995-04-2003 Advocate Winter (PDF)

volume 28, issue 4, winter 2003

THE

ADVOCATEALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS what’s in Poverty’s www.acsw.ab.ca www.acsw.ab.ca purse?

What’s in Poverty’s purse? page 22 “My brothers died for $40” page 24 Exploring the big picture page 26 Cities back on center stage page 28 Retirement & bereavement page 30 The value of wonder: children & spirituality page 32 The Advocate Volume 28, Issue 4 COVER STORY Winter 2003 What’s in Poverty’s purse?...... Cheryl Moskaluk...... 22

Published by: The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) FEATURES #550, 10707 - 100 Avenue “My brothers died for $40”...... Tara O’Sullivan ...... 24 Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 Exploring the big picture ...... Ronnie Wassill, Richard Shelson Phone: (780) 421-1167 ...... Shannon Bender, Alison MacDonald...... 26 Toll-free in Alberta: Cities back on center stage ...... Jake Kuiken ...... 28 1-800-661-3089 Fax: (780) 421-1168 or toll-free 1-866-874-8931 Retirement & bereavement: E-Mail: [email protected] lessons I have learned ...... Margaret Dewhurst...... 30 Website: www.acsw.ab.ca

issue The value of wonder...... Lindsay Ames, Melanie Walker, Executive Director & Registrar: Rod Adachi, MSW, RSW ...... Teak Daniel, Justin Harder, Mel Perka ...... 32 [email protected] Associate Registrar: Alison MacDonald, MSW, RSW [email protected] NEWS Professional Affairs: Elaine Paras, MSW, RSW From our desk to yours ...... ACSW staff...... 4 [email protected] HPA for Social Work celebration ...... ACSW staff...... 6 Research Coordinator: Jessica Smith, MSW, RSW in this [email protected] Social workers mentoring Finance and Administration: Gladys Smecko social workers—a proposal ...... June Churchill...... 8 Membership Services: Brenda Gross, Monica Vasconez On a personal note ...... ACSW member news ...... 8 Administrative Secretary: Florence Reinhardt 2004 Council elections ...... Rod Adachi...... 11 ACSW Council: President: Emily Drzymala, MSW, PhD (Educ), RSW Vice President: Sandi Sherman, BSW, RSW REGULAR FEATURES Secretary: Charlotte Cooper, MSW, RSW Council rolls up their sleeves...... Emily Drzymala...... 9 Treasurer: Veronica (Ronnie) Wassill, MSW, RSW Changes to entry-level qualifications ...... Rod Adachi...... 10 Members: Bonita Decaire, BSW, RSW Brenda Gladue, Dip SW, RSW Who owns the files? ...... Alison MacDonald ...... 12 Linda Golding, MSW, RSW Richard Gregory, BSW, MSc, RSW Interested in applying for a Pamela Miller, PhD, RSW graduate program?...... Lynne Dulaney-MacNicol ...... 14 Richard Shelson, MSW, RSW Public Member: Vince Steinhauer, MA ASWAC activities...... Mari Jo Vanidour ...... 15 Past President & CASW Representative: Social workers influenced treatment Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW of Alberta’s neglected children The Advocate is published quarterly for even in 1915 ...... Baldwin Reichwein...... 16 members of the Alberta College of Social Workers Networking ...... Ernest Schlesinger ...... 17 and other interested parties. Review: Motivational Interviewing...... Butch Nutter...... 19 Editorial Board: Papiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair) Duane Burton, BSW, MEd, RSW Letter: Continuing competency ...... Timothy Wild ...... 20 Erin Gray, MSW, RSW Bill Kirwin, PhD, RSW Leslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW Briar McGinnis, BSW Student The Advocate Editorial Policy Trudy Wilson, SW Diploma, RSW

The Advocate seeks to serve as a “meeting place” for Alberta social workers by publishing information Editor: Cheryl Moskaluk about social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the Production & Typesetting: Jena Snyder work of the College; books, journals, and other media of interest to social workers; continuing education and job opportunities; and the comings and goings of Alberta social workers. Submissions from Design: Kyle Loranger Design members and the public are welcome: articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, thoughts and ideas. Letters Advertising space is available. Advocate rates are $400 to the editor, announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are welcome. The Editorial Board per full page. Please call the ACSW office for details, or reserves the right to edit submitted material. Please call the ACSW office for a copy of “Writing for to place an ad. The Editorial Board reserves the right to The Advocate” before submitting any material. Publication does not imply endorsement by the College. reject any advertising.

SPRING 2004 ISSUE DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2004 The Advocate is published quarterly: deadline is JANUARY 15 for the SPRING issue (March publication), APRIL 15 for SUMMER (June publication), JULY 15 for FALL (September publication), and OCTOBER 15 Canadian subscriptions are $24 per year (Outside for WINTER (December publication). Canada: $24 US per year) ALL SUBMISSIONS: Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40050109 The Advocate, ACSW, #550, 10707 - 100 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ISSN 0847 - 2890 ATTN: Elaine Paras. Please notify the ACSW office immediately E-MAIL: [email protected] of any address changes. PHONE: (780) 421-1167 • FAX: 421-1168.

2 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 3 National Social Work Week: March 21-27, 2004 “Social Work for Social Justice”

How will you and your agency celebrate National Social Work Week 2004?

ACSW Council has set March 21-27, 2004, as National Social Work Week in Alberta. This is the third and final year for the theme Social Work for Social Justice. the in news

MARCH 2004 news S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Ellen Oliver, President of CASW, remarked in her presentation to The Goals of Social Work Week are: th colleagues attending the UN’s 20 Annual Social Work Day:  To increase knowledge about the roles and responsibilities social workers fulfill by heightening the profile of the profession with Social Work practice is essentially about influencing the levels our colleagues and the general public. of discomfort and hope. We focus our efforts on reducing the  To encourage organizations employing social workers, as well as discomfort of our clients while increasing the discomfort of social work education programs across Alberta, and to celebrate uninformed and/or uncaring societies in an effort to create a the role and contribution of social workers through the hosting more responsive society. of a wide variety of events. We also expend a great deal of energy helping people discover  To enhance the visibility and profile of the Alberta College of hope and the new possibilities that it creates… We need to Social Workers within our membership, our places of work, and remember that each time we influence policy, help someone within our communities. find a job, help a pregnant woman find nutritious food, develop a support network, advocate the right to food security, and To assist your planning: fulfill the many other tasks that are part of social work, we are ACSW has a range of branded promotional items, includ- contributing to the health of people, and that is a step towards ing a new poster and a sheet outlining promotional ideas, changing the world. e.g., make arrangements for local interviews and articles with Certainly these sentiments resonate as many of you, our intrepid your print, radio and other forms of media. Please designate members, pursue innovative ways to realize social justice for and one RSW per worksite to collaborate with us when order- with marginalized Albertans. Whatever your field of practice, we ing Social Work Week resources. Order forms are available via strongly encourage you to take time to plan, celebrate and share e-mail ([email protected]), by fax, or on the ACSW website what you do on a day-to-day basis. We encourage you to write (www.acsw.ab.ca/publications/socialworkweek). Your local Area a brief description of your celebrations and send pictures for the Coordinators will also have access to these resources and may dis- Summer 2004 Advocate. tribute letters of proclamation from your local government. 

c Season’s reetings dc G cd dcdcdcdcdcdcd 2 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 3 FromPresident’s our desk Report to yours

ACSWJake Kuiken office ,staff MSW, RSW

GOOD NEWS SECTION! GST exemption achieved for health services provided by social workers On October 3rd CASW announced an upcoming federal government amendment to the regulation relating to news news the goods and services tax (GST) that include an exemption for health services by social workers in independent practice. The proposed amendment exempts social workers’ services of counseling individuals for the prevention or treatment of physical or mental disorders or assisting afflicted individuals or their caregivers in coping with such conditions. A press release on this exemption may be viewed at www.fin.gc.ca/news03/03-046e.html. in the Social workers may begin NOT charging GST for services pro- Coordinator events and continuing competency opportunities. vided after October 3, 2003. A collective thanks to CASW and individual social workers across the country (including ACSW’s Past-Presidents Video, Casting Our History, is Private Practice Committee) for their many years of lobbying completed for this to occur. In May 2002, our president, eight past-presidents and one past vice-president (speaking for the period when John Hutton Veterans Affairs Canada approves clinical social was president) met for dinner and and to reminisce about their workers as trauma counsellors tenure. This session was videotaped and has been transformed In September, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) introduced a new into a 90-minute record of proceedings. The video is a piece national policy relating to the provision of trauma counseling of archival history, from formation in 1969 as the Alberta to eligible Veteran clients. The policy includes clinical social Association of Social Workers through our period as the Alberta workers as service providers should they meet the provider eli- Association of Registered Social Workers to the current Alberta gibility criteria requirements. The Trauma Counseling Provider College of Social Workers. The first viewing of this video will Application form is available on the CASW website (you take place in ACSW’s office building on Friday, December 5 at can link from the ACSW website). The Manager of Federal 1:30 pm. This video may be purchased from ACSW. Administered Programs at Atlantic Blue Cross Care (ABCC), th on behalf of VAC, indicated that this policy resulted from the December 10 is Human Rights Day. findings of a recently completed study to better understand the Check www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca for effects and benefits of trauma counseling. Goals of the study more information. included the ability to identify individuals requiring trauma counseling, individuals qualified to provide trauma counseling, That “pizza box” you received as well as methods and techniques used during these counseling The ACSW Handbooks, new wall Registration Certificates and sessions. RSW pins have now been forwarded to all members This was a huge undertaking; our office was deluged for weeks with what New Development on ACSW website we referred to as “pizza boxes.” Thank you to those who assisted At long last the Calendar of Events page is available for use. This us in every step of this process. Feedback from members who is a free service to you. See www.acsw.ab.ca/resources/calendar_ have reviewed the Handbook content has been positive—we of_events/. appreciate that!

Members are encouraged to add notices of relevant workshops, As Staff and Council, we now have a common connection with seminars, conferences and general interest meetings that are local, our members and another means of clarifying some questions regional, provincial or national in scope. We will also use this that come our way. For example, if you are concerned about the page to inform of upcoming ACSW sponsored events, local Area phrase on your practice permit (especially July member renewals),

4 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 5 President’s Report “not approved for psychosocial intervention,” we encourage you to look at page 21 of the handbook. It clarifies that the statement only relates to psychosocial intervention as ACSW Welcomes Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW defined in the Government Organizations Acts, Schedule 7.1, not the general psycho-social New Staff interventions that social workers employ. Member Access to Members Only section of CASW Bulletin online As of January 1, 2004, the Canadian Association of Social Workers’ (CASW) website in the in news will feature a section entitled Members Only. Access to the section will be restricted

to members of CASW member organizations. The section will include publications, news documents and resources of interest, such as the CASW Bulletin, a literature review of the newly revised CASW Code of Ethics, the draw of books received at the national office, and more. A password will be required to access the Members Only section. Each CASW member organization will have a different password that will change once per year. Please contact your provincial social work organization for the password for 2004. To access the Members Only section, go to the CASW website (www.casw- acts.ca), click on Members Only on the left sidebar, type in the name of your province (without a space between words, as in PrinceEdwardIsland) and enter your provincial password. We hope you enjoy this new feature available to you as a member of one of the CASW organizations!

