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Social work bodies respond —how the September 11 terrorist attacks affect social workers and their clients
Examining the aftermath page 20 Using the title of “social worker” page 4 Social work and crisis response… page 22 Reaching out to immigrant children page 24 Confronting racism page 26
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On June 29, 2001, ACSW Council ratified a decision by the
Board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)
and the presidents of the member organizations to establish the
BSW degree as the basis for the use of the title “social worker.”
This decision reflects the ACSW Council’s mandate to serve and
protect the public interest by the development of professional
standards. The decision was made after many years of discussion
and efforts by ACSW representatives at national meetings of
the CASW Board, presidents’ meetings and meetings of staff to
persuade colleagues elsewhere to accept Alberta’s position by
including diploma graduates as social workers.
At all levels, the decision was made in the national and inter-
national context of efforts by governments around the world,
including Canada, to chart a new direction by “harmonizing”
occupational and professional standards to enhance the free flow
of goods and services. It is a decision made within a public
policy context and framework that transcends provincial and
even national boundaries.
At the recent National Social Work Forum in Montreal, Dr.
Glenn Drover made that exact point in addressing provincial
delegates representing professional practice, social work educa-
tion, and professional regulation. According to Dr. Drover, many
of the developments, including the harmonization of profes-
sional standards currently impacting social work, especially pro-
fessional regulation, are very much the result of world-wide
initiatives. The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) is merely the
formal Canadian mechanism for implementing the various trade
agreements of which Canada is a part.
As a result, ACSW Council’s decision and response to the
specific concerns raised by representatives of Alberta’s two-year
diploma programs are conceptualized and understood within
that larger framework. The following issues are raised in the
letter from Alberta’s college diploma programs.
Issue: The community colleges were not consulted by Council
before making its decision.
ACSW’s Response: The assertion that ACSW Council should
first consult with the two-year diploma programs before making
this type of decision is factually incorrect. ACSW Council’s first
obligation is to inform its members of the decisions it makes
and that obligation was honoured by the formal announcement
in The Advocate. The education institutions/programs, whether at
a college or university level, are not members of ACSW; they
are not entitled to special priority and do not have a privileged
status in these matters.
Nevertheless, as a professional courtesy, the ACSW President
met with a representative from each of the approved social work
education programs letting them know of the decision prior to
mailing The Advocate.
Issue: This is a first step to de-registering or excluding college
diploma graduates.
ACSW’s Response: This is an initiative to establish a new and
protected title for two-year diploma graduates. This is not about
de-registering or excluding anyone. ACSW Council is commit-
ted to including diploma graduates as registered professionals,
with a unique and protected title. Diploma graduates have made
and will continue to make valued and important contributions.
The national resolution, ratified by ACSW Council, deals exclu-
sively with the matter of the first academic credential for the use
of the title “social worker.”
Issue: By making this decision, Council has not adequately
considered the issues related to those members who are gradu-
ates of diploma programs.
ACSW’s Response: In point of fact, Council has been and contin-
ues to be highly diligent in considering the needs of diploma
graduates. The fact that the resolution refers to a title-based dis-
tinction rather than a scope-of-practice-based distinction ensures
that Alberta’s diploma graduates will be recognized as full mem-
bers of the ACSW. Unlike some other jurisdictions in Canada,
diploma graduates will not be expected to establish themselves
as a new and different profession. Further, ACSW Council has
actively sought the cooperation of, and supported, the University
of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, in its efforts to maximize
opportunities for transferability of diploma graduates and the
establishment of a distinct stream for diploma graduates. In addi-
tion, Council’s decision is not intended to be retroactive. Indeed,
a notice period will be provided, to ensure that new applicants
to diploma programs are fully aware of the new and distinct
professional title the moment they first enroll in a program.
Issue: The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) has
no mandate to be involved in regulatory matters and therefore
acted outside of its jurisdiction by adopting this resolution.
ACSW’s Response: The assertion by the college programs that
CASW has no role or acted outside of its jurisdiction is factually
incorrect. While jurisdiction for professional regulation is indeed a
provincial/territorial responsibility, CASW by virtue of its bylaws
has been authorized by its 11 member organizations, “to provide
national leadership and to collaborate with member organizations to
promote activities aimed at strengthening and unifying the social work
profession across Canada.” Also in this context, the March 2000
CASW Board approved Scope of Practice Statement already
notes that the “accredited baccalaureate education is considered the
first professional practice degree.” Moreover, in the context of AIT,
nothing prevents the provincial/territorial members and Board
of CASW (seven of whom are regulators for the profession) to
make decisions that are subject to provincial/territorial ratifica-
tion. Accordingly, the report in the Fall Advocate points out that
the national resolution was ratified by ACSW Council at its June
2001 meeting.
Issue: The Social Work Education Summit held in Leduc earlier
this year did not raise this issue. Likewise, it was not raised at the
last ACSW AGM.
ACSW’s Response: The observation about the Social Work
Education Summit held at Nisku is factually incorrect. At least
one of the individuals speaking at the opening of the Summit
made specific mention of the issue, even though the Summit was
specifically directed to the issues of social work education and
had no formal mandate to deal with regulatory issues such as a
title change.
The suggestion that the most recent ACSW AGM did not provide
an opportunity to discuss a distinct professional title for college
graduates is also factually incorrect. The President’s Annual Report
to the membership, delivered at the most recent AGM, notes a
specific reference to: “An issue that continues to emerge from the
national scene as well as locally, is the professional title associated with
college graduates.” The report goes on to describe the issue from
a national and local perspective. In addition, the 2001 Annual
Conference included a workshop on the subject of distinct titles
for different educational credentials.
Finally, the Social Work Sector Study funded by Human
Development Resources Canada (HRDC) also raises the issue of
a title differentiation for two-year diploma graduates. Throughout
much of the Annual Report, two-year diploma graduates are
generally referred to as “social service workers.” The title “social
worker” is generally identified with the four-year university BSW
degree. There were three opportunities this year to discuss the
Annual Report, including the Social Work Education Summit,
and roundtables in Lethbridge and Slave Lake.
Issue: In 1991, ACSW Council (then AASW Council) agreed
that diploma graduates would be eligible for registration.
