2015 Annual Report

2015Annual Report

page 1 Council Front Row: Linda Golding (Vice-President), Richard Gregory (President) and Lyle Berge (Public Member). Back Row: Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, Richard Shelson, Margaret Brown and Bukola Salami (Public Member). Missing: Terry Wilson (Secretary), Rick Guthrie (Treasurer), Linda Fehr, Shamanthi Cooray, and Murray Hiebert.

Overview In addition to its legislated obligations, the ACSW also advocates for policies, programs and services that serve the public interest and has Background established relationships with numerous external organizations involved The College of Social Workers (ACSW) serves as the regulatory in advancing social justice initiatives. body for the profession of social work in Alberta. Regulatory obliga- tions for the College are legislated by Alberta’s Health Professions Act The ACSW is governed by a Council of elected and appointed mem- (HPA) that has requirements for mandatory registration, continuing bers. Ten members are elected by the membership. The appointed competency activities, the practice of restricted activities and a specialty members include four public members appointed by the government register for clinical social workers. The HPA provides control of title and and the chair of the Indigenous Social Work Committee. Members a broadly defined scope of practice and came into force for social work of Council serve as liaisons to the regulatory committees (Registra- on April 1, 2003. Social work is one of the health professions governed tion, Professional Social Work Education, Clinical, and Competence). by the HPA. Governance committees include the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee, the Bylaws Committee and Human Resources Commit- Under the HPA the mandated objectives of the ACSW are: tee. Standing and ad hoc committees include the Indigenous Social • to serve and protect the public interest Work Committee, the Nominations and Recruitment Committee, Bursary • to provide direction and to regulate the profession Committee and Advocate Editorial Board. • to establish, maintain and enforce standards for registration, continuing competence and standards of practice At a National level, Council appoints representatives to the Canadian • to establish, maintain and enforce a code of ethics Council of Social Work Regulators (CCSWR). Internationally, ACSW is a • to approve educational programs for registration purposes member of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Plans were confirmed for ACSW to return as a member of the Canadian Association The ACSW also represents the social work profession in Alberta. It sup- of Social Workers (CASW), effective April 1, 2016. ports membership activities such as annual conferences and regional events that promote skilled and ethical social work practice. ACSW members are able to meet around areas of interest such as: Child & Youth, Social Justice, Gerontology, Health, Private Practice and Indig- enous Social Work (Advisory Committee to Council).

Terry Wilson (Secretary) Rick Guthrie (Treasurer) Linda Fehr Shamanthi Cooray Murray Hiebert (Pubilic Member)

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Public Regulatory and Professional Affairs Professional Interest Public Interest and Development Community

Legislative Committees* Council Member Services & • Clinical Committee 15 Members Development (10 Elected & 5 Appointed) • Competence Committee Member Interest Groups: • Professional Social Work (Change as per member interests) Education Committee Governance Committees • Registration Committee • Annual Conference Executive Committee • Area Coordinators & Regional Events Human Resources Committee • Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice * Hearing Tribunals and Complaints Bylaws & Policy Committee • Child & Youth Interest Group - Review Committees are appointed Finance Committee • Child & Youth Interest Group - Calgary from a list of members approved by • Gerontological Social Work Council as needed. Standing & Adhoc Committees Action Group - Calgary Nominations & Recruitment Committee • International Social Work Indigenous SW Committee • Northern Alberta Gerontology Social Work Advocate Editorial Board Interest Group - Edmonton Communications Committee • Private Practice Bursary Committee • Retired Social Workers • Sexual & Gender Diversity • Social Action/Social Justice - Edmonton • Social Action/Social Justice - Lethbridge ACSW Staff • Social Action/Social Justice - Red Deer • Social Workers in Health

ACSW Organizational Chart

Protection of the Public ACSW Staff Under the HPA, the role of a regulatory college is to “carry out its • Lynn Labrecque King - Executive Director & Registrar activities and govern its regulated members in a manner that protects • - Manager, Professional Affairs (January – April, 2015) and serves the public interest”. To fulfill this role ACSW has adopted a • Alec Stratford - Manager, Professional Practice Support professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to help guide the (November 2015) professional activities of social workers in all types of practice. We have • Sheryl Pearson - Manager, Regulatory Practice (North) a continuing competence program which requires all members to main- • Bruce Llewellyn - Manager, Regulatory Practice (South) tain current practice knowledge and skills. Registered Social Workers in • Gladys Smecko - Finance & Administration Officer Alberta are accountable for their practice to their clients and • Brenda Gross - Registration Coordinator to their profession. Complaints about a social worker acting in an • Noreen Majek - Executive Assistant & Administrative Team Lead unprofessional manner can be investigated by the ACSW to determine • Laurie Nelson- Registrations & Online Service Support Analyst whether further action is required. • Tamara Gross - Competence Program Coordinator • Ilona Cardinal - Promotions Coordinator ACSW Council • Charity Lui - Membership Activities Coordinator (North) Following the Annual General Meeting of March 27, 2015, the members • Heather Johns on - Membership Activities Coordinator (South) of ACSW Council were: • Jenn Vasquez - Administrative Support Professional • Richard Gregory (President) • Navneet (Neetu) Dodd - Administrative Support Professional • Linda Golding (Vice-President) • Theresa Duban - Administrative Support Professional • Terry Wilson (Secretary) • Tracy Houben - Administrative Support Professional • Rick Guthrie (Treasurer) • Raveena Parsons - Administrative Support Professional • Richard Shelson (December 2015) • Alec Stratford (to October 2015) • Linda Fehr • Margaret Brown • Shamanthi Cooray • Kanakii Mekaisto (Chair, Indigenous Social Work Committee to September 2015)

