really debt-free? ADVOCATE is Alberta THE

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1 Volume 29, Issue 3, fall 2004 THE ADVOCATE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS is Alberta really debt-free? Cover story: Is Alberta really debt-free? page 22 On the front line with Carole Moon: a real home at last page 24 Signs of life in the heart of social justice page 26 1

2 in this issue COVER STORY Is Alberta really debt-free?...cheryl Moskaluk...22 FEATURES On the front line: A real home at last...cheryl Moskaluk...24 Signs of life in the heart of social justice...keith Wass...26 NEWS The inside story...cheryl Moskaluk... 3 From our desk to yours...acsw staff... 4 Committees in action...acsw staff... 5 Summer Institute explores critical thinking...evelyn Konshuh... 6 On a personal note...acsw staff Conference update...brenda Joyce, Colleen Palichuk...& Joleen Losness... 8 CASW news...casw... 9 Celebrate! National Social Work Week...ACSW staff...36 REGULAR FEATURES President s report....emily Drzymala...10 New RSWs...as of August 11, Executive Director s report...rod Adachi...12 Inside Investigations...Elaine Spencer...13 Research Coordinator s report...jessica Smith...14 Ethics in action...alison MacDonald...16 CASW news...jake Kuiken...18 Beginnings: social work in Alberta...Baldwin Reichwein...19 Private Practice Page...Audrey Ferber...12 All material 2004 the individual authors listed in bylines. If no author listed, 2004 ACSW. The Advocate Editorial Policy The Advocate seeks to serve as a meeting place for Alberta social workers by publishing information about social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; books, journals, and other media of interest to social workers; continuing education and job opportunities; and the comings and goings of Alberta social workers. Submissions from members and the public are welcome: articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, thoughts and ideas. Letters to the editor, announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are welcome. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit submitted material. Please call the ACSW office for a copy of Writing for The Advocate before submitting any material. Publication does not imply endorsement by the College. The Advocate is published quarterly: deadline is JANUARY 15 for the SPRING issue (March publication), APRIL 15 for SUMMER (June publication), JULY 15 for FALL (September publication), and OCTOBER 15 for WINTER (December publication). ALL SUBMISSIONS: The Advocate, ACSW, #550, Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Elaine Paras. acswpac@acsw.ab.ca PHONE: (780) FAX: The Advocate Volume 29, Issue 3 Fall 2004 Published by: The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) #550, Avenue Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 Phone: (780) Toll-free in Alberta: Fax: (780) or toll-free acsw@acsw.ab.ca Website: Executive Director & Registrar: Rod Adachi, MSW, RSW acswexd@acsw.ab.ca Associate Registrar: Alison MacDonald, MSW, RSW acswreg@acsw.ab.ca Professional Affairs: Elaine Paras, MSW, RSW acswpac@acsw.ab.ca Research Coordinator: Jessica Smith, MSW, RSW acswres@acsw.ab.ca Finance and Administration: Gladys Smecko Membership Services: Brenda Gross, Monica Vasconez Administrative Secretary: Florence Reinhardt ACSW Council: President: Emily Drzymala, MSW, PhD (Educ), RSW Vice President: Sandi Sherman, BSW, RSW Secretary: Charlotte Cooper, MSW, RSW Treasurer: Richard Gregory, BSW, MSc, RSW Members: Bonita Decaire, BSW, RSW Brenda Gladue, BSW, RSW Linda Golding, MSW, RSW Anne-Marie McLaughlin, MSW, RSW Guy Quenneville, BSW, RSW Richard Shelson, MSW, RSW Public Members: Vince Steinhauer, MA William Patrick Donahue, BA, MA Lynne Davies, BScN, MEd Ralph Westwood, Dip Mental Deficiency Nursing, BEd, MEd CASW Representative: Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW The Advocate is published quarterly for members of the Alberta College of Social Workers and other interested parties. Editorial Board: Papiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair) Duane Burton, BSW, MEd, RSW Erin Gray, PhD, RSW Bill Kirwin, PhD, RSW Leslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW Trudy Wilson, SW Diploma, RSW Editor: Cheryl Moskaluk Production & Typesetting: Jena Snyder Design: Kyle Loranger Design Advertising space is available; please call the ACSW office for details or to place an ad. The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertising. WINTER 2004 ISSUE DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2004 Canadian subscriptions are $24 per year (Outside Canada: $24 US per year) Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No ISSN Please notify the ACSW office immediately of any address changes. 2 The Advocate fall 2004

3 The inside story Cheryl Moskaluk, Advocate Editor Is there a song out there somewhere with a crooner wailing that all we really need is a pair a dimes, a pair a dimes for your thoughts? Well, there should be. Except I d spell it paradigm, as in that trendy phrase that describes monumental shifts in thinking that translate into profound changes in existing. Perhaps only the most optimistic among us will be holding our breath in suspense as our prosperous province starts a new chapter: debt-free resource management. We hopeful types get all giddy at the thought of scales falling from eyes, social services budgets emerging from under the long shadow of the government axe and weary warriors inhaling a fresh breath from the new winds a-blowing. Here s why, at some level, we should. In writing the cover story, Is Alberta really debt-free? I first pulled back to look at the longer perspective. The voice of experience of social worker Keith Wass, who took a leadership role for many years with Edmonton Social Services, is to be savored in his Advocate contribution Signs of life in the heart of social justice, page 26. In the past 50 years, he reminds us, the pendulum has swung both ways in the level of support enjoyed in our social services programs. In the inherent laws of political gravity, we re on the upswing now. ACSW Research Coordinator Jessica Smith s history of the Klein government s 12-year war on the debt details some of the battles and casualties along the way. If the government has indeed defeated the debt enemy, then its future existence will depend on its ability to morph from budget slayer to province builder. For that job, Alberta s newly elected government will need social workers, health care workers, teachers and activists who have their collective finger on the pulse of real solutions. See Debtfree Alberta: a critical time for social action, page 14. ACSW Executive Director Rod Adachi gives a blow by blow reconstruction how, in one busy month of June, social work voices contributed to the Alberta landscape in the trenches of justice and health, and are connecting with national colleagues, page 12. Like an indispensable utility center fielder, social workers are everywhere! And they re directed to the ACSW web site this fall for their trusty provincial election guide. College President Emily Drzymala presents the anatomy of frustration and the importance to clinging to the mast of social work ideology. See page 10 for a few simple tools vital for a new round of advocacy. And lastly, we all need to hear about those who take a giant leap outside the box. When the gap between needs and solutions for housing adults with disabilities was so wide you could drive an army of backhoes through it, Cold Lake social worker Carole Moon did just that. She built a real home for six people whose homelessness has been lived out in long-term care facilities or acute care beds. See A real home at last, page 24. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Advocate and take heart. New winds are blowing. Banff retreat for faculty and program coordinators/chairs This spring, Faculty and Program Coordinators/Chairs of Social Work Diploma Programs at Grant MacEwan, Lac La Biche, Maskwachees, Medicine Hat, Mount Royal and Red Deer met in Banff for their annual retreat. The retreat provides these faculty with an opportunity to share teaching strategies and resources, work on collaborative projects, and discuss issues of common interest. Red Deer College hosted the two-day retreat this year with participants leaving the sessions with new ideas, strategies, and enthusiasm. Submitted by Elizabeth Radian, Red Deer College in the news Volume 29 Issue 3 3

4 From our desk to yours ACSW Staff in the news Thinking ahead: National Social Work Week 2005 The Alberta dates for this celebration are March 13-19, It s not too early to be thinking about how to commemorate and promote what you and other social workers do in your workplace and community. The theme chosen by CASW and supported by Alberta is Social Work: Fairness and Wellbeing. Do mark your calendars and start scheming a dream week with your colleagues. Retired social workers building an E-Wall of Recognition Six subcommittee members of Edmonton s Retired Social Workers Group have met for some time to generate a format and policies for an electronic wall of recognition for our members, past and present, living as well as those deceased. There is also an opportunity to recognize those who do not have a social work education but have lived the values and substantially contributed to the profession within a field of social work practice. Social workers attend National Conference A number of hospital social workers enjoyed attending the CASW National Conference in Saskatoon June 6-8. The keynote speakers, the health day and workshops were inspiring. The group also made time to visit the saskatoon berry farm with other Alberta colleagues, do some great shopping near the Conference Centre and, most of all, had a great time cheering on the Edmonton Oilers in the Bessborough lounge. The e-wall initiative is approved by ACSW Council. Now the subcommittee is interested in hearing from our members who know of individuals who deserve recognition and who were involved in social work practice during 1971 or earlier. For more information, please contact before Sept. 15: Baldwin Reichwein: amie@telusplanet.net, Ernest Schlesinger: ernest@shaw.ca, or Donna Hamar: hamard@telus.net. UN Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: Nov. 7 In recognizing the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, CASW calls upon the public, governments, and communities to join social workers in working to change the social and economic conditions that contribute to persistent violence against women. CASW conference social workers in health from Edmonton on the saskatoon berry farm tour. L to R: Barb Taylor, Maureen Stewart, Linda Cargill, Grace Elliott, Claudia Berwald, Wendy Miller-Journault, and Barb Trail. The social work profession advocates for social justice and social policy reform. This is reflected in the CASW Social Work Code of Ethics, which includes and affirms three important principles: dignity, respect, and equality for all. Go, Oilers, go!! L to R: Tracy Houtstra, Claudia Berwald, and Wendy Miller- Journault cheer on the Oilers at the Bessborough Lounge 4 The Advocate fall 2004