ACSW’s Response: A review of the 1991 minutes of ACSW
Council suggests that this claim is factually incorrect. The history
leading up to the current Act of 1991 includes ACSW’s proposal
of the mid-1980s to name community college graduates as “regis-
tered social services workers” and “certified social services work-
ers.” In addition, according to Hansard, two-year diploma gradu-
ates were not included in the current Act as eligible “registered
social workers” until consideration of the Act during Committee
of the Whole and then only as a last-minute amendment by
Government. Based on review of the 1991 minutes, ACSW’s ,
Continued on page 8
regular feature
approval for the government’s amendment was never sought or
obtained.
Moreover, based on discussions with officials involved in the
decision-making process, it is reported that community college(s)
were the principal lobbyists behind the government’s last-minute
decision to include two-year diploma graduates as registered social
workers. There is no record in the minutes of ACSW Council
during the 1991 time period referenced in the community col-
leges’ letter that the lobbying was done with the endorsement of
ACSW Council or ACSW members.
It’s also important to point out that the choice of “registered
social services worker” as the distinct title for diploma graduates
honours the history of diploma programs. A number of the
Alberta diploma programs began their history by carving out a
unique place in the spectrum of human services as “social service
programs” preparing students to become “social service workers.”
Issue: As Albertans we are used to doing things differently; we
should lead, rather than follow.
ACSW’s Response: ACSW is already a recognized leader! Alberta’s
existing legislation for the social work profession is already among
the best in Canada. When the HPA takes effect, it will clearly be
leading edge professional legislation. ACSW continues to play an
important and active role in the Canadian Association of Social
Workers. ACSW members have been represented on the execu-
tive of the International Federation of Social Workers for nearly
three consecutive decades. ACSW played a number of important
roles in the recent National Social Work Forum. Since joining
the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) in the USA,
ACSW Council members and staff have already made significant
contributions to the work of that organization. In addition, The
Advocate was recognized by ASWB as the best publication by
member organizations. In 2004, ACSW will host the annual
Spring Conference of the ASWB, in Calgary.
Clearly, Alberta does not exist in a vacuum. The national discus-
sion about who should be authorized to use the title “social
worker” and “social services worker” is not some isolated act
devoid of a public policy or legal context. Isolationism is not
an option! The suggestion that Alberta is used to doing things
differently might be a well-worn political slogan most often
tightly associated with right-wing politics, but doesn’t stand up to
closer examination.
Issue: Seeking a change in title for two-year diploma graduates
could jeopardize the “passing of the Health Professions Act.”
ACSW’s Response: The Health Professions Act is already “passed.”
The Alberta Legislative Assembly gave Third Reading to this
legislation on May 18, 1999, and Royal Assent was given the next
day. It now awaits proclamation while regulations implementing
the Act are finalized on a profession by profession basis. The
Regulation for Social Work has already gone through the public
consultation phase and is now in the drafting stage. In any case,
the government has already been officially advised that ACSW
intends to apply for an amendment to the HPA, only after the
Regulation for Social Work has been proclaimed.
Issue: The change in title devalues the contribution diploma
graduates make and will contribute to classism and elitism.
ACSW’s Response: Realistically, there’s no doubt that diploma
graduates have made and will continue to make valued contribu-
tions to the profession. Moreover, ACSW Council’s decision will
enable diploma graduates to continue doing so with a new and
distinct title that reflects a national and international standard
for the use of the professional title “social worker.” Moreover,
ACSW Council will continue to support and actively encourage,
wherever possible, opportunities for diploma graduates to ladder
their education to a BSW degree.
The suggestion that Council’s decision leads to classism and
elitism fails on a test of logic. The conclusion as outlined by the
college representatives is based on the premise that a distinction
in professional titles introduces a class system, and thereby leads
to elitism. While ACSW Council’s decision is attributed as the
source for this class system, in reality, if it exists at all, it follows
only because of the two-year diploma program offered by the
colleges. Unless the colleges’ position is that there is no substantial
difference between a two-year diploma and a four-year university
BSW degree in terms of beginning professional competence, the
classism and elitism charged to ACSW Council logically begins
with the colleges themselves!
President’s reportcontinued from page 8
This fall has been a busy time for travel and meetings out of
province. In past years, attending such meetings was relatively
uneventful; however, since September 11, air travel has taken
on a new dimension with extra security requirements that have
added to travel time. Despite the uncertainties of travel, meetings
to discuss professional matters have continued to take place.
Annual Meeting of Executive Directors
On September 22 and 23, I attended the annual meeting of
Executive Directors representing provincial social work associa-
tions, held in Winnipeg. This yearly gathering offers a forum to
discuss social work issues common to all provinces as well as an
opportunity to update and exchange information about profes-
sional activities taking place within the respective provinces.
This meeting directly followed a meeting of representatives
from provincial social work regulatory bodies. The Manitoba
Association of Social Workers/Manitoba Institute of Registered
Social Workers hosted these meetings.
National Social Work Forum
Some 70 social workers from across Canada met in Montreal
from October 11-13 for a National Social Work Forum. The
goal of the forum was to foster a better understanding of, and
respect for, the education, regulatory and practice perspectives of
the social work profession in Canada and how these intersect, in
order to ensure that the public is well served.
The particular objectives of the event are to encourage and
enable communication among the practice, education, and regu-
latory components of the profession; to jointly identify and
prioritize common issues; to explore potential joint plans of
action to address priority issues; to evaluate this working model
and to explore how to make the Forum an on-going activity.
To start the discussions, a three-member panel made presenta-
tions on issues related to social work education, social work
practice and social work regulation. I made the presentation on
social work regulation based on a paper compiled by Alison
MacDonald. Gilles Rondeau gave the presentation on social
work education, while Gail MacDougall did the presentation on
social work practice.
Following the presentations, the participants were divided into
six small groups. On the first day, each group identified and
priorized issues, and on the second day, each group identified
strategies to address these issues. All groups reported their priori-
ties and strategies to the rest of the participants. A number of
commonalities amongst groups were identified. Some of the
issues reflected findings from the national sector study on social
work, In Critical Demand, the Quebec Estates General study
released in 1999, as well as the Alberta Social Work Summit that
took place earlier this spring.