New ACSW Research Coordinator Jessica Smith Alison MacDonald receives award from ASWB Alison MacDonald, ACSW Associate Registrar, was recognized by the Association of We are pleased to introduce Social Work Boards (ASWB) as a recipient of the Board Administrator Award for out- Jessica Smith, MSW, RSW, as standing commitment to social work regulatory board service. the new Research Coordinator for the ACSW. Each year the ASWB publicly acknowledges up to two staff members of member Jessica comes to us from CUSO, jurisdictions for their contributions. The where she was the Cooperant other recipient of this award was Suzanne Program Officer for the prairies. Pevey from Louisiana. In addition to research and These awards were presented at the project evaluation work, Annual Meeting of the ASWB held in Jessica brings experience in Colorado Springs in November. Another community development and highlight from the meeting was the project coordination. election of France Daigle from New Jessica received her education Brunswick to the ASWB Nominations at Carleton (BA, BSW) and Committee. the University of Calgary (MSW), where she specialized The ASWB is comprised of social work in Community Organization, regulatory bodies from American states Management and Policy. and Canadian provinces. Alberta was the first province to join ASWB in 1997, fol- We look forward to Jessica lowed by Nova Scotia, New Brunswick joining the staff of ACSW to and British Columbia. assist in implementing the Influencing Social Policy and Congratulations, Alison!  Alison MacDonald, ACSW Associate Registrar, with her Development (ISPAD) plan award from the Association of Social Work Boards for recently adopted by Council. outstanding commitment to social work regulatory board service Welcome! 

4 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 5 Health Professions Act for Social Work proclaimed! the in news news news news On September 25th in Edmonton, ACSW hosted a large gathering of members, representatives of other professions, and provincial dignitaries in order to celebrate the April 1, 2003, proclamation of in the social work into the omnibus Health Professions Act.

In Calgary, the HPA celebration was combined with the Christmas seasonal social event, held November 19th at the Red and White Club. Pictures from this event will be found in the Spring 2004 issue of the Advocate. 

Betty Farrell, the first Secretary, with Don Milne, the first President of our organization, then known as the Alberta Association of Social Workers (1970). Missing from the photo is Sheila Schlesinger, the first Registrar.

Emily Drzymala welcomes everyone to HPA celebration A great turnout for the HPA celebration

6 The Advocate • winter 2003 in the in in the in news news news

The Hon. Iris Evans, Minister of Children’s Services, Georgeann Wilkin gives greetings on behalf of Health Rob Renner, MLA for Medicine Hat and the architect of makes comments and gives congratulations and Wellness Minister Gary Mar the HPA, gives his comments and greetings

Tom Lukaszuk, Edmonton Castle Downs MLA, gives his Walter Coombs (“I predate the Association”) and Margaret Dewhurst reminisce about the early years of our greetings and comments Association

Terry Nowak (left) andKay Feehan (right), both enjoying the HPA celebration

Volume 28 • Issue 4 7 Member news ACSW staff College seeks outstanding social workers for 2004 On a Personal Note awards programs

Dr. James Gripton, RSW, was honored by the Canadian Sex ACSW members are requested to submit nominations for Research Forum at its annual conference, Sept. 11-13, 2003, the following awards: news news in Edmonton. He was given an award in appreciation of his dedicated and distinguished service to the organization. He was The John Hutton Memorial Award for Social Action/ Executive Director in 1992-93. In the early 1970s, he pioneered Policy recognizes members in good standing who have in teaching Human Sexuality at the university level, and since made an outstanding contribution to the profession of in the then has conducted sex-related research and practice as a sex social work and the community through advocacy, social therapist. His wife (Dr. Mary Valentich) and their son are in the action, policy development/analysis, program development process of editing a video of Jim’s career—stay tuned! or political action aimed at enhancing social functioning, REMINDER: service delivery systems and the environments in which we Don’t forget to send your news items to the the ACSW office! work with our clients. Social workers mentoring social The ACSW Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice recognizes Registered Social Workers who have exhibited workers: a proposal exemplary skills and commitment to the Code of Ethics June Churchill, Calgary Area Coordinator and mission of the ACSW while engaged in providing direct When social workers get together, exciting ideas are born! service to clients.

At the Nov. 19th Celebration of the Season in Calgary a few Honorary Memberships may be awarded to a person or veteran social workers were discussing the extent of burnout in group making a significant contribution to the values experienced colleagues and the loss of optimism in new grads. and ideals inherent in the profession of social work and One suggestion was “what if we could link up enthusiastic advancing the goals of the ACSW. experienced social workers with discouraged ones in a one to one mentoring relationship?” This mentoring relationship could Nominations must be submitted in writing to the ACSW also be available for people wanting to: change areas of specialty, office by the deadline indicated. Please provide a clear enter private practice, move into supervisory or management rationale for your nomination and enclose available roles, or relocate to a different area of the province. With the supporting documentation for review by the Nominations options of face to face, e-mail or phone, mentoring relationships would not be geographically limited. Committee. The role of the Nominations Committee is to review the nominees presented and make recommendations The first step in this radical idea is to have experienced social to Council. Award winners will be honored at the 2004 workers from various education levels and practice venues sub- Conference Awards Banquet. mit a half-page professional profile describing areas of experience and expertise. Deadline for nominations is

Send in those profiles now by e-mail, fax, or snail mail, 4:30 pm, Monday, January 26, 2004. attention Elaine Paras, ACSW office, Edmonton. For further information about these awards, please contact Watch the ACSW website for future information. Get active the ACSW office at (780) 421-1167 or 1-800-661-3089.  now! What a great New Year’s resolution!!! 

8 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 9 President’s Report

Emily Drzymala, MSW, PhD (Educ), RSW

Council rolls up sleeves to regular reinforce ACSW structure feature A major undertaking this year has been to develop the ACSW structure as described in the members’ handbook that you received in October. We continue to devote much time and energy to see that the schematics you see in print become fully operational.

At the September meeting, Council approved documents speci- The presidents shared province-specific information and we fying the roles and responsibilities of Council Members at Large, worked on our purpose as a group. We received updates on the Executive Committee, as well as the roles of President, provincial association activities, and our purpose was identi- Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. Although the work and fied as sharing information that is provincial in scope versus resulting documents may seem tedious, this process is essential the CASW role of focusing on issues that are national in scope. to our communications with you, our members, and for clarifi- My appreciation of regional diversity was reinforced but there cation of future responsibilities in our complex organization. All were no surprises, given my personal experience of having lived regulatory and member interest committees are being asked to in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Yukon as rewrite terms of reference using a template to ensure consisten- well as Alberta. cy in articulating respective purposes, objectives and processes. While Alberta has close to 5,000 members in ACSW, the What will this mean for you and for ACSW? reported memberships of other jurisdictions are: Newfoundland 983; Nova Scotia 1,496; Prince Edward Island 57; New We hope to make it easier for you to choose how you will be Brunswick 1,351; Ontario 3,150; Manitoba 700 members; involved in ACSW, as the terms of reference will specify the North West Territories/Yukon/Nunavut combined 100 mem- duration of appointments and expectations of committee members; BC 1,100. (Saskatchewan’s president was unable to attend bers. Increased participation by members according to demo- this meeting.) Most provinces are at various stages of moving graphic representation will help create a richer dialogue and to mandatory registration. New Brunswick has had mandatory relevant province-wide outcomes. Toward this end, some pre- registration for 15 years while the Northern Territories and liminary data gathering has taken place with respect to member Manitoba have yet to achieve mandatory registration. demographics. The gender distribution of our membership is 82.4% female and 17.6% male. The geographic distribution of While our regional reporting did not focus on specific social pol- our membership indicates that 34.6% live in Edmonton and icy issues, I did have the opportunity to present our “Influencing area, 36% live in Calgary and area, and 29.4% live throughout Social Policy and Development” framework. Some provinces/ter- the rest of our province. ritories indicated interest in adopting this framework.

On the national scene, in September, I attended a Canadian My work as president continues to provide the pleasure of Association of Social Workers (CASW) meeting of member meeting many of you while fulfilling the responsibilities of organization presidents. This group includes provincial associa- working for and on your behalf, in the interests of serving the tions but does not include the presidents of the regulatory bod- public. My respect for the work that our members perform on ies of Prince Edward Island, BC, and Ontario. In these three a day-to-day basis grows with each encounter I have with you, provinces the regulatory bodies are separate from the associa- and through meetings attended. I wish each and every one of tions (unlike ACSW, where the “association” function and the you the best for the New Year and a restful and nurturing time “regulatory” function are combined within one organization). during the Holiday Season! 

8 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 9 Executive Director & Registrar’s report

Rod Adachi, MSW, RSW Changes to entry-level feature qualifications will be delayed

Any proposal to establish the BSW as the entry-level credential for social work will wait until a national working group on health delivery and human resources delivers its report.

Increase in entry-to-practice requirements HPA Employers Handbook and presentations

regular regular The proposal to establish the BSW as the entry-level qualifica- Jon Pascoe of Pascoe Management Consulting Inc. has been tion for the professional designation registered social worker appears to contracted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to compile be one of a number of requests from different professions regard- a Health Professions Act (HPA) handbook for employers of ing entry-to-practice requirements. In the Health Professions Act, professionals regulated under the HPA. As part of this exercise, entry-to-practice requirements are set out in the profession-specific Jon has traveled around Alberta making presentations to a regulation. Changes to these requirements require amendments to variety of employers to promote the handbook and to discuss the regulation and as such require prior approval by government. employer obligations under the HPA. The handbook and the Professions seeking changes to entry-to-practice requirements must presentations are designed to assist with the implementation of appear before the Health Professions Advisory Board (HPAB) to the Act. present the rationale for the proposed change. The HPAB has prepared a draft guideline for groups wishing to appear before it. At Jon’s request, Alison MacDonald and I attended a number of his presentations for employers of social workers to help explain The Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN) was the the role of the ACSW under the HPA. Jon has found it chal- first group to appear before the HPAB on Oct. 29 to discuss lenging to explain the obligations of the HPA to some employ- its proposal to increase its current minimum entry requirement ers who have questioned concepts such as mandatory registration from a diploma program to a baccalaureate program by the end and continuing competence. Lack of understanding of the legislative of 2009. The HPAB will forward its confidential recommenda- requirements has hindered clear communication about the HPA tion regarding the AARN proposal to the Minister of Health and which in turn has lengthened the time frame for registering all Wellness. To confuse matters, however, prior to this meeting a the social workers who are required to be regulated under this national moratorium was announced on decisions about changes to new legislation. The HPA Employers Handbook and Jon’s presen- entry-to-practice requirements. The Council of Deputy Ministers tations make it very clear that employers shall not knowingly of Health, with the support of Deputy Ministers responsible for employ a person who qualifies for registration unless that person post-secondary education, agreed that each provincial/territorial is registered. government will postpone decisions on any proposal for an increase in entry-to-practice credentials until a report is received from the Recognizing Learning Conference Advisory Committee on Health Delivery and Human Resources The Fifth International Forum on Prior Learning Assessment (ACHDHR). The ACHDHR’s Entry to Practice Working Group and Qualification Recognition, held Oct. 19-22 in Winnipeg, is consulting this fall with national and provincial stakeholders. dealt with a number of topics of interest for the Registration The goal of the Working Group is to develop national principles Committee. On behalf of this committee, Mike Dickinson and I and policy that will assist governments in determining whether attended the three-day conference that used the theme Building a proposed change in entry-to-practice educational credential is Capacity in a Knowledge Economy. Several pre-conference work- comprehensive, impartial and based on clear evidence. No changes shops were offered on the day prior to the conference. I partici- to entry-to-practice credentials will be considered for approval until pated in the workshop on Recognizing Foreign Credentials and this Working Group has completed its task. This new development Mike attended the workshop on Introduction to Prior Learning delays further action on the proposal to establish the BSW as the Assessment and Portfolio Development. The information collected entry-level credential for the professional designation “registered and the contacts made will be most useful for the ongoing social worker.” deliberations of the Registration Committee. 

10 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 11 Nominations due in January for Executive Director & Registrar’s report 2004 Council elections

Proclamation of the Health Professions Act (HPA) for our profession has required some regular re-structuring of election procedures for executive members of Council.