5 Committees in action Get involved! Join an ACSW Interest Group Competency Committee launches focus group tour What should a visit to a social worker s practice look like? What are the aims and benefits of this process? The Health Professions Act authorizes the Competence Committee to carry out practice visits as part of the continuing competence program, and the committee is now developing criteria for these visits. On Oct , the committee will conduct focus groups around the province, gaining input from members in order to develop a process for practice visits. Invitations will be sent to all social workers except those who work in government offices, as they are exempt from this regulation. However, if you are a government employee and would like to attend, please contact the ACSW office for the meeting date in your area. Children s Issues Interest Groups Edmonton Wednesday, Sept. 15, 11:30-1:00 PM Sacred Heart School, th Ave, Edmonton (meets monthly) Calgary Wednesday, Sept. 22nd, 4:00-5:30 PM YWCA Sheriff King (meets mothly) Lethbridge/Medicine Hat Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30-8:00 PM University of Lethbridge (Anderson Hall AH119) (meets monthly) in the news ACSW wants you! The Nominations Committee adds new focus on recruitment Every association needs to tap the strengths and gifts of its members to rejuvenate the organization. With that goal in mind, the Nominations Committee is expanding its role to focus on recruitment. Committee member Peter Vogels said it s important to keep the association feeling in ACSW, alongside the College s regulatory functions. The committee has worked for several years to coordinate the nominations process for annual ACSW awards and to oversee the election process for Council, count ballots, and deliver election results. The newly defined Nominations and Recruitment Committee now wants to ensure that Council elections have a continuing sense of members investing and participating in the College. Seeing new names on Council ballots and on committee rosters is important for the health of ACSW, Peter said, We want to have every one of those elected Council positions contested. To realize its vision of greater member involvement in ACSW, the committee will work on procedures that invite social workers to join regulatory or advisory committees or to step forward as Council candidates. Peter works on the committee with Judith Mason, Margot Herbert, Papiya Das and chair Grace Elliot. For more information, contact Peter Vogels at: or vogelsp@macewan.ca. Social Workers in Health Edmonton Tuesday, Sept. 14, 3:00-4:30 PM U of A/Stollery Hospitals, Room 5C1.19 Walter Mackenzie Centre, St., Edmonton (meets bi-monthly) Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Room 24A Avenue, Edmonton (meets bi-monthly) If you wish your site to be connected via telehealth please contact your onsite telehealth coordinator. Social Work & Gerontology Edmonton Thursday, Sept. 16, 3:00-4:30PM ACSW Office Boardroom Suite #530, Ave. NW (meets bi-monthly) If you have any questions please contact: Jessica Smith, Research Coordinator, Alberta College of Social Workers acswres@acsw.ab.ca or Volume 29 Issue 3 5

6 Summer Institute explores critical thinking in the news Evelyn Konshuh, BSW, RSW, Chair The Sixth Annual Summer Institute of Social Work in Red Deer on June 25 attracted the largest turnout yet 105 participants. Social workers can find themselves working in a variety of different arenas ranging from private practice, large government agencies or in non-profit agencies. Therefore this year s theme Consciousness, Choices, & Critical Thinking offered registrants four different assessment models to consider for appropriate use in their area of work. The day started off with an address by keynote speaker Rick Assinger, a practicing lawyer and mediator in Red Deer. Rick greatly encouraged social workers to maintain and work with their professional values, as they are necessary for the wellbeing of society. A social worker in a previous career, Rick uses social work skills in his everyday law practice. He highlighted the importance of advocating and fighting for social justice. A light and lively portrayal of the life of an ACSW President and Executive Director demonstrated that no moss grows on these two. Emily Drzymala and Rod Adachi gave an open and frank discussion on what was new and what was to come at the ACSW. The two bantered back and forth in a skit designed to lighten up registrants concerns regarding continuing competency credits. Summer Institute workshop leaders, L to R: Roxanne Shoulders, Kirk Burgess, Charlotte Dennehy, Ken Lebel, and Derryn Yoemans. To round out the morning, the workshop presenters each gave a 10-minute overview of the assessment model they use in their everyday practice. Registrants then chose which assessment model they wished to hear more about in the afternoon session. Kirk Burgess outlined the assessment model he uses as a Family Enhancement worker for Region 4, Child and Family Services Authority. Kirk has extensive experience working with adults as well as children and it was obvious he enjoys the challenges his work brings to him. Kirk took the group through a mock family assessment using his assessment tools to identify strengths and challenges. Derryn Yeomans, a private social work clinician, works as an Employee Assistance Counselor. This employer-supported Summer Institute participants 6 The Advocate fall 2004

7 On a Personal Note Pioneer Alberta social worker dies Mrs. Clara Mintz, 87 years, Honorary Life Member of ACSW and long-time member, formerly with the John Howard Society and Jewish Family Services, passed away July 2, Clara s groundbreaking social work has been documented for inclusion in an ACSW pioneer video that is currently in the editing stage of production. Clara regularly attended the Edmonton Retired Social Work Group until February of this year; she will be missed. Clara Mintz in the news John Mould John Mould receives the CASW Award for Outstanding Service John responded with surprise and delight on finding that he was to receive the outstanding service award at the CASW national conference in Saskatoon. John has been and remains highly involved with our profession at the provincial (Council member, president, current chair of ACSW s Professional Social Work Education Board), national (two-term president), and international (IFSW vice-president North America) levels along with other volunteer activities. His acceptance speech encompassed these experiences, the people with whom he worked in these capacities, and his family. Congratulations, John. More details will be found in the upcoming CASW Bulletin. Summer Institute continued from page 6 program permits an employee to access counseling with complete confidentiality and without cost. Derryn s practice model focuses on brief counseling, usually three sessions, and deals with a specific issue. Roxanne Shoulders, a private social work clinician, spoke of how true attachment disorder is not as common as one would suspect. She gave case examples that call attention to the huge impact on the unborn child due to the mother s emotional state during pregnancy. This Bromwich & Smith Inc. sets the stage for how individuals bond Proposal Administrators, Trustees in Bankruptcy and form relationships. Are your clients financial debts overwhelming them? Charlotte Dennehy and Ken Lebel s Do you know your clients rights and legal options to solve their debt session dealt with solution focus in problems? helping clients come to realize their We have answers. We have solutions. own problems. Charlotte and Ken Serving Calgary and area call us spoke about helping the client to focus on the solution to their problems, and David M. Bromwich and David L. Smith, CA then offered steps on how the client Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals 810, Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3E5 can change the problem Summer Institute planners. Back row, L to R: Val Lester, Brenda Joyce, Evelyn Konshuh (chair), and Brenda Lewis. Front row, L to R: Colleen Palichuk, Elaine Paras (ex-officio), Angie Moore (registrar). Volume 29 Issue 3 7

8 ACSW Conference 2005 Political is Personal: Social Workers Unite in the news Conference co-chairs: Brenda Joyce, Colleen Palichuk & Joleen Losness The ACSW 2005 Annual Conference will be held at the Capri Centre in Red Deer, April 21-23, We have an awesome committee of volunteers who are working hard to make this a successful, worthwhile learning experience and a fun, rejuvenating, revitalizing time. Look for many opportunities to network and socialize, and unique surprises as part of the conference. We listened to your comments in 2004! There will two days of Continuing Competency A credit workshops and one day of Category B credit offerings for you to choose from. We are excited by the list of potential keynote speakers and we think you will be too. As we perused the proposal material, the many abilities of these dynamic people to identify with the dreams and realities of the social work mission inspired us. We knew one of the potential speakers was talking about many of us. Are we: being given responsibility without authority? limited by immovable parameters? being overseen by an organization which doesn t fully support the mission? put into situations which force us to question our ethics every step of the way? Come! Discuss, be informed, inspired, connected and rejuvenated. The Capri Centre will be Conference Central. They will be providing rooms at a special conference rate as will some of the neighboring hotels. Look for details in the conference brochure. This event has been growing each year and we look forward to your attendance. Red Deer is in the heart of Alberta with many wonderful attractions for spouses or partners who may want to accompany you. By mid-april the driving ranges will be open and, if the weather permits, golf courses will be operational. There are miles of trails for walking, running or biking, and the city has a great shopping district too. Mark your calendars now and watch for the conference brochures early in January. 8 The Advocate fall 2004

9 CASW News Declaration from the 4th International Conference on Social Work in Health & Mental Health, Quebec 2004 We, the 4th International Conference on Social Work in Health & Mental Health, representing 49 countries from all continents, endorse declarations from the United Nations and the World Health Organisation in asserting that health is a basic human right. As social workers, we call upon the governments of the world to redouble efforts to close the gap between this vision and the reality of peoples lives. in the news The primary determinants of health are social, economic, political and environmental rather than solely a product of health care services. We condemn as intolerable the extreme inequalities in human health which mean that the average life expectancy in the poorest countries is approximately half of the richest. We condemn in particular the rapid fall of life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa. We also condemn differences within countries. These differences cause indigenous peoples and other disadvantaged groups to bear an unjust burden of sickness and a greatly shortened average life expectancy compared to the majority. Health inequalities are the embodiment of social injustice. We, as social workers, commit ourselves to continue to struggle for social justice and compassion as essential characteristics of healthy human societies and as pre-requisites for effective health and social care services. Psycho-social interventions should be an integral part of prevention, healing and alleviating the trauma of war and pandemics. We will continue to work together with people who are poor, marginalised and excluded, and to speak out against the unjust circumstances of their lives. We will seek to constantly reexamine our own practice in the light of this commitment. We believe this will lead to a safe, healthy and equitable world for all. Action Plan We ask for urgent and far reaching action from our governments and international institutions on the following issues which are crucial to the health and security of the world. 1. Action to reduce poverty and its multiple dimensions. This means as a minimum: Ensuring universal access to clean water, adequate food, shelter, health and education; Developed countries recommitting themselves to meet the Pearson target of giving 0.07 of GDP in untied aid; Agreeing and ratifying an international trade treaty which has the reduction of inequalities in income and wealth between and within countries as a core objective; Recognising in practical ways the central role which women play in economic and social development, their right to safety and freedom from violence and abuse, and ensuring that their voices are prominent in programmes of action; Implementing the United Nation s Declaration on the Rights of the Child. 2. Action to increase international stability and justice by: Reinforcing the role of United Nations as the forum through which disputes which threaten civilians with displacement, assault, injury and death should be resolved; Reaffirming the principles of the Geneva Convention and their wide application; The implementation of action on anti-personnel mines; Supporting the International War Crimes tribunal; Upholding the values of diversity and tolerance across differences of ethnicity, religion and language. 3. Action to secure a sustainable approach to the global environment. This means as a minimum: Agreeing and implementing an international treaty on global warming. 4. Action to develop an international initiative to extend access to essential health and social care to all world citizens by Action to ensure that citizens in marginalised and disadvantaged groups are involved as powerful partners in decisions taken about their health and social care and socioeconomic circumstances. Volume 29 Issue 3 9

