September 2014

V o l um e 2 0 N um be r 2
S e pte m b e r 2 0 1 4
CONNECTION
IN THIS ISSUE
The President’s Message (2)
NSASW FALL CONFERENCE
News from the Association (4)
Social Justice Articles (6)
Social Work Practice (11)
Board of Examiners (15)
NSASW Council
2014-15
President - Lorna Griffin-Fillier
Vice-President - Ezra Wexler
Treasurer - Wendy Keen
Secretary - Vacant
Past President - Debbie Reimer
Chair, Board of Examiners - Geoffrey Hood
Exe. Dir. - Robert Shepherd
(Continued on next page)
JACKIE BARKLEY RSW
presenting
YOUTH AND ADDICTIONS:
DOING THE WORK AND STAYING
HEALTHY
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014
9:00 - 4:00 PM
NEW DAWN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION
SYDNEY, NS
$75.00 (LUNCH INCLUDED)
Students/Retired Social Workers: $35.00
(Pay at the Door)
Register at [email protected]
or call
902-429-7799 ext 223
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Regional
ReDiscovering Social Work: WHAT. IS. SOCIAL. WORK.
Lorna Griffin-Fillier, MSW, RSW
Representatives
Annapolis Valley - Blair Wilson
Cape Breton - Catherine Kehoe
Colchester - Michele Rigby
Cumberland - Robin Greene
Fundy Shore - Jaqi Sutherland-Allan
Halifax Metro - Denise Robichaud
and Allan McLuckie
North Shore - Vacant
South Shore - Blair Wison
Special Group
Representatives
CASW Board - James Gouthro
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Faculty - Judy MacDonald
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Student - Brian Moore
Université Sainte-Anne Faculty Jacqueline Kenny
Université Sainte-Anne Student Vacant
Association of Black Social Workers Rajean Boudreau
Aboriginal Member - Vacant
Lorna Griffin-Fillier MSW RSW
NSASW President
As President of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers (NSASW), I had
the opportunity to meet with colleagues
from across the country at a recent Canadian Association of Social Workers
(CASW) meeting, where we discussed
the future of the social work profession in
Canada. We considered our profession’s
past and present in hopes of finding a
glimpse of what social work would be in
the future. In the midst of all the profound
and well-thought out questions prepared
in advanced by the group facilitators, that
one question, what appeared to be basic,
unassuming and unnecessary, was
voiced in the quite stillness of the room…
but “what is social work?” What. Is. Social. Work. Those four words caused us
all to pause, bewildered as if we were
asked to discern the very foundation of
life itself.
Before sharing what was said, how would
you answer that question? When we remove theoretical perspectives, epistemological stances, individual approaches to
practice, school missions, regulations,
organizational labels, self imposed labels, Wikipedia definitions… what is social work? What makes us different from
every other regulated profession? What
unites us? What makes us get up on a
cold, snowy morning to stumble gracefully into our workplaces with the sting of
cold air still in our lungs? What make us
strive for what is just and purposeful in
the world? Or do we?
Since becoming President, many have
shared with me their answers to the
question “what is social work.” Many defined social work according to concerns
regarding strained budgets, overwhelming caseloads, job loss, mandates and
outcomes. For others, social work was
achieving the pinnacle of greatness by
landing that perfect job. Others have answered the question based on their discontent with licensing fees and the process of self-regulation. While I understand the basis of the above concerns
and responses, I did not anticipate how
quickly we would forget the meaning of
that question during times of discontent
and disagreement. For example, following the controversial bi-law change regarding renewal date, the Association
received many emails from membership
citing their disapproval, which was certainly within their rights as registered
members. However, some were tainted
with language that was not reflective of
social work values. Fellow colleagues,
who I remind you, have graciously chosen to step up and take on a difficult
leadership role, were misrepresented,
misquoted and professionally attacked.
In the end, is this really how we see social work? Is that why we practice? Is
that what unites us?
As a National group, we pondered the
thought that perhaps the profession has
lost its sense of purpose and perspective
because of increased pressure and public discord. What do you think? Here in
Nova Scotia, we have over 1900 licensed
social workers who represent the profession, yet only once a year we pay homage, formally, by way of Social Work
Week. Once a year. What about the other 51 weeks, 357 days, → → → →
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
ReDiscovering Social Work: WHAT. IS. SOCIAL. WORK
(Cont’d)
“...what is social work? What
makes us different from every other
regulated profession? What unites
us? What makes us get up on a
cold, snowy morning to stumble
gracefully into our workplaces with
the sting of cold air still in our
lungs? What make us strive for
what is just and purposeful in the
world? Or do we?”
