of social workers in the 1940s as the director of the Montreal School of Social Work, who wanted to come together to form an organization. reportedly practiced in Alberta between 1918 and 1925. Through their efforts, in the early 1950s, they joined the Early social work in Alberta grew through vehicles like Canadian Association of Social Workers and created two community-building groups, aid societies, and faith-based branches in Alberta, one in Calgary and one in Edmonton.

THE ADVOCATE 19 1961 - 2021 60 YEARS OF SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATIONS IN ALBERTA

Richard Ramsay (centre) at IFSW conference, Washington, Gayle James (centre) and Jake Kuiken (right) DC, 1992, with NASW President Barbara White and executive committee member Paul Lee of Hong Kong

Change was already in the air, though, according to difference when the Alberta Social Workers Act—the Kuiken. “By the late 1950s, these two groups had decided first piece of self-regulation legislation for social workers that they should form a single entity, which led to the in Alberta—came into play. The act protected the title creation of AASW in 1961.” Soon thereafter that same “registered social worker” and provided voluntary group of social workers began the work to establish a regulation to members through AASW. graduate school of social work in Alberta. “Our big goal in 1969 was to be recognized as a self- regulated profession,” says Ramsay. “The act coming in Striving for Self-Regulation was a huge achievement, but the main limitation was that Social workers now had their own provincial association in AASW registration was voluntary.” Alberta, but to increase the credibility and accountability of the profession, they needed to self-regulate. Working Toward Mandatory Registration “I know there were lots of struggles for social workers in Over the next several years, many practicing social workers those early days, but we had a lot of very dedicated people, and the Association itself focused on moving toward too,” says Margot Herbert, MSW (retired social worker), provincial legislation that would require all social workers past president of AASW (1991 to 1995). “Many social in Alberta to register with the AASW. workers gave so much of their time, energy and expertise Richard Shelson, MSW, RCSW, who served on the ACSW with no compensation just because they felt it was their council for many years, felt that mandatory registration professional duty.” was important because being a registered member of By 1969, this dedication and effort finally made a AASW meant you had professional credibility as a social 1926 1951 1961

The Canadian CASW branches AASW is incorporated Association of Social established in Northern under the Alberta Workers is founded and Southern Alberta Societies Act

20 SPRING 2021 Margot Herbert, Grace Elliott and Lori Sigurdson Richard Shelson

worker. “You were responsible to your clients and you were party to the Progressive Conservative party in 1971], so they held to a code of ethics.” changed the MLA who was in charge, or changed the way in which they wanted to regulate professions.” says Ramsay. Around this period, Shelson and his colleagues spent a lot of time and effort lobbying for new legislation Succeeding as a Profession that would require the mandatory registration of social Faced with bureaucratic setbacks and opposing views, social workers in Alberta. workers in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s earned the authority to “I spent a lot of time coordinating meetings with self-regulate, fought to be recognized in provincial legislation MLAs, trying to get information into newspapers and and did meaningful work to further the social work coordinating efforts with various people across the profession. Together, through advocacy and combined effort, province,” says Shelson. “I felt that, as a profession, it these social work trailblazers proved that perseverance truly was important that we be recognized. I worked at Alberta pays off in the end. Mental Health Services where I’d see somebody with a master’s degree in social work getting paid $10,000 or $12,000 less than someone with a psychology degree.” This work toward mandatory registration would continue across the province for more than two decades. SHAWNA DIRKSEN is a freelance writer based in Alberta. “We’d get to the brink of something positive happening She loves skiing in the winter and running outdoors in the summer, and when she’s not doing that, she’s probably and then the government changed [from the Social Credit writing something about being minimal-ish for her blog . 1966 1967 1969

The University of The first students were The Alberta Social Calgary introduces its admitted to the School of Workers Act is passed School of Social Welfare Social Welfare. As a result, the number of social workers in Alberta increased rapidly.