10 President s Report Emily Drzymala, MSW, PhD (Educ), RSW regular feature Living ideology Ideology! Here is that eight-letter word again, last paid its due during our basic social work education or denounced in our exploration of postmodernism. Yet, consciously or not, the principles underlying why and what social workers do are guided by social work ideology. Social work ideology espouses many isms including humanism, collectivism, feminism and egalitarianism. Humanism calls for the dignity and worth of each individual over lack of appreciation of individual uniqueness; collectivism calls for cooperation over competition; feminism calls for democracy in the family, community, organization and society over patriarchal values and practices; egalitarianism calls for distribution of resources and opportunities according to need over unfettered accumulation of resources and opportunities for some at the expense of others. The nature of social work ideology explains the conflict between social work practice and public policy, which is typically experienced by social workers as frustration of our intention to practice according the tenants of this ideology. Increasing caseloads, tightened rules for client eligibility, reduction among substantive resources, and the widening gap between the worthy and unworthy contradict humanism, collectivism, feminism and egalitarianism. Our frustration is compounded in a number of ways. One is that ACSW, as a regulatory body under the Health Professions Act, requires that social workers formalize continuing professional development to maintain the RSW designation. The focus is often on the development of individual skills and knowledge in the micro context. Paradoxically, the social worker is often limited in utilizing her current skills and knowledge in assessment and advocacy, due to constraints established in public policy! A second source of compounding frustration is raised expectations made by policy makers. The low-income review process that ACSW participated in resulted in a token change to welfare rates and the minimum wage. With the upcoming provincial election we can expect a barrage of promises. As I was writing this column, the media announced the government s proposed changes in health care benefits to seniors. With increasingly frustrated expectations, the harder we may fall in cynicism and hopelessness. A third source of compounding frustration relates to perceived absence of support for and endorsement of our social work ideology. This may seem evident among those we serve, other professionals, and within our profession. We know on the one hand that those we serve require ingenuity and strength extraordinaire to deal with their daily lives, yet we wish that their capacity to understand and act sociologically were possible. For other professionals, we experience professional divides based on hierarchies or domains of practice. Among social workers we might feel misunderstood and/or defensive about our specialization, level of education or the client population we serve. Often we do not pay attention to our frustrations and hence do nothing about them. The results of such immobilization can be burnout, blaming our colleagues or clients for their inadequacies, or robotizing or dehumanizing our relationships with clients and colleagues. To address these frustrations, we need to be empowered and proactive in realizing social work ideology. Here are some suggestions. Continuing professional development Emily Drzymala organize professional development activities on macroskills/knowledge development ask providers for a focus on macro skills and policy analysis strategies in the development of continuing education Continued on page The Advocate fall 2004

11 President s Report Articulate and engender discussion about social work ideology join an ACSW member interest group establish a new ACSW member interest group Get social work ideology out of the closet Give clear and consistent articulation of social work ideology to: clients/service users, other professionals and ourselves. Educate each other about promotion of social work ideology via: your agency newsletters, interagency newsletters, alternative media, mainstream media, the ACSW Advocate. The above is simply my humble expression based on experience and observations. In the spirit of social work ideology, the methods of actualizing it are yours in concert with your relevant clients, colleagues and communities. regular feature New RSWs Membership as at August 11, 2004: 5643 Stephanie Grace Adams Jodi Liane Allen Dawn Arlene Anderson Mohinder Bajwa Zoe Ballek Shelley Laurelle Bateman Myra Baynton Kathy Renee Bennett Marilyn Bird Quinney Jennifer Borlee Charlene Braithwaite Joeleene Lynn Brassard Jennifer Susan Brause Bradley Wyatt Lee Brown Patricia F. Capito Connie Brenda Capot Charlotte Rose Cardinal Cathryn Cey Rod Chant Ginny Lee Collins Helen (Mary) Daly Sandra Sarah Davison Tanya Rae Dienes Kim Angela Drady Gloria Anne Dummitt Alison Elmer Dale Yvonne Emery Glenda Lynn Erkinger Jody Ewaskiw Isabel Linda Farmer Susan Marian Fernando Nathalie Forest Lorette Joy Garrick Kimberly Dawn Gaudet Jane Alexandra Gillespie Maria Gonzalez Dwana Lucille Greene Dennis Bruce Greer Linda B. Guenther Heather Jane Hammersley Vicky Hamplas Rebecca Leanne Hansen Beverly Kim Hay Lori Helfenbaum Mylene Rita Hensch Dana J. Higdon Lisa Marie Hill Deborah Hollins Kristine Dawn Howell Lindsay Erin Hrycun Lisa Helen Hylton Rosemary J. Ignacio Tambree Jackson- Hayes Alice Jimmy- Baptiste Shannon Marie Kane Amin Kanji Roberta Jean King Jacqueline Klein Dawn Patricia Knox Ann J. Krahn Larisa Kreider Elsie E. Kruger Arthur James Lambert Donna Leboe Claudia Agnes Leibel Aaron Frederick Libby Chrystal Emmanuelle Littlechild-Hill Sarabjeet Ludu Lori Lund Nikki Dawn Lussier Michale Rae Luxton Lesley Anne Maddigan Marilyn Joanne Magnuson Denise Rose Marcel Amber-Dawn Marshall Cassie McCaffrey Kristi McPherson Christine Rose-Ann Melnyk S Thomas Miklos Dermot Francis Monaghan Lori L. Moore Chrissa Dawn Moser Destiny Dawn Muirhead Brad Michael Scott Mulhall Jessica Lee Murphy Karen R Nelson Laurie Dawn Norman Alexandra Orr Krista Osborne Belinda Parsons Patty Phrakonkham- Ali Brooke Ashley Quayle Darla Quinlan Mauricio Guillermo Rodas Rivera Angela Renee Ross Jane Alice Rousseau Melanie Dawn Salken Florence Saskatchewan Omer J. Savoie Jody Lynn Scheelar Debbie Joy Schultz Loro Shandler Anton Smith Kristine Marie Sogge Linette Betty-Ann Soldan Julie Anne Steele Donna J. Stevenson Angela Susanne Strelioff Judy Strong Lisa Pearl Strong Brianna Strumm Amanda Marie Stuart Sheri Thiel Audrey Thompson Vicki L. Thompson Geraldine Ellen Thomson Patrick D. Ulrich Agata Monika Ustienny Karen Joy Vermillion Evelyn Judith Lorrainne Weger Katherine Whiting Katheryn Mary Nelson Williams Sarah Lovina Williams Claire Louise Willis Cindy S. Wolter Erin Rae Worobetz Thomas E. Ylioja Natalie Brooke Young Paula Justine Zucchelli Volume 29 Issue 3 11

12 Executive Director & Registrar s report Rod Adachi, MSW, RSW regular feature June meetings bring Canadian social work leaders together National Conference and Meetings The Canadian Association of Social Workers and the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers hosted a well-attended national conference in Saskatoon, June 5-8. Impressive keynote speakers included Stephen Lewis, Linda McQuaig and Chief Roberta Jameson, and there was a wide selection of workshops and social activities. The CASW and SASW are to be congratulated for hosting a wellorganized and memorable conference and also for conducting a series of productive meetings that gathered together the CASW board and provincial presidents. After the conference, provincial executive directors met to discuss issues in various provinces. It became apparent that social workers in all provinces face similar concerns related to health reform and changing social policies. Custody and Access ACSW and the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) were invited to a meeting called by Chief Justice Wachowich to discuss custody and access issues related to interventions by social workers and psychologists. Representing ACSW, President Emily Drzymala, secretary Charlotte Cooper and I joined members of CAP to meet with five justices from the Court of Queen s Bench. We were pleased that Sterling Green was able to attend the meeting as an RSW involved in court processes, to help inform what proved to be a most productive discussion. A follow-up meeting is planned for the fall to further discuss how social workers and psychologists can assist the justices in their work with custody and access cases. Special thanks goes to Margo Kushner, whose efforts in raising many of the topics of discussion, helped to prompt this meeting. Social Workers in Health Also in June, I was invited to speak about the role of ACSW at a meeting called by the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA). Members of both ACSW and HSAA representing social workers in health, traveled from around the province for a one-day meeting to discuss issues related to classification. The discussion reflected similar matters of concern for social workers in health across Canada. Follow-up activities are expected in the fall. GST Exemption A number of social workers in private practice attended a meeting in Calgary on June 24 in an effort to clarify the confusion arising from the CASW announcement last October that their services would be GST exempt. The issue is equally confusing for social workers in other provinces. On July 28, provincial executive directors of social work associations (from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick) discussed the proposed GST exemption in teleconference with the manager of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), Municipalities and Health Care Services, in Ottawa. The directors noted that CCRA representatives across the provinces were providing social workers with varying responses about the GST exemption. The teleconference established a direct line of communication with the CCRA manager through the executive director of OASW so that concerns about the GST exemption could be noted and addressed. The CCRA manager will ensure that consistent interpretations are circulated to CCRA representatives across the country. Also, the issue of services limited to individuals was discussed. It is hoped that the term individual can be defined to include services to families and groups. An official response to questions posed during the teleconference is expected from the CCRA manager early in the fall. Election Season Rod Adachi This fall, Albertans will face municipal elections in October as well as a provincial election that is expected to be called in November. Elections offer an opportunity to influence public policy development that is in the best interest of the public. In advance of previous elections, ACSW has developed election guides to inform members and the public of election issues. Look for an election guide this fall as well as information from other stakeholders regarding election issues. We have been discussing collaborative activities with other organizations to help inform and encourage members and the public to participate in the democratic process. 12 The Advocate fall 2004

