VOLUME 39 ISSUE 4 ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

WINTER 2014

the ADVOCATE

Season’s Greetingsfrom ACSW Council and staff

2 Winter 2014

the ADVOCATE24 COVER STORY

“BED-BLOCKERS” — HOSPITAL BED SHORTAGE AFFECTS SOCIAL WORKERS

by Joan Marie Galat

18 FEATURE ARTICLES18 MEET YOUR AREA COORDINATORS by Joan Marie Galat

20 A DAY IN THE LIFE: MARIANNE HARTMAN by Joan Marie Galat

4 AROUND OUR PROVINCEAROUND OUR PROVINCE by Charity Lui

8 THE BIG PICTURE8 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT by Richard Gregory

9 A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR by Lynn Labrecque King

10 ETHICS IN ACTION JUST THE FACTS—CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK AND CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS

by Sheryl Pearson and the ACSW Clinical Committee

11 THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICETHE BEAUTY OF CONTRACTS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE by Stephanie Wellings

12 SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSCOLLECTIVE WORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE by Pamela Rickey

14 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES14 BRIDGING THE GAP by Natalie Dawes

16 RED DEER COLLEGE by Elizabeth Radian

17 REVIEWSWORKPLACE BULLYING: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS

by Ericka Schmaltzr

30 FOR YOUR INFORMATIONAnnouncements

The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise.

All material with bylines is ©2014 by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed.

The AdvocateVolume 39, Issue 4, Winter 2014

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

550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in AB): 1-800-661-3089

Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free fax: 1-866-874-8931acsw@acsw.ab.ca — www.acsw.ab.ca

Executive Director & Registrar: Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW

acswexd@acsw.ab.ca

Managers, Regulatory Practice: Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW

Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB acswregulatory@acsw.ab.ca

Manager, Professional Affairs: Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, acswpac@acsw.ab.ca

Competence Program Coordinator/Hearings Director: Kelly Brisebois, BSW, RSW

Membership Activities Coordinators: Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW

Charity Lui, BSW, RSW

Finance & Administration Officer: Gladys Smecko

Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross

Executive Assistant / Administrative Team Lead: Noreen Majek

Promotions Coordinator: Ilona Cardinal, MA

Administrative Support Professionals: Theresa Duban Neetu Dodd Tracy Houben

Desiree Hurst Dolores McSharry Jennifer Vasquez

Registration/Online Service Support Analyst: Laurie Nelson

ACSW Council:President: Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW

Vice President: Linda Golding, MSW, RSW Secretary: Terry Wilson, BSW, RSWTreasurer: Rick Guthrie, MSW, RSW

Members at Large: Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Linda Fehr, MSW, RSW

Cynthia Gallop, MSW, RSW Richard Shelson, MSc, RSW Alec Stratford, MSW, RSW Timothy Wild, MSW, RSW

Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: Kanakii Mekaisto, BSW, RSW

Public Members: Lyle Berge Murray Hiebert

Editorial Board: Leslie MacKinnon, MSW, RSW (Chair)

Jo-Anne Beggs, BSW, RSW Cindy Haugen, BSW, RSW Jill Hoselton, BSW, RSW Michelle Humeny, RSW Eugene Ip, DPhil, RSW Corrine Janzen, BSW, RSW

Samuel Mammen, RSW Tasha Novick, BSW, RSW Sherri Tanchuk MSW, RSW Margaret Williams, PhD, RSW

Contributing Editor: Joan Marie GalatProduction Editor: Jena Snyder

ADVERTISING SPACE is available. To place an ad contact Ilona Cardinal at the ACSW office (IlonaC@acsw.ab.ca). The Editorial

Board reserves the right to reject any advertising.

SPRING 2015 ISSUE AD DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2015

Canadian subscriptions are $26/year (outside Canada: $26 US/year) Please notify ACSW office

immediately of any address changes.

ISSN 0847 - 2890 PM NO. 40050109

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

The Advocate 3

All registered social workers in Alberta will be submitting renewals online in the next year. This convenient new process will make it easier to submit all information from competence to address changes.

Please take note: • Online Professional Development Credit Form (PDCF) submissions are closed from November 30, 2014 to the end of January 2015. Save your PDCF or print it out and re-enter in 2015. • As a member you will receive notification regarding the new online process before your annual renewal date. • Renewal forms will no longer be mailed.

The new online renewal process will allow members to: • Complete renewals online • Update information (i.e. employment, address and name changes)

Watch for updates and notices regarding online renewals!

Online Renewals Coming in 2015!

www.acsw.ab.ca

IMPORTANT

ANNOUNCEMENT

4 Winter 2014

AROUND OUR PROVINCE

Charity Lui

Local social workers present at NASW conference

L to R: Sherri Tanchuk, Dr. Tracy Whitaker, Dr. Darrell P. Wheeler, Linda Rae Crockett

Keyano social work class

Nana Mumford with NorQuest social work students

Sherri Tanchak, MSW, RSW, Linda Rae Crockett, MSW, RSW, and Dr. Tracy Whitaker, DSW, presented a workshop on workplace bullying at the National Association of Social Workers conference in July in Washington, DC.

Linda Rae Crockett also recently authored a chapter entitled “Workplace Bullying: Risks and Opportunities for Social Workers” in the book Many Faces of Bullying: Behind the Mask. Please see the review of her chapter on page 17.

ACSW student presentationsKeyano CollegeFort McMurray area coordinator Janene Hickman, BSW, RSW, gave a presentation at Keyano College September 2.

Keyano College social work students who participated in the Some Other Solutions yellow ribbon campaign for International World Suicide Prevention Day are pictured here.

MacEwan University and NorQuest CollegeEdmonton area coordinator Nana Mumford, RSW, and ACSW Membership Activities Coordinator (North), Charity Lui, BSW, RSW, presented information about the ACSW to MacEwan University second-year social work students September 3 and NorQuest College first-year social work students on September 25.

University of CalgaryThis fall in Calgary, ACSW Membership Activities Coordinator (South), Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW, gave two presentations at the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work.

Around our provinceby Charity Lui, BSW, RSW

CHARITY LUI is the membership activities coordinator for the northern part of our province. You can contact her at Charity@acsw.ab.ca regarding submissions for the Advocate.

The Advocate 5

Advocate readership surveyThanks to those who participated in the online survey about the Advocate. Calgary’s Jasmine Dixon, MSW, RSW, and Edmonton’s Mike Laporte, MSW, RSW, won $50 gift baskets for completing the survey.

Lethbridge NewsThe Social Action for Social Justice (SASJ) Interest Group in Lethbridge has been active in advocating for provincial funding for local nonprofit agencies.

Calgary EventsThe Calgary Gerontological Social Work Action Group held an open forum on September 25, bringing social workers together to talk about seniors’ issues in Calgary.  

Calgary area coordinators hosted two workshops October 4. The first focused on play therapy, while the second explored the ethics of seniors and sexuality, specifically of those in long term care.

Edmonton EventsACSW area coordinators and ACSW Manager, Professional Affairs Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, celebrated the third annual Daughters Day at Edmonton City Hall on September 6. The day celebrates the lives, contributions, and achievement of daughters. Sigurdson served on the jury that selected this year’s award recipients and spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the jury, acknowledging the specific challenges females face in our society.

Zainab Mohamoud, SW Dip, RSW, who works at Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association in Red Deer, was honoured with a Daughter of the Year award.

Annual Stolen Sisters Awareness WalkThe Edmonton community united on October 4th to raise awareness for the disproportionate number of First Nations, Métis and Inuit missing and murdered women in Canada. This event was part of a nation-wide initiative.

Holding the banner are social workers Marg Brown, MSW, RSW, and Susan Moore, BSW, RSW.

Members of the Social Action for Social Justice Interest Group in Lethbridge: Kala Beers, Jerald Firth, and Serena Visser

Zainab Mohamoud with Dr. Christine Nsalwa at Daughter’s Day

Area coordinator Cody Murrell; volunteer Cora Brown; Edmonton Mayor, Don Iveson; and area coordinator Lina Filomeno-Melchionna at Daughter’s Day

Social workers Marg Brown and Susan Moore at Oct 4th Stolen Sisters Awareness Walk in Edmonton

6 Winter 2014

The Northern Alberta Gerontological Social Work Interest Group discussed the purpose and direction of their group on September 6.

The Private Practice Committee held their annual meeting in Edmonton September 19 and on the following day presented the workshop The Profession and Business of Private Practice.

Welcome to new Advocate editorial board members: Michelle Humeny, RSW (Medicine Hat), Corrine Janzen, BSW, RSW (Lethbridge), Margaret Williams, PhD, RSW (Calgary), Sherri Tanchuk, MSW, RSW, and Samuel Mammen, RSW (Edmonton).

A large group of ACSW area coordinators met in Edmonton October 2-3 for their annual retreat. Val Kinjerski, PhD, RSW, led a workshop on mindfulness. Please visit acsw.ab.ca for activities in your area.