THE ADVOCATE 21 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA'S COMMUNITIES

BOOK OFFERS HOPE FOR YOUTH IN CARE BY DON MCSWINEY

“YOU NEVER REALLY UNDERSTAND a person until you His mother sank into a depression and began to use heavy consider things from his point of view,” wrote Harper Lee in drugs, working to support her family with sex work, before To Kill a Mockingbird, “until you climb inside of his skin and social services intervened. walk around in it.” From there it was a steady procession of foster parents and Youth in Care Chronicles: Reflections on Growing Up in the Child group homes for Cody. Not surprisingly he lashed out and Welfare System is an astonishing new book, written by 18 “troublemaker” was a permanent addition to his growing people who grew up in Alberta’s child welfare system. The list of labels. The cycle continued until somebody actually book provides a rare opportunity to really understand what showed they cared. life was like for them while highlighting the impact we can It was the mother of one of his high school friends who took all make on someone’s life. an interest in him and began to nurture him. She cared “I hope it provides inspiration,” says Cody Murrell, BSW, about doing little and big things like taking him to rugby RSW. “When I was growing up in care, I didn’t know a or football practice and teaching him, as he says, what it single youth in care who had successfully gotten a job and means to be part of a family — no matter how hard he tried maintained it for more than a year. The bar was really low. to push her away. I’m really hoping that this book will show [youth in care] “I hope people really hear the difference my adopted family ‘Hey, there are a lot of really crazy, insane, difficult stories made,” he says. “They had no need to, and at times I and challenges that everyone went through, but keep certainly did things to push them away. But they stuck at it, going through it. You can get through it and you can be and it has been what has changed my life.” successful. Know that that is an option.’” The project, which was funded by the Canadian Fetal Murrell, who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (with Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD), a 4.0 GPA) in 2016 from the University of Calgary Faculty of was compiled by a diverse editorial team that included Social Work’s Edmonton campus, has come full circle in a Murrell and two other former youth in care who are now way. He’s now a supervisor with Alberta Children’s Services child welfare supervisors (Theresa Tucker-Wright and and he says he hopes the new book will also bring awareness Megan Mierau), another recent UCalgary social work and reframe the narrative about youth in care. graduate (Erin Leveque), UCalgary social work professor Dr. “There’s often a lot of shame that you experience,” says Dorothy Badry, PhD, RSW, and Penny Frazier, a freelance Murrell. “There’s a lot of stigma that actually keeps people writer who has worked with marginalized youth for over from openly sharing their experiences. And it internalizes four decades. guilt for them and makes them feel bad.” YOUTH IN CARE CHRONICLES: Reflections on Growing Up in Like many of the other authors in the book – which is the Child Welfare System is available on Amazon.ca available on Amazon.ca – Murrell overcame unimaginable odds and hardships in his life. His father was in and out of DONALD MCSWINEY is the manager of Communications and prison and died shortly after Murrell turned five years old. Marketing in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work.

22 SPRING 2021 DIPLOMA DIALOGUES

MOVING FROM RECONCILIATION TO ReconciliACTION BY KALLIE LAVOIE, MSW, RCSW

THIS GREAT TERM, reconciliACTION, Indigenous Supports So, that is why I strive for change. was first presented to me by David Looking at my community, No matter the obstacles, Restoule, the Indigenous Student Wondering where I could help. I will progress through all this pain. Support Specialist at Medicine Hat Trying to break through barriers, I am not an animal, College (MHC). True to form, he was That have tried to maintain I will not be tamed. quick to say it isn’t his term, but I am my invisibility. I am human not just a number or a name. grateful he shared it. ReconciliACTION But I refuse to play the cards is a call to move from the ideals of the I’ve been dealt. I will fight and support those who were just like me. Truth and Reconciliation Commission In a rigged system that is to tangible steps that embody a defined by wealth. It doesn’t matter if they are allies, more decolonized world. One step Leaving the rest in poverty, Treaty or Metis. being taken that I am excited about Struggling with trauma I will do my best to fight for thee. as a faculty member is connecting and mental health. For the past does not define us, with a subject matter expert who As I look at my community, So, let’s stand together towards justice. will be reviewing curriculum and And I can see the disparity. Our future will be bright, providing consultation regarding With a division that existed for centuries. So long as I am still breathing Indigenous content. Funds received That slaughters and enslaves, I will never lose sight. from Medicine Hat College’s Rodger’s In the name of prosperity. Like my ancestors before me who Foundation Grant have been used to With many caged or beaten, sacrificed everything for our rights, contract an amazing candidate, Gladys For speaking out against I refuse to let their sacrifice be in vain. Rowe, PhD, BSW. I look forward to normative society. I refuse to stay idle. learning, growing, and collaborating When the community looks at me, I refuse to stay silent. with Gladys. They only see the savagery. I refuse to be a victim. An inconvenient Indian, The MHC’s Indigenous Support But I do choose to be victor! Office housed a practicum student An unsanitary revulsion, this fall supervised by David Or as an enemy. - Joshua Cross Restoule. A lot of valuable discussion But if only they took the time, was held in supervision meetings To actually know me. about the best ways to assess student Looking at my community, growth and learning in decolonized While covered up in chains, ways that are relevant and Was spit out, abandoned and gagged. meaningful to cultural worldview. Engulfed my hope like it was a flame. From left to right: KALLIE LAVOIE is an instructor and This poem was submitted as a part of Left in a darkness of guilt and shame. coordinator of the Social Work diploma program Joshua Cross’s final evaluation and at Medicine Hat College. JOSHUA CROSS is a While also being scapegoated Medicine Hat College social work student and reflection of his own learning. as the one to blame. author of the poem above.