13 Inside Investigations Elaine Spencer, MSW, RSW Be confident: document your practice Fiona*, an RSW in a not-for-profit agency for the last 10 years, has her first Ethics regular feature Complaint with the ACSW. The complaint surrounds an inappropriate clinical intervention of a non-sexual nature. Naturally, Fiona is concerned and somewhat anxious about the process. She reviews a copy of the complaint letter sent to the ACSW by an ex-client, Mervin*, and writes her response based on: the clinical records the documented consultations she undertook the agency CEO s and governing board s written correspondence with Mervin regarding the matter; and, her own critical incident and contact notes written at the time of the events. Fiona writes her response from these records, documents and contact notes and in addition discusses the empathy she feels for the ex-client s position and perspective. She is clear in her response letter, that while the intervention was not successful, it was appropriate and prudent social work practice at the time. Fiona displays openness to further review of the difficult experience and expresses her concern that the matter may negatively affect her career as a social worker. During the recorded interview with the investigator, Fiona gave clear evidence of the sequence of events; shared all documentation (which the investigator copied and certified); shared comparison files (pulled at random) that were significantly similar in both contact and form with the file in question; answered questions fully; reflected upon the negative outcome of the counseling relationship with self awareness, respect for Mervin s experience and openness to sharing what she might have done differently in hindsight discussed the appropriate clinical and administrative consultations she had undertaken; and, shared the restorative measures she had attempted, including offering a written apology (for the client s negative experience), offering alternate therapists within the agency, or a referral to another agency. Fiona s clear documentation, not only in the clinic file, but also of consultations, administrative measures, correspondence, contact notes and self-reflection aided greatly in support of her assertion that her conduct and practice was ethical and professional. I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your documentation, asking yourself, In what ways do my documentation and record keeping support my social work practice? Fiona was able to move forward in her practice with comfort, knowing that her skilled attempts at clinical intervention, her documentation of her work and open sharing of difficult situations, supported her through an ethics investigation.for more information on documentation and record keeping, please consult the ACSW Standards of Practice, CASW Code of Ethics (1983), or call ACSW Associate Registrar Alison MacDonald at (or toll-free in Alberta ). Inside Investigations is a column offered by ACSW investigators to share with social workers more about the investigative process. *All names and details changed to protect confidentiality. Elaine Spencer is a Clinical Social Worker in mental health and an ethics investigator and trainer around Alberta, who has been known to say, Dreaded documentation is dependable in ditching difficulty. Your feedback on this column is welcome. Contact elaine_and_tim@telus.net. Volume 29 Issue 3 13

14 Research Coordinator s report Jessica Smith, MSW, RSW regular feature Debt-free Alberta: a critical time for social action Alberta Premier Ralph Klein announced to the world on July 12 that the Alberta provincial debt is now paid in full. Although the message was presented innocuously in a cowboy hat and boots over a pancake breakfast during the Calgary Stampede this news has profound implications for us all. Jessica Smith The story begins in 1993, shortly after Klein was first elected into office. One of his key policies, entitled The Alberta Advantage, would ultimately set the trend for economic and social priorities in the province throughout his tenure. According to Klein, the key mandate of The Alberta Advantage is to promote a vibrant and prosperous province where Albertans enjoy a superior quality of life and are confident about the future for themselves and their children. Klein envisioned an influx of investment into the province. Large business and corporations would be lured to Alberta with incentives such as: no provincial sales tax (Alberta is the only province in Canada to offer this), low personal and corporate tax rates, and a declining provincial debt load. In order to promote The Alberta Advantage, Klein s government implemented the Deficit Elimination Act (1993) to significantly reduce the $22.7 billion debt load in a relatively short period of time. From 1993 to present, Alberta s debt has been financed not only by oil and gas revenues, agriculture and tourism but also by a marked decrease in funding for social programs, health care, and education. Let s take a closer look: Over the past 11 years, minimum wage has increased by a mere 90 cents to its current rate of $5.90 an hour (compared with the current rate of $8/hr in BC and $7.15/hr in Ontario). Despite the fact that Alberta is the wealthiest province in the country, having just declared its debt-free status, the minimum wage is the lowest in Canada. In 1993, eligibility requirements for Supports for Independence (SFI) were tightened and rates were reduced by approximately 20%. The YWCA pointed out in its 2000 document The Right Thing To Do that welfare rates have not significantly increased since 1993 and have not been adjusted to the increased cost of living. A number of advocacy groups argue that these rates do not come close to the minimum income required to meet the poverty line or a basic standard of living. Women and children are the most vulnerable groups impacted by low welfare rates. Approximately 32,000 disabled Albertans receive financial support from the government under the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program (AISH). Since 1993, the monthly amount has increased by a mere 0.6% to the current maximum of $850 a month, while at the same time the actual rate of inflation has increased by more than 20%. AISH is not indexed to inflation. Many seniors live on a limited monthly income. Over the past 10 years, the government has implemented policies that have gradually eroded the value of seniors disposable income by failing to index pensions to inflation, charging seniors health premiums, and eliminating extended benefits such as vision, dental and pharmaceutical costs. There is ongoing uncertainty about our health care system, both for people who work within it, and for the people who need access to its services. For a number of years, Klein has pursued a privatized health care agenda arguing that the health care system is not sustainable. In recent dialogue with the federal government, he has put pressure on Prime Minister Paul 14 The Advocate fall 2004

15 Research Coordinator s report Martin for an increase in a federal transfer of funds from 16 to 25% for health care spending. However, a number of sources, including a May 2004 report from U of C political scientist Doreen Barrie, Sacred Trust or Political Football? A Citizen s Guide to Canadian Health, indicate that a privatized system is not necessarily more efficient and can incur greater costs. The education system continues to face many challenges. Poll results revealed that 70% of Albertans feel their government is not spending enough on public education. Some key issues uncovered in the Alberta Learning Commission report include the need for stable and predictable funding to cover both operating costs and infrastructure, decreased class size and improved working conditions for teachers. These trends in social spending, health care and education clearly do not support The Alberta Advantage of ensuring that Albertans enjoy a superior quality of life and are confident about the future for themselves and their children. It is expected that a provincial leadership election will be held this fall, as early as September or as late as November. One of the issues central to Klein s platform is Alberta s debt-free status. Over the coming months, government will consult the public for feedback on where Albertans feel their future economic surpluses should be invested. The It s Your Future survey will be delivered to households and was to be posted on the Government of Alberta website by the end of August. This is a critical time for social workers to step forward and demonstrate our commitment to our professional values by advocating for social justice and equity for all Albertans by demanding that Klein reinvest in our social programs, health and education. In September, watch for A Provincial Election Guide, an ASCW publication designed to support social workers in taking action. It will be available to ACSW members at regular feature Theory integrated with Clinical Training Current systems approaches to treating couples and families Flexible program with full or part-time studies, and certificate programs Commuter friendly: one day/week on campus plus monthly intensives Courses work toward professional affiliation with AAMFT and PAA Many career opportunities Volume 29 Issue 3 15

16 Ethics in action Alison MacDonald, MSW, RSW regular feature Why are discipline decisions published? Following the publication of Disciplinary Order #01.14 in the Spring Advocate, some members expressed concern as to the manner and contents of that decision. It may be helpful for social workers to have a more general understanding of these matters. Alison MacDonald How is the decision made to publish, not to publish, or how much to publish? Under the Social Work Profession Act (SWPA) (1991), the College was required to publish all disciplinary decisions that resulted in a suspension or cancellation. These regulations stated that the order, including the name of the member, the charges, the findings and the sanctions, must be published. Since 1996, five cases have been subject to this requirement. There will be another in the Advocate s winter issue, as all matters begun under the SWPA must be concluded under that legislation. However, under the Health Professions Act (HPA) the regulations now state that a discipline decision may be published. Each hearing under the HPA will be looked at on its own merit and the hearing tribunal deciding the case will determine what information, if anything, will be published. The regulations also permit that discipline decision information that does not identify individuals may be used for educational purposes. What is the rationale behind publishing the name of a sanctioned social worker? The primary purpose of professional regulation is protection of the public. If a professional has committed an offence so serious as to warrant suspension or cancellation, protecting the public includes letting the public know that the person is no longer permitted to practice. Who makes the decision about publication? Each discipline hearing is conducted with a panel, including at least three RSWs and sufficient public members (appointed by government) to make up at least 25% of the panel. The roster of discipline-trained social workers is about 40, all volunteers from around the province, with a range of education and experience. They provide a peer review of each case where an investigation has shown that there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing to proceed to a hearing. Under the HPA, this group will decide the scope of publication when they set out other sanctions. Isn t there a concern about client information being divulged through the publication process? Every effort is made to ensure that client information is kept confidential. The new procedures under the HPA should allow even greater protection of client information. Why are workplace matters dealt with under professional discipline? There is no clear distinction between a workplace matter and a professional matter if the outcome is bad practice. It is also important to note that the information in a written decision cannot possibly reflect all the information that the Hearing Tribunal receives. It may seem inappropriate to sanction a social worker for coming to work late every day, but if the reason the person is late is because she is too hung-over to be effective in her job, it is a professional concern. Beyond this, under the HPA employers are required to notify the College any time they fire or suspend an employee, or accept an employee s resignation in place of firing or sus- 16 The Advocate fall 2004