Other participants from Alberta were Jake Kuiken, Margot
Herbert, Anne Marie McLaughlin, John Mould, Gayla Rogers,
and Kim Zapf. The results of the forum are being compiled for
distribution. The discussion papers on education, practice and
regulation will be posted on the CASW website.
Executive Director & Registrar’s ReportRod Adachi, MSW, RSW
Travels with Rod
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President’s Report
To date we have registered 1309 individuals under the grand-parenting provision. A profile of the grandparented RSWs reveals:
•Gender: 20.2 % are men; 79.8% are women•Education: 19.9% have a diploma or certificate; 44.8% have a baccalaureate; 17.1% have a graduate degree•Age: 27% are age 25 to 34; 49.5% are age 35 to 49; 22.2% are age 50 to 64•Location: 33% are from Edmonton; 24% are from Calgary; 43% are from the rest of Alberta.•27 are students in social work programs; 231 have completed the required course on social work ethics.
Grandparenting Update
10 The Advocate • winter 2001
Ethics in ActionAlison MacDonald, MSW, RSW
I am sure that most social workers have heard the stories
this past year about the psychiatric referral that was inadver-
tently faxed to a newsroom and the case information that was
e-mailed to the wrong address. Both these stories were quite
visible in the Alberta media and were used by the media to add
to the general negative image of the social work profession.
Need for vigilance
Neither of these cases necessarily constituted a breach of the
code of ethics or standards of practice for registered social
workers, but both clearly demonstrate the need for social work-
ers (or their administrative staff) to be vigilant in the use
of technology. With the growing use of electronic devices in
the practice of social work, we all must give thought to the
potential problems and appropriate solutions. Here are a few
scenarios to reflect upon.
“Can these clients complain about
the lack of competence when
it does not relate specifically
to social work knowledge, skills,
and abilities?”
A social worker is providing counseling services over the
Internet. The social worker lives in Idaho and the client lives in
Alberta. The social worker, believing that the distance provides
an effective screen, uses the client’s case in a presentation to
social workers in Virginia. Someone in the audience knows the
family, recognizes the case and informs the client. The client
decides to lodge a complaint for breach of confidentiality. To
whom does the client complain? The ACSW has no jurisdiction
over a social worker not registered in Alberta and the Idaho
legislation states that it is the “duty of the attorney general
... to represent and appear for the people of the state of Idaho
... in all actions and proceedings involving any question under
this act...”
Different skills
A social worker decides to set up a consulting practice with
on-line services to clients. The social worker is very competent
with regard to the consultation issues, but has limited computer
skills. On several occasions, information provided by clients is
lost and must be resubmitted. Can these clients complain about
the lack of competence when it does not relate specifically to
social work knowledge, skills, and abilities?
What about information that ends up in the wrong hands?
Simply having case notes on a computer that is connected
to others through a local area network can make information
accessible to people with the right computer knowledge.
Should social workers be held accountable for technology that
goes awry or for misdialing a telephone? Should there be a
standard limiting the types of information that social workers
can transmit through electronic means?
We are at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technological
advances and their impact on social work practice. The
ACSW is attempting to anticipate some of the situations that
may be problematic and discussing ways to address those prob-
lems. A group of social workers are beginning an on-line
discussion to share their thoughts and ideas. If you would
be interested in participating in this discussion, please contact
Should social workers be held accountable for technology that goes awry or for misdialing a telephone? Should there be a standard limiting the types of information that social workers can transmit through electronic means?
Technology and social work practice
Book Review:Professional social service delivery in a multicultural world
Relative to the U.S. and the U.K., Canada is pretty dry when
it comes to publication on the subject of social work practice
in a multicultural setting. Professional Social Service Delivery in
a Multicultural World was, therefore, a welcome find. Edited
by Gwat-Yong Lie and David Este, the anthology contains
16 chapters by scholars and practitioners of the Canadian,
particularly Albertan, social work scene. Indeed, the idea of the
book was borne of Lie’s experience teaching at the University
of Calgary that “few articles or books…addressed cultural
competence practice in the social service field.”
Readers are quickly introduced to social and service-delivery
issues of an increasingly ethnoculturally diverse Canada in the
context of the country’s immigration history and official multi-
culturalism. The chapters that follow are grouped by four focuses:
practice; organizational change; evaluation and research; and pro-
fessional education, training, and continuing education. I particu-
larly enjoyed reading this book because its articles offer a subtext
rich in diverse perspectives that construct the practice discourse.
The underlying liberal view is evident in the articles. It is
assumed that the individual change agent is independent, capable,
and willing to effect change when he/she knows what to be and
to do. Hence, the contributors’ consensus on what it takes to
effect change is “a set of competencies and standards approved
by the profession, and followed by the design and development
of educational and training curricula that would creatively deliver
the knowledge, values and skills integral to the acquisition of the
specified competencies at the standard stipulated by the profes-
sional collegia.”
Within this commonality I found other interesting perspectives.
With various degrees of the race relations perspective, a number
of articles expose realities that challenge the liberal optimism
about institutions and people—yes, by extension, social workers
ourselves. This perspective is necessary for social workers to frame
multicultural issues in systemic terms and interventions from an
anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective.
A source of critical thinking in the book for me is the
discussion of diversity perspective without also a reality check
about the unconquerable force of assimilation in Canadian soci-
ety. MacLeod demonstrates well that diversity connotes values
of respect, acceptance and equality. Her critique of assimilation
suggests the related assumptions that one would simply be able
to substitute assimilation with diversification and that assimilation
occurs for no reasons concerning some sector’s vested interests.
If valuing diversity is about people as they are, I was wondering
how one would reconcile the promotion of this value on the one
hand, and the workplace’s first and foremost utilitarian motive in
having these immigrants because “(a)s the traditional labour pool
began to shrink, there was increasing pressure upon employers
to hire from non-traditional sources.” If, as MacLeod notes, these
immigrants will come with social deficits with respect to the
Canadian workplace, one cannot but imagine necessary limita-
tions placed on diversity management in terms of treating certain
groups as “equals.” Thus, the question of “what is the workplace’s
bottom line for accepting differences about an immigrant work
force from non-traditional sources?” must be confronted. How
would a workplace possibly determine whether changes expected
from “non-traditional” individuals are not disrespecting the dear-
est core of their culture?