Public Members for 2015 were: • Lyle Berge • Murray Hiebert • Bukola Salami (Bukola Salami was welcomed as a public member in November)

page 3 President Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW

No doubt about it, the year 2015 has been a year of change and chal- At our Annual General Meeting last March a resolution was passed lenge in our province and for our organization. that ACSW advocate for and support Gay Straight Student Alliances in schools. We have been very encouraged by the provincial government’s The spring brought a huge change to the Alberta political landscape with response to requests for establishing GSAs in schools. Over the past the election of the New Democrat Party as the governing party under year we have also had a Sexual and Gender Diversity Member Interest the leadership of . In this election six registered social Group form. This expands the opportunities for our members to network workers were elected as well as a honourary social worker and a social and join in advocacy efforts with those who have similar interests. work student. There are social workers in key roles in the government. The Speaker of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly, the Minister of Finance, Over the past year Council has met with both the past and the current and the Minister of Advanced Education who also has the portfolio as Minister of Human Services. We will also be meeting with the Minister Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour are all social workers. In of Health in the New Year. We have hosted networking evenings with addition to this, the Minister of Human Services completed a Master of politicians, students, advocacy partners and area coordinators. Our Social Work (MSW) before pursuing a law degree. Never before has area coordinators continue to provide great opportunities for achieving social work had such a pronounced presence in the Alberta legislature. continuing competencies and networking opportunities for our members. Regardless what political party is represented, when we have social workers in government it creates a different level of expectation and We have continued to move forward in optimizing our capacities to accountability. Some of the first actions of the new government were to provide services to our members, and while the online registration had a re-commit funding in the areas of health, education and social services. few glitches and created a challenge for some of our members, overall They stated that they would not be laying off members of the public sec- we have had very positive comments about the online system. tor as they did not intend to further contribute to the unemployment rate in Alberta. Over the past year I had the opportunity to attend celebrations for social workers who were being honoured on the occasion of their retirements Just over six months after the provincial election we had the federal (or as one individual identified, the transition to new things).These election, which brought about another dramatic shift in the political events were excellent reminders of the huge impact that social workers picture. In spite of what the early pollsters predicted, the Liberals under are making in the lives of the people they work with. I hope that all re- Justin Trudeau were successful in capturing enough seats to have a tired social workers will continue to be engaged with ACSW. Our social majority government. While I don’t have any information on how many work elders are a valuable resource. social workers were elected federally, this election saw an increase in the number of women elected (although it is still only about 26% of the We have also had several people who have completed their commit- total parliament). We also saw a record number of Indigenous people ments on various committees and interest groups. I want to express my run for federal office. In total 54 Indigenous people ran, and 10 were appreciation to these people for the work they have done. I cannot say elected (2 for the New Democrats and 8 for the Liberals). The Prime enough how appreciative I am of the volunteer work that our members Minister demonstrated a commitment to gender equality by ensuring do on Council, committees of Council, regulatory committees, interest that his cabinet had gender balance. groups, conference planning committee, ad hoc committees, the Advo- cate Editorial Board, and our area coordinators. We are also very fortu- I am impressed that, almost immediately, the new government started to nate to have a dedicated and hard-working staff. I believe that ACSW is work on the issues like the environment, Syrian refugee crisis, murdered a great example of the phrase ‘together we are stronger’. and missing women issue, support for veterans, and doctor assisted death. The new Prime Minister has met with provincial leaders and has As we go forward into the New Year we will continue to enhance the made himself readily available to the media. services we provide our members, continue to develop our partnerships and to advocate for our members and the people they serve. I am very Unfortunately, for both the provincial and the federal governments, the excited that in April we will once again be part of Canadian Association downturn in the economy is going to be a challenge. The price of oil of Social Workers (CASW). I am impressed with the work that CASW has gone lower than any of the experts had predicted. In Alberta we has done in restructuring and believe that our partnership agreement have seen the unemployment rate increase from 4 percent to 7 percent. is good for Alberta social workers. The responsibility of representing The economic situation has led to increase stress which contributes to ACSW at the CASW table has been assigned to the ACSW Vice-Presi- increased substance abuse, domestic violence, and criminal activity dent. rates. We know that the economy will come back, but the challenge will be for both governments to navigate the economy through these chal- Every day I am reminded of the great work that social workers are lenging times. These are very challenging times for the people we serve. doing across the province. I am proud to be a social worker and I am honoured to be the president of ACSW.

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Executive Director & Registrar Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW

Day to day activities for those of us engaged in the profession of tion is one that we value. As members committed to our profession, we social work, regardless of our specializations, often occurs in fast to have an opportunity to experience the complimentary benefits of work- frantic paced environments. Social workers in Alberta work in diverse ing together to uphold our regulatory commitments while engaging in workplaces in diverse roles. Our areas of practice may include health professional networks that result in a strengthened profession for public services, education systems, human services, counseling or therapy, benefit. child and family services, working with seniors, administration, research or international service. We may work in government services, not for Advocacy activities that we are proud to participate in include affiliation profit organizations, or private practice. Along with our fellow Albertans, with Public Interest Alberta, Friends of Medicare and Parkland Institute social workers are both impacted by and working to influence changes for research projects including research report “The Alberta Disadvan- occurring around us. This characterizes much of the work and activities tage, Gender, Taxation and Income Equality”. Social work is a profes- for our organization over 2015. sion grounded in a call to advocate for social justice. A look at our new website will provide a good view of the many membership activities Four Legislative committees are established to guide and support the groups that are formed and supported in cooperation with our mem- regulatory activities of the College: Competence Committee, Clinical bers and organization. A new group to highlight for the past year is the Committee, Registration Committee and the Professional Social Work Sexual and Gender Diversity Interest Group. Education Committee. Summary reports are included for each in this annual report. Membership Information A key role for Alberta College of Social Workers is to maintain a register Technologically speaking, we have grown in leaps and bounds with the of social workers as a function of regulatory requirements under the purchase of a new database and revised website in order to implement Health Professions Act. At the end of 2015, ACSW had a total of 7044 online services. Members are now able to complete applications for reg- regulated members. There was an increase of 68 RSWs over 2015. istrations and annual renewals online. Members are able to track their During 2015, 834 applications for registration were received and 510 competence requirements and update their member information on their were approved as new RSWs. New graduates accounted for 383 new own member portal. Updates to the competence program handbook and registrants of which 270 were from Alberta. Of the total new RSWs tools were done with ongoing work planned for continuous improvement. registered in 2015, there were 73 applicants from other provinces, 8 Production of our professional magazine The Advocate was reviewed from the USA and 7 applicants with international qualifications (outside with new agreements and new members working together to ensure North America). During 2015, 649 practice permits were not renewed; quality production of this valuable resource within our membership. A 2 practice permits were restricted; 0 were denied and 76 members supervision/ mentorship roster project was initiated for a goal to create a were reinstated after being cancelled. At the end of the year there were provincial roster that will be a resource for members interested in provid- 404 inactive members, 340 student members and 215 listed as retired. ing or seeking social work supervision. There were no members on the courtesy register.