17 Ethics in action pension, for professional misconduct. The College in turn is required to treat this matter as a complaint. Historically, about one-quarter of the complaints to the ACSW have come from employers who have let a person go for cause. What if the employee is appealing the employer s decision? Each case is decided on its own merit. There is no reason why ACSW cannot conduct an investigation while an appeal is taking place, and in fact if there is evidence of wrongful dismissal the investigation may actually support the professional in the end. If the investigation shows that there were problems with the workplace, how does the ACSW encourage better standards? While the ACSW does not have jurisdiction over organizations, we do strive to ensure that employers are familiar with the social work standards of practice and that they support their staff in maintaining them. What are the legal rights of an investigated RSW? The discipline process is specified in the HPA. The member has the right to be represented by legal counsel, to call and question witnesses and to provide any evidence in their own support. Does a sanctioned member have an opportunity to appeal the decision? Yes. Either a member or the ACSW Complaints Director can appeal to Council and then to the Alberta Court of Appeal. Can anything be done to make the process more transparent? All disciplinary hearings are open to the public. If you want to learn about the process, sit through one. There is also information in the Member s Handbook, which was distributed to all members last fall. Better yet, put your name forward to take training as a volunteer in the discipline process. We are selfregulated professionals and it is only through combined efforts that we can continue to improve the public reputation of the profession. If, as members, we disagree with the actions taken by the ACSW, what can we do? You do have the right to request a transcript of a particular hearing, at your own expense, if you want a fuller understanding. Discipline decisions are not open for debate by the membership as they are not privy to all details of the discipline matter. For those who have additional questions not addressed in this column, please contact Alison MacDonald, ACSW Associate Registrar: acswreg@acsw.ab.ca. regular feature Who provides legal counsel for the RSW? As has been stated previously in the Advocate, the ACSW strongly encourages all RSWs to purchase their own liability and professional discipline insurance. The ACSW cannot provide legal counsel for members. To do so would be a clear conflict of interest. How are disciplinary sanctions determined? Are there standard sanctions for specific offences? Each case is looked at individually, with an eye to fair and consistent decisions based on the evidence. Cancellation of registration for a minor problem would be overkill, but allowing a practitioner to continue practicing when they pose a danger to their clients would be unacceptable. The Hearing Tribunal hears all the witnesses, looks at all available evidence and makes the decision to the best of their abilities. Psychotherapy Training for the Dissociative Disorders Seminar Site: Calgary Course Instructors : Gloria Rodberg, Ph.D. & Robin Wetherley, M.Ed. Nine Saturdays (2½ hours), once monthly, from Sept 25, 2004 to June 4, More information on this seminar & on-line course available at or contact : Dr. Gloria Rodberg (403) grodberg@shaw.ca Volume 29 Issue 3 17

18 CASW report Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW regular feature Election results open the door for Canadians to advance social action The outcome of the recent federal election presents some unique opportunities and challenges to social workers in Alberta. Obviously, the challenge of lobbying a government member is somewhat limited. However, because the new minority government wants to govern by managing the opposition parties, members of Parliament will be carefully gauging the issues that are of concern to their constituents. The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) has prepared a set of social policy questions with which to lobby members of Parliament now that the election is over. Even though provincial and territorial governments are largely responsible for design, funding and delivery of social programs, the federal government plays a very important role in supplementing the funding of other orders of government through cash, tax transfers and equalization payments. In addition, the federal government directly administers income security programs. In his remarks about the government s plans, the Prime Minister has reiterated his commitment to honor the promises made during the election campaign. Among the government s commitments are funding a national day care program, new funding for health care, and funding for the cities for social, community and physical infrastructure. Some of the questions that social workers should be asking their MPs follow. Further related questions and background information prepared by CASW can be also found on the ACSW website. Child Poverty and the Canada Child Tax Benefit Since the current level of the Canada Child Tax Benefit is insufficient to significantly lower poverty levels of children, what will you (your party) do to increase the level of child benefits going to low income families in Canada? What will you (your party) do to address the problem of the clawback of federal child benefits from families on provincial social assistance? Jake Kuiken People with Disabilities What will you (your party) do to update and reform income benefits for persons with disabilities? The Caledon Institute of Social Policy has recommended the establishment of a comprehensive Disability Supports Fund (not just a tax break for persons in employment and education) in order to promote the development of a network of supports across Canada. What will you (your party) do to develop such a fund? Programs for Aboriginal Peoples What will you (your party) do to decrease the high rate of poverty among urban aboriginal people, particularly youth? Are you (your party) committed to the creation of a national aboriginal justice system? What are you (your party) going to do to clear outstanding land claims? Health Care and the Canada Health Transfer What will you (your party) do to ensure stable funding for health care? The Canada Social Transfer and Other Social Programs What will you (your party) do to capitalize on the recent creation of the Canada Social Transfer to assure transparency and accountability for federal expenditures in the areas of post secondary education, social assistance, social services and child care? Equalization Payments What will you (your party) do to increase equalization payments to the provinces in order to ensure a comparable level of public services across Canada? Affordable Housing Programs How will you (your party) work with the provinces and territories to assure that federal money is used, and matched, by provincial/territorial governments? Child Development and Child Care What will you (your party) do to speed up the development of more quality, regulated, and subsidized child care spaces in Canada? Contact the writer at jkuiken@shaw.ca if you have questions or would like some additional information. Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW, is the ACSW representative to the Canadian Association of Social Workers. 18 The Advocate fall 2004

19 Beginnings: social work in Alberta Baldwin Reichwein, MSW (Equiv), RSW The presentness of our past At the ACSW spring conference I had the opportunity to team up with co-presenters Gayle Gilchrist James, professor emerita, and psychologist Perry Snow, to talk about some of the issues Albertans have struggled with throughout our social history. We Baldwin Reichwein regular feature hoped to illustrate how many of those struggles still play a visible role in current events. The presentation covered the past few decades of social work history in broad strokes and outlined the prevailing social policies. We also included the testimony of one man whose father s vivid childhood immigrant experiences in early 20thcentury Canada color his own present existence. Here is some of the ground we covered: The plight and rights of indigenous peoples Indigenous people lost their independence as sovereign nations and the consequences remain visible to this date. A plea was extended to the profession to reach out to our aboriginal colleagues as the new service deliverers (perhaps deserving to be called the original service deliverers). Residential schools operated for generations. During their existence few aboriginal children were in care under provincial child protection legislation. These phenomena are not mutually exclusive, and they deserve further in-depth attention and research. The perniciousness of poverty The face of poverty changed throughout the past century but it has remained with us to this date. Early settlement, drought, wars, depression and unemployment, and the ups and downs of the economy all affected the lives of many Albertans. Public welfare programs were established in Alberta, initially administered by municipalities and later taken over by the province. Gradually, cost-sharing measures were introduced and implemented. Gayle spoke of the history of the Canada Assistance Plan that benefited Canadians from 1966 until 1996, when it was replaced by the Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST), with a de-emphasized right to public welfare. How well we know this in the Alberta context! Gayle eloquently illustrated how many current events have roots in the past. The after effects of 19 th century reform movements Survivors of ideology-driven eugenics, Indian residential schools and British child emigration practices have much to tell us about the presentness of the past. Guest presenter Perry Snow spoke of his father, who came over from England as a child immigrant (one of some 100,000 British home children brought to Canada from the 1870s to the 1930s). The home child experience affected not only Perry s father, but also Perry and his immediate family. He discovered that his father was not a waif or a stray in England, as his father had been told. Perry aptly illustrated with his personal testimony what I dare call trans- and intergenerational consequences of past practices on contemporary society. Social work made its mark via many influences that reached us from the United Kingdom, Europe, Eastern Canada and the United States. Our professional past left some footprints that warrant following and others that should be carefully sidestepped. The Internet provides references to any of these topics and readers might also want to tap into the website of the Canadian Social Research Links. Baldwin Reichwein, a member of ACSW s Edmonton Retired Social Workers Interest Group, has a passion for researching and documenting the history of social work in Alberta. amie@telusplanet.net Volume 29 Issue 3 19