Formerly, the election of President and Secretary were paired Council member roles and responsibilities feature in the same year, alternating with the Vice-President and Council members comprise the governing body of the Alberta Treasurer positions in alternating years. In our new bylaws, College of Social Workers. The ACSW Council provides the President and Vice-President positions are paired for governance and leadership to the college and its members. election and the Secretary and Treasurer positions are paired in The ACSW is authorized through legislation to conduct the alternating years. activities of a professional regulatory body; this includes:

This change will affect Council elections for several years: • governing the social work profession in a manner that protects and serves the public interest, • For 2004, the Treasurer position will be the only executive • providing direction to and regulating the practice of social position up for election along with three (3) Council mem- work, ber positions. All positions will be elected for two-year terms. • establishing, maintaining and enforcing a code of ethics and • In 2005, the executive positions of President, Vice-President standards for registration, continuing competence and practice. and three Council members will be elected for two-year terms while the Secretary position is a one-year term. Candidates interested in Council need to be: • In 2006 the cycle of change will be complete with the election of Treasurer, Secretary and three Council members for • informed about the role of the ACSW and its obligations, two-year terms. • committed to serve in the best interests of the ACSW and the Regardless, the election process remains unchanged: social work profession, • able to discuss diverse perspectives on a number of • a call for nominations is mailed to the membership challenging topics, • the roster of candidates and the ballots are sent to the membership • willing to commit time and energy to the activities of the • members’ completed ballots are sent by deadline to the ACSW, ACSW office • willing to face challenges and opportunities related to • election results are tallied by the Nominations Committee. implementing the legislative requirements of the Health Professions Act for Social Work. The election of candidates is determined by receipt of the majority of members’ returned ballots. In the case of only one ACSW council members meet five to six times a year, including candidate, approval is determined by a majority of returned the Annual General Meeting, which is held in conjunction with ballots. Unfilled positions may be filled at the Annual General the Annual Provincial Conference in March. Council members Meeting by a majority vote of nominees from the floor at a may become involved in committees and other activities that session chaired by Nominations Committee Chair. require additional time commitments.

Nomination forms will be mailed to ACSW members in early If you are interested in becoming a member of the ACSW December. If you or anyone you know is interested in running Council, or know of someone who could contribute their for any of the available positions please submit a nomination expertise and time towards ACSW initiatives, please consider the form to the ACSW office. nomination process for available positions. 

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 19, 2004

10 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 11 Ethics in action

Alison MacDonald, MSW, RSW

Who owns the files? regular feature Social workers often call the ACSW because someone has requested access to information, a copy of a record,

or wants to have a record destroyed or revised. Questions are also raised regarding the disposition of files feature when a social worker closes a practice or leaves an agency.

In attempting to find answers to these questions I found that there are two basic problems. First, there is little clarity to be found in the law. Second, too many organizations have no policy to guide their staff. The following information is provided to encourage social workers to consider the issues involved and to look at regular regular the policies within your practice setting. If there are none, it’s probably time to look at creating some.

What are the relevant laws? Depending on where a social worker is employed, their client HIA applies to custodians of health information as defined in and personnel files may be subject to the requirements of the the legislation: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), the Health Information Act (HIA) or the new Personal Information • The Minister and Department of Alberta Health and Protection Act (PIPA). Wellness • Any health service provider paid in part or in whole by the

“If your practice does not fall within one of the following Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan two sectors, chances are that your social work records will • Pharmacies and pharmacists regardless of how they are paid be subject to the jurisdiction of the PIPA, which comes into force on January 1, 2004 • Regional Health Authorities and provincial health boards (Alberta Cancer Board and Alberta Mental Health Board) FOIP applies to public bodies as defined within the legislation: • Nursing home operators

“public body” means PIPA will apply to non-profit organizations, private schools, (i) a department, branch or office of the Government of partnerships, corporations, associations and any individual acting Alberta, in a commercial capacity or on behalf of an organization.

(ii) an agency, board, commission, corporation, office or other These three Acts ensure that the public has access to informa- body designated as a public body in the regulations, tion related to themselves. The legislation also allows for people (iii) the Executive Council Office, to have recorded information corrected. There are specific pro- visions to protect information related to others within a person- (iv) the office of a member of the Executive Council, al record, as well as for dealing with potential harms that may (v) the Legislative Assembly Office, occur as a result of access to information. Every social worker (vi) the office of the Auditor General, the Ombudsman, the should be aware of which of these laws applies to their practice Chief Electoral Officer, the Ethics Commissioner or the setting and should have an understanding of client rights and Information and Privacy Commissioner, or worker responsibilities in relation to access to information and protection of privacy. (vii) a local public body.

12 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 13 Ethics in action Do the laws address the issue of ownership? No. The laws talk about records being in the custody or control tion on the file can be corrected if there is an error or omission, of the body, custodian or organization. These terms do have dif- and how long records shall be retained. The ACSW Standards of ferent meanings and implications. Having custody or possession of Practice address all these issues and set minimum expectations for a record does not automatically confer the right of control, which social work practice. regular means the authority to manage the record and make decisions There have also been several court cases over the years dealing with regard to its management, use and disposition. with ownership of records. It is always wise to consult an attorney for information on specific case examples. feature So if it’s not in the law, how is ownership addressed? This is where organizational policies are important. Every orga- Where can I get more information on the legislation and nization providing social work services should have written poli- expectations? cies on documentation, record keeping, access to information The social work standards are available in the new members’ and related matters. Policies should refer to the relevant legisla- handbook and on the ACSW website, www.acsw.ab.ca. The legis- tion and should be in keeping with the principles of the client’s lation is available through the Queen’s Printer. Information about best interests and right to know. Each organization should have a all three Acts can be found through the Office of the Information policy statement regarding ownership and should ensure that staff and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta at www.oipc.ab.ca. For and clients are aware of the policy. They should have additional clarification of the Alberta government’s interpretation of “custo- policies to address matters such as access to client files, how cli- dy” and “control,” check the FOIP policy and guidelines manual, ents will be informed if information is accessed, what happens pages 7-8. It is available at www3.gov.ab.ca/foip/guidelines_ with the files when the client ceases to be a client, how informa- practices/2002/index.cfm. 

Meeting the Challenge & Making the Difference National Social Work Conference June 5-8, 2004 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Featuring Keynote Speakers: • Stephen Lewis, Veteran diplomat and UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa • Shan Landry, Vice-President, Primary Health Services, Saskatoon Health Region • Linda McQuaig, journalist and author—most recently published All You Can Eat: Greed, Lust and the New Capitalism • Ben Carniol, Professor, School of Social Work, Ryerson University and author of Case Critical: Challenging Social Services in Canada • Chief Roberta Jamieson, Six Nations Reserve—former ombudsman of Ontario, Member of the Order of Canada, recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award

This national conference of social workers will feature a series of concurrent sessions on the entire spectrum of social work theory, practice, social policy and research. Watch for details or visit the SASW Web site at www.sasw.ca

12 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 13 NewsPresident’s from the Report Faculty

LynneJake Kuiken Dulaney-MacNicol, MSW, RSW regular feature Interested in applying for a graduate program? feature

University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work is sponsoring a graduate program information meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 3208, Professional Faculties building. Information on the Master’s, Distance Master’s, PhD, and regular regular PMD programs will be available, and light refreshments will be provided.

If you are outside Calgary, please visit the Faculty of Social Work’s Web site at http://fsw.ucalgary.ca under “Student Stuff” for information about grad programs.

Applications are due January 31, 2004, so don’t delay!

Planning for the Pulse of Social Work awards is underway again. Watch the Faculty website this month for information and nomination forms. The Pulse ceremony, honoring exceptional social workers in Calgary and area, will be held March 25, 2004. 

Faculty of Social Work Sessional instructors needed

Faculty of Social Work The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work requires local practitioners to serve as sessional instructors at its various Master of Social Work Program locations: The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work announces a new distance learning graduate program in social work. • Edmonton (BSW, MSW-OTP)

Beginning July 2004, the two-year program will specialize in • Lethbridge (BSW) Leadership in Human Services, using a combination of face-to-face, • Access Program (BSW) in the following locations: Web, and video-based delivery methods. It is primarily designed to suit practitioners working in the field of social work who wish to pursue a Grande Prairie, Slave Lake, St. Paul, Edmonton, graduate degree in the evenings and on weekends. Hobbema, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, and Standoff

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. Space is limited to 25 students. Deadline for applications is January Registered social workers with a minimum of an MSW and a 31, 2004. minimum of 3 to 5 years of social work experience are invited

For information, visit http://fsw.ucalgary.ca, and click on “Student Stuff,” to submit their CVs to: or e-mail [email protected], or call (403) 220-6945. Gayla Rogers, PhD RSW The University of Calgary is a contemporary university that builds a spirit of discovery and Dean, Faculty of Social Work inquiry while delivering a dynamic life and University of Calgary quality learning experience. 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4

14 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 15 President’s Report Aboriginal Social Work Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW Advisory Committee

Mari Jo Vanidour, RSW regular feature ASWAC activities feature The Aboriginal Social Work Advisory Committee (ASWAC) was established in 1999 and was officially structured into the Alberta College of Social Work (ACSW) organizational chart in 2000. The ASWAC Steering Committee developed an initial Terms of Reference to align with ACSW regulations and bylaws with the intent to become the advisory committee for ACSW Council on issues related to Aboriginal regular regular social workers. In past years, members of this committee have worked to gain a credible voice and the new Council is providing strong support.

This year has been a gratifying one. Here are some key themselves as Aboriginal? How strong is our voice? milestones achieved by the Aboriginal Social Work Advisory 5. ASWAC has requested that ACSW collect data to determine Committee members this past year: the number of Aboriginal RSWs in the college. The data collected will provide information that will assist in recruiting for 1. Some concerns and frustrations related to the 2003 future projects and other requests for volunteers. Aboriginal Conference prompted ASWAC members to contribute to identification data will be collected by ASWAC and will pass future conference planning. We have taken steps to become from Chair to Chair (as is the practice of Elder’s names and more visible during the 2004 Conference by providing a contact information). ACSW renewal forms are being modi- six-hour Continuing Competency workshop. There is also fied to collect data about Aboriginal RSWs. It is our sincerest an intention to participate on future Conference Planning hope that you will assist us in collecting this data as a viable Committees. partner in membership. 2. In September 2003, ACSW Council passed a motion to There is a lot going on with this committee and we plan for officially grant the ASWAC Chair (or ASWAC-appointed more to happen. It is our desire to move forward into the new representative) a vote on Council. year with a greater understanding and appreciation of what and 3. We continue the process of recognizing “Traditional who we are as Native social workers and the recognition of our Aboriginal Practice” and are moving forward with the contribution toward the development of social work practice.  interpretation of how this translates into Social Work’s © Scope of Practice. Speakers’Speakers BureauBureau ofof Alberta© 4. We have come to realize that �� Keynoters who motivate, inspire and inform. we needed to identify ourselves �� Workshop leaders in strategic planning, supervision, as Aboriginal social workers in team building, leadership, lateral thinking, time ACSW and now want to deter- management, marketing, productivity, wholesome mine the number of Aboriginal lifestyles, professionalism, and other topics. Registered Social Workers we represent in this body of pro- Articulate proven presenters. Costs generally between $1,000-$3,500. fessionals. What percentage of 1.866.420.3338 toll free. ACSW’s membership describe Contact: Mr. Roger Richard Breault, MCS, CFRE, President

14 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 15 President’sBeginnings: Report

Jakesocial Kuiken work, MSW, RSWin Alberta Baldwin Reichwein, MSW (equiv), RSW

feature feature Social workers influenced treatment of Alberta’s neglected children—even in 1915 regular regular regular Picture the era. A new century dawned 100 years ago with the rumblings of anticipation all over the western world. Alberta was born. As the Victorian era faded away around the turn of the 20th century, social work training had just begun in Great Britain, continental Europe and North America. In Canada, the University of Toronto opened a school of social work in 1914 and McGill followed in 1918. The “child-saving” movement prevailed and Children’s Aid Societies were established across the country in Canada.