A significant staff change occurred in membership activities with the Total number of regulated members 7044 departure of Lori Sigurdson following her successful win in the provincial election. Her dedication to advocacy for Alberta’s most vulnerable and Active 6425 8 years of service represent enormous contributions in our professional Inactive (not retired) 404 association. We wish her well in her new role in our provincial govern- ment. New Manager of Professional Practice Support, Alec Stratford Retired 215 joined the College in November 2015. Tamara Gross took on the role Students (members only, not regulated) 340 Competence Program Coordinator and Raveena Parsons joined our Courtesy Registry 0 team as the newest member of the administrative support professionals team. Number of practice permits denied 0 Restricted permits 2 Return to CASW Following a vote of the membership, ACSW was pleased to announce Total Cancelled members plans to rejoin the national federation of Canadian Association of Social Previously active - 487 649 Work effective April 1, 2016. Other national and international networks Retired - 55 that we continue to engage with include the Canadian Council of Social Inactive - 107 Work Regulators and the Association of Social Work Boards. Number of registration reviews 0

The ACSW role as both a regulatory body and professional associa- Number of substantial equivalence applications 2

page 5 Treasurer’s Report Rick Guthrie, MSW, RSW The 2015 audited financial statement officially represents the financial College remains fiscally responsible and is able to meet expenses for position of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) to December a minimum of 6 months in case of disruptions in revenue. At the end of 31, 2015. 2015 the contingency stands at $1,621,993. A surplus of $246,857 is showing at year end. For 2015, ACSW revenues were $2,680,651 and expenses were $2,454,822. The primary source of revenue for the College is member- While the current year position is sound, the Finance Committee ship dues and revenue from this source for 2015 was $2,398,943. 2015 provided advisement to Council for the preparation of the 2016 budget saw 111 new members added. Other revenue sources noted in the and consideration for future years, including the recommendation that Statement of Operations include the annual conference, workshops or member fees be increased from $350 to $400 effective July 1, 2016. special projects with these largely as “break even” events. Interest in- (The last fee increase was in 2010). Several factors necessitate an come shows as a significant revenue source at $77,259. A new grant of increase to member fees. The College continues to grow, along with re- $15,000 received through Occupational Health and Safety and applied quests for increasing membership services and increasing complexities to a supervision and mentorship project is included in both revenue and in complaints and discipline processes. Maintaining member services expenses. and advocacy initiatives continues to be important work of the College. Inflation has been considered in future projections. The College will offi- While expenses overall remained consistent to the previous year, there cially rejoin the Canadian Association of Social Workers effective April 1, were both increases in some areas and savings in some areas. A new 2016. Partial cost of the ACSW membership will be an added expense database for online services was purchased, impacting an increase in in 2016 and full cost of CASW membership will be realized in 2017. amortization costs. More area coordinators resulted in an increase in professional association supported membership activities. A new vendor The Finance Committee will continue to advise Council on financial for production of the professional magazine “The Advocate” as well as matters to ensure that the ACSW has the capacity to meet its legislated reduced costs in postage for more members requesting electronic cop- financial obligations. ies meant some savings. The Alberta College of Social Workers remains financially sound in both As a Regulatory College, ACSW is required to maintain a contingency Capital and Operations budgets. fund. The fund is maintained and directed by Council to ensure that the

Independent Auditor’s Report Chartered Accountants To the Members of Alberta College of Social Workers procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial state- Report on the Financial Statements ments, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation We have audited the accompanying financial statement of Alberta and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit College of Social Workers, which comprise the statement of financial procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the position as at December 31, 2015 and the statements of operations, purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, and internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting information. estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall pre- sentation of the financial statements. Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in sufficient and Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control Opinion as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material due to fraud or error. respects, the financial position of Alberta College of Social Workers as at December 31, 2015 and the results of its operations and its cash Auditor’s Responsibility flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Cana- dian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit Edmonton, Alberta Chartered Accountants to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements February 26, 2016 are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The

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page 9 Public Members Bukola Salami, Murray Hiebert and Lyle Berge The role of public representatives on the Council of the ACSW is to In 2015 the active public members on ACSW Council were Murray assure that ACSW activities serve the broad public interest, meet the Hiebert, appointed in November 2014, and Lyle Berge, re-appointed requirements of the Health Professions Act and support professional in November 2013. Late in 2015 we welcomed a new public member, services by members. We are appointed by Order-In-Council, and Bukola Salami - welcome Bukola! Bukola is an Assistant Professor at are allowed to serve two, three year terms. We come from a variety of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta. Her area of research is im- backgrounds and experience, which has been in other than the field of migrants’ health. Murray is an author and consultant with a specialty in social work. professional roles and development; and Lyle comes from a background of community relations, arbitration and mediation. We participate fully in the business and debate at Council meetings and serve on subcommittees to which we are appointed, bringing an objec- The ACSW Council is committed to and actively strives to maintain a tive viewpoint to the table. In addition to attending all ACSW regular balance between regulatory responsibilities and membership services. meetings we are encouraged by Council to be fully informed about As public members, we are both participants and witnesses to the ACSW issues, plans, concerns and aspirations and this is facilitated efforts to maintain this balance. We are pleased to be part of this dedi- through participation in annual meetings, professional development, cated Council of volunteer professionals, who strive to serve the best conferences, retreats and seminars. interests of the public through the high quality human services that are provided by registered social workers in Alberta.

Nomination & Recruitment Committee Chair: Rick Guthrie, MSW, RSW The Nominations and Recruitment Committee is a standing commit- All are invited to view this year’s ACSW award recipients tee of ACSW Council that is comprised of up to seven registered social (http://www.acsw.ab.ca/site/honouring-our-own?nav=sidebar). workers appointed by Council.

The committee is responsible for establishing criteria and procedures related to nominations and elections of Council members, nominations and selection of ACSW awards, and appointments to vacancies on Council and regulatory committees.

The committee made recommendations to Council for ACSW awards and played a lead role in presentation of awards at the Awards Lun- cheon held during the ACSW Annual Conference in Edmonton March 27, 2015.

In 2015, members of the committee included: Rick Guthrie (Chair), Ajay Pandhi, Anna Malo, Papiya Das and Lynn King (ex-officio). The committee looks forward to welcoming and working with new members appointed to the committee: Anne Bello and Gord Cummings.