Practitioners command a lot in the business of effecting changes
concerning their clients. What “professional discretion” ends up
as practice is unquestionably influenced by the perspective/s the
practitioner takes to understanding and interpreting the client’s
CarterJulia Dawn CaseyLaura Anne CavicchiRosalind Sau Wan
ChanBrenda J ChiniquayEsther Maria ClarkClifford Todd ClarkePatti ClowTrudy CockerillMaureen A ColemanMaureen ComeauCatherine Anne
CresswellGlen Cornel DahlkeDori DavidowDarcie Anne DeanSharon Dillon-
GauchierMarie Madeleine
Dioszegi
Rachel Lorraine Doepker
Rhonda Aileen Edwards
Allan David FaldenRhonda Gail ForthGordon Alexander
FoxMarc Peter GadwaNicole Lynnette
GagnonNorma Freda
GamblerBonita L GedlamanPatricia Rose GeringChristine Beryl
GiffordAngela C HalwaLinda M HearnDavid R HeckLeona M HeydenRobert Joseph
HillockJune D HunterCaroline MA HyattVictoria Gail JellinekMichelle Mary JensenMiranda May JohnsShashi KaliaSairose KassamMary Jane KleinMiriam KleinerDana Lee KnappBonnie Lynn
KowaliukNatasha Lee
KowalskyLinda LaliberteVirginia Li LauTammy T LautnerPatricia LawrenceTara Jane LeederMichael Myron
LemiskiDelia Rose LerouxKimberly Ann LewisValerie LidfordTwylla Joy Little
ShieldsLorraine F LourieHeather June
MacAulay
Liane Theresa MacDonald
Kenneth Roy MacDougall
Karen Anita MacLeodLanny MagnussenJanice G Mann-
RevoloneRebecca Many Grey
HorsesSantanita ManychiefJocelyn Carol MarcilNatalie Alana
MarshallDavid J MartinHeather Elizabeth
MartinFay MasonMary Catherine
MasseBarbara MatthewsValerie Jean
McGriskinTammra Ann MealingLorrie Ann MertzLeona Delphine
MetchewaisJodie MillsMonica Rachel
Mitzner
Kimberly Dawn Mondor
Joan Morrison O’Hara
Stephen Anthony Morrissey
Rachel Leah d’Entremont Muzzerall
Neal Edward MyttonAnnie NapierBetty Jean NeilChristine Nelson-
VoigtKamlyn Ng-See-
QuanSherri OpdendriesKatherine A OttieLisa C ParrishRoger Charles
PelletierDonna Marie PerryTamie PerrymentRoberto Andres
PetersenAllison E PurcellShirley A PurvesTamara Raeburn-JansKelly RedpathBarbara Ann Remple
Deborah G RichardsDorothy Heather
RichardsCamille Anne RiesNicola RobinsonKim Lori RodgerDolores Joyce RossRichard Anthony
ShawYvonne ShoutingDeby SinghMarge M SmallfaceKaren Maureen
SmithKaren Lynn SparkesPatricia Anne SpencerSherry Lynn StahlkeMaralee Dawn
Steward
Jacqueline StewartGary Thomas
SummerbellStacey Brent SupinaJo-Anne SutherlandPatricia A TailfeathersRalph Merlin ThalerLori ThompsonSharon Dianne
TkalychChristina D TortorelliShonalie J UphillKaren Heather
VanderwellTreena-Marie WardHeather WaxKeith G WeirKimbereley WelteMary Lynn WestHoward Jonathan
WielerJeanna WilhelmLinda Joanne
WilliamsDevin K WogCatherine Anne
WorthingtonShawn Cameron
Jason Yellowbird
New Members4450 members as of Oct. 12, 2001
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Children’s Advocates address Retired Social Workers Interest Group
Ernest Schlesinger, MSW, RSW
their clients. Lines of responsibility and
accountability seem unclear to the staff,
the contracted agencies, and the families
they serve.
John and Bob acknowledged the dedica-
tion of frontline workers and managers,
but noted that workers were unable to
speak publicly about the deficiencies in
the system because they stand to suffer
consequences. Similarly, contracted agen-
cies were constrained to speak out in fear
of losing their contracts.
Bob and his predecessors, besides speaking
on behalf of the children in care, have
tried to help the children speak for them-
selves as well. However, in his last report
as Children’s Advocate, Bob says: “I am
concerned about what attempts there may
be to quiet the voice of the Children’s
Advocate and the voices of young people.”
It was for this reason that John challenged
the retired social workers to become
informed and active in speaking out on
child welfare issues. John noted the count-
less years of experience and the wealth
of knowledge of the people attending
the meeting. He suggested the Retired
Social Workers Group of ACSW could
make an important contribution, collec-
tively and individually, by advocating for
the improvements that need to be made
for a more responsive child welfare system.
Social action is not the prerogative of only
those who are employed. Old social work-
ers never fade away until they die. Stay
involved!
Note: Retired social workers interested in reviewing what is happening in child welfare are invited to get in touch with Ernie Schlesinger at (780) 439-2129.
Clinical Social Work CommitteeAlison MacDonald, MSW, RSW
The Clinical Social Work Committee has now processed most
of the applications that were received over the first year, and
has been able to turn its attention to some of the policy
issues that must be addressed for the long-term viability of the
clinical designation. There are three questions that have had
some preliminary discussion, and the committee is interested in
receiving feedback from clinical registry members to assist with
drafting policies.
First is the matter of continuing competence. As all social
workers should now be aware, under the Health Professions Act
there will be specific requirements to be met annually by all
RSWs with regard to continuing competence. The committee
is proposing that clinical social workers should be required
to complete 50 hours annually, of which 20 must have a
clinical focus. Further, they are proposing that each clinical
social worker should be required to demonstrate that they have
spent a minimum of 10 hours per year in supervision, consulta-
tion, or peer review, and that such activities should reflect the
full breadth of the social worker’s practice.
The committee has also been reviewing the definition of clini-
cal practice, particularly as it applies to those social workers who
are primarily involved in teaching, research, and administration.
The committee is recommending that all these activities be
included within the definition, but that any clinical social
worker who has not been working directly with clients for a
period of three or more years be required to work under the
supervision of another clinical social worker until they have
demonstrated current competence.