The earliest Superintendents of Neglected Children in Alberta Speaking about probation work, McDonald stated, “Sometimes were avowed “child-savers,” who adhered to eugenic values. Child a young man prominent in social work in the community has savers at times were viewed as well meaning do-gooders, while been prevailed upon to act in this capacity.” He added, “A pro- social workers were seen as scientifically trained practitioners. In bation worker is a professional patcher-up and filler-in … a reality, more blended thinking emanated from the two schools social physician.” of thought than seems acknowledged. Below are observations about social work from the province’s second Superintendent of With reference to children born out of wedlock, McDonald Neglected Children, Archibald M. McDonald. was critical, in his 1918 annual report, of social workers urg- ing marriage for parents of illegitimate children. He disagreed He observed in his 1915 annual report. “We, with other social with their approach. He noted that “many social workers have workers, have been greatly interested in notices which have been tempted to take the easy way and to apply the immediate appeared in the press recently, indicating that something has to be breaking up of the home…” when dealing with conditions of done in the way of institutional care for these unfortunates.” Did neglect. McDonald view himself as a social worker? C’est possible! Certainly, McDonald would have known social workers such as Dorothy Isn’t it interesting how social work in various ways already King in Edmonton and likely other social workers of his time. influenced the thinking of the day during the province’s early history? Yet just two decades later, McDonald’s successors were In the 1917 annual report, McDonald referred to the opinion of less benevolent than he, in their attitude toward social workers. social workers: “An editorial from the September [issue] of the Survey, the leading organ for the social work [sic] of this continent For further reading, see the annual report of the Superintendent reads in part, ‘Don’t build war orphans homes after the war.’ ” of Neglected Children of the Province of Alberta, 1915-1919.  McDonald added, “The experience of social workers has led to the conviction that heredity plays a very much smaller part in the Baldwin Reichwein, a “not so retired” member of ACSW’s Edmonton Retired Social development of future character of the child than environment. A Workers Interest Group, has a passion for researching and documenting the history of juvenile should not be embarrassed by his past history.” social work in Alberta.

16 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 17 President’s Report Retired Social Workers

Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW Ernest Schlesinger, MSW, RSW regular feature Networking feature October 2nd marked the third annual Faculty Club networking L to R: Baldwin Reichwein, moderator; Henri Marsolais, RSW, representing Municipal Government; Betty Deane, representing the Ministry of Children’s Services; and Chris luncheon for Edmonton and area “retired” social workers. Leung, RSW, representing the non-governmental sector. Chris is employed by Catholic Social Services These events are a good time to catch up with former colleagues and make acquaintance with new members. regular regular

The program finished the social work education and ACSW registration lectures series. Baldwin Reichwein ably facilitated the program and three representatives of “types” of social agencies spoke to how the duties and expectations of social workers have evolved in their work settings.

Christopher Leung, RSW, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, spoke of the need to refine work expecta- Attendees at the networking luncheon for Edmonton and area “retired” social workers tions for registered social workers from the perspective of a large, accredited, non-governmental social service agency. Henri Marsolais, RSW, Director of Community Integration for Edmonton Community Services, highlighted the differing ways

social workers are now utilized at the municipal level of government. Betty Deane, Strategic Initiative Manager with Children’s Services Strategy and Support Services Division, spoke of the value of the social work perspective within the Ministry and the current challenge of managing the process of having all qualified professionals understand and undertake mandatory registration as a condition of employment. Derwyn Whitbread, event photographer, with Baldwin Reichwein Each of the three employer representatives noted their organizations’ positive acceptance of mandatory registration. They have already undertaken reviews of staff deployment in light of this legislative change. These resulted in new job descriptions and assignments for social workers and those deemed to not fill the scope of social work practice. The speakers also commented that, aside from recent adjustments, we all have much to learn.

An important message that was apparent to the listeners throughout this lecture series is the need for good communication between social work educators, employers and the registration process.  Doug Smith (left) is a faithful attendee at the Retired Social Workers luncheons

16 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 17 New Registrants to OctoberPresident’s 31, Report 2003 TotalJake membership Kuiken, MSW, as RSW at October 31, 2003 - 4974

Abele, Dorothy Marie Demers, Linda Deborah Laura Lazar, Brandi Or, Meirav Stobbe, Andrea Jean- Adams, Dorothea Ruth Derie-Gillespie, Lena Hansen, Daryl Lecopoy, Bonny Pace, Celia Ann Adams, Judy Louise Rae Hansen, Tricia Lynn Christine Parder, Carole I. Storey, Tina Marie feature Albert, Cynthia Ann Desjarlais, Keith John Haydamack, Karen Jo- Ledi, Edmund Parish, Tammy Strasser, Ken Allen, Nancy MB Diaz, Marvin R. Anne Leonard, Linette Marie Parker, Jarrett Dean Sweeney, Tara Auger, Bert J. Dioszegi, Marie Heninger, Bryan Morgan Letendre, Randy Parkin, Lisa Mary Swift, Laura Bacchus, Zorena Madeleine Hills, Mickie Leuschen, Crystal Pasma, Rachael Joy Szydlik, Yvonne D. Baird, Mary Dodd, James Thomas Hollicky, Jacqueline Lewis, Corinne Leah Passmore, Jody Tabler, Judy Baril-Rooney, Denise Dolaptchiev, Svetla Dawn Long, Kay Aileen Peterman, Terry Lynn Tannas, Linda G. Barre, Donna Louise Doucet, Kenneth Horchower, Marietta Lougheed, Valerie Merie Taylor, Kirstin Janel Beauchamp, Lynette Drake, Michelle Denise Blanche Lowe, Angela Nancy Peterson, Jennifer Taylor, Kristie Marie Belbin, Jody-Lynn Drapeau, Gilbert House, Tanya Maria MacDonald, Alison Pilling, Robin Eileen Taylor, Moira

regular regular Benson, Shawna Duchscher, Laura Hoveland, John Michael Marie Platner, Virginia Greene Thakor, Uma Uday Bhullar, Parmpal Kaur Jeanette Howard, Linda M. Machmer, Harold Poupart, Susan Janet Thannhauser, Carole Big Plume, Sharon C. Dundur, Ranka Huggins, Tammy Lynn Makowecki, Margaret Pritchard, Katherin Lynn Thiessen, Dawn Allison Bogstie, Valerie Duniece, Tammy Anne- Hutchison, Kate Robb Elaine Reed, Beverly Thompson, Lyle Howard Bouchier, Susan Kay Marie Hyde, Reagan Carla Marcotte, Cathie Reeves, Nicole Lynn Thomson, Sheila Lynne Bourque, Lucianne Dwerryhouse, Louise Ibrahim, Vivian Kodary Masuk, Lesley Catherine Roberts, Jennie Rebecca Tomkins, Lois Bradford, Desiree Dwyer, Rebecca Susan Ink, Susan Valerie Matthews, Carol J. Robinson, Trevor Byron Tomniuk, Brad Brady, David John Dyck, Kimberly Jansen, Laurie Lynn Maudsley, Elizabeth Romagnolo, Maria Trinh, Kristine Janet Bragg, Pamela Wynn Edwards, Kathryn Elaine Jenkins, Patricia Lynn Marie Rosenfeld, Sarah Tsang, Jonathan Patrick Bramsen, Megan Anne Eirikson, Linda Jeong, Sun Young Maverley, Dorett Maud Rowbotham, Catherine Tsang, Ying Branagh, Nancy Jane Erickson, Judith Evelyn (Sophie) McCaffrey, Lori Ann Tutty, Leslie Maureen Braniff, Patricia Ann Farkash, Terrina Michelle Johnson, Angela Beth McEnhill, Sandra Ruse-Blair, Kimberly Uitbeyerse, Sherine Brideau, D. Rodney Felzmann, Angela Johnson, Edie McGowan, Frederick Sanders, Carrie Velonas, Julia Burrows, Christie Fisher, Juanita Ina-Mae Charmaine Kenneth Sandhu, Gurbir K. Vigeant, Diane Care, Linda Esther Flores, Ramon A. Jokinen, Nancy S.M. McGregor, Robert Sargent, James Robert Walker, Jo-Anne Emily Carr, Shawn Kenneth Fraser, H Dianne Joly, Anne G. Donald Schatzmann, Ella-jean Walker, Martine Cerna, Ariela Youlan Friesen, Rochelle D. Jorger, Stephanie McHugh, Randolph Schmaltz, Charlene Walker, Samantha Joy Chugg, Jerri Froehlich, Lindsay Ann Jubinville-Degenhardt, Thomas Anne Wallace, Valerie Diane Ciona, Christine Dion Gannon, Daniel Leo Tyrone McLaren, Brenda Louise Schultz, Kristeena Ward, Toni Wynne Clairmont White, Gawthrop, Ginny Juke, Pamela Ann McLean (Cummings), Angela Watson, Stephen Patricia (Virginia) Kathleen Juselius, Suzanne Catherine Alberta Schupp, Lisa Marie Weekes, Todd G. Clark, Debbie Lynne Gibson, Laurie Arlene Kammermayer, Christa McLeod, Samuel Seaman, Lisa Karen Weldon, Aileen Patricia Mary Gill-Bhasin, Inderjit Shann Alexander Secord Doolan, Yvonne Wheeler, Terry Lynn Cochlan-Sawley, Berva (Indra) Kamps, Melanie M. Mejia, Maryann V. Seifert, Carmen Whelen, Shane Patrick Collinson, Patrick Gillis, Priscilla Karamujic, Najwa Mester, Tove N. Elizabeth Whittington, Jennifer Joseph Gillis, Timothy John Kelly, Penny F. Michalsky, Melody Joan Semeniuk, Coral Anne Lynn Conner, Lisa Gordon, Carolyn Irene Khosravan, Sosan Mitchell, Graham Seymour, Susanna Wiens, Stanley David Coombes, Lorena Lynne Gourley, Erin Nicole Kimball, Kurt E. Richards Sherwin, Gerda Ella Wiersma, Johanna H. Cooper, Ashley Grant, Janice Elizabeth Kooistra, Joyce J. Mohr-Wells, Lori Ann Sholdice, Marcie Williams, Celeste Rhoda Copes, Marci Gross, Cheryl Ann Korah, Jessy M. Monar, Maria Elena Danielle Williams, Margaret Coulter, Marlene Mae Guillaume, Anita L. Koshman, Penny Lee Ocampo Simons, John Andrew Christine Craik, Laura Marie Gumpinger, Dena Kotkas, Darci R. Monteyne, Kimberly Sims, Teresa Linda Witney, Rhonda L. Crichton, Margaret Gunderson, Shirley May Kowalchuk, Teresa Gail Jean Skoropad, Stanley Woods, Kimberly Crick, Randal Francis Katherine Krepps, Rona Lynn Moon, Leah Smith, Jessica Eleanor Woolsey, Cheri Diane Critchley, Shannon Guthrie, Richard Kruse, Corine Marie Moore, Susan Anne Smith, Leiane Workun, Teri L. Crop Eared Wolf, Lillian C. Jackson Kustra, Agnieszka Mueller, Christine Linda Soderling, Elizabeth Yeo, Gina Dallaire, David Hainstock, Stacey Kutz, Carla Mullaney, Michele Leone Joyce Yousuf, Hayat Ginno Dancoisne, Michelle Leanne Lacombe, Carmen Lee Mysko, Pamela St Clair, Candice Anne Zalaski, Karen Anne Diane Halladay, Marcy Lafleur, Mona Denise Narayan, Laila Stehr, Leanne Nicole Zatorski, Linda Anne Daniel, Teak Thomas Halton, Bob Large, Donita Janel Nisbet-Reddick, Shawna Stein, Kelley Ann Zelantini, Gianni Daniels, Verna Hamilton, Faye Lavallee, Sandra Lynn Noble, Gwen Stemmler, Sandra Elaine Davies, Lauren Marie Hamilton, Jaylene P. Lawrence, Suzanne Oakes, Dawna Kathleen Stephens, Susan Marie Davis, Annette Marie Hammond-Baldwin, Barbara O'Hagan, Maryalice

18 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 19 President’s Report Book review

Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW Butch Nutter, PhD, RSW, CPsych

A definitive source on regular

motivational interviewing feature

Motivational Interviewing (Second Edition) William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick New York: Guilford Press (2002)

With their publication of Motivational Interviewing (1991), Miller and Rollnick galvanized a revolution in professional treatment of addictions. They described theory, practice and scientific support for a method that was client-centered and highly effective in comparison to traditional approaches. Since then, motivational interviewing has been used in many fields of practice.