Indigenous Social Work Committee Interim Chair: Maxine Salopree, BSW, RSW Aba Washded, Toh-ne-deh, Oki, Tansi, Greetings! The Indigenous Social Work Committee has accepted the resignations of the following past ISWC members: Kanakii Mekaisto, Dr. Betty Bas- In September 2015 Kanakii Mekaisto submitted a report of the Indig- tien, Harriet North Peigan, Ethel Blind, Audrey Frake, Pauline Gladue enous Social Work Committee’s (ISWC) work to Council, highlights and Bertha Anderson. We would like to take this opportunity to thank included; the process of recruitment and retention of ISWC committee them for their dedication, commitment and their contributions to the members, the need for increased Indigenous Awareness Training, the ISWC and the ACSW Council during the time of their tenure. absence of compulsory Indigenous Social Work Competencies in the current social work education, and the over representation of Indig- In January 2016, Maxine Salopree accepted an Interim Chair posi- enous children and young people in care. Many accomplishments of tion on the ISWC. She would like to acknowledge the dedication and the ISWC were highlighted including development of Indigenous Social commitment of Verna Wittigo who continues to serve on the ISWC. Work Practice and Social Work Competencies, a Declaration of Guiding The ISWC would like to welcome two new committee members, Derek Responsibilities for Indigenous Social Work Practice, Indigenous Social Chewka, MSW, RSW and Lee Furgason, MSW. The ISWC continues to Work Standards, Knowledge and Skills and Core Competencies and accept letters of intent and resumes from Registered Indigenous Social Educational Competencies on the Standards. The report identified the Workers who are interested in joining the ISWC. challenges that the ISWC was facing in the past year. Also at the Sep- tember meeting, the Chair, Kanakii Mekaisto tendered her resignation and wished the ISWC well in future endeavors.

page 10 2015 Annual Report Registration Committee Chair: Lynn Labreque King, MSW, RSW The Registration Committee is a regulatory committee of ACSW nations, eligibility for registration and the requirements to take an exam. established under the Health Professions Act (HPA) to advise Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and enforce- In the previous year, 2014, the Registration Committee completed work ment of standards for registration. The Registration Committee meets a on a process for review of substantial equivalence. The approved pro- minimum of four times per year and works with a rotating chair. Goals of cess provides robust review while addressing HPA section 28 (2) (c) and the committee are: Social Workers Profession Regulation Section 6 (substantial equiva- (a) To determine in accordance with the regulations a combination of lence) that allows for applicants with related social work education and education, experience, practice or other qualifications that practice experience to have an opportunity to apply for registration. In demonstrates the competence required for registration as a 2015 there was further development of this process through collabora- regulated member tion with the Alberta Association of Social Work Diploma Programs (b) To require, where appropriate an applicant for registration to (AASWDP). AASWDP provided expertise in the review of 2 applica- undergo assessment for the purpose of assisting in determining tions for substantial equivalence consideration. While the applications whether the applicant would create a danger to the public or be submitted were very thorough with considerable effort by the applicants unsafe for practice in organizing the required materials, no applications were recommended for approval for registration with ACSW. (c) To impose conditions on an approval of registration that are deemed to be in the best interest of the public and monitor Committee members of both the ACSW Registration Committee and the compliance with any conditions imposed on registration or a AASWDP found the process of review successful with mutual appre- practice permit ciation expressed for this collaborative effort and have agreed to work (d) To review applications for re-instatement rom individuals cancelled together in future for review of substantial equivalence applications. under part 4 of HPA Members of the Registration committee for 2015 were: Gaye Warthe, (e) To carry out other duties relevant to the registration of members as Anne Marie McLaughlin, Scott Hofstetter, Barbara Hagen, Margaret assigned by the Council or Registrar. Brown as Council liaison, Jody-Lee Farrah, and Lynn King and Brenda Gross in ex-officio capacity. The committee reviewed a number of registration issues together with the Registrar and provided advisement on issues including failed exami-

Competence Committee Chair: Alan McLuckie, PhD, RSW The Continuing Competence Committee is one of four Legislative Further development of tools to support members that are aligned with Committees that serves as an advisory body to Council. In 2014, the online system is anticipated. Council approved changes to simplify and made the credit requirements more flexible for members. The Competence Committee facilitated a Each year observes a transition in the members who serve on the workshop at the spring ACSW Conference in Calgary that identified the Continuing Competence Committee. The committee said farewell to Rob changes made in the program as well as help new members understand Poggemiller, Judy Pyra, Peter Choate and Linda Fehr. The Continuing the portfolio requirements. Competence Committee would like to thank those who have made a valuable contribution during their tenure. Their knowledge and contribu- Significant changes occurred during this year including a transition from tion will be missed and we wish them the best in their future endeavors. receiving paper submissions to members reporting their competence New members who joined the committee are Emily Drzymala, Darlynne in the user-friendly In1Touch system. This necessitated revamping the Hildebrandt and Mary Berube. There are exciting times ahead. competence program material and updating the member’s handbook. The majority of feedback from members has been positive. The Continu- The ACSW has four staff members providing support to the Continuing ing Competence Committee anticipates the In1Touch system will be an Competence Committee. Raveena Parsons is the new Professional asset in selecting random and problematic files for audit. Administrative Support. Tamara Gross is the Competence Program Co- ordinator. Alec Stratford, Manager of Professional Practice, has joined The Terms of Reference were reviewed. Work has begun on a thorough and is assisting Bruce Llewellyn, Manager of Regulatory Practice, in a and detailed review of the Standards of Practice (2013). The Com- staff liaison role. petence Committee continues to review and implement its work plan.

page 11 Managers, Regulatory Practice / Complaints Director Report Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB and Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW

Members serving on the Discipline Committee are appointed by Council. understanding and application of the standards for their own profes- There are approximately 70 RSWs who serve on the Discipline Com- sional practice. mittee. Typically three members, as well as one public member, are selected by the Hearings Director and participate as members on Hear- In 2015, there was 1 appeal, no registration reviews and no hearings ing Tribunals or Complaint Review Committees (CRC). This role is both were closed to the public. One member was dealt with pursuant to Sec- challenging and rewarding and may involve a substantial volunteer time tion 118 of the Health Profession Act. commitment. In 2015, there were 10 cases that went to hearing, three cases were appealed to a Committee of Council (all involving the same member), and 20 cases that went to a CRC. Decisions made by the Tribunals after hearings are available on the ACSW website. Publication may be with or without names as ordered by the Hearing Tribunal.