ACSW Executive Director, Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW, and Membership Activities Coordinator (North), Charity Lui, BSW, RSW, met with a group of internationally trained social workers at ASSIST Community Services Centre in Edmonton September 23.

Welcome new area coordinatorsACSW welcomes new area coordinators: Cody Murrell, SW Dip, RSW, and Nana Mumford, RSW (Edmonton); Pamela Birch, SW Dip, RSW, and Yvette DuBois, MSW, RSW (Calgary); Janay Gregory, BSW, RSW, and Tanya Ridgedale, SW Dip, RSW (Medicine Hat); Wanda Ferland, BSW, RSW (Hinton); and Whitney Ogle, SW Dip, RSW (Slave Lake).

Tracy Houben

Advocate Editorial Board members (missing from photo: Corrine Janzen).

Northern Alberta Gerontological Social Work Interest Group

ACSW area coordinators with Heather Johnson, membership activities coordinator for the southern part of the province

AROUND OUR PROVINCE

David Von HallerJoey Shaughnessy

New staff and practicum students at ACSW officeTracy Houben joins our administrative support professionals in frontline services. Please welcome her to ACSW when you phone or drop by the office!

ACSW practicum students Joey Shaughnessy and David Von Haller are engaged in a research project for the Clinical Social Work Committee on the interprovincial and federal status of clinical social work. They are also researching homelessness, poverty, and inequality in support of the Social Action and Justice interest group.

http://www.acsw.ab.ca

The Advocate 7

ACSW Awards — Call for Nominations —

ACSW members are invited to submit nominations for the following awards:

• John Hutton Memorial• Excellence in Social Work Practice• Honorary Membership

For more information see www.acsw.ab.ca under Social Workers – Members Services/Activities – Honouring Our Own.

Annual General Meeting NoticeThe Annual General Meeting of the ACSW will take place on March 27, 2015, at 5:00 pm at the Telus Conference Centre in Calgary.

Time will be available at the AGM to discuss resolutions. If you wish to submit a resolution please see www.acsw.ab.ca under Social Workers – Council – Governance – AGM – Process for Resolution.

THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICYThe Advocate is the official publication of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties. The Advocate Editorial Board encourages submissions from all social work practice areas and perspectives, including: social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; member activities; continuing education and job opportunities; reviews of books, journals, and other media of interest to social workers.

Articles of up to 1000 words and letters of up to 500 words will be considered, but publication is not guaranteed. Writing from social workers who are ACSW members will be given preference. Copy may be edited to fit the space available or for legal or other reasons. Please contact the ACSW office for full submission guidelines.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES

Spring issue: January 1 deadline for general submissions (articles, letters, etc.) January 15 for advertising Summer issue: April 1 for general submissions April 15 for advertising Fall issue: July 1 for general submissions July 15 for advertising Winter issue October 1 for general submissions October 15 for advertising

ALL SUBMISSIONS

The Advocate, ACSW, 550 10707 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Charity Lui: Charity@acsw.ab.ca • PHONE: 780-421-1167 • TOLL-FREE: 1-800-661-3089 • FAX: 780-421-1168.

AROUND OUR PROVINCE

ACSW is on Facebook, Twitter

& YouTube!

Like the Alberta College of Social Workers: facebook.com/

AlbertaCollegeofSocialWorkers

Like The Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice:

facebook.com/

CalgarySocialWorkersForSocialJustice

Follow Alberta College of Social Workers: twitter.com/ACSWSocialWork

Watch ACSW videos: bit.ly/1vtEkyS

mailto:Charity%40acsw.ab.ca?subject=http://http://facebook.com/CalgarySocialWorkersForSocialJusticefacebook.com/CalgarySocialWorkersForSocialJusticetwitter.com/ACSWSocialWork

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Richard Gregory

RICHARD GREGORY is the president of ACSW Council. He is also chair and instructor of the Social Work Program at Medicine Hat College. You can contact Richard at acswpresident@acsw.ab.ca

THE BIG PICTURE

8 Winter 2014

Celebration of Life for Tera Dahl-LangOn September 26, I was honoured to be able to attend the Celebration of Life for Tera Dahl-Lang. Only 46 years young when she died, she touched the lives of many people. In reflection, I was struck by the reality that as social workers we are incredibly fortunate to be part of a profession that allows us to engage in the lives of others in ways that really make a difference. How fortunate we are to be involved in work where we can help others. As with many of the social workers I know, Tera’s work and the people she worked with were always her priority. I was also reminded of how important it is for us, as social workers, to support one another in the work we do. Social workers do incredible work every day and we need to encourage each other along our journeys. Too often we get caught up in our differences and forget our common goal of service to humanity.

New technologyWe often seem to see the regulatory aspect of our organization from the discipline function, whereas many processes involve identifying challenges and becoming aware of how we can improve our practices. I am very excited about the new technology ACSW is introducing that will allow opportunities for social workers to connect with each other, promote mentorship and supervision, and provide mechanisms to support one another.

Member feedback on the new strategic planOver the past months, members were asked to provide feedback on our proposed strategic plan, and vision and mission statements. I appreciate those who took the

time to respond. Some comments on the vision and mission statements indicated respondents were looking at them as statements for the profession rather than the professional organization. In terms of the strategic plan, some member suggestions fit better as activities, rather than goals. Overall, I think we have done a very good job of incorporating feedback and insuring our process was transparent and inclusive.

Call for nominations for ACSW AwardsAlthough I have said it before, the fact that social workers around the province are doing great work is worth repeating. It is important to acknowledge the exceptional activities of our colleagues. I encourage you to nominate a social worker for one of the annual awards and consider running for a council position or becoming involved on the committee level.

Season’s GreetingsFor several years I have incorporated an attitude of gratitude into my life, largely influenced by my first trip to Africa in 2006. I have continuously reflected on appreciation for my employment, education, colleagues, and the many opportunities made available to me. However, I have not previously thought about how grateful I am to be part of this unique and fabulous profession. I’m thankful for a career that provides me with the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives and regularly puts me into contact with others who I’m proud to call colleagues and friends.

I send you my warmest greetings over the holiday season and wish you a healthy and happy New Year. • Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR

LYNN LABRECQUE KING is the executive director and registrar for ACSW. Contact her at LynnLK@acsw.ab.ca to share your thoughts on this or any other topic.

Lynn Labrecque King

THE BIG PICTURE

The Advocate 9

As we prepare to usher in a new year, the ACSW has much to anticipate and celebrate. Effective September, our numbers reach well over 7000 members. Sustained by upwards of 200 volunteers, more than 25 active committees are dedicated to contributing to the profession. We also look forward to the upcoming launch and implementation of online member services and a revised website.

What can members expect of online services? Quite a bit! Online services will offer a more effective and efficient means for applying to become a registered social worker with the ACSW. It will also facilitate an effective process for members to renew their registration, print practice permits, submit and track competency requirements throughout the year, and make secure electronic payments. Overall, members can expect a streamlined process.

The updated website design will incorporate feedback and suggestions from our membership and member interest groups. Our goal is to provide up-to-date content and increase ease of use by the diverse audiences who may seek information through the site.

As a regulatory body with public accountability and as a professional association of members committed to the strength of our self-regulated profession, it is important that our vision and mission be visible. Our aims include ensuring the website serves as a source of information for multiple and shared purposes, allows self-service needs to be facilitated, and enables the various reasons for visiting the website to be addressed. These may include completing registration; accessing forms, compliance requirements, and the job board; reporting competence activities; finding research; locating accredited social work education programs; and learning about professional activities, the annual conference, and practice resources.

How will members be informed as the new processes progress? We are communicating with members through multiple avenues including notices in renewal packages and information in the Advocate, E-News, emails, and the ACSW website. •Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW

Season’s Greetings

from ACSW Council and staff

10 Winter 2014

ETHICS IN ACTION

SHERYL PEARSON is the manager regulatory practice for the northern part of the province and staff person accountable to the Clinical Committee. You may contact her at sherylp@acsw.ab.ca if you would like additional information.

Just the facts Clinical social workers and clinical social work

By Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB, and the ACSW Clinical Committee

Have you ever wondered whether social workers are authorized to diagnose clients as part of their practice? Have you ever asked what diagnose means in the social work context? Have you wondered what it means to be a clinical social worker and what that designation authorizes? If you have raised these questions, you’re not alone.

ACSW Executive Director and Registrar, Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW, and the college’s Clinical Committee responded to a question from the field about whether the Health Professions Act (HPA) gives social workers authority to diagnose and whether ACSW is authorized to designate social workers as clinical social workers. Having obtained a legal opinion on the issue, we are pleased to share the findings.