The second edition is not merely an updated version of the first. It is a radical the client-centered perspective and the makeover. While the first edition defined motivation as a behavioral probability, theory underlying motivational inter- the second edition defines motivation in terms of ready, willing and able. The viewing. The practice section includes underlying conceptual framework hasn’t changed but the packaging is more user- six chapters of methods, a case example, friendly. and ethical considerations. The third section on learning motivational interview- nd Motivational Interviewing (2 ed.) is divided into four sections: Context, practice, ing is a brief and erudite discussion that learning, and applications. In three brief chapters, the context section presents all teachers of human services practice should read and take seriously.

It is the fourth section on applications that sets this book apart from any other social work practice text I have read. In 10 chapters, 36 contributors in addition to Miller and Rollnick explore the theory and systematic research bases of Motivational Interviewing and present a wide range of practice settings and client populations. Part IV is a tour de force presenting the known strengths and limi- tations of motivational interviewing.

Motivational Interviewing (2nd ed.) is a must-read. 

Butch Nutter is Professor Emeritus of Social Work at the University of Calgary

18 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 19 regular feature The costs associated with the attainment of these credits places credits these of attainment the with associated costs The workers?social be to afford people Can behind? left be might attainable? democratically competency of Who pursuit the Is practice.in implications the about concerned am I However,principle,the supporting utterly and completely while reflectiveand practice.competency Obviously,ongoing of foundation solid a maintain to weneed just,moreinclusive developmenta and society.of humane the for relevantconditions profession,the further also wewill socially more a professionaleducation,create only not wewill throughongoing effectiveworksskills and social sharp ing wide, trade.doors the ensur the into dardsand opening By stan entry than important more fundamentally is competency havefact,elsewhere,I In argued as believecontinuing I that public.general the profession,the of also butmembers the to only not essential are requirements.A Certainly, requirementscompetency continuing the Category requirementsof the petency ACSW—particularly com continuing the aboveto relatedthe is of manifestation A variables such as race, class and gender. industrial market fails to adequately counter the barriers created by structural professionalization driven strongly by the economic requirements of the post- people from a variety of marginalized populations. And I remain concerned that professionalization will lead to excluding or at least, limiting participation from professionalization project. I often wonder how much the practice and process of I continue to harbor doubts about the inclusivity of social work’s Timothy Wild all to available be must opportunities competency Continuing Editor: the to Letter , MSW, RSW - - - leagues in the academic institutions (both the university and the universityand the (both institutions academic the in leagues col the our of with togetherACSW get members that suggest essential.is competency continuing think I wouldThereforeI tragic. particularly wouldbe imperativesanti-oppressiveand this of practice theories the in trade.our grounded diversityof occupation the an of For ening prohibitive, less crippling—indeed a be to could lead could and competency continuing of this,costs of ongoing top the On work.social for necessary legally nowdeemed education post-secondary the of attainment the with associated costs huge the payingoff also are registration.of costs full paythe still theypart-time—yet They themselves.tration fellowprofessionalsworkour of number A of costs ACSWthe regis havelowpayfor wagesand mally to workersnon-profit agencies,worksocial for Many have abys employers.our by borne competency continuing of environment;havecosts unionized will the a us in of all not of working benefits economic tangible enjoythe us of all not employers;our by paid havefees us groups.our of alized all Not workfrommargin social in participation to barriers additional 2 0 The Advocate Advocate The • winter 2003 winter - - - - -

regular feature but it would be a start. a wouldbe it but profession,our in participation to barriers structural the all smash Obviously,not will Swift) to apologies proposal(with modest this occupation.our of lower-paidthe members of needs the wouldto respondthis and more varied be competency would continuing of fulfillment the cooperativea approach,for applying options also byauthentic the institutions.those within But opportunities education continuing marketrate.the at Obviously, offer could institutions academic the workshopsCertainly,offer to continue could practitioners private frontline.the and Ivory betweenrelationshipsthe necessary Towerthe tighten help effectiverelevant,cost and be only wouldnot wouldThis also it space). rented a of cost pooled the and coffee (perhaps cost limited a researchfor current to access obtain could ACSWmembers requirements,Category A their rank-and-file securing while beyondconventional requirements,their members job to thus the seminars of provideACSW could members short Academic low-costcreate to colleges) cooperatives.”“competency Volume 28 28 Volume • Issue 4 Issue

 2 1 of programs you would like to see or if you have skills/information skills/information have you if or see to like would youprograms of kinds the about workers social from hearing in Weinterested be would available. opportunities the broaden ther fur throughout to institutions academic Alberta the with work to agencies workers.social for programs providing work Wesocial encouraging also are in interested are that organizations other with partnering by and directly opportunities. learning enhance programs more offering byWe this do will to community the in workers social The with work to ACSWprepared is ourselves. opportunities more providing to committed are we why and requirements program competence the meeting to tives alterna creative for look to workers social encouraging are we why is This needed.are programs no-cost or low- for opportunities more that agrees and yearsmany for concerns of types these of awareACSW been has development.professional availableongoing for opportunities the of The several in participate to able financially less perhaps are who colleagues our of plight the of awarenessraising and to thought giving for you Thank Alison MacDonald Note from ACSW Associate Registrar: workers’alwayswelcome.are needs developmental programs.add page,can social members meeting for which ideas to Other share.to like would you Events The an hosting now ACSWis website

 - -

regular regular feature By Cheryl Moskaluk

Cover story: feature article article

What’s in article

feature feature feature Poverty’s purse?

Social work students commit their time, energy, and action to battle tough issues in Alberta communities

Two Edmonton social work students left their erful relationship between gender-inequality and poverty, and even the questionable social justice of levying tax on a box of meetings with inner city agencies this fall determined tampons crystallized into the realization that women walking to bring to light some of the most difficult and the same Edmonton streets as they were not secure in knowing they could meet their most personal basic needs. personal struggles of women entangled in poverty. As they questioned agency providers, the students’ surprise They’re not alone in taking classroom assignments beyond the turned to resolve to work with agencies and appeal to the soli- realm of term papers and grades into focused action on fronts darity of women for solutions. What they found out fuelled that combat poverty, homelessness and general apathy. Social their plans to initiate a citywide donation drive for feminine work students across Alberta are tackling big issues in their products leading up to March 8, International Women’s Day. communities by being willing to speak and act on their ideas in Their idea has grown to involve a hard-working team of a specific and purposeful ways. dozen of their fellow students, social work students at Grant MacEwan College, and a rapidly growing list of businesses and While on a school assignment to survey Edmonton inner city community supporters. Part of the plan is a “Buy One, Get One needs, Briar McGinnis and Michelle Woytuik discovered that For Me” tag on grocery store shelves around Edmonton. among the pressing health concerns related to poor nutrition, addictions and scarce affordable shelter, too many women had “What we’re trying to do is make it more socially acceptable to to bring themselves to depend on the goodwill of strangers—or validate this need,” said McGinnis. “We thought, who better to go without—a most basic and personal need: feminine hygiene do this than the 40 capable women in our class at the Faculty products. Only it’s a little harder on women to ask for a pad of Social Work? I thought, hey, maybe we should be the voice or tampon the same way they would ask for change for a cup behind this.” of coffee. And the costly paper products that are a basic neces- sity for women are conspicuously absent from Edmonton Food Their efforts are encouraged by Edmonton Food Bank Director Bank shelves. Marjorie Bencz, who was heartened by the students’ approach and is working with them on the donation drive. For two young female social work students, the gap between having and not having loomed larger than life. Suddenly a mil- “They’re not just going off on their own, they have met with us lion essays on the feminization of poverty, studies on the pow- and want to work with us. That’s a partnership.”

22 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 23 Being faced with overwhelming human need isn’t anything new but I wanted to make a difference.” She wanted to be support- for inner city social workers and health care providers. Hope ive for the sake of her co-workers who had built a relationship Hunter, co-coordinator of the Boyle Street Co-op, says the life with the woman who had been killed. expectancy of the 2,000 women they help annually is about 45 years. Asking for a tampon is just one more burden on the most In their letter, the students wanted the public to focus attention fragile; one more need that goes silently unmet. on the gaps in service that could be addressed.

The need for these products on inner city streets is obvious to A local JP makes it possible for emergency protection orders feature to be quickly obtained but, as fellow student Sheri Stauth article the social workers and health care providers who work there. “We constantly give tampons out of our own purses,” says Marliss points out, “There is no Justice of the Peace in Red Deer.”

Taylor, a program manager with Street Works. “From a nursing Calls to Edmonton or Calgary for orders waste precious time. article perspective I see that poverty also disrupts menstrual cycles, and “We called for a dedicated domestic response team to include so many women go around not being able to plan for it.” RCMP, social workers and child welfare workers, Stauth said. “Ultimately what we found out is that legislative protocols need One of Taylor’s regular donors to StreetWorks is a woman who to change.” has reached the age of menopause and decided to donate the feature feature money she once spent on feminine hygiene to help inner city Restrictions on evidence and on the RCMP’s ability to take women. That’s the kind of awareness McGinnis said her advo- protective, preventative action are often seriously hampered by cacy group hopes to build on. policies tied to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Stauth said. Not many people knew that the man “We want to make it easier for all women to be able to ask for involved had earlier responded to his divorce and custody case and receive these products without the greater cost of loss of by trying to seek mediation services. One truth that stuck with dignity. And that means talking about it, and working to create a the students is that criminal harassment needs to be reported, resource of these products where they’re most needed.” despite the social and cultural pressures that suppress it.