Training for new members on the Discipline Committee occured in October. There is currently a wealth of experience by those who serve as investigators, CRC and Tribunal members. Nine new members were appointed by Council to replace members who tendered their resigna- tion. The dedication of all members is valued and appreciated.

In addition, a number of members on the discipline roster also conduct investigations into complaints of unprofessional conduct on behalf of ACSW on a contract basis. In 2015, there were a total of 30 cases that were referred for investigation. The role of Complaint Director continued to be a shared role with Sheryl Pearson acting as the Complaints Direc- tor (North) and Bruce Llewellyn acting as Complaints Director (South) for the ACSW. Numerous presentations on the Standards of Practice transpired in Edmonton, Calgary, Slave Lake, Grand Prairie, Medicine Hat, Cold Lake and Lac La Biche. These presentations provided social workers the opportunity to engage with their peers in developing an

Case Type of Complaint Source of Complaint Action Disposition Number 13.18 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 13.39 Unprofessional conduct Employer Refer to hearing Appeal to COC. 13.63 Unprofessional conduct Employer Refer to hearing Appeal to COC. 14.01 Unprofessional conduct Employer Referred to hearing Conditions on Practice Permit 14.06 Unprofessional conduct Employer Referred to hearing Conditions on Practice Permit 14.13 Unprofessional conduct ACSW Referred to hearing 14.15 Unprofessional conduct Colleague Referred to hearing Appeal to COC. 14.16 Unprofessional conduct Employer Refer to hearing 14.17 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 14.21 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. CRC requested investigation. upheld

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Case Type of Complaint Source of Complaint Action Disposition Number 14.22 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. CRC requested investigation. upheld 14.29 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 14.30 Unprofessional conduct ACSW Referred to hearing 14.31 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 14.39 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.40 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.41 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed 14.42 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.43 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.44 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.45 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.46 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.47 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. 14.50 Unprofessional conduct Family Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 14.54 Unprofessional conduct Employer Refer to hearing 14.55 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 14.56 Unprofessional conduct Client Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 14.58 Unprofessional conduct Public Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 15.03 Unprofessional conduct Client Ongoing 15.16 Unprofessional conduct Neighbor Refer to hearing 15.20 Unprofessional conduct Client Ongoing 15.21 Unprofessional conduct Client Ongoing 15.22 Unprofessional conduct Employer Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 15.23 Unprofessional conduct Employer Ongoing 15.27 Unprofessional conduct Colleague Ongoing 15.28 Unprofessional conduct Colleague Ongoing 15.30 Unprofessional conduct Client Ongoing 15.31 Unprofessional conduct Client Ongoing 15.36 Unprofessional conduct Employer Ongoing 15.37 Unprofessional conduct Colleague Ongoing 15.39 Unprofessional conduct Family Dismissed Refer to CRC. Dismissal upheld 15.40 Unprofessional conduct Employer Ongoing 15.45 Unprofessional conduct Employer Ongoing 15.46 Unprofessional conduct Friend Ongoing 15.47 Unprofessional conduct Client Ongoing 15.48 Unprofessional conduct Colleague Ongoing 15.52 Unprofessional conduct Family Ongoing 15.54 Unprofessional conduct Family Ongoing 15.56 Unprofessional conduct Colleague Ongoing 15.61 Unprofessional conduct ACSW S.118 15.62 Unprofessional conduct Employer Ongoing 15.64 Unprofessional conduct Employer Ongoing

In addition to this list, twenty-four complaints against RSW’s were received and dismissed or closed in 2015, one complaint was stayed and nine complaints were not within the jurisdiction of the ACSW.

page 13 Clinical Committee Chair: Judith Mason, MSW, RSW The Clinical Social Work Committee had a very productive year. The forms; committee’s membership is representative of social workers from across 3. Amended the policy regarding the application process for being the province geographically and from various aspects of clinical prac- approved as a Clinical Supervisor of Record; tice. In 2015 the committee membership included: Judith Mason, Pam 4. Simplified the application procedure for the Clinical Registry; Boulter, Patrick Griffin, Karen Nielsen, Peter Baylis, Carol Olsen, and 5. Developed a discussion paper on Consent of Minors in Social Work Greg Robinson. Alan McLuckie, associate professor of the University of Practice. Calgary Social Work Faculty was appointed as an ad hoc member and 6. Developed Guidelines for the ACSW on the Management of Laurie Fischer resigned from the committee. Richard Shelson was the Consent and Confidentiality when working with Minors; ACSW Council representative on the committee and we received valu- 7. Facilitated a panel presentation at the ACSW 2015 Annual able staff support from Sheryl Pearson and Neetu Dodd. Conference on a range of topics including: Consent of Minors, Ability of Social Workers to Diagnose, and Clinical Social Work in Alberta In 2015 the committee met 5 times for 4 two day meetings (February, leading the way. May, September, and November) and 1 one day meeting (August) alter- 8. Submitted two successful proposals to for the ACSW 2016 Annual nating between Edmonton and Calgary. Conference; and 9. Prepared two articles for two editions of the Advocate: one on Highlights for the work accomplished this past year includes the follow- the Guidelines for Management of Consent and Confidentiality when ing: working with Minors, and one on what’s new with the Clinical 1. Reviewed between 15-20 applications at each of the two day Registry Policies. meetings; 2. Reviewed and revised the Clinical Registry Policies and application

Professional Social Work Education Committee Chair: Scott McLean, PhD, RSW The Accreditation/Re-Accreditation process was initiated as part of the in Slave Lake, the program offers the SW Diploma in various sites. regulatory commitment under the Heath Professionals Act. This year There were also two brokering arrangements with the accredited SW marked the final re-accreditation Social Work (SW) program under the Program - Blue Quills First Nations College, one with Red Crow Com- current format. munity College (graduates in spring of 2016) and one with Yellow Head Tribal College with students graduating in the spring of 2017. In the up- One outcome of the process, as outlined in the accreditation process coming year there will be one review: Keyano College in Fort McMurray manual is: “To provide guidelines and support to programs entering as part of their second graduating cohort for initial accreditation status. candidacy through to accreditation status”, which includes brokering arrangements when an accredited SW program is hosted by another Current members of the Professional Social Work Education Committee institution for a time limited period. The intent of a brokering arrange- include: Jeanette Villeneuve, Dr. Ellen Perrault, Sandra Alton, Wilda Lis- ment is that it allows for student access to a SW program not otherwise tener, Arlene Eaton-Erickson, Helen Cronkhite, Lynn L. King (Ex-officio) available at the host institution or in the geographical region. and Dr. Scott McLean (PSWEC Accreditation Coordinator).