THE ADVOCATE 23 IN THE NEWS

Celebrating 2020 Student Bursaries

WHILE 2020 WAS CHALLENGING FOR EVERYONE, these social work students enjoyed some good news on the academic front. By demonstrating achievement in their studies, involvement in their communities and connection with the ACSW, they have qualified for the 2020 student bursary. They receive $1000 towards continuing their social work education, and our congratulations!

Marggie Marks, ACSW student member BSW student, University of Calgary My name is Marggie Marks. I am a single mom, a woman of colour, and an immigrant. My social work journey started when I was a newcomer to Canada. I had the privilege to be immersed in the Inuit culture while living in Nunavut as part of the team that implemented the Telehealth network in the territory. I live in a rural community in Alberta, where I have had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities, individuals facing crisis, and immigrants. My work and life experience have shown me the impact of intersectionality. I am hoping to continue my career supporting marginalized populations in and around my community.

Amber MacKay, BSW, RSW MSW Student, University of Memphis Amber graduated with her BSW in 2020 from MacEwan University and will complete her MSW from the University of Memphis in the spring of 2022. She is attempting to gain an international perspective on social work practices and also attended the Paris Summer School of Social Work in 2019. Amber currently volunteers with Metro Cinema, a not-for-profit society devoted to the exhibition of diverse, unique shared viewing experiences in Edmonton. Amber currently works with AHS as a COVID-19 case manager on the contact tracing team and has years of experience working with youth in care living with mental health and addictions issues. She is passionate about raising awareness for mental health issues. As a mother of two neurodiverse children, she has much life experience in navigating behavioural and developmental issues for children within the public education and health care systems. After graduation, Amber hopes to continue expanding her knowledge of international social work and to attain her clinical designation with time.

24 SPRING 2021 Chizobam Iwe, ACSW student member BSW student, University of Calgary – Edmonton Cohort Chizobam Iwe is a fourth-year social work student and recipient of the 2020 ACSW Bursary. This has supported her financially and encouraged her continued commitment and involvement with the community and the educational institution amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic. Previously an insurance and risk manager, studying social work was a major shift, but her passion to care endeared this profession to her. Studying social work was a dream come true as she loves to aspire, accomplish, care and help. The thought of helping people overcome challenges and supporting them to make the most of themselves brings great comfort to her. She intends to pursue graduate studies soon after gaining the requisite experience in the field to further her career as a social work practitioner and a full member of ACSW.

Nicole Brown, ACSW student member BSW student, University of Calgary – Virtual Learning Circles My name is Nicole and I currently live in Sylvan Lake. I am a 4th-year Bachelor of Social Work student at the University of Calgary through the Virtual Learning Circles program. I previously earned a social work diploma at Red Deer College. After completing the degree program, I plan to gain some experience in the field working with youth, with the goal to then apply for the MSW clinical program. I am currently a research assistant with the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work assisting with the Transforming the Field Education Landscape project. I have been involved with the community throughout my life, through 4-H, Rodeo Queen, collecting items for the food bank, homeless population, and women’s shelter, to name a few. My interest in social work stems from being a hairstylist for over ten years and having the ability to listen to someone talk about their life and not give advice but be a listening ear. Receiving this bursary is an honour and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and skills through work experience and further education in the social work field!

Brandy Newman, ACSW student member Social Work Diploma student, Red Deer College Brandy Newman is a single parent of two boys (aged 15 and 7) who she raises by herself. Brandy previously completed an undergraduate degree in sociology and worked within human services for several years before returning to Red Deer College to complete her diploma in social work. Future endeavours include, hopefully, beginning an MSW in the spring and eventually working in forensic social work. Outside of being a full-time student, Brandy also works full time as an on-call crisis coordinator in residential youth care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and outdoor activities with her children.