Q Are social workers authorized under the Health Professions Act to diagnose? Restricted activities are mentioned in the Health Professions Act, the Social Workers Profession Regulation, and the Government Organization Act (GOA). Diagnosis, which the GOA does not define as a restricted activity, falls within the definition of health service—a distinct operational activity under the GOA. A look at HPA definitions shows health service again independently defined and presented as a term and action distinct from restricted activity. Health services, including diagnosis, are not restricted activities under the HPA, GOA or Regulation, and may be performed by social workers. The Regulation, which identifies social workers as providers of health services, supports this conclusion.

Q Is the clinical social worker designation a legally recognized classification? Does it restrict clinical social work activities of non-clinical registered social workers?

Clinical social worker is a legally recognized designation in the HPA that does not restrict clinical social work activities of non-clinical registered social workers. The Regulation also provides restrictions on which regulated social workers may use the title clinical social worker. Thus, the title “clinical social worker” is statutorily recognized and ACSW is statutorily authorized to establish a clinical social worker registry. While registered social workers with the knowledge, skills, and ability may engage in the practice of clinical social work and perform diagnosis, by virtue of their designation, these are established roles for clinical social workers.

Q Are registered social workers authorized to diagnose using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders?

Clinical social workers, by definition, have the competence to diagnose using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Other registered social workers may use it or other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and other activities if they have the appropriate level of knowledge, skill, and ability in accordance with the ACSW Standards of Practice. Diagnosis using any diagnostic classification system needs to fall within a registered social worker’s competence. •

mailto:sherylp@acsw.ab.ca

The Advocate 11

THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE

The beauty of contracts in private practiceBy Stephanie Wellings, MSW, RSW

In September 2014, members of the Private Practice Committee provided a day of seminars on the business of being in private practice. My presentation looked at what to do and not do when it comes to contracts. Here’s a brief synopsis of the lecture.

• b) Partnerships — Like marriages, they can be difficult to split up fairly. Make provisions for a breakup in a solid partnership agreement before entering a relationship.

• Be careful not to undervalue your services. If you do, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will love you but always demand more for the pittance they pay. It is up to social workers to change this. Also, be aware that when it comes to EAP agreements, problems can arise about who owns client files, who clients are, and the amount of paperwork required for low hourly rates.

• Remember that contact with clients is the most important business factor. Use the best practices and ethics defined in the ACSW’s Standards of Practice to guide you through any areas of uncertainty. If in doubt phone the ACSW office.

Private practice is a business; therefore, healthy business practices should always apply. •

STEPHANIE WELLINGS is a social worker in private practice specializing in post-addiction trauma and its effects.

Private Practice Interest Group members, L to R: Jackie Twinning, Carolyn Cone, Stephanie Wellings, Richard Shelson, Judi Baron, Audrey Ferber and Laurie Fisher

• Do not sign any contract you have not read, or do not fully agree with or grasp. If you do not understand any part, go to a lawyer or someone who can catch irregularities. And, or, and other simple words, or even a displaced comma, can change meaning. Be aware!

• The original contract is the starting point for negotiation. Once you have read it, mark areas with which you have difficulties and negotiate with the other party for change until you are both satisfied. It is your right and responsibility to negotiate for your best contract.

• Areas of difficulty can include:

• a) Leases — Watch how improvements and betterments are handled and how much common space and utilities you will be paying.

12 Winter 2014

SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

Collective work for social justicePamela Rickey, recent BSW graduate

As a social work student passionate about social justice, I have been fortunate to enjoy a field placement with the Alberta College of Social Workers. The experience exposed me to the many ways our members participate in social justice advocacy and activism. My role allowed me to attend meetings of some of our interest groups, become involved in the drafting of talking points for upcoming elections, and assist new social justice groups starting in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. The passion I see members bring to this work is a source of inspiration to me as I go forward into my own social work career.

ACSW social justice initiativesACSW initiatives fall within the purview of the manager, professional affairs, aided by the member activities coordinators. ACSW provides financial support, communication, publicity, and workshop material and services, administrative support and organizational assistance to a variety of member interest groups including social justice/social action, health, gerontology, and children and youth issues. In addition, the Indigenous Social Work Committee, the Retired Social Workers Interest Group, and the International Social Work Interest Group incorporate social justice advocacy and activism into their agendas.

These member volunteer bodies undertake diverse social justice initiatives. They develop and present educational workshops and forums to the membership and public. In addition, they respond to emergent and ongoing social issues, often partnering with grassroots groups at events and rallies. Some conduct research and influence social policy development by providing their findings to the Alberta government.

ACSW and its interest groups have produced an impressive array of publicity through campaigns such as No More Service Cuts and Raise Income Support Rates (2001-2003), to Canada Without Poverty, the 2014 effort to counter federal funding cuts. Publicity has included newspaper ads, billboards, brochures, fliers, website postings, and material for mailings and emails to elected public officials and the membership. Strategy being an essential campaign element, ACSW groups carefully time efforts to coincide with provincial elections and political party leadership races. Online social worker interviews inform media, candidates, and the public by identifying challenges social workers and their clients face. Talking points prepared for our membership help inform and challenge candidates on social issues. Handbills distributed to members encourage active participation in debates, town hall

ACSW collaborations have resulted in public educational resources and influential publications:

• Why Invest in a Poverty Reduction Strategy for Alberta?

• Who Cares? Alberta

• Supervision: The Cornerstone for Caseworkers to Flourish (2014)

• A Social Policy Framework for Alberta: Fairness and justice for all (2012)

• Flourishing in Child Protection (2012)

• In This Together: Ending Poverty in Alberta (2011)

• Campaign 2000 Child Poverty Report, Visioning a More Equitable and Just Alberta (2010)

Continued on page 13

Pamela Rickey

The Advocate 13

meetings, and other election race events. Candidates’ social media responses help voters make informed voting decisions.

Collaboration ACSW is a founding member of Parkland Institute and Public Interest Alberta, and a member of seven other organizations: Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, Arusha, Canada Without Poverty, Canadian Council on Social Development, Edmonton Social Planning Council, Friends of Medicare, and Greater Edmonton Alliance. In addition to financial support provided through annual fees, the ACSW actively participates through board membership, activities promotion, and collaborative research and reporting.

ACSW actively supports other groups, organizations, and community initiatives such as the Alberta Social Forum and the Calgary Conference on Homelessness. It participates

Social justiceContinued from page 12

through volunteering, promotions, financial donations, and attendance at rallies, marches, and protests. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to building a fair and just society.

As we work to help others, we gain from our efforts. Our presence as a professional membership in social justice and action enhances our profile as experts on social issues. We present a strong force of more than seven thousand members to elected and appointed officials. This positions us with media as a source of information on social issues and highlights us for inclusion in advisory capacities. Above all, it identifies us as important stakeholders, a unifier of many voices calling for a fair and just society. •PAMELA RICKEY is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary’s BSW Learning Circles program.

£ IN MEMORY •

TERA DAHL-LANG1968-2014

On September 13, 2014, Tera Dahl-Lang, MSW, RSW, passed away at

the age of 46, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Throughout her social work career, Tera was a passionate

champion for social justice specifically regarding Indigenous

populations. She was an instructor in the Red Deer College

Social Work Diploma Program and served as its chair in 2012.

Elected to the Council of the Alberta College of Social Workers,

she served as vice president. Her contributions and leadership

supported the profession in reviewing policy and processes

through an Indigenous lens.

The Tera Dahl-Lang Memorial Fund was created in honour

of her memory and ACSW has made a donation. Financial

contributions to this fund will be distributed to assist Metis

and non-status social work students with their education costs.

Donations may be forwarded to RDC Foundation, Box 5005, 100

College Blvd., Red Deer, AB, T4N 5H5.

14 Winter 2014

Bridging the GapUnderstanding the culture of youth violence is the first step

By Dawn Walton Hieu Van Ngo

Continued on page 15

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A young man from Sudan said he was so offended by his skin’s “degree of darkness,” he wanted to spit on himself. A boy of Asian heritage revealed he wanted to marry a white girl so their children wouldn’t be “ugly when they’re old.” A newcomer described being forced to watch as his sister was electrocuted.

These are stories of immigrants or first-generation Canadians. They were shared with Hieu Van Ngo, PhD, RSW, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Calgary, during research on what drove each individual into gang life. He discovered that factors included an unravelling of their identities, absence of cultural heritage, and lack of Canadian citizenship. Ngo is expanding the scope of his research with $5.3 million in federal funding that he will use to prevent children of immigrant families from setting out on a life of crime.

“We are looking for a Canadian identity based approach,” Ngo said. “It speaks to the idea that it takes a village to raise a child.”

Ngo said his research also taught him something about himself. Like many of the gang members he interviewed, he had all the hallmarks of a high-risk youth. Now 41, Ngo is one of six children raised in Vietnam by his single mother after their father was killed in the war. Neighbors pitched in while his mother worked, but the struggling country offered few prospects. Ngo, then 15, and two siblings left

for Thailand, where they lived in a refugee camp until a church sponsored their move to Calgary a few years later. With limited English, Ngo went to school during the day and cleaned office buildings at night. But unlike the young gang members he works with today, he had mentors and advocates—namely teachers from his high school.