Although the SW Diploma is hosted at another institution, the ACSW Accreditation Standards that includes curriculum, field placements, Indigenous components, faculty, and student resources are to be similar. It is expected that the accredited SW program/institution, in conjunction with the host institution, completes a Brokering Report. The documenta- tion is forwarded to the Professional Social Work Education Committee for review. It should also be noted that a site visit may be considered by the committee if the brokering arrangement is between accreditations.

The academic year of 2014-2015 was a relatively quiet year for reviews; Northern Lakes College for re-accreditation status. Northern Lakes SW Program received accreditation status for seven years. Although based

page 14 2015 Annual Report

Manager, Professional Practice Support Alec Stratford, MSW, RSW

This year saw big changes to the position of Manager Professional Friends of Medicare. In 2015, we partcipated with the Parkland Institute Affairs. Lori Sigurdson left ACSW following her election as a Member of to produce the report The Alberta Disadvantage Gender, Taxation, and the Legislative Assembly. Membership services and development area Income Inequality, which analyzed gender inequality in Alberta, and activities continued to grow leading to the adaption of the position with offered a series of recommendations to reverse the decades-long slide increased focus on professional practice supports. Alec Stratford took in gender equality in Alberta. We continued development of resources on the role of Manager of Professional Practice Supports in November for supporting members through the supervision and mentorship roster of 2015. project. The launch of this project is anticipated for the late spring 2016.

2015 saw a full year of activities for staff and volunteers. Through the support of the membership ACSW provided over 42 events and work- shops helping to develop and enhance the voice of the profession and promote professional development opportunities.

Social Work Week 2015 celebrated the theme of “The Art of Cultivating Community.” Social workers from across the province came together to celebrate the profession through various luncheons, Category ‘A’ events and student gatherings. Advertisements were also bought in daily news- papers across the province to help inform the public of the important work that social workers do.

2015 produced another successful Annual Conference as the profession continued to focus on the theme of “The Art of Cultivating Community.” Approximately 1000 social workers attended the conference in Calgary. This year’s keynote was Ontario native Leilana Farha, the Executive Director of Canada Without Poverty, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to growing and supporting Canadians committed to eradicating poverty within our borders. Farha spoke about how her organization works to raise awareness, contribute to poverty-related research, and influence public policy. Both a social worker and lawyer, Farha demonstrated her passion for addressing systemic disadvantage through a powerful keynote that saw participants using social media as means to advocate for the elimination of poverty. She vibrantly instilled on the audience the organization’s key message, “Poverty is a violation of human rights and poverty elimination is a human rights obligation!”

Our quarterly publication, The Advocate, continued to inform social workers of the important work underway across the province. The big change to the publication this year was the transition of publishers. The ACSW was happy to engage in a professional relationship with Bird Communications and we are excited to work with them to innovate and strengthen how we share the stories of our profession. We continued with a monthly e-newsletter which gave us timelier updates on the numerous activities hosted by our interest groups and area coordinators as well as current social issues impacting our work.

The ACSW continued to play a role in advocating for social justice in Al- berta. This year we continued to sit as a member of the City of Edmon- ton Mayor’s Task Force on the Elimination of Poverty. We encouraged the development of progressive policies that support the vulnerable and marginalized populations we served with continued policy partnerships with Public Interest Alberta, Edmonton’s Social Planning Council and

page 15 Advocate Editorial Board Chair: Leslie MacKinnon, MSW, RSW The Advocate Editorial Board is a public face of social work in Alberta. ing a human rights framework to address poverty. In the summer issue, The board has a capacity for 12 social work members. This year mem- Kate McGoey-Smith MSW, RSW was interviewed about choosing hap- bers were from Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, we piness, from her wellness talk at the 2015 ACSW Annual Conference. have started hosting the meetings at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmon- Our fall issue celebrated the social workers who were elected in the ton so that the members outside the Edmonton area can participate via provincial NDP sweep of Alberta. The winter issue touched on themes video conference. The Editorial Board meets 4 times per year several around long-term care in Alberta. weeks prior to each issue. We review feedback from the previous issue, discuss themes for the upcoming issue and review article submissions. The Advocate Editorial Board is a stimulating forum where social work in The meeting in October this year was most of a day at the ACSW of- Alberta is debated, discussed, challenged and celebrated. We wel- fice, so that we can connect with each other in person once a year. We come input, feedback, articles and book reviews from our membership were introduced that day to the new company that is now producing our throughout the province. magazine, Bird Communications.

Our Spring issue highlighted conference keynote speaker Leilani Farha who spoke about tools social workers can use to build a community us-

Private Practice Co-chairs: Liz Hides, MSW, RSW and Richard Shelson, MSW, RSW In 2015 the Private Practice Committee was involved in several activi- Several long-term members (Audrey Ferber, Judi Baron, Stephanie ties. In September the group hosted their annual general meeting which Wellings and Laurie Fisher) retired from the committee and handed over included a good discussion about the history and future direction of the the baton to Liz Hides and Richard Shelson who took on the roles of committee and the private practice roster. Judy Baron and Liz Hides of- co-chairs after September. fered a “Making the Most Out of Your Private Practice” workshop at the 2015 ACSW Annual Conference.

The committee also works on advocating for social workers in private practice. Group members represented ACSW at a First Nations Inuit Health national meetings. ACSW President Richard Gregory attended a few of our meetings. He wrote letters to First Nations Inuit Health, Canadian Institute of Actuaries and Blue Cross requesting parity with psychologists. The committee also worked on a publication to inform the general public about the role of social workers in private practice.