THE ADVOCATE 25 FEATURE STORY

The Mental Health of Black Youth in Alberta

BY BUKOLA SALAMI, RN, PHD, PUBLIC MEMBER, ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS, BENJAMIN DENGA, NIFE AJAYI, MSGANA ASEFAW, YAR ANYIETH AND DOMINIC ALAAZI

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS THE UNFILTERED LANGUAGE OF BLACK YOUTH, WHICH REFLECTS THEIR LIVED EXPERIENCES. THE ADVOCATE BELIEVES IT IS IMPORTANT TO CENTRE THESE UNALTERED PARTICIPANT VOICES.

international literature that indicates Black, African, and Caribbean immigrants have a higher incidence of schizophrenia than other immigrant groups4. A similar meta-analysis confirms this finding and also places second- generation Black African and Caribbean immigrants at a higher risk of schizophrenia than first-generation populations5. The purpose of this study was to address the limited qualitative data available with respect to the mental health of Black youth in Alberta and to examine their needs in terms of mental health support.

Methodology We used a participatory action research methodology. Upon obtaining ethics approval, we convened an advisory committee of youth who supported all phases of the research study, conducted interviews, and facilitated conversation cafés. All 10 members of the advisory Because I feel like in the Black community, the previous committee were members of the Africa Centre group, YEG generations have worked so hard to get where we’re at right The Come Up. In Phase 1 of this project, we interviewed now, that like they didn’t have the time to worry about mental 30 Black youth in Alberta. In Phase 2, around 100 health. They had to put food on the table. - Participant 1 youth engaged in four conversation cafés on mental health promotion, intergenerational relationships, Introduction intersectionality, and the policy context of mental health. In Canada, Black people experience poorer mental health These topics were selected by advisory committee members 1 outcomes than the general population . For instance, an based on data collected in Phase 1. We analyzed the data analysis of administrative data from physician billing and gathered using thematic analysis. hospital admission of patients aged 14 to 40 years found that immigrants from the Caribbean and Bermuda had Results and Implications a higher risk2 of having a psychotic disorder compared The most commonly identified factor that affects mental to the general population1. Moreover, in the refugee health is racism and discrimination. Experiences of anti-Black group, people from East Africa had a significantly higher racism contribute negatively to the development of a positive risk3 of psychosis than the general Canadian population. identity. One youth described how she internalized anti- These findings are consistent with a meta-analysis of the Black racism, which continues to affect her mental health:

26 SPRING 2021 I grew up with so much internalized anti-Blackness. God, because they’ve only known like civil war and like running I hated myself. I wanted to be white so bad. I wanted to away, and like you got to move on. - Participant 8 have straight hair. I wanted to have lighter skin. You know, For these reasons, it is important that social workers I wanted smaller lips. There was one time a girl told me… I assess and consider how the experience of trauma may was sleeping over at her house, and she was looking at me. impact mental health in this population. I was like, “What?” And she’s like, “You have nigger lips.” - Participant 9 Other factors that negatively contribute to access to mental health services include the cost of counselling This Black youth also described her experience of having services and financial strain, lack of information a Slurpee thrown at her by White men when she was about mental health, lack of mental health services in crossing the street. Unfortunately, when Black youth neighbourhoods that are predominantly Black, and lack access mental health support to address the challenges of safe spaces for discussing mental health concerns. they face, counsellors often lack the skills to deal with Social workers should provide safe spaces and ensure their mental health concerns. The lack of diversity in the confidentiality when providing services to Black youth. mental health and counselling sector is a major barrier to This is especially important due to the intense stigma providing mental health services to Black youth. Many of associated with accessing mental health services. Social those interviewed indicated they thought a White mental workers can also capitalize on the resilience of Black health therapist would not understand their experience youth, including their strengths and demonstrated and could not provide adequate mental health support. ability to overcome past experiences. Drawing on spirituality and faith may help support mental health First of all, there’s never any Black counsellors. That’s the services. Fostering positive cultural identity and biggest problem. How am I going to tell a White person strengthening feelings of community belonging can also that… there’s no food in the fridge and you’re stressed, help address mental health concerns. you’re crumbling, and you can’t do your homework, and your teacher thinks you’re a lazy piece of shit and you’re In conclusion, social workers have a role to play in stupid, and you’re not going anywhere in life because addressing the mental health of Black youth by tackling all you like to do is play basketball, because that’s your intersecting systems of oppression based on race, class, outlet? - Participant 15 age, gender, and more. In the process of developing identity, youth values sometimes conflict with parental values and expectations. Expectations of parents on what success entails and pressures related to academic achievement further impact the mental health of Black youth. The group also discussed how their parents’ past experiences with trauma contribute to their mental health; for From left to right: DR. BUKOLA SALAMI is an Associate Professor in the Faculty instance, Black youth described how parents may of Nursing at the University of Alberta and a researcher whose main area of interest is immigrant health. She has been engaged in over 50 research neglect their own mental health due to a focus on projects on this topic funded by national and international agencies. providing for the physical needs of the family, such as BENJAMIN DENGA is a PhD student in Educational Policy Studies at the food and shelter. University of Alberta and a research assistant of the Health and Immigration Policies and Practices Research Program. The young people also discussed their own past experience NIFE AJAYI, MSGANA ASEFAW, AND YAR ANYIETH worked as research of trauma, including experience during wars and assistants for the Health and Immigration Policies and Practices Research childhood experience of abuse, as a factor that affects their Program at the University of Alberta and as advisory committee members on this project. They are undergraduate students at the University of Alberta. mental health. Parents’ past experiences of trauma may DOMINIC ALAAZI is a postdoctoral fellow at the Faculty of Nursing, University also impede access to mental health services. of Alberta. He was previously a project coordinator for Health and Immigration Policies and Practices Research Program at the University of Alberta. So the reason why like they don’t address mental health If you have questions or comments regarding this article, Dr. Salami can be in the Sudanese community is because like the parents reached at [email protected]. never got to address. They don’t know mental health, References available by emailing [email protected]