Now in a position to facilitate mentorship, Ngo will work with dozens of groups over the next five years—police, schools, immigrant services, and cultural organizations. They will aim to reach 140 to 150 individuals ages 12 to 24, either connected to gangs or at risk of involvement. Counsellors, teachers, and mentors will offer life skills, employment training, academic help, social activities, and volunteer opportunities.

Ngo is focusing on children of immigrants and visible minorities because they are most vulnerable and their populations are growing. Statistics Canada’s 2011 National Household Survey counted one in five residents as a visible minority and 20.6 percent of the population as foreign-born. Though a lack of official statistics link to gang activity, and specifically ethnic gang activity, it’s clear the problem is costly. Public Safety Canada points to a 2009 study that suggests a savings of $2.6 to $5.3 million by diverting one high-risk 14-year-old from a life of crime1. Known for its tough-on-crime approach, the federal government awarded the grant through Public Safety Canada’s National Crime Prevention Centre.

RESEARCH & LEARNING COMMUNITIES

The Advocate 15

Jackie Sieppert, dean of social work, said Ngo’s grant is one of the largest received by the faculty and could produce an intervention program not just for Calgary, but for Canada.

Most of today’s youth gang intervention programs are modelled after ones used in the USA, but experts aren’t sure they work or reflect Canada’s multicultural identity. Calgary’s

Centre for Newcomers plans to work with Ngo to augment what it is already doing to help troubled youth.”

“When society doesn’t understand people we tend to write them off,” said Francis Boakye, the centre’s programs and community relations manager. “We think they are just a lost generation.”

This grant may offer the resources to find them. •DAWN WALTON is a freelance writer and the managing editor of CTV News Calgary.

Bridging the gapContinued from page 14

Welcome to our new RSWsMembership as of November 13, 2014: 7,272

Florence Yizurah AddahStacey Lynn AlexanderKimberly Michelle AlgarShazia Noor AmiriGrace AppiahSean Paul ArcetaCasey ArishenkoffStefanie Mary AsheMillicent AsieduShiju AugustineRoberta AustenAnna Appackal BabySaara Melinda BainMeagan Leanne BallantyneKyria Marie BaranowskiDacota Raine Bassett-BerkiwJoshua Roman BatorskiLaura BedecsSara Marie BergJessica Maureen BiermanKekeli Aku BinderCindy Noreen BlackstockTammy Laurette BlyanKatie Rose BorekDoris Alicia Borja HurtadoSimranpreet Kaur BrarMadonna Lee Bruner-PennerJesalyn Ann BrunoChristina Bernie BudnickSherri Dawn BuntNicolle Margerite CalliouCarey Helen CameronLaura Marie CameronChristal Lee CapostinskyKaitlin Elizabeth Megan CarrollMary Elizabeth CastleEva Tereza CechlovskaCornelia Aurica CismasHailey Melissa ClarkShylo Adam CliffeLaura Stephanie CoatsworthTara CobleMark Codlin

Pamela Dawn ColeLarry Ian CopelowitzTaylor Yvonne CortvriendtHailey DahdonaMelissa Lynn DixonByron Kurt DohmsJulie DroletLee Teri DubeLaura Katherine EelesIme Patience EfeminiNoushin FarsianSarah Joy FriesenJennifer M. GardinerSusana Andrea GarridoAshley Michelle GazleyErin Audrey GieseChaya M. GoldenbergHeather Louise GourleyShannon C. GreenDaina GrigenasBrandy Lynn Leona GryshikAlesia Marie HadijaJanine HazelaarNicole Louise HiltzMelissa Alisson HoltNicole Erica HughesJudith Maria Inca IacovittiDaniel IdzanJasmina IlicShyni JacobKaitlyn Michelle JakubowskiAprildawn JanvierJoby JohnCarleigh Brianne JohnsonDanielle Jessica JohnsonMatthew Hugh JorgensenSonia JoseJiss JosephCarrie Fiona JossShyne Kakkattil JoseCecile Yabadi KasongoAshley Elizabeth KerikKristel Kirstein

Logan Ashley KlattMelissa Susan KramerLeslie Ellen KrukoffViola Iola LaboucanPhilippe LafonEmma Jenafor LavoieSophie Genevieve LeBouthillierDebra Mae LeeMichelle Amanda LiehmannAdam Daniel Eitel LindenburgerCaitlin Arlene Evelyn MacnabLezlee Louise Sara MartinElias Amba MbahChelsea McCleary-DouglasErin Aline McFarlaneJennifer Nicole McNabbAji MichaelAmber Dawn MillerBrittney Lynn MinnilleAngeline Sophie MistolRhoda Elisabeth MitchellMelissa Elizabeth MordenAmanda Blair MorozKristine Marie MorrisRachelle MummPatricia Loretta NechitaHolly Dawn Louise NepperKelly Elaine NieuwendykBreanne Marie NoelIlham NortonViolet Marie NoskeyUwanma NwaezeAlice ObareJude Jideofor OkohEsther OpusunjuMary Olusola OwoeyeKeslin ParkDaniella PetrovBrittany Alexander PiperNimir Rasiklal RavalChristy Dawn ReschkeKathleen Louise RileyAmanda Louise Ruda

Jeffrey Michael RussonJanelle Dawn SagertAimee Renee SarsonsChrista Louisa SatoJennalee Marie SchaferBrandie Jamie SchnettlerKayla Dawn SchofieldKenzie Jade SchulzeAnn T. SeabrookeSteven Jacob SedleyCassandra Wynne ShaferLijitha ShajeshJames Kelly ShawanaChristina Jean SilcoxAlexa Don SmithTamara Heather SovdiAmy Nicole StrayerZeenat SyedAtiya SyedaMargarita Merced SysingMaria Theresa TapasDivya Thazhuvanal ThomasSibi ThomasMakoi Marial ThowarSharon Lee TuckDonna Florence TwinStephanie Anne Van NistelrooyKrista Frieda-Lynn Vander LeekPrince Vazhaparambil SasidharanKyla Dawn WalkerJennifer WardKelsie Rosanna WatmoughKasi Lynne WatsonApril Elizabeth WelshmanShannon WhiteJamie Leigh WicksonDawn L. WoodMelissa Margret May WoodShannon Lee YoungJamie ZarnMirtha Elizabeth Zevallos

1 Cohen, M.A. & Piquero, A.R. (2009). New evidence on the monetary value of saving a high risk youth. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 25(1), 25-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10940-008-9057-3

16 Winter 2014

Red Deer CollegeBy Elizabeth Radian, PhD, RSW

Second-year social work students with instructor Elaine Spencer (third from left) presenting at the 2014 ACSW Conference

Diploma educators from across Canada at the eleventh annual Association of College Educators in Social Work and Social Service Work Programs in Canada (ACESS) conference at Blue Quills First Nations College in St. Paul

Tera Dahl-Lang (second from left) celebrating with students at the end of an academic year

The Red Deer College social work program, which began in 1969, rotates its yearly intake, accepting 45 students one year and 65 the next.

Staff and students enjoyed a variety of activities in 2014. In April, instructor Elaine Spencer, MSW, RSW, and a group of second-year social work students attended a field education conference in Glasgow. They shared their experiences in social work practicums with field placement instructors and academics in attendance from Great Britain and other countries. In June, 39 students graduated from the Social Work Diploma program. In July, I visited Melbourne to present my research on Canadian social work education at the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education, and Social Development. The session was titled Canadian social work education—Are we educating for change?

The most significant and very sad event that has shaken the department this year has been the passing of Tera Dahl-Lang, MSW, RSW, in September. A graduate of the Red Deer College Social Work Diploma program, she experienced many accomplishments in her social work career but never forgot her roots. Dahl-Lang’s passion for the rights of Indigenous peoples and social justice remains well imprinted in the hearts of the many students she taught and colleagues she worked alongside.

ELIZABETH RADIAN is the chair of the Social Work program at Red Deer College.

RESEARCH & LEARNING COMMUNITIES

The Advocate 17

ERICKA SCHMALTZ has worked for the past eight years in frontline and supervisory positions dealing directly with clients who have experienced issues of abuse. She has experienced workplace bullying.

“Workplace Bullying: Risks

and Opportunities for Social

Workers,” by Linda Crockett,

MSW, RSW, published in Behind

the Mask: The Many Faces

of Bullying, edited by Linda

Ellis Eastman. Professional

Women’s Publishing, Prospect

Kentucky, 2014

BOOK REVIEW

Workplace Bullying:Risks and Opportunities for Social Workers

A chapter in Behind the Mask: The Many Faces of Bullying

Reviewed by Ericka Schmaltz, BSW, RSW

It is counter-intuitive to imagine that social work professionals, bound to an upstanding Code of Ethics that supports those facing adversity, are capable of treating colleagues in an abusive manner. However, the problem does exist and in response, a written-in-Alberta resource is now available.