Sexual and Gender Diversity Chair: Scott Stewart, MSW, RSW 2015 is the inaugural year for the ACSW Sexual and Gender Diversity Member Interest Group. This group provides an opportunity for LGBTQA + registered social workers to network and to discuss issues of social action/social justice and practice concerns that impact our commu- nity. Still in its formative stages, this committee has begun identifying areas of interest and focus such as supporting the implementation of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) in Alberta schools and promoting gender diversity. We look forward to 2016 with pride!

page 16 2015 Annual Report Edmonton Retired Social Workers Chair: Margot Herbert, MSW, RSW The Retired Social Workers Group met four times during 2015. Discus- We continue to have good attendance at these meetings and a number sions following the presentations reflected this group’s remarkable of new retirees have joined us this year. Members of the group continue collective experience in human services and the opportunity to connect to contribute to advocacy groups, such as The Greater Edmonton Al- with former colleagues was also greatly enjoyed. liance, Families First Edmonton, The Quality of Life Commission, and a number of other advocacy and social action groups in the Edmonton • In February Marilyn Spilchen, BSW, RSW described the work of area and the sharing of that experience is of ongoing interest to the ONE INTERNATIONAL a non-profit children’s program in India group. founded by her daughter. • In May, Erin Nelson (Faculty of Law, University of Alberta) gave an interesting presentation on Law, Ethics and Physician-Assisted Dying. • In September Elsie Gauthier, MA, gave an informative presentation on The Truth and Reconciliation Commission. • In December, we heard Richard Feehan, MSW, newly elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and a long time social work practitioner, discuss “Committee structure and the role of social work in government.”

Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice Chair: Susan Brooke, MSW, RSW Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice (CSWSJ) is a group of ap- are especially concerned about low provincial social assistance rates. proximately 145 Social Workers from Calgary and area. We have been To that end we are engaging in the Basic Income Campaign and in primarily focused on issues including: poverty, inequity, health and dialogue with key politicians and policy makers. We were also pleased seniors care, LGBTQ+, justice issues and disability rights. to meet with Minister and to be invited to submit our hopes for the upcoming 2016 budget. We began 2015 focused on developing a position on an LBGTQ + justice resolution, specifically in support of Gay Straight Alliances in The Education Committee directed energy toward strengthening its Alberta Schools, to be brought forward to the ACSW Annual General internal structure and processes. 2015 highlights included organizing Meeting. We have taken on issues related to Persons with Developmen- a learning opportunity for SWSJ members on the topic of consensus tal Disabilities (PDD), Temporary Foreign Workers, long-term-care and decision making process and coordinating members to participate in the affordable housing. annual Take Back the Night march and the Pride Parade.

We attended the launch of “Enough for All” where United Way and the Congratulations goes out to one of our founding members, Dr. Mary City of Calgary formally adopted the poverty reduction plan and continue Valentich, who we nominated and was the recipient of the John Hutton to be represented in this work. We are happy that initiatives we had pro- award! moted including re-introduction of progressive taxation, increases to the minimum wage and a small improvement around the application process With 900 followers on Facebook and 100 on Twitter, we continue to for secondary suites have been implemented this year. We continue make our presence known through our website, and social media and to advocate for a broader range of initiatives to eliminate poverty and invite you to check us out!

Social Action/Social Justice - Edmonton Co-chairs: George Jason, MSW, RSW and Natasha Semenjuk, BSW, RSW Natasha Semenjuk took over this role as co-chair for the Social Action/So- • Income supports and housing cial Justice Interest Group this year joining George Jason. The group also • Homelessness, housing and rent regulation in province/homelessness continued to build partnerships: Friends of Medicare, Greater Edmonton • Poverty, attitudes towards poverty a ccess to health care, in particular Alliance, the Parkland Institute and Public Interest Alberta. Subgroups mental health care access researched and developed questions on housing, health, revenue, inequal- • Immigration; xenophobia; dialogue and language we are using towards ity and immigration to ask political candidates. In addition the group worked newcomers to build awareness on how people access IDs for clients via Jasper Place • Development in downtown Edmonton; issues of displacement and Health and Wellness centre, the Alberta department of Health and the gentrification Homeless ID project. The group also spent time connecting and reflecting • Working with the other social justice groups around the province on many social justice issues some of these issues included: • Politics/electoral issues.

• The economy and its complexities • Indigenous issues, murdered and missing Indigenous Women; the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) reports and recommendations • LGBQT Issues

page 17 Social Action/Social Justice - Lethbridge Co-chairs: Jerry Firth, BSW, RSW and Kala Beers, BSW, RSW 2015 was our second year as an ACSW member interest group, but it local groups with like interests and values. remained a growing year as we only developed late into 2014. We have built a strong presence in social media platforms, such as Our efforts were focused on building a vision and member capacity. We Facebook and Twitter, to share our messages and to support the edu- were successful in gaining some new membership, through student and cation of certain issue that impact citizens of our community, such as faculty engagement and community partnerships. We participated in poverty, trans identity issues and refugee issues. Finally, we ran “right to many social actions in 2015 with attendance in some local awareness vote” campaigns during the provincial and national elections, primarily campaigns, such as Sisters in Spirit (bringing awareness to the issue of targeting youth in post-secondary. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), the Pride Flag Raising and Parade, and the Trans Day of Remembrance. Through these efforts and Going into 2016 the groups focus will be to have the passion of our others, we were able to promote our group and networked with other members drive the vision and direction of this group.

Social Action/Social Justice - Red Deer Chair: George Jason, MSW, RSW 2015 was the inaugural year for the Central Alberta Social Action Social The group has recognized areas where advocacy and support is crucial Justice Committee. Social workers in central Alberta presented at the including addressing the issue of having few beds or appropriate hous- ACSW Annual Conference on social justice issues and recognized that ing for clients facing addiction, mental health, and other social issues, a member interest group could be an affective way to address social encouraging social workers to feel empowered on behalf of their clients, justice issues in the area. and government and non-profits working collaboratively.

The group has an interest in working with refugees, addressing housing Key activities for 2016 include creating a Terms of Reference for the concerns for members of the community, looking at the lack of resourc- group and engaging in the local Social Justice Film Festival. es available to clients they serve, increasing the profile of social workers and the importance of the work that we do, and building a strong social justice base in central Alberta.