Finally, the committee has been discussing the issue of insur-
ance, and questioning whether the requirements for clinical
social workers should be for more than basic liability insurance.
Committee members are of the opinion that some social work-
ers are not knowledgeable about the limits of their insurance
and that this may result in problems in the future.
The committee would be interested in receiving feedback from
clinical social workers with regard to these and any other issues
relevant to clinical practice. Other matters that will be discussed
Policy issues require feedbackat future meetings include assessing equivalencies, redesigning
the clinical reference form, supervision requirements for new
graduates, and policies with regard to re-writing the exam. Please
direct your comments to Alison MacDonald at the ACSW.
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Ejike Ohuegbe, BSW, RSW
At the 2001 ACSW conference in Calgary, a group of stu-
dents interested in the area of community practice met to
share their experiences. Many expressed a desire for us to
continue to stay in contact after the conference and to pro-
vide one another with professional support; we agreed there
was a need for a formal Community Practice Interest Group.
To ensure continued development of this group, we wrote to
ACSW Council seeking their support. In its April 2001 meet-
ing, Council “approved in-principle, the request to establish
formally, the Community Practice Interest Group (CPIG).”
The next step is to develop a terms of reference, and we’ve
received a format for that from the ACSW. To facilitate the
development of a draft terms of reference, a core group
should be formed. Volunteers from all parts of Alberta with an
interest in community practice are encouraged to get involved
to ensure representation.
We expect the time commitment to be about three meetings
by telephone or video conferencing, to ensure all volunteers
can participate. The draft terms of reference must be ready for
the upcoming 2002 conference in Red Deer, where it will be
a topic for discussion.
Social workers interested in volunteering in this capacity can
Founded in 1982, a non profit society, VATI is accredited by the
Private Post Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia.
Committee members began their fall activities with two
September meetings concerned with Children’s Ministry
decisions. Stephen Brown, Executive Manager of the Child
Welfare Act Review, provided an overview of the mandate and
timetable of this review and invited the profession to get
engaged in the process.
Following the meeting, the committee set forward a proposal
to Council to request that a formal submission be prepared. In
late September, Council approved and set aside resources for this
special project. The committee is awaiting the Ministry’s discus-
sion paper, but is moving forward by requesting proposals from
consultants who are interested in undertaking this initiative for
ACSW. We anticipate facilitated member consultations will start
by the end of November.
Another matter of interest to the committee was the negative
impacts of the “cost containment” injunction placed on all Child
and Family Services Regional Authorities.
At the September 26 meeting it was decid-
ed that widespread member feedback was
required. A sub-committee was established
to develop several strategic opportunities to
receive member feedback and plan alter-
native actions. This plan was quickly modi-
fied when the government announced an
across the board one percent budget “cut-
back” above the balanced budget injunction.
Further Ministry budget reductions are
anticipated.
This political reality has not held back some
members from recounting the nature and
extent of their concerns. Their stories of
abruptly terminated service, disrupted rela-
tionships (as if trust and care are equitable
and eminently transferable), redefined “need” for service, etc., are
difficult to hear and more difficult to carry out. A variety of opin-
ions exist within the committee, however they desire action to
support ACSW members and the children and families of Alberta.
Where many government departments “cut” infrastructure, we
know that the decisions implemented by the Children’s Ministry
have tangible and long-term impacts on the quality of our civil
society.
This sort of action requires broad membership support.
Information will soon be available to assist you to take action to
support and insist on decision-making that is based on sound, eth-
ical social work practice, not economic vagaries. We also request
that you become knowledgeable, or share your knowledge, about
the impacts and implications of “cutbacks” on real children and
families. This builds shared understanding and assembles the cour-
age for change—social justice in action. Your letters of concern
will help the ACSW support you publicity without recrimina-
tions. Thank you for your continued support.
regular feature
During the luncheon, Rod Adachi presented Derryn Yeomans with a Service Award honoring her work for 11 years as Central Alberta Area Coordinator for ACSW.
The Summer Institute Planning Committee Back Row: Derryn Yeomans, Maxine Depner-Hill, Elaine Paras (staff), Emily DrzymalaFront Row: Colleen Palichuk (chair), Angie Moore, Evelyn Neufeld-Konshuh
offering a presentation on some aspect
of social work, please contact Elaine
Paras at ACSW.
21Volume 26 • Isssue 4
This year marks the completion of the Association’s first full
operating cycle since the adoption of our new ‘Ends’ state-
ments. Under the Board's governance mandate these ‘Ends’
represent our strategic vision for the Association, while the
Association’s management is charged with determining the
‘Means’ by which this vision is achieved.
The year provided some exciting challenges to the board's
governance model, particularly when faced with more unique
issues such as alternatives to the redevelopment of the Calgary
International Hostel. These tests provided an excellent means
to identify both successes and areas for improvement in our
Ends implementation and to remind us that even policy must
sometimes be dynamic.
Overall, we are pleased with the progress made the past year
and with the opportunities which lie ahead, both from a strate-
gic and operational perspective. We are anxious to continue our
progress towards greater alignment between our national mis-
sion statement, our regional board of directors, the Association,
and our membership.
On behalf of the 1999/2000 HI-SA Board of Directors, I
would like to thank you for your support and look forward to
another great year. The Canadian Hostelling Association began
when two schoolteachers from Calgary, Catherine and Mary
Barclay, hatched the idea to establish hostels as part of a student
exchange program. Over sixty years later, Alberta is proud to be
home to 17 hostels, 10 in Southern Alberta and 7 in Northern
Alberta.
Today, there are 4 million Hostelling International members
worldwide with over 4,500 hostels in 70 countries. The
Canadian Association accounts for more than 33,000 members
At this point it appears that thousands of innocent people may
have lost their lives—and the lives of their families and loved ones
will be changed forever. It is critical that in responding to this that
the actions of any government—but most particularly the American
government—do not lead to a similar loss of innocent lives elsewhere
in the world.
The CASW statement says:
The families of the victims of the terrorist attacks have our deepest
sympathy and while it is important to express sympathy, these
families require more from us. They deserve a response to their loss
that respects the memory of their loved ones and does not replicate
their own experience of devastating loss.