THE ADVOCATE 27 “YOU CAN BE A SOCIAL WORKER ANYWHERE,” CAELEB DAY IN THE LIFE GOFF SAYS. “IT’S ABOUT THE WAY YOU RELATE TO PEOPLE AND THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD – IT’S NOT JUST A JOB TITLE.” Goff (BSW, RSW) is a young social worker who just obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2020 from the University of Calgary. She was in the middle of her practicum as a Family Court Counsellor with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Suddenly she was at home, with a lot of free time on her hands, and had to figure out where she wanted to take her career. After a few months of job searching, she found a role in Enrolment Services with the University of Calgary, meeting her desire of giving back to students and working in the education system. This may sound like a non- traditional position for a social worker, but Goff feels that her social work background is a good fit for this area. “This role has given me a lot of space to use my social work knowledge and bring that to the team,” Goff says. “Just last week, I did a great morning workshop with my colleagues about de-escalation and how we can reflect on our own positionality and use that to inform our practice.” During an average day at Enrolment Services, Goff responds to various student inquiries about things like admission, registration, financial aid and fees. A large part of the role involves making referrals to appropriate BY MEL PRIESTLEY resources, but Goff says they also need to be there to simply acknowledge and support the students. Many are first-year undergraduates who are in a very unusual situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CAELEB “These first-year students didn’t get to go to graduation or prom and now they’re coming to university and it looks totally different than expected,” Goff says. “They’re GOFF sad; it’s a sad position to be in. We have to do a lot of de-escalation because people are quite upset when BSW, RSW they call us. In our roles, we support main elements of the student experience like course registration and paying tuition and fees, but these topics can often come with emotions tied to them. Our roles are more about understanding motivation and emotionality than about the actual nitty gritty of things like paying fees. A lot of it is just sitting with them in that emotional moment and trying to get to a solution together.” One of the things that Goff enjoys most about her role

28 SPRING 2021 in Enrolment Services is advocacy. “I’m really lucky that I have the opportunity to use social work practice and focus on the advocacy piece, because a lot of what we’re doing is advocating for students,” she says. “This can involve connecting with other departments on the student’s behalf or understanding and adjusting our systems and processes where we hear student barriers exist.” Goff didn’t initially plan to be a social worker. Prior to her social work education, she got a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queen’s University. While doing clinical research as part of her studies at

A lot of it is just sitting with them in that emotional moment and trying to get to a solution together.