Behind the Mask: The Many Faces of Bullying includes a chapter by Linda Crockett, MSW, RSW, titled “Workplace Bullying: Risks and Opportunities for Social Workers.”

With a broad social work background, Crockett has seen workplace bullying in many contexts. Her masters training and current practice, which focus on bullying in social work, enable her to share meaningful insights into this complex phenomenon.

Although many similarities to workplace bullying exist in other professions, Crockett clearly explains the distinct qualities of the social work culture that create environments in which employees are at risk. She validates the existence of this covert form of abuse, presenting significant evidence that bullying in social work is more prevalent than we would like to believe.

Crockett says that while notable risks are associated with workplace bullying, there are also opportunities for social workers to raise awareness and create meaningful change at all levels of the system.

I would go one step further—not only do social workers have opportunities to address workplace bullying in our profession, but also an ethical responsibility to do so. They are perfectly situated to shine a spotlight on this issue and make an effort to influence change in the legislation and policies that govern social work.

As Crockett notes, social workers have a wealth of skills and abilities. They can develop training, create resources, and contribute to research specific to workplace bullying in this profession.

Crockett’s goal to break the silence and isolation experienced by targets of workplace bullying informs her efforts to provide a wide range of holistic supports to promote healthy recovery from trauma and help targets find their voices. •

The Many Faces of BullyingBehind the Mask

Edited by Linda Ellis Eastman

FEATURE ARTICLE

18 Winter 2014

Area coordinators are registered social workers who volunteer with ACSW. This issue, we’d like you to meet Pavan Sonpar-Pahwa and Lina Filomeno-Melchionna.

Why did you become an area coordinator?I was looking to broaden my experience, network with other social workers, and perhaps look at leadership opportunities for the future. The area coordinator position provides a unique opportunity to link with other registered social workers in the area and learn about the variety of roles social workers play in communities.

What are your favorite parts about the role?The networking is a huge bonus. I have met so many social workers—some new to the field and so many with such a fabulous wealth of experience in diverse roles and practices.

Meet your area coordinatorsBy Joan Marie Galat, Advocate editor

Pavan Sonpar-Pahwa Lina Filomeno-Melchionna

Pavan Sonpar-Pahwa, MA, RSWSocial Worker (Edson and Whitecourt) and Behavioural Health Consultant (Edson) with Alberta Health Services and McLeod River Primary Care Network

Area coordinator in the Whitecourt and Mayerthorpe region for a year

What kind of events have you hosted?Both areas have been without a coordinator for some time, so events were focused on providing networking opportunities. We have had two breakfast meetings and a brown bag lunch. Another event was held in early fall 2014. The response to events has been very positive.

Why are area coordinators important?I think it serves as a very useful liaison position between members and the ACSW. Coordinators can assist with communication and help with flagging challenges faced by social workers. The networking serves as a platform to discuss local issues and barriers faced by both clients and workers.

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Advocate 19

How has serving as an area coordinator impacted your career?It has made me more cognizant of the myriad opportunities in the field of social work. I am in awe of the wonderful work and advocacy that so many of my colleagues do every day and the difference they make in people’s lives! It has also provided me with the opportunity to network with other area coordinators. We are looking to work collaboratively to provide a regional wellness event in the coming years.

What do you do in your spare time?Apart from being a full time parent, I am a trustee for the Edson and District Library Board. I teach Indian cooking classes and have volunteered for the International Women’s Day Committee in Edson.

Lina Filomeno-Melchionna, SW Dip, RSWDirector of Programs/Supervisor of Specialized Placement with Mental Health Centre / McMan Youth Family and Community Services Association

Area coordinator for 7 years in the Edmonton area

Why did you become an area coordinator?I was asked by ACSW and wanted to become involved to understand the ACSW’s role and impact on our profession.

What are your favorite parts about the role?Meeting RSWs in Alberta, organizing workshops for them, and establishing wonderful relationships with other professionals. I like providing affordable opportunities for professional development that enable social workers to meet other RSWs.

What kind of events have you hosted?Through the years, events have included the annual holiday social, numerous workshops, Social Work Week events, conferences, area coordinator retreats, and other activities that bring RSWs together both socially and professionally.

Why are area coordinators important?Area coordinators provide a link to the ACSW and its membership that allows for ongoing development between RSWs and the ACSW. As area coordinators we provide opportunities that allow ongoing development in our profession based on members’ needs.

How has serving as an area coordinator impacted your career?It’s had an extremely positive impact. Serving has assisted me in supervisory roles in explaining the standards of practice and most of all in establishing relationships with the professional community and community at large. It has allowed me to explore and develop skills in areas I may not encounter in my workplace. Most of all, it has allowed me to share my passion about our profession and being an RSW.

What do you do in your spare time?I am the vice president of The National Congress of Italian Canadians, which allows me to develop and create opportunities for youth to explore their Italian heritage through the arts. We organize the Italian Pavilion at Heritage Days in Edmonton. •

If you are interested in becoming an area coordinator, please contact a membership activities coordinator: Charity Lui, BSW, RSW, (Northern Alberta) or Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW, (Southern Alberta). Area coordinators are particularly needed in Peace River and rural Alberta.

JOAN MARIE GALAT is the contributing editor of the Advocate and an award-winning author. Her newest title for children is Branching Out: How Trees are part of Our World.

20 Winter 2014

FEATURE ARTICLE

Day in the Life

MARIANNE HARTMAN When it comes to facing medical situations, patients and their families need more than

compassion from hospital social workers. They need a calming force that can help put their situation in perspective, assist in navigating the health system, and provide

a sounding board for the range of emotions that accompany trauma. Recovering from medical emergencies or learning to cope with illness can mean life-changing

challenges—loss of independence, the prospect of moving from home, or the inability to work or engage in one’s usual activities. Patients need support from people not

made uncomfortable by anguish, tears, and pain. Often there is a need for the simple—yet vitally important—gift of companionship.

By Joan Marie Galat

Marianne Hartman, BSW, RSW, is a medical social worker in Stroke Rehabilitation and Placement at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie. Providing support is her passion. She has a talent for offering companionship and comfort in ways that give clients what they need. “To be companioning with people means you meet them right where they are at,” says Hartman, “whereas treating a patient says, ‘I’m the expert here; this is what you need to do.’ ”

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Advocate 21

Clients include anyone in a life-changing situation as a result of their health. Hartman typically works with people who have had brain injury and strokes, but some have even more complex difficulties due to homelessness, drug addictions, or other problems. As a member of the stroke rehabilitation team, Hartman supports patients in what she calls “their new normal.” They may face challenges related to housing, finances, or placement in a care facility. Assistance can involve helping them make sure the appropriate forms are completed so they get the maximum amount of financial support, or referring them to senior’s outreach which can help with taxes and other paperwork tasks. She may work with clients three months or longer, or see them referred to Edmonton’s Glenrose Hospital or Ponoka’s Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation.

The only social worker in stroke rehabilitation at the Grande Prairie hospital, Hartman’s favorite parts of the job include being a companion to people, getting to know them, and serving as an advocate. “The people I spend time with cry a lot. I love the vulnerability. Crying with them helps them feel understood. I value Aboriginal people and do my utmost to

be present with them in their pain. This has led to a beautiful relationship.”

Hartman recalls a day when she visited a patient who was not doing well and asked the family if they wanted a priest. “Their eyes opened wide,” she says. “They didn’t want to say yes because it’s an act that signifies something final. Deep in their emotions, people don’t think of the things that really matter to them in their lives. I sat with them and said, ‘Have no regrets. She’s a beautiful lady. She had many children and she loves you.’”

Hartman also supports distraught family around the patient and works to validate their pain. “You have to hear their fears and try to help them see it in another way. Sometimes I can tell them, ‘This happened to another family and things worked out. Let’s try to get some good stuff out of this and see how I can help you.’ ”

A typical day for Hartman begins with reviewing referrals to find out which patients from emergency and intensive care pertain to her work. She visits her clients, goes on rehabilitation rounds to discuss how patients are faring, and plans the meetings she will facilitate with family and other staff. “We meet whatever schedule works for the family

Continued on page 22

“To be companioning with people means you meet them right where they are at, whereas treating a patient says, ‘I’m the expert here; this is what you need to do.’ ”

“You have to hear [the family’s] fears and try to help them see it in another way. Sometimes I can tell them, ‘This happened to another family and things worked out. Let’s try to get some good stuff out of this and see how I can help you.’ ”

FEATURE ARTICLE

22 Winter 2014

Day in the lifeContinued from page 21

because we don’t want to make it more complicated than it already is for them. Some people need more time than others, so we accommodate that.”

Formerly a licensed practical nurse for the hospital and home care in Grande Prairie, Hartman decided to return to school to become a social worker after facing her own medical problem, a battle against breast cancer in 1999.

“The medical aspect of my job fits really well with me as a former LPN. I’ve been given a second chance and these people have been given a second chance, so I’m able to say, “We have to go forward from here. Let’s rally and carry on, ’cause we’re not dead!’