“As we move forward in responding to
this week’s tragedy, let us all recognize
the strength we have within to endure
difficult times and the responsibility we
each share to help our nation heal.”
The NASW statement, while it does not overtly advocate for or
against violent reprisal, does express its support for some type of
governmental action not yet identified:
These senseless actions have devastated lives, families and our nation-
al sense of security. Our 150,000 members fully support the
President and Congress in their efforts to find the perpetrators and
bring them to justice.
Furthermore, the NASW statement upholds the social work
values of respect and acceptance for all people and it recognizes
the strength inherent in embracing diversity and democracy
simultaneously. On this point the statement declares:
As members of the human family, everyone in our country will
struggle with a wide range of intense emotions in the coming weeks
... our national unity, commitment to democracy and respect for,
and acceptance of, all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural
background and religious beliefs, can sustain us through this stressful
time and help us cope with our immense loss.
Advocating against the misuse of power, the CASW and IFSW
statements remind us of the endless suffering endured when
violent means are used in order to appropriate power and realize
revenge. As social workers, we must consider whether or not
the act of violent retaliation is a justifiable one. I support the
arguments against violent retaliation made in both the IFSW and
the CASW statements. The choice to refrain from such retaliation
does not infer support for terrorist acts nor does it mean that
we mourn any less the lives lost as a result of terrorism. Yet,
we do not recover from the tragic killing of innocent lives with
further violent action that inevitably results in additional killing of
innocent human beings.
Of course a composition as brief as this one cannot begin to
address the complexity of the historical and contemporary cir-
cumstances surrounding the new war against terrorism. However,
I believe strongly that as social workers we must have faith
in humanity’s resolve to create a safer and just world for all
citizens. At this time, when it is the most difficult to do so,
we should reflect and encourage what is best about humanity.
In this case, I believe that we are most admirable when we
ascend our inclination to lash out in anger—in seemingly justifi-
able retribution—and when we allow our interests to recede in
order to facilitate a greater good. Our humanity shines when we
sacrifice for peace.
Endnote: The full text of the CASW, NASW and IFSW state-
ments are located at the following web site addresses:
www.casw-acts.ca/statementonterrorism.htm
www.naswdc.org/terror/statement.htm
www.ifsw.org/News/Terror.htm
For suggestions on how you can participate in advocating against
military retaliation please see:
www.ifsw.org/News/Justice.htm
The author welcomes and encourages feedback and comments from social workers in order to facilitate dialogue on this timely and urgent issue. She can be reached at Erin Gray <[email protected]>
Examining the aftermath: social work bodies respond
to the terrorist attacks
By Erin Gray, MSW, RSW
On September 11, 2001, the world became less
safe and more uncertain—well, it did from a North
American perspective, at any rate. Images of hijacked
jetliners exploding into buildings, people jumping
to their deaths, and decimated city space have
paralyzed our sense of security and altered our
perception of the world and perhaps our place in it.
How have social workers responded to this devastation
and tragic loss of life? Official statements made by the
Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), the National
Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) were reviewed in an effort
to address both the overwhelming impact of the terror that
struck the United States of America, and responses to the
option of coercive retaliation.
The magnitude of such violence, while not new to the world
at large, is far less familiar in North America than elsewhere.
Although U.S. national security personnel have worried about
potential terrorist acts for some time, most of us who witnessed
the events of September 11 on our television screens were
stunned by the violence. How could this happen in the United
States? Depending upon which spin one prefers, we could
rationalize the general western world belief that our way of
life will remain fairly predictable and, for the most part, undis-
turbed as indicative of either a psychological necessity or an
uninformed and a somewhat arrogant complacency. To be fair,
the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Nonetheless,
the perception of the security of our world is shaken. Attempts
to comprehend the devastating impact that has resulted from
these attacks is complicated by the fact that the current situation
is blanketed in a disquieted uncertainty. Threats of imminent
violence are ongoing. Security measures banning certain media
reports, the recent incidents concerning bio-terrorism and the
anthrax investigations, and the possibility of other attacks of
unknown origins continue to kindle fears. Consequently, there
is a heightened sense of vulnerability, and we approach each
morning’s news broadcast with trepidation.
The CASW, NASW, and IFSW statements on the attacks in the
U.S. extend deeply felt sorrow and sincere sympathy to all those
affected by the tragedy. Understandably, the NASW statement
focuses on the current crisis at hand and highlights the capacity
of their nation to respond to the emergency and to facilitate
recovery from the wreckage. The following passage exemplifies
this point:
Our country’s greatness is evident in so many ways, but our resil-
ience, compassion and commitment to human dignity are central
to who we are. As we move forward in responding to this week’s
tragedy, let us all recognize the strength we have within to endure
difficult times and the responsibility we each share to help our
nation heal.
The CASW and IFSW statements also reflect the need and
desire to assist in recovery efforts and in fact the CASW
recognizes the activities of Canadian social workers involved in
this process.
When examining the positions on military reprisal, the CASW
and IFSW clearly advocate against violent means of retaliation.
This lack of support for coercive action is closely linked with
the acknowledgement of, and indeed respect for, the innocent
lives already lost. On this point, the IFSW statement reads:
home assessments for visiting international students, service refer-
ral, or providing direct service to students, parents or staff, it's all
part of this social worker's job description. "It really makes the
job interesting," he says.
For more information about child trauma you can visit www.childtrauma.org/
feature article
Take September 11th—Barry and other members of the field
teams were called in to the Centre For Education (Edmonton
Public School's central office) to help plan communications
to local schools and to determine advice for teachers as they
attempted to answer student questions about terrorist attacks
in the U.S.
In this particular situation, the provincial and federal govern-
ments were providing some advice and direction for things that
needed to be done, but the team also had to pinpoint schools
in the city that might need immediate support. Schools with
high populations of Muslim children were identified because
there was potential for reaction between students or reaction
from people outside the school directed towards these visible
minority youth.
The anxiety is still out there, mainly because people don't know
where this is going to go, says Barry, and kids can be especially
anxious because they may imagine more.
A set of communication resources have been prepared to aid
schools in dealing with the subject: in-service training sessions
with teachers to help them answer questions from children is
one example.