Queen’s, she also volunteered as a mentor to at-risk students in their first year, as well as at the Peer Support Centre and on the Mental Health Awareness Committee. Volunteering has continued to be very important to Goff. In early 2020, she connected with the Alberta Assembly of Social Workers (AASW), a new advocacy group of social workers working on social justice issues. “Everyone has a skill set that you can bring forward,” Goff says. “When I started as a social worker, I was really informed by my background in psychology; I didn’t leave all that behind,” she says. “After I graduated, I realized I had this

THE ADVOCATE 29 toolbox and just had to figure out When she’s not working, Goff enjoys many have ended up in jobs that where to put it to work.” reading, playing video games and were very different from what hiking. “My best friend and I like to they expected,” she says. “But the Staying connected with the social drive around and find random places exciting part of graduating is being work profession is a key part of to hike,” she says. “We never plan able to figure out new ways of doing how Goff approaches her daily anything, which is very contrary to social work. work at Enrolment Services. She how I normally am!” meets regularly with a mentor, Cari “You can be a social worker no Gulbrandsen, PhD, RSW, who works matter where you’re working,” she at the University of Calgary as the continues. “Even during a pandemic, head of undergraduate student affairs or if you don’t have a job at the for the Faculty of Social Work. They moment and you’re just volunteering, discuss Goff’s social work practice You can be a social you can continue to evolve your and how she’s still developing and practice and grow.” moving forward while working within worker no matter where Enrolment Services. you’re working “I treat this role similarly to my Ultimately, Goff hopes that her practicum,” Goff says. “When experience can be an example for you’re in practicum, you set all other social workers, especially new these goals for yourself and I’m still graduates facing career prospects that doing the same thing. I don’t have MEL PRIESTLEY is an Edmonton-based freelance look very different than in the past. to submit assignments, but I can be journalist who writes about local news and culture as well as theatre, food and wine. accountable to myself and what I’m “Some people in my cohort have Find more of her writing and current projects at trying to learn.” struggled to find employment and melpriestley.ca.

30 SPRING 2021 FEATURE STORY ONE SOLID CONNECTION: SOCIAL WORKERS & CHILD WELFARE BY EMILY RENDELL-WATSON

CHAOS AND A LACK OF STABILITY Chronicles: Reflections on Growing were mainstays in Cody Murrell’s Up in the Child Welfare System, as childhood. well as contributing to a learning guide located in the book that Murrell, BSW, RSW, grew up in offers practical tips and outlines Alberta’s child welfare system, best practices which are grounded entering government care at six years in the voices of youth in care, and old after his father passed away from professional practice wisdom for a drug overdose and his mother was other social workers who work with struggling to care for both him and his these youth. younger brother. BETWEEN THE AGES OF 6 AND 18, MURRELL ATTENDED 10 DIFFERENT “I remember being taken from my Learning guide SCHOOLS AND LIVED IN NINE home by [someone] I only knew as If the stories shared in the book are DIFFERENT PLACEMENTS a stranger and being told that I was its heart and soul, the Youth in Care going to be living with this other Chronicles learning guide “would be stranger, my new foster caregiver. I the body” said Murrell. remember feeling extremely scared He explained that while reading and being unsure about why I had the first-person accounts, the been moved. It was like having editorial team was able to use their everything you knew taken away,” collective practice wisdom to pull he said. out consistent themes across each Between the ages of 6 and 18, Murrell of the youth’s stories, including his attended 10 different schools and lived own. in nine different placements: four The themes are: relationships, foster homes, two group homes, an adolescent residential advocacy, connections, transitions, and compassion. treatment program and two semi-independent apartments. “These five themes suggest that some of the most “I had hundreds of workers who worked directly with me impactful work we can do as practitioners is understanding over the years including caseworkers, youth workers, and meeting clients where they are at, sharing power advocacy workers, group care staff and foster caregivers,” whenever possible, being transparent and honest, and the now 28-year-old said. adjusting our approach when needed to best meet the Murrell, who is based in Edmonton, now works as a social youths’ needs,” Murrell said. worker in the same child welfare system he grew up in. When working with kids in care, Murrell said it’s He recently shared his story in a book called Youth in Care important to start by listening.