20 Private Practice Page Audrey Ferber, MSW, RSW regular feature Social workers in limbo over GST On October 3, 2003, the federal government tabled in the House of Commons proposed legislative amendments to include new GST exemption for health-related services provided by social workers. This was the result of years of lobbying by CASW representatives. CASW sent out a news release to all provincial associations announcing this proposed legislation along with an proclaiming that social workers would no longer be required to charge GST from their clients starting on October 4, Unfortunately, this announcement has caused a tremendous amount of confusion and frustration. Many social workers have since been advised by Revenue Canada that they could face interest charges and financial penalties if they stopped collecting GST and making their quarterly GST payments to the government. The explanation was that the proposed legislation was not yet passed into law and therefore not in effect. At the same time, social workers who continued to collect GST from clients were faced with an almost impossible challenge how GST payments could be returned to clients if the legislation was passed by the House of Commons and deemed retroactive to October 3, In order to gain clarification on these matters, I organized a workshop presented by Eileen Martin, a representative from the GST section of Revenue Canada in Calgary on June 24. About 22 private practitioners attended this workshop travelling all the way from Spruce Grove near Edmonton and Medicine Hat and Lethbridge to the south. The information that people heard was disconcerting, disheartening, somewhat clarifying and somewhat confusing. The proposed GST amendment has not been passed and is a long way from being passed. It has only gone to the Ways and Means Committee of the federal government as a motion to become a motion. The next step would be for it to become a motion of the Ways and Means Committee. Therefore, the official notification by CASW that social workers would be exempted from charging GST as of October 4, 2003 was and is incorrect. This leaves social workers in a difficult position. Those who have continued to charge GST and continued to pay the GST to the government are following the status quo and are avoiding any prospect of facing interest or penalties on GST payments in the future. If you stopped charging GST and stopped paying GST to the government, you may decide to continue this and see what happens. If the government contacts you for payment and charges interest and penalties on the arrears, you can appeal to the Fairness Program found on the GST web site and pay only the GST included in your fee. But this would still mean you could be losing 7% of your income. If the amendment is passed into legislation, there is no guarantee that the exemption would be retroactive to October 3, 2003 or any other time. If it is made retroactive, those service providers who continued to collect GST could (1) have clients submit a rebate form to request a return of their GST as tax paid in error, (2) reimburse the clients directly, or (3) request a reimbursement on behalf of the clients. If the provider continued to make regular GST payments to the government but had not identified GST in invoices or receipts to the client, the provider could apply to the government for a refund on paid GST as tax paid in error and would not have to return the GST to clients. Another disconcerting part of this amendment is that not all clinical social work would be GST exempt. The current wording of the amendment is that GST exemption applies only to service provided to an individual within a professional-client relationship between the supplier and the individual to assist the individual in coping with a physical, emotional, behavioral or mental disorder, or disability of the 20 The Advocate fall 2004

21 individual or of another person to whom the individual is related or to whom the individual provides care or supervision otherwise than in a professional capacity. According to Revenue Canada, the GST exempt services would include spouses and family members such as family therapy. Group work would not be GST exempt nor would some Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services such as critical incident debriefing and workshops. As it stands now, if the amendment were passed, most social workers would have to keep a separate record of exempted services and non-exempted services. While this workshop helped clarify some issues, it still left many questions unanswered and even raised some new questions. It is unlikely that these matters will be resolved completely until this proposed amendment becomes legislation. For now, the decision about whether to continue or stop collecting GST from clients is still left up to each social work practitioner. We encourage those social workers who are not happy with this state of affairs to make their concerns known to the CASW. Our national association could do more to advocate for social workers currently in a dilemma about the GST and could help the federal government understand more about the nature of social work and what corresponding GST regulations would be workable. Alberta s CASW representative is ACSW past-president Jake Kuiken. Questions about the GST can be directed to Revenue Canada at their GST line: Audrey Ferber is co-chair of the Private Practice committee, along with Tom Baker, MSW, RSW. Feedback on this article can directed to: ferber@spots.ab.ca or tombaker@telus.net. regular feature Volume 29 Issue 3 21

22 By Cheryl Moskaluk Cover story: feature article Is Alberta really DEBT-FREE? Is the Klein government s debt-free status a crowning achievement? If the black ink has come at too high a cost, now is the time for change. When Ralph Klein s government rides into the next provincial election, it will be on new turf. The axe that has swung for the past dozen years, in the name of slaying the provincial debt, seemed to be officially laid to rest with Klein s July 12 announcement that the giant is dead. The province will set aside $3 billion into a debt retirement account and make the remaining debt payments from there. Let the new debate begin. Without the burden of debt repayment, Alberta is in a position unique in Canada one of creating a new vision for social services, education, health care and infrastructure. But for many Albertans, the comfort of black numbers on government books is little comfort indeed. Are we really debt-free? It s a real paradox in Alberta that the provincial government is seen to have paid off its debt, but many other levels of governments and sectors of society are struggling under debts of their own, says Liberal leader Kevin Taft. It s a meaningless milestone when we have the lowest minimum wage in the country. It s a meaningless milestone for people living on welfare rates that are desperately low, and it s meaningless for people living on AISH rates that are well below the poverty line. Reacting to the July announcement, Edmonton mayor Bill Smith congratulated the premier in the local media; in the same breath, he took stock of the collateral damage. He claimed the city was a big player in the government s accelerated debt elimination plan when it was pummeled with a decade of substantial cuts to municipal grants. Now it s time to take care of cities, he said. Martin Garber-Conrad, executive director of the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation, points to an urgent need for attention to roads and utilities as well as good housing programs: In terms of infrastructure, we re far from debt-free. Many rural municipalities, meanwhile, are reeling under the effects of similar budget strains, exacerbated by years of drought followed by the BSE crisis. Any euphoria over debtfree status hasn t filtered down to Alberta s cattle ranchers who face critical decisions this year. In rural Alberta, 33 of 68 municipalities have declared themselves as economic disaster zones and many others are struggling just to pay the bills, said Taft, from his Red Truck tour around the province in August. If Alberta s financial debt has disappeared from the books, it s simply showing up in social deficits elsewhere, said Taft. The government has paid off its debt simply by shifting its responsibilities to other people, especially families living on low incomes or students going to school. I worry that in Alberta 30% of students who enter Grade 10 don t finish Grade 12. What are the long-term consequences of that for our society? Alberta s 30,000 poorest families still live on welfare rates that fall significantly short of actual living costs. An overhaul of Human Resources programs in 2004 shuffled existing money to training programs but failed to index welfare rates to costs of living or provide meaningful increases since cutbacks were made in The Advocate fall 2004

23 If there s a pearl in the Klein government s accelerated debt repayment plan, it s the optimism Albertans have for the future, and the opportunity to correct the course in the under-funding of social services, education and health. The natural wealth of Alberta is staggering. There s no piece of territory on the planet that is richer. We have to tend it so it s a source of permanent prosperity. That means spending wisely but it also means investing in people. We need to put in place programs that allow everyone to be more prosperous, Taft said. There is so much opportunity now to feed back into our social system, said Fort McMurray Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) co-coordinator Bev Sellick. In her new portfolio of overseeing the community plan on homelessness, she s finding out the homelessness issue is alive and well in a city that registers the average price of a home at an all-time high of $329,000. In the national consciousness, Fort McMurray is kind of seen as the land of opportunity. Salaries are high. But if you don t already have a job and a place to live when you get here, there are some big challenges, she said. We have a wealth of agencies doing fabulous work in the city. Sellick speculates that if there s optimism about the future, it s because a lot of networking is taking place between communities and it s making them stronger than they have been in the past. Social worker Bette Thomey also works with Fort McMurray FCSS. It s too early to tell yet if Alberta has a solid plan in place for reinvesting in public services, she said. Everyone s waiting to see, and I think at some point Albertans would like to be asked. Now is the time for social workers and advocacy groups to make their views known, Thomey believes. We do know and understand what local issues are all about. We have our finger on the pulse of the community. When the government surveys households and posts the It s Your Future survey on its website, Albertans will be asked where the province s prosperity should be invested. But given the government s track record of asking for public opinion and then handpicking only the recommendations that suit its agenda, advocacy groups are looking to collaborate to make sure government hears the call. Ted Pinchak, director of FCSS for the City of Leduc, is part of the Inter-City Forum on Social Policy, which links 18 urban municipalities in networking and advocacy. The ICF addresses social policy, program and service issues that are of concern to Alberta urban municipalities. Its report Making Ends Meet, released this spring, and a 2000 document, No Safeguards, provide a clear picture of poverty in Alberta and asserts that more than 30% of the poor in Alberta are not unemployed but hold jobs. They are Alberta s working poor. It s wonderful that we don t have to pay the debt now, but there are social deficits, Pinchak said. Far too many people in Alberta are poor and we have underfunding and shortfalls in areas like education. There are lots of good things to put money toward. The ACSW, which has a history of collaborating with several community groups on tasks such as the Low Income Review, will also walk onto Alberta s new political turf with partners in advocacy. As the next provincial election approaches, ACSW Executive Director Rod Adachi sees merit in drawing the College together with groups such as the United Nurses of Alberta and the Alberta Teachers Association to discuss collaborative strategy. And in keeping with the social work mission of being a voice for those most vulnerable members of society, ACSW will post its own election guide to its website in September. The Klein government has provided a fresh spark for Albertans in eliminating its own debt, but advocacy groups say it s too early to celebrate. They d rather help the next government of Alberta change course and reinvest in people for the long term. THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS (Alberta Division) Calgary, Alberta September 30 October 2, 2004 Introductory Workshop September 30 October 3 Intermediate Workshop 2 days October 1 & 2 Focus on issues of Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement and Ethics For more information call the Society at (403) or or visit our website at Advanced Workshop 1 day - October 2 Featuring Dr. Sylvain Neron Palliative Care and Hypnotherapy feature article Volume 29 Issue 3 23