McGinnis say anyone wanting to get involved in this campaign Stauth lived three blocks away from the scene of the murders. can email poverty’[email protected] and remember to “It’s horrifying what happens. But you can only be so naïve, and donate feminine hygiene products alongside other items des- just stay in your house and not listen to the news for so long.” tined for the Edmonton Food Bank. The students feel that the greatest change will come from  amending cumbersome legislation that slows local response time and they aren’t daunted by the prospects of following the Red Deer College social work students shared a deep sadness tedious process of changing the law. when their community struggled to deal with a recent story of domestic violence and its tragic result—a murder-suicide that “We hope to keep the situation alive,” said Stauth. The class will claimed three lives. Going beyond the initial shock, student measure their success to the degree that people refuse to give

Debbie Schultz-Hogan wanted to discuss the incident with her Continued on page 33 class of 32 students. The group felt pas- sionately that they wanted to advocate for women and families caught in cycles OFFICE SPACE – SOUTH EDMONTON of poverty and domestic violence. The 216 Windsor Plaza, 8625 – 109 Street result was a letter to the editor submitted by fellow student Sheri Stauth and Professional Office Space Available published on behalf of the class in the Full or Part-time Red Deer Advocate in early November. Located in University Area

Schultz-Hogan was working in a practi- Spacious Windowed Office Reception/Secretarial Services Included cum position at a local women’s shelter Ample Free Parking when news of the tragedy was heard. On Main Bus Route “Emotions were riding very high,” she Call Michele (780) 439-5683, Extension 22 said. “My first response was being angry

22 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 23 By CherylTara O’Sullivan Moskaluk, MSW, RSW Private Practice Page feature article article “My brothers died article for $40” feature feature feature AIDS activist Winston Zulu helps enlist ordinary Canadians in a battle against the worst of world poverty

AIDS activist Winston Zulu’s graceful and touching person like Zulu, at age 39, has outlived normal life expectancy? What becomes of the 19 nieces and nephews he supports while representation of the Zambian people at a recent praying that he will live at least six more years, to when his fundraising breakfast for Results Canada was just the youngest child is 9? What does doing nothing do to my human- ity and my commitment as a global citizen? sort of keynote address that gets people moving from thought to action. “...this work is not about hungry Zulu was speaking Oct. 18 at the annual fundraising event of the Calgary chapter of Results Canada, a grassroots advocacy children or the deterioration of our group aimed at building political will to end the worst aspects of poverty in the world. environment. It is about our own Diagnosed with AIDS in 1990, Zulu survived a bout with TB in hunger to make a difference...” 1997 because friends in South Africa helped him to access drugs to treat TB, an opportunist secondary infection typically fatal for HIV-positive persons. Zulu’s four brothers were not so lucky. I was deeply touched by Zulu’s story, his grace, and the dignity All four died of TB, the most recent in March. Says Zulu, with- with which he represented his people. I was grateful to be part out bitterness, “My brothers died for $40.” This represents the of an organization such as Results Canada that has the vision and cost of drug treatment for four TB infected individuals. After political acumen to act to assist people in situations such as his. the Zambian TB Control Program was dismantled some years This keeps me from the abject despair and denial that most of us back in order to make crushing repayments to the International fall into in the face of such unremitting grief and helplessness. It Monetary Fund and The World Bank, the bottom fell out for allows me to feel a little more human, a little less helpless. Zambians infected with HIV and its co-conspirator, TB. Founded in the US in 1980 and in Canada in 1986, Results Regrettably, Zulu’s story is not unique. In a country where 20% is a nonprofit, non-partisan, non-denominational organiza- of people are HIV-positive, Zulu whimsically remarked that the tion with autonomous chapters in eight countries and eight absence of funerals in the graveyard nearby his Calgary hostess’ Canadian provinces. At the heart of its philosophy is the belief home seemed remarkable. My question is, what does this do to that civic despair can be countered and democracy enlivened the social fabric of a country—virtually a continent—where a through empowering individuals to act, to make a difference in

24 The Advocate • winter 2003 By Cheryl Moskaluk

their communities, in their countries, in the world, just like Gandhi asserted when he said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” �� feature In 1976, the National Academy of Sciences reported that �� article we possess all the resources, structure and technology to �� end hunger in a single generation, but that the political will �� to make it a priority is missing. Results believes we can. It article relies on a streamlined, strategic approach of political advo-

cacy with letter writing to government officials, media and through outreach and partnerships with other organizations. Monthly meetings are held to coordinate and synchronize feature feature lobby efforts across the country. The emphasis is on creating a strong but supportive structure that helps people do the work of advocacy. This focus makes Results unique and effective.

Last year’s accomplishments were impressive, including an increase in the availability of micro credit (small loans which help underprivileged people start up businesses). �� The Canadian International Immunization Program, a cre- �� ation of Results advocacy, more than doubled its funding to �� $110 million over five years. This program will save at least �� 250,000 lives each year. Also following a long campaign by �� Results, Canada recently announced $80 million in extra �� funding for TB programs in countries like Zambia. Canada’s �� international TB programs now save an estimated 150,000 �� lives annually. Finally, the long campaign to rebuild the for- �� eign aid budget after years of cutbacks was rewarded with �� Prime Minister Chrétien’s promise to increase aid by 8% �� per year. �� I think the kind of difference we can all make through �� organizations like Results is summed up by S. Daley-Harris: �� “At its heart, this work is not about hungry children or the �� deterioration of our environment. It is about our own hun- �� ger to make a difference and our hunger to halt the dete- �� rioration of our democracy… Some ask, aren’t our elected officials the ones to take responsibility for the condition of our planet and its people—the deterioration of our envi- �� ronment and the poverty of over a billion humans? I think �� Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart answered best when �� he said, ‘We aren’t passengers on Spaceship Earth. We’re the �� crew. Results is about the migration of ordinary citizens from passenger seats to the cockpit.’ ” 

Volume 28 • Issue 4 25 By Ronnie Wassill, MSW, RSW Richard Shelson, MSW, RSW Shannon Bender, MSW, RSW Alison MacDonald, MSW, RSW Exploring article article the big picture feature feature feature Four Alberta social workers report on their experiences with training, networking and exam development under the North American umbrella of the Association of Social Work Boards.

When ACSW became the first Canadian member of Four Alberta social workers share some of their experiences with ASWB: what was then called the American Association of State Social Work Boards in 1988, the decision to Ronnie Wassill join involved weighing the potential benefits as well (ACSW Council Member): as the possible perceptions of social workers in and My experience with the Association around the province. came from attending a workshop aimed at orienting new board members to Over the past five years our various experiences with what has their regulatory responsibilities. I had become the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) suggest the opportunity to spend two days near that Council made the right choice. The regulatory boards in Washington, DC, learning and exchanging New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and British Columbia have also Ronnie Wassill information with social work board been accepted as members of the ASWB and other provincial members from across North America. organizations are giving thought to applying. Among the issues addressed for the participants at the workshop Each year, the ASWB holds two meetings for member orga- were the duties and responsibilities of regulatory board mem- nizations: an education meeting and a delegate assembly. Since bers, trends in state and provincial legislation affecting social 1997, Alberta has been represented at every meeting. ASWB has work, and various issues affecting disciplinary proceedings for a committee structure to complete a variety of tasks including social workers who may have been charged with malpractice or exam development, finance and new member training. Alberta unprofessional conduct. I was impressed with the calibre of the has had members on four committees over the past year. Several speakers and participants and their commitment to the profes- ACSW Council members have attended board training offered sion. It was evident even from my brief time with the group by ASWB since 1998. We report members who have been sanc- that social work as a profession is facing similar preoccupations tioned to the ASWB’s Disciplinary Action Reporting System. and wrestling with similar challenges across the country. Members of the Clinical Specialty Registry take the Clinical Examination developed by the ASWB. Most of these services My observation of our ASWB hosts and their board members is are provided to the ACSW as a member organization without that their leaders are strongly committed to the highest standards cost other than the annual membership fee. of practice for the profession of social work.

26 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 27 Richard Shelson the groundbreaking efforts of the ACSW to elevate professional (ACSW Council Member): accountability to a new level among Canadian social work governing bodies. The Practice Analysis task force surveys social workers across the United States in I had already taken the challenging Clinical Exam, yet I was an effort to be able to demonstrate that surprised and reassured at the rigorous nature of item devel- what was tested for in exams was what opment, analysis and approval. Item writing is proving to be social workers actually do. The process a challenging process, but one that I welcome as a significant feature article occurs every 5–8 years. component of my ongoing professional development. I also had Richard Shelson the opportunity to connect with a diversity of social workers in I had no warning that my name had a spirit of camaraderie, adventure and excitement. The experi- article been put forward as a potential member so when a call came ence personified what I have always felt to be the true nature of

from Virginia it created some excitement. As the only Canadian social work—respect, commitment, and growth. member on the Task force (initially), I was very aware of my responsibility in the process. Although the original intent was not to survey social workers in Canada, the expectation that I Alison MacDonald feature feature would provide a “Canadian voice” at the table was very clear. (ACSW Associate Registrar): The knowledge that the work we were to undertake would Over the past five years I have had the shape social work for the next decade also stuck with me. opportunity to attend nine of the ASWB It was with some degree of awe that I sat in the room for the Administrator’s Forums. These full-day first time with all the other members. They were deans of meetings take place in conjunction with schools of social work, published authors, and people with vastly the spring and fall members’ meetings. more experience than I possessed. However, they were a tre- The participants are staff who adminis- Alison MacDonald mendous group to work with. They respected my opinion and ter the legislation regulating social work were very willing to hear how some things would not work practice in various jurisdictions. Over time I have been amazed in Canada although they would work very well in the United at the similarities in our work, the issues we are dealing with, States. I soon found that I could contribute as well from my the barriers to good practice and the questions to be answered. perspective and experience in Lethbridge, Alberta, as any one of The law may be different in Alberta, North Dakota, Nova them and that I would be heard. Scotia and Texas, but social work practice and the regulatory issues at the core of it are not. For me, the experience was an opportunity to broaden my vision even further than the Alberta and Canada scene and to The opportunity to meet with my professional colleagues from learn what social work is like across the continent. It was an across North America has been of immense benefit. Each meet- opportunity of a lifetime, one I will enthusiastically repeat if I ing has resulted in new information, access to resources, wisdom am given the opportunity. shared from other’s experiences, and brainstorming to resolve mutual concerns. I have learned that we in Alberta have much Shannon Bender to offer as well as to gain. On two occasions, I was asked to (Clinical Examination share information on a broader scale as a presenter to the gen- Item Writer): eral membership. When I first learned that the ASWB My experience has been further broadened by my involvement was seeking Item Writers to assist in first as an Item Writer and then, for the past three years, as a the development of social work exams, member of the Examination Committee. I have witnessed the I had only a cursory understanding of level of professionalism, the quality of work, the security of the the board’s role. Over the course of my process and material and the efforts to make the examinations Shannon Bender interaction with ASWB executive mem- appropriate for use in all North American jurisdictions. I also bers, and through my involvement in appreciate the incredible opportunity to work with the dedi- the training weekend, I came to understand the significant role cated staff and volunteers associated with the ASWB. played by the ASWB in ensuring competent social work practice. More importantly, I developed a greater appreciation for For more information on the ASWB, go to www.aswb.org. 

26 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 27 By Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW Cities article back on center stage Cities are back on the policy agenda. A growing understanding has emerged in recent years that cities play a key role in a worldwide globalization process.

Cities are “the place” to develop conditions that create a genu- right physical environment. But it also means the right cultural feature feature ine quality of life. However, a common issue for large munici- environment as well as the right economic and social environ- palities is that they are the poor cousins among governments; ment. Economic prosperity cannot be sustained on a sea of vast they don’t have the resources to create the quality of life to inequality. Social cohesion and economic competitiveness are which their residents aspire. mutually sustaining, not mutually exclusive.

As a result, a debate has emerged in Alberta, particularly about Speaking from a multi-national perspective, the World Bank’s, the role of municipal governments. One side argues that 2003 World Development Report, comments that, “…decen- municipalities should focus their limited resources on the hard tralizing urban services to local government is desirable for infrastructure and to that end establish a new financial relation- enhancing the voice of urban citizens and the access to cred- ship with the other levels of government. The other side argues ible information, but requires the respective authorities to be that cities are in the best position to create good places to live accountable and have the means to address problems at their for all their residents and require the support of the other levels level—and that depends on the framework of intergovernmental of government to achieve this goal. Indeed, some go further and financial relationships.” suggest that provincial or sub-national levels of governments are increasingly irrelevant and a remnant of colonialism. On a national level, numerous organizations have taken an interest in cities. TD Canada Trust Bank leads corporate Canada Speaking generally about cities, the Organization for Economic in recognizing the importance of cities. Its review of Toronto Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its 2001 report, and the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor has contributed to a Cities for Citizens, points out that, “...effective systems of gov- better understanding of the issues and potential solutions for ernance are essential for promoting economic prosperity, social Canadian cities. Although corporate interests dominate TD inclusion and environmental sustainability. They are also essential Canada Trust’s reports, they also reveal a substantial interest in for strengthening pluralist democracies, ensuring equal opportu- poverty issues. For example, TD Canada Trust’s Challenge #6 nity for the full participation of individuals (including both men deals bluntly with poverty. “Despite shrinking poverty rates and and women) in the economy and society, and for maintaining numbers receiving social assistance in the Calgary-Edmonton confidence and trust in public institutions.” The report goes on Corridor in recent years, there is evidence that the rising tide in to suggest that globalization and technological change have the the region is not lifting all boats equally. Growth in the low-end potential to accelerate material well-being, but can also poten- of the income spectrum has been trailing behind those at the tially exacerbate socio-economic disparities and increase social higher end. What’s worse, wage increases for low-income indi- exclusion. viduals, and welfare incomes have not been rising adequately…”

In providing a benchmark against which urban regions can TD Canada Trust’s recommendation is captured in the follow- measure themselves, the OECD notes that, “Cities are for living ing. “All three orders of government and the private sector have as well as working. Competitive cities need economic, social, an important role to play in ensuring that the tiger’s roar doesn’t environmental and cultural conditions, which will attract and fade. As it currently stands, however, governments at the local retain a potentially mobile workforce. This clearly means the level are severely handicapped in the ability to live up to their

28 The Advocate • winter 2003 side of the bargain… the Corridor’s municipal govern- resilient and unlike other provincial/municipal programs was strong ments… have not seen growth in revenues keep pace with enough to resist the considerable efforts of Steve West in the early the demands before them.” 1990s to dismantle it.