THE ADVOCATE 31 “You need to know where people telling them, especially in this type of are coming from, what they want, system.” you have to take an interest in their He credits the meaningful interests. You have to work towards relationships he was able to develop building a strong relationship and as what was responsible for the major through that relationship, you’re able positive shift that allowed him to feel to kind of help move people along ST. GERMAIN, 24, LIVED IN THREE loved, cared for, and challenged to DIFFERENT PLACEMENTS WHILE IN grow. THE SYSTEM — ONE FOSTER HOME Murrell also advises social workers AND TWO GROUP HOMES to remember how advocacy can play youth in care to better understand The most impactful a role in ensuring youth remain a priority as a “small part of a large them, and to adapt their approach to work we can do system.” be better allies for youth and better support them. as practitioners is “Give these kiddos a chance to have understanding and their voice heard and for them to have One connection meeting clients where some input. That is really critical in The themes Murrell and the showing that you’re going to advocate editorial team identified were also they are at for them, that you want what they present throughout Cassie St. want. They need to see that you’re on Germain’s story. … gently nudge or push them in a their side, and that you’re fighting for different direction, because changing St. Germain and her two siblings them,” Murrell said. behaviours is difficult,” Murrell were apprehended in 2003 when explained. “It is what made the difference for me she was five years old. at many junctions in my life when I “Without that relationship, there’s “There was a lot of domestic was not treated the most fairly.” not going to be any trust and if you violence between my parents and don’t have trust, people aren’t going Murrell wants to see the learning there was heavy alcoholism and to want to work with you because guide used as a resource and tool drug use,” she said. they’ll be fearful of what you’re for practitioners who interact with St. Germain, 24, lived in three

32 SPRING 2021 different placements while in the who took a chance on her eight years system — one foster home and two ago. Their client-worker relationship group homes. Over the years, she has evolved into a friendship, and the said she’s worked with more than 10 impact she’s had on St. Germain’s life different case workers, and that there remains. was a “really high rate of turnover.” St. Germain is attending school “It seemed like there was no point at MacEwan University part-time, in trying to build any relationships working towards a Bachelor of Arts with people because they were going with a major in psychology. She is to be leaving as fast as they came,” living independently and working recalls St. Germain from her home in as a frontline worker at an inner-city Edmonton. organization in Edmonton. When St. Germain was 16, she was As St. Germain writes in her story in assigned a social worker who proved Youth in Care Chronicles: Reflections on that it only takes one solid connection Growing Up in the Child Welfare System, to make a difference in someone’s life. family can be more than just blood. GET THE BOOK “She always made it a priority that “Permanency is different for I could contact her. It was more of everyone, and oftentimes, family is a personal investment in me as a YOUTH IN CARE the people we meet along the way CHRONICLES: client,” explained St. Germain. When who keep us in their hearts.” her social worker was transferred to REFLECTIONS a different department, St. Germain The importance of compassion ON GROWING said the worker fought to keep her on The compassion St. Germain felt UP IN THE CHILD her caseload. from her social worker is something WELFARE SYSTEM “She was basically one of the first Murrell feels is crucial in the child IS AVAILABLE ON people outside of my parents and welfare system. He said compassion AMAZON.CA. teachers that actually demonstrated is what gave him hope when he was To view a CASW webinar on the book they had faith in my ability to younger and “at times, the will to live and learning guide, and how to use integrate, instead of just looking at and to keep fighting.” its lessons in your own practice, visit casw.acts.ca, Continuing Education. me as another file that she had to go “Sometimes in the busyness of and check on,” St. Germain said. our jobs, we lose sight of this and “I was an actual human being to her we’re just kind of getting things experienced compassion very much, that had potential, and she really done before the end of the day,” and they need it even more,” said helped me.” he said, explaining that many Murrell. kids are familiar with a cold, That relationship extended to helping “It may even be the thing that saves institutionalized system. St. Germain apply for university, get their lives.” her driver’s license, and make safety Care can be demonstrated by the kind plans when there wasn’t a consistent of language that’s used, and how place for her to call home. When she conversations are approached so that questioned where she was headed in there is love and compassion present. life, the worker was there to pick her “If they’re using drugs, or maybe up and encourage her to keep going. they’re getting into trouble, saying, Although St. Germain has since aged ‘I’m worried about you because I care EMILY RENDELL-WATSON is a multimedia out of the child welfare system, she is about you, I’m not here to lecture journalist based in Edmonton. You can still in contact with the social worker you.’ Often kids in care have not reach her at twitter.com/erendellwatson.