“My husband reminded me I wanted to go to school,” says Hartman. “He thought it would give me something to focus on and help me move forward. I considered becoming a registered nurse but saw the prerequisites for social work and felt it was a better fit.”

Hartman returned to school at the Grande Prairie Regional College—a host site delivering the Bachelor of Social Work Degree program through the University of Calgary’s Access Division. Now 60, she was 47 when she returned to school. At the same time, Hartman’s 25-year-old daughter, Kim Sutter (now BSW, RSW) was registered in the urban social work

program in Calgary. Hartman says going back to school and studying the same courses as her daughter was a special experience. “I have no regrets at all. We are quite competitive and worked hard at getting the best marks. She outdid me most of the time and that was okay. I just had to try harder!”

After graduating in 2006, Hartman returned to the hospital as a social worker. When the opportunity to obtain a master of social work became available in Grande Prairie, she considered enrolling. Instead, she chose to see where bereavement training might take her and obtained a Death and Grief Studies Certificate through the Center for Loss in Colorado.

Outside of her part-time work at the hospital, Hartman devotes countless spare hours to volunteer activities that involve providing support to those struggling with issues relating to death and grief. Hartman has established two six-week support groups and is planning a third.

“I work with suicide survivors and feel honored to be in that space with them. Their pain is deep and excruciating. When participants share their stories with others around the table, it’s a powerful tool.”

She offers additional supports to others in and around the community going through other types of losses. To avoid adding to anyone’s financial burden, these companioning sessions are offered without any operating costs. Meetings take place where participants are most comfortable, at

“We talk about what scares us and about having a peaceful, dignified death. People with terminal illness need to talk about it.”

“I ’ve received cards, hugs, and smiles that light my heart and fill my soul. It feels good to make people appreciate they’re alive.”

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Advocate 23

We’re looking for social workers of

interestDo you know a social worker providing

services under unique circumstances or

in an interesting setting? The Advocate

editorial board would like to hear your

suggestions on social workers to feature.

Please contact Charity Lui with your

suggestions by emailing her at

CharityL@acsw.ab.ca or calling

780-421-1167, ext 231, or toll-free in

Alberta at 1-800-661-3089.

JOAN MARIE GALAT is the contributing editor of the Advocate and an award-winning author. Her newest title for children is Branching Out: How Trees are part of Our World.

locations that also ensure everyone’s safety. “We go for coffee or meet in the park and go for walks.”

Hartman has also established a discussion group called the Death Café—a non-profit social franchise that has seen events in Europe and Australasia, as well as North America. Held on the first Friday of each month, its purpose is to provide a forum for people to explore their fears, concerns, and beliefs about death.

“We talk about what scares us and about having a peaceful, dignified death. People with terminal illness need to talk about it. Sometimes people’s families are not comfortable

talking about death, yet it’s the one given thing. None of us are getting out alive. We eat cake and we talk and we cry and it’s very good.”

Also an ACSW area coordinator, Hartman took on the role when it became clear to her that Category “A” credits are not easy to acquire when you live so far north. “My hope is to be able to organize events that assist those trying to keep up their competency needs—including myself.” (Please email hartmanma1954@gmail.com if you would like to share ideas for events or workshops in Grande Prairie.)

Hartman derives great satisfaction from her role as a social worker. “I’ve received cards, hugs, and smiles that light my heart and fill my soul. It feels good to make people appreciate they’re alive.” •

“Sometimes people’s families are not comfortable talking about death, yet it’s the one given thing. None of us are getting out alive. We eat cake and we talk and we cry and it’s very good.”

mailto:charityl@acsw.ab.camailto:hartmanma1954@gmail.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

24 Winter 2014

“BED-BLOCKERS”HOSPITAL BED SHORTAGE IMPACTS SOCIAL WORK

By Joan Marie Galat

Imagine finding yourself in a hospital emergency room. After waiting 8-10 hours to receive care,

you’re treated and discharged—which does not mean fully or even partially recovered. You need

to fill prescriptions and find a way to pay for them. You need bed rest. You need people to take

care of you. But you’re homeless. Medical staff may have preferred to treat you on site, but no beds

were available. One of the difficult aspects of being a social worker in a hospital can be the feeling of

helplessness that arises when people are very sick but there are no available beds. The hospital has to

look at whom to discharge and may look at those with social rather than medical issues.

Phot

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The Advocate 25

“Bed-blockers” is an unfortunate term people have used to describe patients who take up acute-care beds in the health care system because spaces more appropriate to their needs are not available. The phrase, which implies fault for requiring care, typically singles out elderly patients unable to be discharged from a hospital until room in a nursing home becomes available.

However, seniors are not alone in their need for more appropriate health care options. Across the province, people visiting emergency departments may find their medical conditions and treatments impacted by homelessness, disabilities, addictions, mental health problems, and a lack of family and community supports.

Jo-Anne Beggs, BSW, RSW, is an addictions counselor at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre. She says the media talks about improper planning for the senior population but other segments of Alberta’s population are not being addressed either. Clients who need to access the health care system may visit an emergency department, “but it is not always the right place for them, so they end up becoming an additional strain on an already strained system.”

Her clients struggle with mental illness, physical health issues, and addictions.

“They’re very complex and need more supports than another client would need,” says Beggs. “The medical system isn’t prepared to deal with this segment of the population in the emergency room setting and there’s a cascading effect that impacts the ability of different service providers to be able to support these individuals.”

Beggs points out people with housing, stable employment, benefits, and access to different resources like home care

“What struck me as I observed [the

homeless man’s] care, was that I

likely would have received a different

level of care and been treated with a

different level of respect.”

— Joanne Beggs

Photo courtesy of Kenn W. Kiser — morguefile.com

Stock photo from morguefile.com

Continued on page 26

FEATURE ARTICLE

26 Winter 2014

“Bed-blockers”Continued from page 25

are likely to have an outcome that looks radically different from the population that is homeless, part of the corrections system, or facing other difficult circumstances. “A stigma is attached to these clients. People who come into the hospital without supports to have their needs met are sometimes released to the streets or temporary housing like a shelter. Their ability to get well looks different and they may keep returning to the hospital for the same issue again and again.”

She recalls an incident that saw a homeless man go to a hospital to have a burn addressed. He went to emergency at a hospital but could not get medication to manage the pain because of his addictions history. “A social worker was involved in finding him transportation back to the homeless shelter. What struck me as I observed his care, was that I likely would have received a different level of care and been treated with a different level of respect.”

In another instance, Beggs worked with a gentleman with a history of addictions. His mental health worsened after a job loss and he faced a six-week wait to see a psychiatrist. “I saw him deteriorate over the waiting period,” says Beggs. “He

had been to emergency, trying to see a doctor for assessment on more than one occasion, but was turned away because he was not acute enough to warrant admitting, due to lack of bed space. Meanwhile, he came to the police’s attention because his behavior became more erratic. He was remanded and his need for mental health medication was addressed. He was released and stabilized without further use of the emergency department. At the end, it was all about him not being able to access appropriate support services. We had tried to come up with a plan but emergency was the only place to go. If there were more timely access to services

available to clients, there wouldn’t be such a drain on health care.”

Lauren McCormack, BSW, RSW, is a medical social worker in Fort McMurray (currently on maternity leave). She faces similar frustrations but finds Fort McMurray more complex because of the nature of its remote location.

Seniors in Fort McMurray face additional challenges due to a lack of available supportive housing or assisted living facilities. “We have individuals who have lived in Fort McMurray, away from family and friends, and become chronically ill,” says McCormack, “They face the

“[Chronically ill seniors

in Fort McMurray] face

the challenge of living on

a disability income in a

community with a high cost

of living.”

— Lauren McCormack

Stoc

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from

pix

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.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Advocate 27

challenge of living on a disability income in a community with a high cost of living.” If they don’t have the financial means or support of a caregiver to assist with travel to larger centres, accessing specialized services outside Fort McMurray adds to the struggle. “Other gaps include a lack of social services to replace the role of a family member who might come and help a senior or individual with a disability obtain groceries, clean their house, or assist with other tasks.”

McCormack’s role is to assess client needs and locate resources that can help manage needs in the home so that people can avoid staying in the hospital. In the past, when time permitted, she took a preemptive approach to providing social work services in the community. “Rather than waiting for a crisis, I hoped to prevent unnecessary hospital visits. We had several cases where I was able to mitigate people from coming into the hospital.” When the hospital got busy, McCormack was required to focus on providing supports to people needing an alternate level of care. “They may come in as an acute patient, but once they’ve been treated, there may be some reason they can’t leave the hospital safely, such as a housing issue.”

While Fort McMurray does offer home care to meet the needs of many individuals requiring ongoing, non-acute nursing or personal care, it can be challenging to meet this need for those with complex medical needs who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. “Home Care works very hard to keep people at home, but sometimes find themselves at a loss because they can’t fill all the gaps to people who don’t have access to certain resources,” says McCormack. 