Training is also available in non-violent crisis intervention so
teachers can intervene and prevent violence at schools (this
training is not something new). Barry says that a meeting has
taken place with members of the Muslim community to see
where they're at and what advice they can offer the system to
help minimize negative reactions.
For social workers who work with Muslim children, Barry
suggests the young people should be given opportunities to
discuss how they're feeling. He says they may be fearful, and
talking about things helps to provide some relief. Some of these
kids are feeling threatened and they do need extra support
right now.
The September 11th call was rather unique, especially since
most of the crisis calls involve a local event that has affected
the school community. Examples include a teacher or student
has died, or a traumatic situation has occurred; such as when
the children arrived at school to find that someone from the
community committed suicide by hanging himself from the
playground equipment. Or the incident when a man arrived
on a local elementary school playground carrying a gun while
kids were outside doing activities—the kids were hustled back
into the school, police arrived, and the man ended up fatally
On the front line:
Social work and crisis response
Barry Heffernan, MSW, RSW, never really knows what to expect when he goes to work each day. He is a member of a field team of Consulting Services for Edmonton Public Schools, and crisis response is a part of the work he does. “You go to work in the morning and you never know what the day will hold—you might have an agenda, but then the phone rings and my agenda is out the window,” says Barry.
Management) class. It can also be offered as a one-day workshop
outside of school, on a Saturday when students would voluntarily
give up their free time to attend for example. Phase two has stu-
dents utilizing their program skills to help immigrant newcomers
to the school. Willing students are encouraged to form a post-
workshop group to offer friendship and assistance, during lunch
hour and after school, to fellow students who are attempting to
settle at the school. Phase three is a process where students are
trained to become facilitators with the hope that one day they
can offer parts of the program to their peers. Saori says there are
currently seven youth who have been involved in this training
for almost one year.
“The key to the concept of cultural
sensitivity is to have participants
understand and identify their
own ‘cultural hooks’… ”
The workshop part of the program uses games and activities to
help students learn about diversity. The key to the concept of
cultural sensitivity is to have participants understand and identify
their own “cultural hooks”: their own opinions and preferences,
how they deal with people who are different from themselves,
and what expectations they have ingrained in their personalities
that would then make them uncomfortable with other cultures.
Saori says that helping people recognize and be aware of their
own cultural hooks enables them to get past the differences they
recognize in other people.
They approach conflict resolution through active listening, ana-
lyzing communication styles, and examining how conflict hap-
pens. They cover peer pressure, self-identity, self-esteem, and how
participants relate to conflict. Saori said youth are more open
to discussing and dealing with cultural sensitivity than adults;
they ask straight questions and are curious, and some may have
personal experience with racism or discrimination. They come
up with their own understanding and, she said, it is interesting
to hear how they articulate their understanding. Many of these
students identify themselves as Canadian, and this often brings the
group to discussions of “Canadian identity.”
A number of the immigrant students find themselves in a cultural
gap with their parents, who have strong ties to the culture they
grew up with. The older the student, the more experience they
have had in understanding cultural sensitivity. Saori said junior
high students require more support as they work to interpret and
process information.
In discussions with a colleague, Saori says she recognizes the
tendency we all have to lump people into groups based on
physical characteristics, language spoken, country of origin, and
so on, when really we should never assume that people from the
same cultural background hold the same beliefs, or practice the
same religion, or have the same preferences or opinions. “We all
need to know where our own barriers are when we work with
people from other cultures,” says Saori.
feature article
Saori Beer, RSW, works at the Calgary Catholic Immigrant
Society, where she performs two roles. She is an assistant to
the HOST Volunteer Program and she is also a facilitator with
the Youth Cultural Ambassador Training Program (Y-CAT). It
was in her capacity as a facilitator that she visited the local
school September 17th this year and it was a perfect time to
discuss racism with the group of grade 10 students she had been
contracted to do a workshop with.
The fresh graffiti provided a natural starting point in the discus-
sion and Saori got the youth to talk about how it made them
feel. Some felt scared, some felt intimidated, but many were
shocked that it happened at their school.
The school is one that is highly populated with visible minority
and immigrant youth—in fact, 52 cultures are represented in
the student population. Through discussions it was deemed that
the perpetrators must not be from the school and, considering
another local high school was also defaced in the same time
frame, their conclusion was probably correct.
“I think it brought the students together,” said Saori in
retrospect.
Her philosophy is to be open and honest with students and
to provide them with support as they come to their own
understanding of cultural sensitivity.
The Y-CAT program is aimed at junior or senior high students
and it covers diversity, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and
leadership. It is a program that was developed in 1997 by an
implementation team with Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society
along with Alberta Community Development. In her two and a
half years on staff, Saori has many positive things to say about
the program and how students have embraced it. “Many of
the students are eager to talk about diversity and have a great
acceptance of the program… I belong to a visible minority as
well and I’ve always been welcomed and felt a nice, accepting
atmosphere.” Visible minority and immigrant students especially
do not often get an opportunity to discuss racism and discrimi-
nation with fellow students, parents, or anyone for that matter,
says Saori, so they’re ready for the chance to speak up.
The Y-CAT program has three phases: phase one is a six-
to-eight hour workshop offered in a classroom setting. The
program is more easily accommodated by the separate school
system via a religious or CALM (Career Advancement Lifeskills
On the front line:
Confronting racism
As Saori Beer stepped out of her car in the parking lot of a Calgary high school September 17, 2001, she could tell she had her work cut out for her. The school was plastered with racist graffiti that the caretaker said was still wet at 7 AM when he arrived for work.
Workshops, Courses, Seminars“Trauma & the Triune Brain: The Psychobiology of Relationships, Attachment, Intimacy & Trauma”
Seminar offered by the Canadian Foundation for Trauma Research and Education, a non-profit society. For more information, see http://www.cftre.com/PDF/TTBCalgary.pdf
National Social Work Conference 2002 in Moncton, NB
Information on the conference and plenary speakers can be found at www.nbasw-atsnb.ca/conference2002.htm
Community Economic Development Conference May 30–31, 2002, Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton AB
Call for papers, workshops and presenters by January 17, 2002. Contact Bob Marvin, MSW, RSW, at Innovative Services (780) 496-7898 or [email protected].