Child & Youth Interest Group - Edmonton Chair: Connie Zacharis, BSW, RSW The Child and Youth Interest Group meets monthly from September to to share resource information, provide updates and solicit feedback June on the first Wednesday of the month over the lunch hour in a meet- on initiatives specific to their worksites. We shared information via a ing location that is easy to access and has ample free parking. conference call regarding our group’s structure and activities with social workers in Calgary interested in restarting the Calgary interest group. As The purpose of our group remains to support social workers working part of our commitment to self-care, we participated in drumming hosted with children and youth through networking opportunities, educational at Genesis with Paul Bromley during social work week. The group also and self-care activities, and to advocate for policies and resources that hosted a category ‘A’ workshop – “A Child’s Voice – The Alberta Experi- support the well-being of Alberta’s children, youth and families. We ence with Signs of Safety” which was well attended and informative. continue to act in an advisory capacity to the ACSW Council on matters relating to the well-being of children. 2015 ended with our members’ participation in National Child Day through involvement on the planning committee, preparing the support This year we have had two guests attend to share information; Elden statement that was posted on the ACSW site and by attending/partici- Block – Statutory Director with the Ministry of Human Services in Janu- pating in the activities. ary 2015 and Yvonne Chiu Co-Executive Director with the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative in October 2015. Members continue

page 18 2015 Annual Report Gerontological Social Work Action Group - Calgary Co-chairs: Allegra Sonia Samaha, Student Member and Sarah Mullin, BSW, RSW

2015 was an exciting year for the Gerontology Social Workers Ac- change process in addressing key issues and realizing possibilities in tion Group (GSWAG). In April 2014, we collaborated with the Faculty continuing care. of Social Work at the University of Calgary to embark on a research project exploring key issues and possibilities of the continuing care GSWAG facilitated its first death café in 2015 (and have hosted two in system in Alberta. From April 2014 to May 2015, our research team has total in 2015 for social workers). Put simply, a death café is where peo- engaged over 100 community members in focus groups (11 in total) and ple come together, and over coffee/tea and snacks, to discuss death, interviews (13 in total), asking them to share their perspectives, ideas, which is very empowering in our death adverse society. The initial death and experiences. We are currently in the data analysis phase and have café was so well received, that GSWAG decided to host another one already presented preliminary findings back to the community (three and collaborated with the Geriatric Awareness Committee (a student-led presentations in 2015 with over 65 people). The goal of these commu- FSW group) that brought together both social work practitioners and nity presentations is to encourage a public discussion about continuing students. care in Alberta and show the public how they can become part of the

Northern Alberta Gerontological Social Work Interest Group Co-chairs: Marilyn Jeske, MSW, RSW and Andrea Keel, BSW, RSW Members of our group form a strong diverse network of registered social and the court application process; and provided consultation on specific workers who are employed at a variety of settings; from hospitals within cases. Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Primary Care Networks (PCN) to community based outreach agencies in the non-profit sector; from care #2: Advocacy facilities to seniors’ day programs. Social workers from rural Alberta We provided written feedback to AHS Continuing Care Resolution Team, joined the meetings via teleconference. Within the framework developed and discussed the Review of the Mental Health Amendment Act. through the facilitation by Community Development Officers, our agenda focused on 2 major priorities. As guest speaker, from the Seniors Task Force Initiative, broadened our understanding of advocacy efforts by Public Interest Alberta to address #1. Professional Development systemic barriers. We hosted: “Working with Immigrant Seniors,” workshop presented by Multicultural Health Brokers and Catholic Social Services. Throughout 10 monthly meetings, group members, along with practicum students, enjoyed rich and lively discussions about ethical challenges Group members provided information sessions on the Provincial Elder and themes within our practice included financial benefits for seniors, Abuse Conference; and Income Support available through the Crisis hoarding, and lack of affordable and available housing. We benefited Unit, Alberta Works. A representative from the Office of the Public from networking, sharing resources, and numerous professional devel- Guardian and Trustee, presented key information on legal documents opment activities.

Social Workers in Health Co-chairs: Tiffany Fassnidge, MSW, RSW and Christina Davis, BSW, RSW The ACSW Social Workers in Heath Special Interest Group meets nize the connection between poverty and homelessness and how these monthly via video and audio conference, sharing information relevant factors impact an individual’s health outcomes. to social work services across the health care continuum. Since people take their health with them wherever they go, social workers in health Several training opportunities were organized on the following topics: are uniquely positioned to provide support along the journey to improved Advanced Care Planning, Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse. These health and wellness. events provided an opportunity for face to face meetings. Our meetings also included presentation related to the challenges facing rural social The three priorities which have been set by this group are professional workers, nutritional supplement coverage for treaty and First Nations, support, linking rural and urban social workers and providing a platform/ social determinants of health and harm reduction. Additionally, two of voice for policy issues around health care in Alberta. A sub group has our members were able to present to over 900 University of Alberta, been formed to address the difficulty in accessing detox beds. Health Sciences students during their interdisciplinary learning day. These opportunities to connect and network have been highly valued Our group views the person and their health holistically, acknowledging and have facilitated knowledge sharing. the impact of the social determinants of health. For example, we recog-

page 19 ACSW Strategic Plan (2014- 2017)

Our Vision Social workers connected through commitment to professionalism, advocacy and social justice.

Our Mission Together we represent, strengthen and promote the social work profession and fulfill the regulatory requirements of the Health Professions Act.

2014-2017 Goals 1. Increase membership engagement through information, collaboration, consultation and technology upgrades. 2. Develop professional social work practice supports for members. 3. Develop and implement a financial sustainability policy. 4. Develop capacity organizationally and within membership to encourage advocacy for our collective goal of a just and equitable society. 5. Support indigenous social work cultural competency standards and the importance of indigenous ways of knowing to social work practice.

Goal One • Revise ACSW Website Increase membership • Develop and implement online services for members engagement

Goal Two • Develop mentorship program including supervisor roster and ethics course Develop professional • Develop networking structures for member groups using technology social work practice supports

Goal Three • Develop policy to guide stewardship of resources and ensure financial stability Develop and implement a financial stability policy

Goal Four • Identify and engage in a variety of strategies, relationships and supports Develop capacity to • Sustain partnerships and research that promote the goal of a just and equitable encourage Advocacy society • Identify options for concentrated campaign for promotion of the profession • Support social work students in advocacy endeavours • Complete member survey for specific advisement to Council on CASW membership

Goal Five • Work with Indigenous Committee to further sharing of Indigenous Social Worker Support Indigenous Competency profile social work cultural competency standards

Alberta College of Social Workers Suite 550, 10707 100 Avenue NW Edmonton Alberta T5J 3M1 www.acsw.ab.capage 20