Another unique population that frequently requires social work support for discharge are those who commute for work and face terminal illness. McCormack notes that some patients don’t necessarily want palliative care in Fort McMurray, but travelling back to their home province is medically precarious. “Home care is available to these folks if they opt to remain in the community.  Although we do offer palliative care and rehabilitation services in our hospital, we don’t have designated units, so sometimes these long term stay patients are in acute beds.”

Once the physician and multidisciplinary team have medically cleared a patient with complex social needs, it’s up to the social worker to come up with a discharge plan. “As a social worker, you don’t feel good about sending someone

“Rather than waiting for a crisis, I hoped to

prevent unnecessary hospital visits. We had

several cases where I was able to mitigate

people from coming into the hospital.”

— Lauren McCormack

Stock photo from pixabay.com

Continued on page 28

FEATURE ARTICLE

28 Winter 2014

out of the hospital without all their needs being met. Often you’re working with people who may not be willing, prepared, or able to help themselves. Sometimes it works out fine but other times they return to the hospital shortly. Ethically, I struggle with it.”

Dr. Paul Parks is an emergency room physician in Medicine Hat and the Alberta Medical Association emergency medicine spokesperson. He has experienced the need to admit people because the community health care system couldn’t accommodate patient needs. “We see a lot of people with mental health and addiction problems who can’t access primary care in the community. It causes a trickle-down effect. If they need resources that don’t exist or are overwhelmed and can’t go home, they stay in hospital beds—sometimes for months. We have patients with mental health needs that have been in over a year. Because we’re overcapacity, we can’t give timely care.”

Parks describes how a patient suffering a stroke may stay as an admitted patient in emergency for a week. This can lead incoming emergency room visitors to wait 8-20 hours, a problem that trickles down and prevents emergency medical technicians from leaving to attend new emergencies. The problem also impacts patients nowhere near the emergency entrance. “If there are no post-operative beds, scheduled surgeries have to be cancelled,” says Parks, “This can impact cancer patients and affect the whole acute care health system. Death can occur as a result.”

In October, the provincial government announced its plan to open 450 new continuing care beds for seniors over the next 12 months but Parks says, “It’s dangerous to think this is enough. It will give the hospitals breathing space but it doesn’t plan for what will happen as our

population continues to grow and age. The government has admitted there are more than 700 people needing continuing care capacity. There are also about 1200 patients in the community waiting for placement. The big picture plan has to be long term care capacity. With 100,000 new people coming to Alberta annually, we almost need another Medicine Hat sized hospital every year.”

Parks would like to see nursing home beds that are publicly funded, accessible, and affordable. A long time advocate on behalf of the health care system, he’s concerned that the Alberta government hasn’t been building to accommodate long term care capacity or address other needs, like detox centers. “We’re in a scenario where the government has

“If there are no post-operative

beds, scheduled surgeries have

to be cancelled. This can impact

cancer patients and affect the

whole acute care health system.

Death can occur as a result.”

— Dr. Paul Parks

Stock photo from morguefile.com

“Bed-blockers”Continued from page 27

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Advocate 29

been closing nursing home beds and transitioning people into supportive living. They’re not very frank about what a supportive living bed means. A nursing aide may check on a person twice a day but not provide them with mobility assistance, bathing, or getting them to meals—all the activities of daily living.”

In order for change to occur, Parks says the public must demand capacity building from the government. “They are the stewards of public money. The government has to show us what they’re going to do to address this in the long term. Albertans have to get vocal and tell their stories. Everyone knows someone who’s gone to emergency and waited. The public needs to inundate the government. If the public doesn’t lend their voice to this, they shouldn’t be surprised when the system collapses.

“The term bed-blocker has been thrown out but these are real human beings with health care needs that our province can’t meet,” says Parks. “That’s why they’re stuck in expensive acute care beds.”

Another unfortunate term, “frequent flyer” has also been used to describe repeat visitors to emergency. “That kind of term wouldn’t exist if a problem in the system didn’t exist,” says Beggs. “I often feel like when it comes to meeting citizens needs, we’re always playing catch up. We’re always behind meeting their needs. There are long wait times because of lack of planning. We know, for example, that homelessness is a problem yet we refuse to be proactive and so we are always missing the target of quality of service we should be providing. We need to be more mindful about the long term planning.” •

JOAN MARIE GALAT is the contributing editor of the Advocate and an award-winning author. Her newest title for children is Branching Out: How Trees are part of Our World.

“The term bed-blocker has been

thrown out but these are real

human beings with health care

needs that our province can’t

meet. That’s why they’re stuck in

expensive acute care beds.”

— Dr. Paul Parks

Stock photo from pixabay.com

In Edmonton, the Hope Mission Health Centre officially opened November 13 to provide medical and psychiatric care to vulnerable Edmontonians without regular access to health care. The health centre, ideally located at the Hope Mission—a not-for-profit Christian social care agency—is expected to help reduce emergency room visits. Individuals visiting Hope Mission for a meal or bed can now receive a physical exam and psychiatric services on site, as well as assistance applying for an Alberta Health Care number. Staff, which includes two part-time general practitioners, one full-time psychiatrist, and one full-time family doctor, are able to provide follow-up appointments and continual care.

30 Winter 2014

For your informationPLEASE NOTE: For more listings, please see “Calendar of Events” at: acsw.ab.ca/calendar_of_events

Earn Category A Credits

Online and Flourish

Our courses are research-based and interactive. Here is a sample:

Introduction to MindfulnessArt of Facilitation

Knowing and Leading SelfThe Mindful Leader Power of Gratitude

The Art of Powerful Questions

On Demand Self-Paced Home Studies:

Flourishing Positivity

How of HappinessCreating Spirit at Work

Mindful Path to Self-Compassion

www.elearningtoflourish.com

780.459.2588Val@kaizensolutions.org

Val Kinjerski, MSW, PhD, RSW Kaizen Solutions

Evidence Based Educational and Assessment Opportunities Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development University of Calgary

The Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development at

the University of Calgary is committed to leadership in the continuing education

of health professionals. We provide evidence based educational and assessment

opportunities. Full details of our courses are available at cme.ucalgary.ca/courses or

email cme@ucalgary.ca.

Seeking Qualified Social Workers

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is currently seeking qualified social

workers to write questions for the licensing exams used in the United States and

Canada.

To be considered, applicants must complete all screening documents and supply

other information via email by December 31, 2014.

For more information and application materials, visit

aswb.org/exam-candidates/about-the-exams/exam-development/

item-writer-program/

Sue Genest Life Journeys Counselling is sponsoring Advanced EMDR Workshops with Dr. Sandra Paulsen, PhD, Master EMDR Therapist and Author January 19 - 24, 2015 Calgary AB

• EMDR and Ego State Therapy: Working with Complex Cases

January 19 - 20, 2015

• EMDR for Early Trauma Protocol

January 23 - 24, 2015

• Group Consultation

January 22, 2015

For more information or to register, email Sue Genest at info@suegenest.ca or visit

suegenesttrainings.comContinued on page 32

DEADLINESSUBMISSION DEADLINE

for the SPRING 2014 issue of the Advocate is

JANUARY 1, 2015

All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui Charity@acsw.ab.ca

AD DEADLINE for the

SPRING 2014 issue of the Advocate is JANUARY 15, 2015

All ad inquiries to Ilona Cardinal IlonaC@acsw.ab.ca

The Advocate 31

Please print:Name: Profession:Home Address: Professional License #:City: State: Zip: Lic. Exp. Date:Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( ) Employer: E-Mail:Please enclose full payment with registration form. Check method of payment. Cheque for $109.00 (CANADIAN) (Make payable to Biomed General) Charge the equivalent of $109.00 (CANADIAN) to my Visa MasterCard American Express® Discover®

Card Number: Exp. Date: (enter all raised numbers) Signature:

Most credit-card charges will be processed in Canadian dollars. Some charges will be in U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate.

INSTRUCTOR Dr. Michael E. Howard (Ph.D.) is a full-time psychologist-lecturer for INR. Dr. Howard is a board-certified clinical neuro-psychologist and health psychologist who is an internationally-recognized authority on brain-behavior relationships, traumatic brain injury, dementia, stroke, psychiatric disorders, aging, forensic neuro-psychology, and reha-bilitation. During his 30-year career, Dr. Howard has been on the faculty of three medical schools, headed three neuro-psychology departments, and directed treatment programs for individuals with brain injury, dementia, addiction, chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and other disabilities.He currently lectures throughout the United States and abroad on these topics and on his current areas of research, which include life expectancy and successful aging, disease prevention, physical and mental fitness, and stress management. His most recent book is Living to be 100. Biomed reserves the right to change instructors without prior notice. Every instructor is either a compensated employee or independent contractor of Biomed.

For all inquiries, please contact customer service at 1-877-246-6336 or (925) 602-6140.