THE ADVOCATE 33 All CTRI Workshops are approved by LIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS ASWB SPRING 2021 CATEGORY A COMPETENCY CREDIT

NEW CTRI BOOKS COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY–Tools for Thinking Differently March 25 COUNSELLING IN RELATIONSHIPS CLINICAL SUPERVISION–Skills for Developing Counsellors March 25 Insights for Helping Families ANXIETY IN CHILDREN & YOUTH–Practical Intervention Strategies March 27 Develop Healthy Connections Strategies for Helping from a Distance When people feel a strong sense of PROVIDING SUPPORT REMOTELY– March 30 belonging, they are more prepared to manage life’s challenges. This CRITICAL INCIDENT GROUP DEBRIEFING March 31 book explores guiding principles for working effectively with families. Authors address RESTORATIVE JUSTICE–Facilitating Dialogue April 6-8 relationship dynamics including those among parents and teens, couples, and adoptive, blended, TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE–Understanding & Supporting April 12 and single-parent families. COUNSELLING IN RELATIONSHIPS April 13-14 ONCE A WIZARD ADDICTIONS AND MENTAL ILLNESS–Working with Co-occurring Disorders April 20 A Story About Finding a Way Through Loss HARM REDUCTION–A Framework for Change, Choice, and Control April 22 This wordless children’s book has beautiful imagery and the potential to create many VIOLENCE THREAT ASSESSMENT–Planning and Response April 27 imaginative storylines. It empowers children to tell their own stories and explore the meaning of BRIEF-FOCUSED COUNSELLING SKILLS–Strategies from Leading Frameworks April 28-29 their own experiences of loss. The book includes helpful tips, questions, and activities to support ATTACHMENT–Strategies for Fostering Connections May 4 parents and caregivers as they help children navigate their way through loss. TRAUMA–Strategies for Resolving the Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress May 5-6

www.ctrinstitute.com All workshops run from Visit our website for details on more [email protected] 9 am - 4 pm CT. workshops coming this Spring/Summer. 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

34 SPRING 2021 FOR YOUR INFORMATION

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

Canadian Association of ACSW 2021 Annual Conference Social Workers Webinars March 25 – 27, 2021 Free, on-demand PARTNERS Join us virtually for live keynotes from Recent webinar topics include The Youth in Vikki Reynolds and Todd Leader Care Chronicles: Voices from Former Youth in ACSW’S PUBLIC Workshops, live entertainment and more! Care, (Dis)placed: Indigenous Youth and the POLICY PARTNERS Child Welfare System, Group Work During the Time of COVID-19 and many others. Edmonton Social Planning Council Due to the ongoing pandemic, in-person edmontonsocialplanning.ca events are being changed or cancelled https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/webinars, or on YouTube under CASW, Playlists. more frequently than usual. Please check Friends of Medicare organization websites to confirm details. friendsofmedicare.org National Indigenous Peoples Day Public Interest Alberta Institute of Child Psychology 2021 Annual June 21, 2021 pialberta.org Children’s Mental Health Symposium Indigenous Canada April 23 – 25, 2021 Parkland Institute University of Alberta Massive Online ualberta.ca/parkland Open Online Course With three keynotes by experts in the field, this Online, free / Registration open now virtual conference aims to help create a global This Massive Open Online Course explores community where the stigma around mental Indigenous histories and contemporary issues health is dismantled. in Canada. https://Instituteofchildpsychology https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions- conference.com/ programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/

Edmonton Social Planning Council index.html ADVOCATE DEADLINES

Lunch and Learn videos Public Interest Alberta SUBMISSION On demand A People’s Bailout and A Green New Deal Topics include an overview of HIV Edmonton, for Alberta DEADLINE Addressing Food Security During a Pandemic Interactive webinar For the Summer 2021 issue and more. This webinar presented by the Council of the Advocate is www.youtube.com/user/edmontonspc of Canadians and Public Interest Alberta April 1, 2021 features four speakers discussing the crises of Parkland Institute 2020 Conference All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui inequality facing many people. [email protected] On demand https://www.pialberta.org/gnd_webinar_ Online content includes speakers exploring the june2020 complex challenges of this time. AD DEADLINE www.youtube.com/user/ParklandInstvideo/ Pride Month For the Summer 2021 issue playlists June 2021 of the Advocate is April 15, 2021 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.

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SOCIAL WORK WEEK Social Work is MARCH 7-13, 2021 Essential

The essential work provided by qualified, compassionate, and committed social workers benefits all people in Canada. Each March, we celebrate the important contributions social work professionals Celebrate Social Work Week make to our families and communities. March 7 - 13

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