In looking for “a new deal,” the history of the social ser- In contrast to many of the other reports, the Canada West vice infrastructure in Alberta offers an instructive model—a Foundation (CWF) has generally taken a rather narrow position. The partnership among the federal, provincial, and municipal CWF suggests in an effort to solve their financial woes, western cities governments. That partnership began in the 1880s, before should not be in the business of social services because their tax base feature Alberta became a province. The first legislation governing is property-based and therefore its expenditures should also be prop- the role of municipal governments included “relief of the erty related. Aside from a significant historical error, the CWF posi-

poor”—today’s social services. tion flies in the face of the near universal call for restructuring the article financial relationships among the various orders of government, in The relationship expanded after the Alberta Act of 1905 favour of cities being central in addressing local quality of life issues with services such as seniors’ pensions, family allowances, within a renewed relationship. child welfare, social assistance all initially delivered and/or at least partially funded by the municipalities. In the In fact, Alberta municipalities have a long history of an effective cost- decades that followed, cities formed partnerships with the sharing partnership with other levels of government and the vol- local community to build a responsive social infrastructure. untary sector to deliver locally designed social programs. The FCSS Child welfare was delivered by cities until the mid-1960s model for funding the development of a local social service infra- and was cost-shared, as was the social assistance program structure, is one to be envied and sought after by other local govern- offered by cities until the mid-1970s. ment services. 

Similarly, the first reliable day care subsidy program and Jake Kuiken MSW, RSW, is well into his thirty-eighth year with The City of Calgary. He began his career in The Welfare Department, as the intake worker. He is now Manager (East Area) in day care licensing services were offered by cities until 1980. Community and Neighbourhood Services. In most cases, the federal and provincial governments were both major partners in providing the municipality with the funding to deliver these services. DISTANCE ART THERAPY Although Alberta’s municipalities have Applications are invited for the mostly withdrawn from the provision of statutory services, they continue to play Master of Counselling: a significant role in the development of Art Therapy Specialization a local social infrastructure through the offered by the Family and Community Support Services program (FCSS). FCSS is unlike most VANCOUVER ART THERAPY INSTITUTE other municipal services; since its incep- and the tion in 1966, it has been a very direct Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling: partnership among the three levels of a joint initiative of government and the voluntary sector. Athabasca University, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge

as well as our unique Although there was a re-alignment in the ADVANCED DIPLOMA federal/provincial relationship with the a program for individuals who have a Masters degree. end of the Canada Assistance Plan (CAP) in the late 1990s, the basic municipal/ Vancouver Art Therapy Institute 350-1425 Marine Drive West Vancouver British Columbia Canada provincial 80/20 cost-sharing partnership remained intact. To the extent that the Phone (604) 926-9381 email: [email protected] www.vati.bc.ca formula varied, it came mostly because of Founded in 1982, VATI is accredited by the the demise of CAP. Overall, FCSS’s com- Private Post Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia. munity-based support has proven to be

Volume 28 • Issue 4 29 Margaret Dewhurst, BCom, MSW (Equiv.), RSW Retirement & feature article article

bereavement: article lessons I have learned feature feature feature

In my new life as a retired social worker and now a During pre-retirement widow, I have had time to reflect on the challenges • Have a valid will, power of attorney and personal directive. and the opportunities of moving through a time • It’s a good idea for wives to ensure some credit rating is in of both retirement and bereavement. I hope that their name only. It helps to have major items such as home, bank accounts and investments in joint names. by sharing the stories of both my mistakes and the plans that worked well, I might help other colleagues • Find out what your pensions will be, to enable realistic financial planning. envision how they can best be prepared and be adaptable for the big changes in life. • If a change of residence of any great distance is proposed, try it out before making a major commitment. One thing I learned is that life doesn’t always work according • Get rid of surplus items on a regular basis. to retirement plans. While we were able to pay off the mort- gage on our house prior to my husband’s retirement as planned, • Think about how to fill the suddenly surplus time—hobbies, we reconsidered a major dream: the idea of retiring to a piece volunteering, reading, surfing the net. of property in the United States. After my husband’s trial stay there, we realized it wouldn’t suit us for fulltime living and we It was fortunate that during a time when my husband’s health decided to sell the property. Another plan to sell our large house had deteriorated, I was retired and could act as his chauffeur and move to a river valley apartment was foiled largely due to and visit him when he was hospitalized. During one period my husband’s large book collection. So instead of “downsizing” when I could not leave him for more than four hours at a we found ourselves building a library addition to the house. time over a period of about eighteen months, I also realized it was important for me to maintain other interests. I decided Before I retired, I attended a pre-retirement program put on by I would like to be involved in some Edmonton-based social my employer. I had overestimated my actual entitlement and service or health agencies and was able to become a member made other decisions based on this false assumption. Once our of three boards. children were no longer dependent, I paid into my RRSP the monthly maximum amounts. We also updated our will, made Once my pension amount had been determined, we were able personal directives and also provided power of attorney infor- to budget for a comfortable living and we paid as many bills as mation should it become necessary for someone else to handle possible on a monthly basis through bank deductions, so there financial matters. were few surprises.

30 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 31 Another challenge in my retirement was the organization of home renovations, something that unfortunately hadn’t hap- “...life doesn’t always work pened while I was still working.

Upon Retirement according to retirement plans...” • Take deep breaths and unwind, accept that it is okay to do nothing much initially. I was more tired than I realized. When searching for a smaller home, I made a list of what I did or feature did not require. I needed some storage space for family memen- article • Gradually get involved in other activities such as house tos, plus room to accommodate a visiting family of four. I also renovations, volunteer work or join a senior’s group had a dog and a cat that I intended to keep. To my pleasure, the first place I looked at met all my requirements. I had decided to article • Try to ensure your major professionals such as your doctor, remain in the same part of the city so I could retain my various dentist, optometrist, accountant and financial advisor are support professionals (doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.), which younger than yourself and in good health as far as you can reduced some stress due to change. I was able to pay for a full- tell. service removal of my belongings, including packing and unpack- feature feature • Check all entitlements to supplementary health insurance (the ing. It still took a while to get everything reorganized. province is covering less for seniors each year) and there are Upon Death of a Spouse many professional organizations that offer group insurance at reasonable rates. • Make a list of everything to do and tackle one thing at a time. A funeral home can help provide a checklist. Bereavement • A joint bank account is easily transferred to the surviving My husband’s will left everything to me except a few specified spouse alone and allows for a cash flow immediately. The items. As executor, I could handle all matters myself and did business of doing all these practical things can act as a buffer not have to go to probate through the courts. Transferring all between grieving and getting on with life. jointly owned property to my name only was simple. Most of our regular payments such as utilities and credit cards were in • Revise legal documents such as your will and power of my husband’s name and therefore, had become part of his credit attorney to ensure the changed circumstances are taken into rating even though I handled all financial matters. I was taken account. aback that I had to reapply for any credit cards to be in my own name and had to rebuild financial credibility. One new credit • Health maintenance is important, particularly if living alone. card in my own name had been rarely used. As a result a charge Inevitably, as one gets older, it is annoying and somewhat made for travel on it, had not been accepted—very embarrass- depressing when yet another ailment is discovered. However, ing and annoying. It took time and proof of my solvency to in time things are put into proper perspective and it is pos- sort it out. Other financial business was to inform all pension sible to realize how much is left that is positive.  sources of my husband’s death. Once financial and legal matters were settled, the next task was to prepare the house for sale. Both children (now living in the U.S.) came up to Seeking social worker to rent office space help with the sorting, plus choosing what items they wished to keep. in a new multidisciplinary sports/rehab clinic in the Because we hadn’t regularly gotten rid of surplus items, the clearing task Kensington area of Calgary. took nearly a year. Disposing of the books was the biggest task. Some Ample parking for clients. Receptionist included. were sold to bookshops, others to friends and colleagues, who were Phone (403) 670-5657. delighted to have them. The rest were donated to the University Library.

30 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 31 Lindsay Ames, BSW, RSW Melanie Walker, BSW, RSW Teak Daniel, BSW, RSW Justin Harder, BSW Student Mel Perka, BSW, RSW

The value of wonder feature article article Social work students examine the diverse article

spirituality of children

Are children spiritual beings? If so, what does spirituality feature feature feature mean to them in their everyday lives?

These questions were prompted by a group project people, help people get better when they are sick, try to make undertaken in a “Spirituality and Social Work” course stuff fun and he is never mean.”

offered through the University of Calgary, Edmonton A second assumption was that youth would be distracted, disin- division. terested or uncomfortable when discussing spirituality. However, a group of 10 adolescents appeared to be comfortable and open In preparation, we examined James Fowler’s theory of children’s when broaching the subject among their peers. In addition, they spiritual development. However, rather than adhering to an shared very serious and introspective responses. One 12 year-old established theoretical framework, we chose to develop our own boy stated, “Sometimes I wonder what would happen to us in method of inquiry. We constructed two sets of questions for the the end if we were worshipping the wrong God all along.” He children and youth that would honor their individual freedom also shared how his spirituality has evolved. “In Grade 4 I just of expression. wanted the Lord as my Savior so I would go to heaven but now I realize that it’s more than that.” Questions for children aged 4 – 11 included: A final group assumption was that children would lack the nec- What does God mean to you? essary intellect and insight in order to respond to the abstract What is God’s job? idea of spirituality. However, most of the children and youth Who taught you about God? displayed confidence in the expression of their beliefs. One 15- Some questions posed to youth aged 12 – 17 included: year-old youth stated that the difference between spirituality and religion is that “spirituality is more of an individual thing; it What does spirituality mean to you? is one’s interpretation of their faith. Religion is more of a stan- Is there a difference between spirituality and religion? dardized set of beliefs.” What role does spirituality play in your everyday life? We were grateful to the children and youth, whose willing- As a group we evaluated our own assumptions regarding the ness to discuss their spirituality opened our minds by testing our spirituality of children and youth. One assumption was that assumptions. As a group we concluded that spirituality is diverse, children and youth from non-religious backgrounds would have individual and sacred regardless of age. This project also inspired less to share than peers from religious backgrounds. However, discussion. If we recognize that spirituality is an important aspect several interviews revealed that regardless of religious exposure, of children’s value systems, do we as social workers have a profes- children and youth have individual perspectives on spirituality. sional obligation to acknowledge this in our practice? As a group One 7-year-old girl with a non-religious upbringing, believed of new professionals to the social work field, we were challenged that “God’s job is to watch for good ideas, hang out, make to examine this topic. We challenge readers to do the same. 