6 HOURS CREDIT (Social Workers)

ACCREDITATION INFORMATION This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Provider #886502971-1393) for 6 social work continuing education contact hours. Course completion certificates will be distributed to social workers completing this course. Contact your provincial social work regulatory college to inquire about continuing competence credits.

REGISTRATION FORM(This registration form may be copied.)

REGISTRATION INFORMATIONPlease register early and arrive before the scheduled start time. Space is limited. Attendees requiring special accommodation must advise Biomed in writing at least 50 days in advance and provide proof of disability. Registrations are subject to cancellation after the sched-uled start time. A transfer at no cost can be made from one seminar location to another if space is available. Registrants cancelling up to 72 hours before a seminar will receive a tuition refund less a $35.00 (CANADIAN) administrative fee or, if requested, a full-value voucher, good for one year, for a future seminar. Other cancellation requests will only be honored with a voucher. Cancellation or voucher requests must be made in writing. If a seminar cannot be held for reasons beyond the control of the sponsor (e.g., acts of God), the registrant will receive free admission to a rescheduled seminar or a full-value voucher, good for one year, for a future seminar. A $35.00 (CANA-DIAN) service charge applies to each returned cheque. A $15.00 fee will be charged for the issuance of a duplicate certificate. Fees are subject change without notice. The rate of exchange used will be the one prevailing at the time of the transaction.

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PROGRAM / LECTURE

Please return form to: Biomed

Ste. 877 101-1001 W. Broadway Vancouver, B.C., V6H 4E4

TOLL-FREE: 1-877-246-6336TEL: (925) 602-6140 FAX: (925) 687-0860

Please check course date:

Conference registration is from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM. The conference will begin at 8:30 AM. A lunch break (on your own) will take place from approxi-mately 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM. The course will adjourn at 3:30 PM, at which time course completion certificates are distributed.

FEE: CHEQUES: $109.00 (CANADIAN) per person with pre-registration or $134.00 (CANADIAN) at the door if space remains. CREDIT CARDS: Most credit-card charges will be processed in Canadian dollars. Some charges will be in U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate. The tuition includes all applicable Canadian taxes. At the seminar, participants will receive a complete course syllabus. Tuition payment receipt will also be available at the seminar.

TO REGISTER: Please complete and return the registration form below. Or online at: www.biomedglobal.com. Or register toll-free with Visa, MasterCard, Ameri-can Express®, or Discover® by calling 1-888-724-6633. Or fax a copy of your completed registration form–including Visa, MasterCard, American Express®, or Discover® Number–to (925) 687-0860.

MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS

Instructor: Michael E. Howard, Ph.D.

Please provide an e-mail address above to receive a confirmation and directions to the meeting site.

(needed for confirmation & receipt)

Biomed’s Website: www.biomedglobal.com

Registration: 7:45 AM – 8:30 AMMorning Lecture: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Broken Brains and Damaged Psyches: Will We Ever Be Happy Again? Overreactions: Reality Vs. Perception. The Natural-Nurture “Milkshake.” The Story of Stress, Productivity, and Mutual Bullying. An OCEAN of Neurotransmitters: How Specific Imbalances in the Brain Affect Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. When Human Brains Abide by Primitive Impulses and Emotions.Recognizing and Avoiding Road Rage. Violent Eruptions: Lessons Learned from the Attacks at Virginia Tech, Colum- bine, Arizona, Fort Hood, Aurora, and Wisconsin.Mid-Morning Lecture: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Diet and Human Emotions: Many Nutrients to Assimilate. Committing Dangerous Patients: Legal and Professional Obligations. Preserving One’s Own Personal Complexity and Psychological Health in the Modern World. Overcoming Instincts: How We Learn to Suppress Competition and Concentrate on Cooperation. Dealing with Uncooperative Persons and Patients. The Top Ten Psychological Strategies for Difficult Patients, Customers, Co- Workers, and Family Members. Feelings of Connectedness and Bliss. Does Electrical Activity of the Brain Re- flect Spirituality and Meaningfulness? The Biological Basis of Spiritual Pursuits.Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM

Afternoon Lecture: 12:20 PM – 2:00 PM Dopamine: Pleasure, Reality, Depths of Despair, and Addiction. Dopamine in Cluster A Disorders (Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schyztypal). How Old Age is Aggravated by Anxiety and Depression. Terminal Agitation and Delirium in Dying Patients. Are Opioids Overprescribed, and Is There a Way to Reduce Dependence on Psychiatric Medications? Norepinephrine and Focusing, Learning, and Attentiveness.When Cluster C Personality Disorders (Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive) Become a Threat. Childhood Issues in an Adult: Entitlement and Reward Deficiency. Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Cluster B Personality Disorders and Mood Instability. The Role of Serotonin in Dramatic Behavior: From Narcissism to Self-Cutting.Mid-Afternoon Lecture: 2:00 PM – 3:20 PM Choosing the Most Effective Antidepressants and Minimizing Risks. Anxiety and Sleeplessness: Melatonin, GABA, and Norepinephrine. Why Hu- man Beings Seem to Be “Sentenced” to a Life of Anxiety. The Role of Nutrition in the Brain: Lobster, Buckwheat, and Cashews. Dental Medications: What Is the Appropriate Use of Such Medications in Patients Suffering from Emotional Dysfunction? Chronic Emotional Pain vs. Chronic Physical Pain. Spousal Abuse: Why Do People Stay in Bad Relationships?Evaluation, Questions, and Answers: 3:20 PM – 3:30 PM

Wed., April 15, 2015 (Edmonton, AB)Thu., April 16, 2015 (Red Deer, AB)Fri., April 17, 2015 (Calgary, AB)

Wed., May 6, 2015 (Edmonton, AB)Thu., May 7, 2015 (Calgary, AB)

CVV:(Card Security Code)

EMOTIONAL CONTROLDIFFICULT PERSONALITIES

EDMONTON, AB RED DEER, AB CALGARY, AB EDMONTON, AB CALGARY, ABWed., April 15, 2015 Thu., April 16, 2015 Fri., April 17, 2015 Wed., May 6, 2015 Thu., May 7, 20158:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PMRadisson Hotel & Conv. Ctr. I-Hotel 67 Street Executive Royal Inn Radisson Hotel & Conv. Ctr. Holiday Inn Calgary4520 76th Avenue 6500 67 Street 2828 23rd Street NE 4520 76th Avenue 4206 Macleod Trail SouthEdmonton, AB Red Deer, AB Calgary, AB Edmonton, AB Calgary, AB

32 Winter 2014

For Your InformationContinued from page 30

6th International Conference on FASD: Advance Notice & Call for Abstracts Research: Results and Relevance 2015 Integrating Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World March 4 - 7, 2015 Vancouver BC

Please visit our conference web page to:

• Book your accommodation

• Learn about updates and more

For more information, contact Pilar Onatra at UBC Interprofessional

Continuing Education:

Phone: 1-604-822-7524

or Toll-Free (within Canada/US): 1-855-827-3112

Email: pilar.ipce@ubc.ca or visit interprofessional.ubc.ca

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples 4-day Externship April 21 - 24, 2015 Calgary AB

Attend Calgary’s second EFT Externship and experience the

transformative power of this exquisite approach. You will be

introduced to the EFT roadmap, validated by 25 years of research.

Didactic presentations, demonstration videos, small group

exercises and discussions will provide participants with an

engaging learning experience. A further highlight is a live on-site

therapy session by the trainer, dependent on referral of a suitable

couple. You will be supported in learning and practicing how to use

emotion to create profound moments of intimate connection.

Come and discover how to help couples build security, closeness,

and joy in their most precious love relationship.

For more information contact Lucy Pascal at 403-467-7252 or email

eftworkshop@shaw.ca

ACSW 2015 Annual ConferenceMarch 26 -28Calgary Telus Convention Centre

w w w. a c s w. a b . c a

The Art of Cultivating Communities

Social Work Week: The Art of Cultivating CommunitiesMarch 1 - 7, 2015

How do you plan to celebrate Social Work

Week? Don’t forget to take photos at your

event and send them to Charity Lui at

Charity@acsw.ab.ca

Join us at the ACSW 2015 Annual Conference!March 26 - 28, 2015

At the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.

See you there!

The Advocate 33

The School of Social Work at the University of the Fraser Valley presents the conference Reaching Out Together: Connections Through Social Work April 28 - May 1, 2015 Abbotsford BC

Connections are integral to social work. As individuals and as social

workers, we are constantly creating meaningful alliances and

fostering cooperation in our day-to-day lives. What does this look

like in practice, scholarship, and research? Reaching Out Together:

Connections Through Social Work will profile innovative and

alternative practices and research collaborations. Our ultimate goal

for this conference is to facilitate dynamic, significant connections

between participants that will inspire further collaboration locally,

nationally, and internationally.

For more information, please email swhsconferenceinfo@ufv.ca or

visit ufv.ca/swhs/c