24 By Cheryl Moskaluk On the front line: feature article A new home at last When opportunity knocked for social worker Carole Moon, it was in the form of a property for sale sign that flittered into view along the highway just 19 kilometers from her Cold Lake home. Driving the last leg of a trip from a social work conference in Edmonton, Carole was more bent on a mission of locating the comforts of a cozy armchair than detouring into the bush. Fighting off fatigue, she took the much less traveled road and wandered onto a piece of property with a spectacular view of the Beaver River valley, an existing house and abundant acres of flat, cleared land. An instant call to the realtor revealed that the property had already been sold. Three weeks later the first offer fell through and Carole ended up with the blank canvas she needed to fulfill a different mission. She and her husband moved out to the property four years ago and the wheels started rolling for Carole s dream: to create an assisted living residence for adults who had nowhere to go outside of the acute care beds or long-term care placements that weren t meeting their needs. The dream is reality. After two arduous years of journeying to the construction phase, and another two in the making, the final touches are being made to a sprawling, luxurious, wheelchair accessible ranch house on the riverbank. The house is dubbed Moon Abri for the French word for refuge and it s waiting to become a real country home for six residents this October. So it was that a summer day in the life of this social worker involved listening to the sweet music of hammers and saws echoing through the northern Alberta air. Carole s 15 years of experience in the social services field and her time spent doing counseling and working in home care programs, including five years with the now defunct Lakeland Regional Health Authority, reinforced her knowledge that a broad, severe shortage of housing resources existed for several groups of clients. She especially noticed the housing gap for adults with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and mental health diagnoses, some of whom also had diagnoses that relegated them to wheelchairs. The Broda Report, commissioned by Alberta Health, emphasized wellness and community living options. But what options? I strongly believe that younger adults are not appropriately placed in long-term care facilities, Carole says. And when I was employed in home care here, I experienced on two occasions, clients who waited a year in acute care beds with no acute care needs because there was no appropriate place to which they could be discharged. I have also seen people leave their community to secure some sort of placement elsewhere. Those clients are so much better served in their own communities where their social support networks already exist. Carole s vision to mount her own housing project had been gathering steam for the past 14 years. The seed was planted when she traveled out of province to cover an ill colleague s 24 The Advocate fall 2004

25 caseload in what was called a personal care home. What I saw was not a home. Strangers were pushed together in bedrooms with little privacy. They had a roof over their heads but I found the level of care appalling. I thought, we I can do something about this. For the past four years Carole has been fulfilling her goals in a whole new arena she had never dreamed of: tackling mountains of paperwork to create business proposals, secure financing and licensing; designing the specialized living space; bringing her vision to the construction phase and beyond. Unfailing support from her husband and two grown children, from MLA Denis Ducharme, and her own ability to somehow always chase the tiny signs of progress, helped her navigate the almost insurmountable obstacles when things seemed to grind to a halt. She invested her own assets and eventually secured the financial backing she needed. I was told I received financing because I just wouldn t go away, she says. This was something new for the financial institutions, but I had a solid business plan. She also had the time. Carole was laid off two years ago when her home care position was abolished. In true social work style, she fully scooped up the opportunity when one door closed, and redoubled her efforts to raise the bar for specialized housing and to create a new social model of what assisted living could be. Moon Abri will provide 24-hour residential support for six adults who need a permanent home and who need some supervision, support or cueing, as they use their own skills toward independence in daily living. Staff will always be available but will not live at the residence. They will work with residents to prepare meals, do cleaning tasks and help them to take care of themselves and their home. Most of all, the staff will share in Carole s vision. The vision is that you don t do things for people when they can do it themselves, Carole says. The majority of clients will be recipients of Assured Income For the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and will easily be able to afford the room and board costs of $19 a day, Carole says. Residential care costs such as staffing and programming will be paid by agencies, government departments, health authorities and other client support programs. An important part of Carole s plan was to build in this beautiful rural setting rather than in town so that residents would experience a quiet and healing environment that is comfortable and safe, and where they also could pursue occupations that they couldn t in town. She envisions residents enjoying wheelchair accessible gardening, being able to do woodworking projects or taking care of small animals. Carole wanted to design the home to be as non-institutional as possible. Private bedrooms are very spacious to accommodate mobility in wheelchairs. Some of the showers have wheel-in access. The home also features a quiet room with a second television, a large kitchen area, a common room with big-screen satellite television, fireplace, sauna and a 10-person outdoor hot tub. Residents will be able to relax, watch the northern lights and hear the coyotes howl in the valley below. They can also share their home with visiting friends and family, and transportation for recreational, social and medical needs will be available. On the days when she gets bogged down with phone calls and just figuring out the new fax machine, Carole imagines another day that has almost arrived when Moon Abri s residents begin to transform a beautiful house into a home. One of the potential residents is a 26-year-old client who has been living in long-term care for years. I think, Hey, we can give this young man his life back. For more information on the Moon Abri model for assisted living, Carole Moon at cdmoon@telus.net or phone announcing: Mapping Narrative Conversations with Michael White a two-day workshop October 25th & 26 th 2004 at the Mayfield Inn, Edmonton, Alberta for complete details & registration form see feature article Volume 29 Issue 3 25

26 By Keith Wass, BA, MSW feature article Signs of life in the heart of SOCIAL JUSTICE Can we revive an idealistic war on poverty that was abandoned to the pursuit of excessive wealth by a privileged few? In the past 50 years, the pendulum has swung both ways in the public support of social services. If we watch carefully, there are plenty of signs that it s time for a firm upswing. I attended the School of Social Work in Toronto in the late 1940s. A good number of our classmates were returning veterans from the war. I believe there was an idealism that we were going to participate in the establishment of a more just society. It was a dynamic time to enter social work with a wide choice of job opportunities for every graduate due to post-war expansion of both public and private social services. In reviewing social services over the past 50 years, two eras seem apparent. In the first half of that period there was strong funding support and the implementation of progressive social legislation. During the more recent period public support has waned, budgets have been frozen and a general erosion has occurred in many services areas. As an optimist I believe there are signs that the pendulum will swing back with greater public support for social services. Hopefully the phenomenal growth of ACSW in recent years, the proclamation of the Health Professions Act for social workers, the emphasis on social action by the College and individual members will have some influence. My experiences with Edmonton Social Services, where I joined the staff in 1957, indicate a solid level of public support at that time. In the staffing area there was a strong emphasis on professional staff development including an educational leave program with financial assistance. When social assistance or child welfare caseloads supported a need for additional positions, the city provided both political and administrative support. In the 1960s the city social services department obtained federal and provincial funding for two multi-year demonstration projects, both requiring several additional staff. The functions of Edmonton Social Services were dramatically changed in the 60s and early 70s. The province assumed responsibility for social assistance and the child welfare functions that had been provided by the city. Under the Social Credit administration the Preventive Social Services Act (PSS) was established in 1966 to give municipalities funding for new programs to be provided in co-operation with private agencies. There was significant improvement in some areas such as day care, home care, family counseling and services to seniors, to mention a few. 26 The Advocate fall 2004

27 Educational opportunities were significantly expanded across the country to train social workers. In Alberta, the Calgary Fchool of Social Welfare was established with divisional programs in Edmonton and Lethbridge. The Community College program was initiated and expanded. The optimism in the 60s and 70s for social service programs was also prevalent in the U.S. where the term War on Poverty was coined. Unfortunately in both countries the war on poverty was a very short one. In fact one could argue that in the social services area, before the first battle was settled, the war was terminated. The public was persuaded that the answer to our social ills should be met in other ways. The neo-conservatives with the leadership of Reagan, Thatcher and others won the day with their arguments for tax cuts, drastic reduction in government spending and services, privatization whenever possible, deregulation and wide open free enterprise. What are the signs that a change in public sentiment may again be possible? A recent report in Forbes magazine indicated that the number of billionaires in the world increased by over 20% in 2003 to a total of 587. It seems obscene that our society meekly accepts that level of increased individual wealth in the face of the terrible conditions in Africa and concern for poverty worldwide. On the world scene, one can only be encouraged by the recent defeat of some initiatives of the World Trade Organization. There is growing concern in public and private sectors and in third world countries that increased power in corporations will exacerbate the social problems we face and limit the ability of government to take action in areas of pressing social concern. An increase of outright greed and executive fraud in the last few years also seriously undermine the arguments for unfettered capitalism. The recent trend seems to give lie to the trickle-down economic theory, which may be more appropriately called the flush up theory. Several reports document that the wealthy are thriving as compared to the position of the middle class and particularly the poor. particularly in this election year that two Americas are being created one for the rich, the other for the diminishing middle class and the increasing number of the poor. Health services and drug costs are another area of debate and considerable dissatisfaction. According to an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Study in 2001 the U. S. spent 13.9% of its Gross National Product on health care compared to 9.7% in Canada. Yet, increasing millions of its citizens have no health insurance. Despite the obvious affluence of many Americans, the growing concern in many sectors of the public may moderate the neo-conservative agenda. Our new Prime Minister stated in his acceptance speech at the Liberal leadership convention that we must measure our progress by the standards of care that we set for the least privileged among us. Is it too optimistic to believe that statement could be more than political rhetoric and that other politicians could be influenced to work toward a more equitable distribution of the nation s wealth? We need to revive the enthusiasm of the 60s war on poverty and direct it to toward achieving a more just society. Keith Wass, now retired, enjoyed a long career with Edmonton social services. Because We Care Caregiver Support Program winner of the 2004 Celebrate Mental Health Award The Caregiver Support Program helps individuals and families cope with someone who is contemplating or attempting to commit suicide. The Support Network provides Edmonton with an accessible, no fee, caregiver support service that offers: feature article Some privatization moves particularly in public utilities appear to have met with disaster across the continent and others are on hold. The impact of the tax cut proposals of political leaders now seems to be waning. Public sentiment seems to be moving toward reinvestment in health, education, and hopefully community services. Since retirement my wife and I have become snowbirds and spend most winters in Arizona. There is growing comment, Information about suicidal behavior Information and support for selfcare Information, resources & referrals For more information please visit our website at or contact the Theresa King, RSW, at Volume 29 Issue 3 27