32 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 33 “What’s in Poverty’s purse?” classroom about oppressed and marginalized people, how they continued from page 23 encounter all these barriers, and actually being part of practical solutions,” Enyi said. up or to forget. Letter-writer Schultz-Hogan agreed. “Every single person makes a difference.” The challenge of Social Action Day is for students to ask themselves what they can do, and then to commit to walk that road,  take that idea to the next level. feature Mount Royal College’s second-year course in community “My first thoughts on social action were that, ‘Oh, that’s the development has launched 80 social work students into Calgary person you see on TV doing violent protests, through militant neighborhoods on a quest to find innovative ways to meet

ways. What I found out was that in social work, social action article community needs. Poster sessions held early in December, were can be defined by the individual. Letter writing, or choosing to an opportunity for students to share their research and ideas support certain businesses, donating, starting petitions—social with the community. action can be broad.” “Some of these proposals are taken up by agencies,” says MRC Social Action Day, and all advocacy projects in their own way, instructor Carolyn Anderson. make people think about the options—and act, Enyi said. For student Shauna Parks, the project is far from just theoretical. Whether they’re in a Red Deer newspaper office, on the phone At 23, she already works in the field at a non-profit organiza- with potential speakers for Calgary social action workshops, or tion aimed at helping homeless children, many of whom are in trying to walk with Edmonton’s poorest women, Alberta’s new- the care of the child welfare system. Faced with the challenge of est social work students aren’t forgetting the action part of the developing a proposal that would meet the needs of an identi- equation.  fied group, Parks had no problem envisioning what’s needed for children in care.

“I share their experience,” she said. Once in the care of Child Welfare herself, Parks feels strongly about being a voice for today’s homeless youth. She found that a huge issue for a lot of street kids is that services are scattered all over the city. Her dream is to provide a resource centre in the downtown core where youth could access social work and mental health staff and where they could find peer support and mentorship from young adults like herself. Getting support from other kids is so important, Parks said.

“I’m still developing the idea,” she said. But she doesn’t plan on hanging up her hat once the MRC course is complete. The next step is clear: to follow up on potential partners and a possible space for the centre. Her budget is tailored for a realistic look at what it will take to get it all off the ground.  University of Calgary social work student Fifi Enyi has found herself swept up in helping to organize the social work faculty’s second annual Social Action Day, slated for Feb. 3. The student- driven event, well supported by Faculty of Social Work Dean Gayla Rogers, is an effort to build communities and to give students an outlet for addressing what doesn’t seem to receive a lot of airplay in a classroom setting.

“We felt there was disconnect between learning in the

32 The Advocate • winter 2003 Volume 28 • Issue 4 33 titlefor your section information problems? Do you know your clients’ rights and legal options to solve their debt Are your clients’ financial debts overwhelming them? www.ehrlo.com/explosivechild (306) 751-2412 or For further information contact Linda Meyer at Alberta, and May 7 in Edmonton, Alberta. Two one-day events will be held on May 6 in Calgary, Email: Tel: (41) 31 382 60 15. Fax: (41) 31 381 12 22 CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland Postfach 6875, Schwartztorstrasse 20 International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Adelaide from 28 Sept. to 6 Oct. 2004. tion, and daily allowances. Winner is expected to stay in count air travel, accommodation, conference participa- be announced late April 2004. Scholarship will cover dis- with a demonstrated interest in social work. Winner will student active in his/her social work association, and ity will be given to a younger social worker or social workence. Applicants must also send a personal resume. Prior- benefit from what he/she will learn at the World Confer- the future and how his/her association and country will describing applicant’s personal work and aspirations for and work experience; also include a personal statement age, gender, educational background, and volunteer a letter to the IFSW Secretariat. Include name, address, Applications World Conference. upon their participation in the IFSW General Meeting and write a report focusing on international social work based any application. The scholarship holder is expected to the applicant’s social worker association should support French, or Spanish, and a letter of recommendation from Selection Criteria Deadline for applications: February 29, 2004 October 2-4, 2004, in Adelaide, Australia Reclaiming Civil Society IFSW World Conference Global Social Work 2004: Scholarship to IFSW World Conferences Eileen McGowan Kelly Tribute Fund informationyourFor Boston MA The Explosive Child Conference with Dr. Ross Greene, [email protected] : Applications should be sent in the form of : Applicants must be fluent in English, [email protected] Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals Web: Proposal Administrators, Trustees in Bankruptcy Bromwich David M. Bromwich and David L. Smith, CA 810, 840 6 Ave SW . www.ifsw.org Serving Serving Calgary and area – call us 403-266-6665 We have answers. We have solutions. or go to • Calgary, AB & Smith Inc. /www.stu.ca/academic/scwk/cass/index.htm to draw your attention to our Pre-Congress Training www.ifta2004.org congress, please visit the congress web site at For further and up-to-date information about the Istanbul, Turkey, March 24-27, 2004 XIV. IFTA World Family Therapy Congress English or French. Note: Workshops and presentations may be in either at Brian Ouellette at planning committee: Susan Cadell at tional information contact a member of the conference The registration form is available on the website dian Association of Schools of Social Work. directly following the Annual Conference of the Cana- [email protected] a workshop or academic paper to John Coates, PhD at January 17, 2004. Please submit proposals for either riential workshop or an academic paper are invited by Abstract submissions (200 words) for either an expe- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg on Spirituality and Social Work, June 1-3, 2004 Transformation—Third Annual Canadian Conference CALL FOR PAPERS: Spiritual Identity and tion. 5th. See December 5 and travel grant applications to January Deadline for call for abstracts has been extended to March 25-28, 2004 7th National Metropolis Conference 482-4993 or visit the website at: For information, please contact Peter Portlock at (780) March 11 & 12, 2004 Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton AB 2004 Annual Conference From Passion to Action Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health [email protected]. ange.ubc.ca [email protected] • www.pcerii.metropolis.net T2P 3E5 , John Graham at . As a separate note, we would like [email protected] , and Barb Swartzentruber at . The conference will be held [email protected] 34 www.aaimh.ca for more informa- scadell@interch , Cathy Rocke . For addi- . http:/ b2sw , nourishing professionallyandpersonally. Taught experientially, Hakomiis deeply • • • • • This trainingteachesyouhowto:

character strategies. work creativelywithdefensesystemsand use mindfulnessintherapy Buddhist andTaoist principles make sessionsaliveandexperientialwith create asafetherapeuticatmosphere unconscious beliefsandcharacterpatterns use thebodyasapowerfulaccessrouteto an astoundingmethodforgettingtocore an astoundingmethodforgettingtocore material, iswellgroundedintheoryand material, iswellgroundedintheoryand Edmonton: with TracyMacLeod change onadeepemotionalleveland change onadeepemotionalleveland “Hakomi isanexcellentsystem Year longtrainingstartsMarch2004 “Hakomi, adetailedmapofcreating “Hakomi, adetailedmapofcreating and JohnRichards. in privatepractice Offi cespace Full orpart-time. Christina Poniecki403-270-3409 for learningkeyemotional Psychotherapy Body Centered Calgary: Nov28-30,Jan23-25 Association ofHumanisticPsychology Association ofHumanisticPsychology revolutionary initsresults.” (780) 982-4282 revolutionary initsresults.” available Introductory Workshops Pam Algar 780-414-1240 intelligence skills.” The Advocate Advocate The Sep 12-14,Nov21-23,Feb20-22 Hakomi Phone • winter 2003 winter -Daniel Goleman

Volume 28 28 Volume • Issue 4 Issue 35 title section 3 4 The Advocate Advocate The • winter 2003 winter 1495. Website: port Network. Phone: (780) 482-0198. Fax (780) 482- Contact Janice Bell, Volunteer Coordinator at The Sup The Support Network is currently recruiting volunteers. your practice. Model and the training opportunities will challenge Bring your expertise to bear on the Solution-Focused skills in solution-focused and resource-based therapies. with experienced professional colleagues. Hone your approach that emphasizes team consultation. Network sion Counseling? We offer a challenging and exciting Interested in learning Solution-Focused Single Ses Walk-In Counseling Training Opportunities bec), G1K 2K6. retariat, 210 Lee Street, bureau 275, Québec City (Qué ence on Social Work in Health and Mental Health Sec (418) 523-1371. Write: Fourth International Confer [email protected] For more information: www.swh2004.com. Email: May 23-27, 2004, Québec City, Québec Health and Mental Health Fourth International Conference on Social Work in http://www.ifta2004.org/PDF/registerForm.pdf registerForm.asp You can register online at as Florence Kaslow, Tom Andersen and Carlos Sluzki. some of the leaders in the field of family therapy, such tions. This Pre-Congress Training will be facilitated by are most welcome to join and to make their contribu registered for IFTA’s World Family Therapy Congress to be held on 24 March 2004. All delegates who are Volume 28 28 Volume � � � � � � � � � � � � �� Many career opportunities opportunities career Many APA and AAMFT with affiliation professional toward work Courses intensives monthly plus campus on day/week one friendly: Commuter programs certificate and studies, part-time or full with program Flexible families & couples treating to approaches systems Current Training Clinical with integrated Theory LomaLoma Linda Linda University University LomaLoma Linda Linda University University www.thesupportnetwork.com or download the registration form at • Issue 4 Issue . Phone: (418) 523-3555. Fax: �� www.ifta2004.org/Forms/ �� .  �� . ------close toLRT. Kitchen. Quietlocation inviting atmosphere. 24/7 access.Home-like, parking. Securitysystem. renovated building.Great space forrent.Newly nicely furnishedoffice Health Services Gingerbread House Call Dr. KarenDebyat Part-time Office 2016 –12 Ave. N.W. Space forRent 3 (403) 283-6686 5 Calgary. � ��

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news The TOP 10 reasons to attend the ACSW 2004 Conference March 18, 19, 20, 2004 in Calgary “Celebrating Social Work’s Foundation and Future” in the from your conference co-chairs: Carolyn Preston, David Flux, & Jacquie Keller

10. Participate in SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS that focus in 1. Our keynote speaker, LESRA MARTIN. on the issues that you care about. Lesra was poor, illiterate and struggling on the violent 9. Have your voice heard at the Annual General Meeting of streets of Brooklyn when a chance encounter with a group YOUR professional Association. of Canadians shattered the confines of his life. Pulled 8. Three days in the beautiful and historic Hyatt Regency from the chaos of the inner city and given a fresh start in Hotel in the heart of downtown Calgary, where you can Canada, Lesra became a hero when he helped bring justice relax and rejuvenate yourself BECAUSE YOU DESERVE to wrongfully imprisoned American boxer Rubin “Hurricane” IT. Carter. Finding the courage to change his own life, today Lesra is a lawyer and motivational speaker on the world 7. Participate in a fun ARTS NIGHT, just prior to the start stage. of the Conference (Wednesday evening), including a variety of performing and visual art venues. Stay tuned to the ACSW website (www.acsw.ab.ca) for 6. Meet and talk face-to-face with the ACSW BOARD upcoming details. A link will be provided for hotel reserva- MEMBERS. This opportunity coincides with the cocktail tions and conference registration (fill out online or down- hour just prior to the Friday night Banquet and Awards load in pdf format) as well as detailed information about Ceremony. each and every session. The Hyatt Regency—the site of the 5. Magical mystery entertainment and delicious food at conference—has provided us with a block of rooms at very our GALA BANQUET AND AWARDS CEREMONY. special prices as a treat to those coming from out of town and for those who live in Calgary and desire a self-care 4. Enjoy the opportunity to NETWORK WITH COLLEAGUES break. and VISIT WITH FRIENDS from around the province in a setting that will promote self-care. The Conference brochure will be sent to every member in 3. Over 50 cutting-edge social work sessions for your early December. INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION AND EDUCATION. If you need more information, or would like to volunteer at 2. One-stop shopping for your CATEGORY A AND B the conference, feel free to contact one of the co-chairs, COMPETENCY CREDITS. David Flux, Jacquie Keller or Carolyn Preston. They can be And, the Number One reason to come to Calgary for the reached through the ACSW office at (780) 421-1167 or toll- 2004 ACSW Conference is… free at 1 (800) 661–3089.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

36 The Advocate • winter 2003