“On the Tail of the Dragon 3”Recent Developments n the Treatment of PTSD sponsored by the Lousage Institute Inc. Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, 2001, in Calgary AB
Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, will discuss treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder including innovations such as EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Treatment, and a variety of body-ordered psychotherapies. For information call toll-free 1-888-LOUS-AGE; [email protected], or see www.lousage.com.
Preparing Comprehensive Play-Based AssessmentsRocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute January 21 & 22, 2002
Registration deadline is Jan. 4, 2002. Call for brochure and/or application packages: (403) 245-5981.
Introduction to Suicide Intervention The Support Network presents a One-Day Introductory Seminar for Anyone Working in the Helping ProfessionsDec. 6, 2001
For more information, call (780) 482-0198 or see www.thesupportnetwork.com.
“Quality Living in Today’s World”People and Progress ConferenceThe 14th Annual Volunteer SessionThursday, Feb. 2, 2002 Edmonton AB
Sponsored by the Capital Care Foundation and the Capital Care Group.
For more information, call (780) 448-2421 or email [email protected] or see www.capitalcare.net.
“Is It Good For You?” Dialogue About Sex5th Biennial Western Canadian Conference on Sexual HealthMay 1 & 2, 2002
The conference will be held at the University of Alberta in Edmonton AB. For more information call Margaret MacCabe, Program Chair, at (780) 424-6312 or email [email protected].
International Conference for the Advancement of Private Practice in Clinical Social Work June 8–13, 2002, in Lisbon, Portugal.
For more information, contact Warrent Zisserson, MSW, RSW, at (902)727-2461 or email [email protected].
“Earth & Sky: Horizon of Possibilities”APPE Convention 2002Jan. 23–26, 2002 in Edmonton AB
Presented by the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education. For more information contact Iris Cummings at (780) 482-8998 or [email protected].
2002 ACSW conference updateMarch 14–16, 2002, at the Capri Centre, Red Deer
From Insight To Action: Stepping Stones to Change
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS CONFIRMED TO DATE:
Social Justice/Social Action Panel: • Maude Barlow • Ben Carniol • David Wagner • Maureen Wilson
Clinical Supervision: • Carlton Munson
Ethics and Boundaries: • Frederic Reamer
Attendance at all keynote speakers presentations and workshops will be recognized for ACSW continuing competency credits.
Along with workshops and paper presentations, we are fortunate to have the following individuals confirmed as keynote speakers to present material that will challenge and inspire us.
Maude Barlow, Chair of the Council of Canadians, actively promotes alternatives to corporate led globalization. Her current publication, co-authored with Tony Clarke, is Global Showdown.
Ben Carniol is a professor of Social Work at Ryerson University in Toronto. His most recent book is Case Critical: Challenging Social Services in Canada (4th Edition).
Carlton Munson is a professor of Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. His publications include Clinical Social Work Supervision (3rd Edition).
Frederic Reamer is a professor of Social Work at Rhode Island College. His publications include Social Work Values and Ethics.
David Wagner is a professor of Social Work at the University of Southern Maine. His most recent book is What’s Love Got to Do With It: A Critical Look at American Charities.
Maureen Wilson is a professor of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Her most recent book, co-authored with Elizabeth Whitmore, is Seeds of Fire: Social Development in an Era of Globalism.
For your enjoyment, we have stimulating local entertainers: Tree House Theatre, On-the-Rim Drummers, and The Raging Grannies.
Inquiries about the conference can be directed to:
Elizabeth Radian, RSW, conference co-chair (403) 342-3324 dayemail: [email protected]
You’d be surprised how often social workers say “I work with alcoholics” or “I
do therapy” or “I counsel troubled children” or “I direct an employee assistance program.”
There’s nothing wrong with these statements, but preface each with
“I AM A SOCIAL WORKER,” then add, “I work with troubled youth,” and you’ll be
performing an invaluable public education service that benefits your profession and ultimately yourself.
The best way to bolster the image of the social work profession is for social workers to identify themselves
as SOCIAL WORKERS!
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
in t
he n
ews
32 The Advocate • winter 2001
IF UNDELIVERABLE PLEASE RETURN TO:
Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)#550, 10707 - 100 Avenue
Edmonton, AlbertaT5J 3M1, Canada
Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 0528803
ISSN 0847 - 2890Date of Issue: NOVEMBER 2001
An amendment to the Social Work Profession Act (SWPA) requires qualified social workers to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers with some temporary exemptions.
The legislation also obligates Registered Social Workers
(RSWs) to maintain their professional registration.
Cancellation of registration can result from non-payment
of professional dues. Under the SWPA, if an individual’s
registration is cancelled, that individual is not legally able
to engage in social work activities. The legislation also
requires the ACSW to notify the employer and the Minister
of the cancellation.
Individuals whose professional dues have not been received
in the ACSW office by the renewal date are advised by
letter that non-payment of renewal dues will result in
the cancellation of professional registration. This letter
references the legislative requirements for professional
registration, advises that cancellation of registration will
result in the loss of all the rights and privileges of a RSW,
and states that the individual will not be able to practice
within the scope of practice of social work in Alberta.
Although some recipients of this letter have objected to its
tone, its intent is to provide a clear message about the
legal requirements for registration and the consequences for
non-renewal. Under the SWPA, individuals who contravene
the legislation by continuing to practice without current
registration are guilty of an offence and liable for a fine,
or fines and/or imprisonment depending upon the number
of offences.
In some instances, members move and neglect to inform
the ACSW. This creates a problem as the renewal notices,
which are sent to the last address available to ACSW,
go unheeded if the recipient has moved. When those
individuals fail to renew as required, their registrations
are cancelled for non-payment, an action that does not
enhance professional character and reputation. To prevent
such situations, members must advise the ACSW of changes
in their circumstances that affect their professional status.
Under the Health Professions Act (has been passed and is
awaiting proclamation) there is an added obligation for
employers to ensure that all social workers are registered and
have a current practice permit. A number of large employers
regularly contact the ACSW requesting verification that
their social work employees are currently registered. Some
employers do advise social workers who are not currently
registered to stay home until they become registered.
The purpose of professional registration is to serve and
protect the public interest. Social workers are legally
obligated to maintain current registration in the best