28 for your information For your information PLEASE NOTE: For updated information, see Calendar of Events on our website: Sept. 9-11/04 in Ottawa ON Working Together for a Shared Future, the first Canadian conference on mental health and deafness, sponsored by Reach Canada For more information or to register, call Paula Agulnik at or toll-free , paulaagulnik@reach.ca or visit Friday, Sept. 17/04 in Edmonton AB The Good Samaritan Society presents Depression: The Common Cold of Mental Health: Spiritual Care and Counseling of the Depressed For more information or to register, call Rev. Orlow Lund or gssworkshopedm@gss.org. Sept. 20/04 Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute presents Brief Play Techniques to Resolve Issues Related to Children s Adjustment For more information or to register, call , rmpti@telusplanet.net, or visit Sept. 30-Oct. 3/04 in Edmonton AB Canadian Art Therapy Association 25th Annual Art Therapy Conference Engaging Communities, Connecting Cultures: An Art Therapy Approach. Sponsored by the Faculty of Education, University of Alberta For more information, visit Sept. 30-Oct. 3/04 in Calgary AB The Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (Alberta Division) presents Autumn Workshops For more information, visit alberta. Oct. 3-6/04 in Toronto ON Conference on Mental Health & Addictions, presented by Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario et al For more information, info@ontario. cmha.ca. Oct /04 in Hamilton ON Conference: International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services For more information, psrconf@stjosham.on.ca. Oct /04 in Banff AB Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association 25th Anniversary Conference Reflections on Leadership Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Preventing Relapse in Depression Zindel Segal, Ph.D., C. Psych. October 29-30, 2004 MSC Conference and Event Centre (MacEwan Hall) University of Calgary presented by InnerSolutions This two-day workshop covers the core elements of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) through lecture, experiential and video presentations Early registration: $ GST = $ (must be postmarked before Sept. 29/04) Late registration: $ GST = $ For further information: innersolutions@shaw.ca Web: Phone: For more information or to register, call Chris Marcil at or chris.marcil@calgaryhealthregion.ca. Oct /04 in Canmore AB International TA Conference Liberating the Human Spirit: Decisions THEN Choices NOW For more information or to register, call Donna Marie Perry at or donna_marie@chinooktai.org, or visit Oct /04 in Saint John NB Conference: Adoption Council of Canada presented by Family & Community Services and the Province of New Brunswick & the New Brunswick Adoption Foundation For more information, visit Oct /04 in Ottawa ON Second Canadian Conference on Literacy & Health, Staying the Course: Literacy & Health in the First Decade For more information call ext. 112, literacyandhealth_ conf@cpha.ca, or visit The Advocate fall 2004

29 Oct /04 24th Annual Dealing With Grief Conference Coping With Loss Before and After Death: From Predeath Anticipatory Mourning to Postdeath Traumatic Bereavement Presented by Dr. Therese Rando, sponsored by Alberta Funeral Service Association. For more information or to register, call Carley at Oct /04 in Edmonton AB Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention & Alberta Mental Health Board present Planning for Action: Building Momentum for Suicide Prevention for your information For more information or to register, call ext. 231, fax or Nov. 1-2/04 in Winnipeg MB HQS Consulting Services presents David Epston: Hoping as a Practice in Desperate Circumstances: Respect & Solidarity as Practices in Every Circumstance For more information or to register, call , fax or visit Nov. 3-5/04 in Edmonton AB Annual Family Violence Conference Diverse Voices: Building a Coordinated Community Approach For more information, call Dorothy Morrison at , fax or visit Nov. 8-9/04 in Calgary AB Jack Hirose & Associates & Dr. David Burns, MD, present...and It s All Your Fault! How to Overcome Anger & Interpersonal Conflict Nov /04 in Edmonton AB Jack Hirose & Associates and Dr. David Burns present Strategies for Therapeutic Success: My 20 Most Effective Techniques For more information, call toll-free , fax , jackhirose@shaw.ca, or visit Continued on page 31 Jack Hirose and Associates Fall 2004 Training Series Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health November 18, 19 and 20, 2004 Presenters: Dr. Claudia Black, Ph.D., Terence Gorski, M.A., Dr. Kenneth Minkoff, M.D., Dr. Graeme Cunningham, M.D., Dr. John Cutbill, M.D., Derek LaCroix, LLB., Dr. Paul Farnan, M.D., Neal Berger, M.S.W., Dr. Ray Baker, M.D., and Dr. David Marsh, M.D. Vancouver, British Columbia...And It s All Your Fault! - How to Overcome Anger and Interpersonal Conflict Presenter: Dr. David Burns, M.D. November 8 and 9, 2004 in Calgary, Alberta Strategies for Therapeutic Success - My Twenty Most Effective Techniques Presenter: Dr. David Burns, M.D. November 12 and 13, 2004 in Edmonton, Alberta For a complete brochure contact Jack Hirose and Associates Inc jackhirose@shaw.ca Volume 29 Issue 3 29

30 for your information Private Practice Space available in professional psychology office. Full and part time associates welcome. Fully equipped, including boardroom, group space, kitchen and staff area. Easy access to public transportation and parking. Althea Psychological Services: #201, Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta. Phone: (403) Fax: (403) Please contact Elise Ginsburg (ext. 23) or Ilona Fark (ext. 21) for further information. Presents: William Madsen, PhD Collaborative Practice with Multi-Stressed Families in a Traditional Setting. October 13, 2004 in Edmonton October 14, 2004 in Calgary Registration information: info@collaborativeinsights.ca Phone #: PRIME OFFICE SPACE Central location Well Appointed 1253 Sq. Ft. office space for lease Parking available appropriate for professional practice(s) Call days (403) or evgs. & Wknds (403) Spirituality in Practice: An Experiential Workshop for Helping Professionals Fri. Oct 29, 9 am 4pm before Sept 17 - $115, students $65 after Sept 17 - $135, students $80 The Art of Inspiring Leadership: Purpose, Presence, Passion and Power Public Lecture Thurs. Oct 28, 7-8:30 pm $15 at the door, $5 for students, seniors and unwaged Judith Ansara Gass, MSW, is coming to Calgary to teach and inspire us! Judith has been a pioneer teacher in the field of human consciousness for 25 years, working as trainer, psychotherapist, coach and organizational consultant throughout North America. Weaving philosophy and skills from Western psychology and personal and organizational effectiveness with her immersion in Eastern contemplative practice, Judith will lead in dynamic and skill based training. For more information contact the Women in Psychology Professional Development Committee at (403) , spiritualityinpractice@s haw.ca, or visit Connect, Collaborate, Create Community Be A Walk-In Counselling Volunteer Are you looking for a unique volunteer opportunity or provisional hours? The Support Network is an organization that will value your skills and enhance your professional experience while providing supervision by a registered Social Worker. The Support Network provides Edmonton with an accessible, no fee, single session walk-in counselling service. professional counselling solution-focused approach families, couples, and individuals who are experiencing distress or crisis in their lives. For more information please visit our website at or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at The Advocate fall 2004

31 LAURIER PhD Graduates of Laurier s PhD program in Social Work are prepared to assume leadership roles in research, professional education, and specialized practice in human service organizations. The program emphasizes applied research offers financial assistance to entering students provides significant teaching and research experience has a solid record of graduate employment. for your information For more information write, phone or the PhD Program Co-ordinator, Faculty of Social Work at: Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Social Work 75 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5 Telephone: (519) , extension swphd@wlu.ca For Your Information Continued from page 29 Nov /04 in Richmond BC Jack Hirose & Associates and Dr. Ray Baker at Healthquest: Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health For more information, call Healthquest at , toll-free , fax , or occhealth@infoserve. net. April 7-9/05 in Regina SK Call for Abstracts for The Alzheimer Society of Canada s 27th National Conference Deadline: Sept. 24/04. See Abstract Submission Guidelines at www. alzheimer.ca (click on News and Events and then National Conference ). For a copy of the guidelines by mail, call For more information or to register, call ext. 229, fax , conference2005@alzheimer.ca. To place your notice in For Your Information, contact the ACSW office. Please note that the deadline for all submissions for the Winter 2004 issue is OCTOBER 15, The Health Sciences Association of Alberta represents more than 12,000 professional, technical, and support employees in the public and private health care sectors of Alberta. We fight for fair wages and decent working conditions for our members. We also raise public awareness about the shortages of health professionals such as social workers. Toll free: Volume 29 Issue 3 31

32 IF UNDELIVERABLE PLEASE RETURN TO: Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) #550, Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3M1, Canada in the news Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No ISSN Date of Issue: SEPTEMBER 2004 ACSW 2005 Annual Conference Political is Personal: Social Workers United Capri Centre in Red Deer, April 21-23, 2005 We have an awesome committee of volunteers who are working hard to make this a successful, worthwhile learning experience and a fun, rejuvenating, revitalizing time. Look for many opportunities to network and socialize, and unique surprises as part of the conference. Mark your calendars the conference will be in April in 2005, not March. For more details, see the conference committee s first report, page 8. Free Initial Consultation Warm Friendly Atmosphere Monthly Payments Available Weekend/Evening Appts. Available Free Parking Convenient Location Children Welcome Licensed for Alberta, Nunavet and NWT CALL RHONDA FOX-MILES, CIRP, RSW in Edmonton FOX-MILES & ASSOCIATES INC. TRUSTEE IN BANKRUPTCY # Meadowlark Road Edmonton, AB 32 The Advocate fall 2004