–Lorna Griffin-Fillier
and 8,568 hours? How do we live,
breathe, BE social work when no one is
watching? How do we treat each other?
How do we engage with the broader life
of the profession or the community?
Please share your narratives. I am interested to understand, amid the critique,
the wonderful things that people do to
promote the profession and themselves
so that perhaps, we can begin to develop
a stronger sense of professional identity
on all levels.
While I pose the question, I am not going
to pretend to have the answers. I will not
attempt to define what your practice
means to you or how you envision the
profession. I will however leave you with
this. I remember as a new social worker I
was filled with wonderment, swirling
around inside me, bordering on the
threshold of anxious and eager, waiting
for any opportunity to learn and absorb
information from fellow social workers. A
pivotal learning point occurred when I
was told, social work practice cannot be
about ego. Since then, my vision for social work has developed into a sense of
being, where we live and work respectfully, thoughtfully and purposefully in the
presence of others, especially when we
disagree. The result? It becomes less
about compromise and more about finding a common understanding through our
common values.
But what about the group, you ask? I
have not forgotten. Here were some of
their comments:
“Social work is that feeling you get when
you know you’ve done something right,
sometimes controversial. Something courageous.”
“Social work is risk and reward, for everyone involved.”
“Social work is the art of being in the moment while simultaneously thinking about
where to go next. How many professionals can do that and do it well.”
“Social work is me. I am social work.”
“Social work is just as much learned as it
is innate.”
“Social work is being accountable to
someone else rather than just yourself.”
I could go on and on listing the responses, but I think you get the point. As a profession, we may need to spend some
time reflecting on that fundamental question, what is social work, reimagining it as
a tremendous responsibility and privilege
because until WE start treating it as
such, how can expect the public to take
our profession seriously?
This is Part One of a series on ReDiscovering Social Work. If you have comments, stories, and experiences you’d
like to share, please email me at
[email protected]. Please
state whether or not I can use your reply
in a future Connections article.
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER is the quarterly magazine for social work students
and recent graduates. It is also read by many seasoned social workers!
It was started by American publisher/editor Linda May Grobman in 1994, and was
published in print until 2007, when it was converted to electronic format. Current
and back issues are available free of charge in digital format or if you prefer to receive THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER in print, you may purchase a print copy at the
New Social Worker website Click Here
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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION
the next edition of Connections, but for
now let me simply encourage anyone
with an interest in the profession, an
MSW, and management experience to
seriously consider applying for the job.
It’s exciting, interesting, challenging, and
rewarding.
Robert Shepherd, RSW
Executive Director
“As most of you already know, I
will be retiring at the end of 2014,
and Council has begun the process
of selecting a replacement. It’s my
understanding that the process will
go on through the fall, so if you are
interested, you could contact the
president
([email protected]).”
–Robert Shepherd
Lots of Changes in the NSASW office!
Last summer, we received a grant from
Service Canada to hire a student to do
research on our behalf. We asked three
questions: what are the work circumstances of recent graduates of the Dalhousie School of Social Work; what are
the social justice activities of our Candidacy supervisors; and what information
can we gather from our new database.
Robyn Letson, an MSW student at Dalhousie, was hired to do the work. While
we promised respondents that we would
not publish the results, I will say that
most recent graduates are employed
and enjoying their first work experience
in social work; that Candidacy supervisors are very much involved in social
justice activities; and that our new database provides a wealth of information
about our membership. (Did you know,
for instance, that about 77% of social
workers between 50 and 65 are female,
but about 90% are female in the 25-40
age range?)
Over the past few months we have seen
the departure of the Registrar, Joyce
Halpern, her Administrative Assistant,
Suzanne Dejardins, and the Deputy
Registrar, Julie Vandervoort. We have
welcomed Nancy McKinnell, an office
manager who worked with us for a few
months to help with our office restructuring, Dorothy Newcomb, who is
handing applications and candidacy,
Kevin MacDougall, who is helping with
candidacy, and Marc Wagg, who is the
new Registrar. That’s a lot of change in
a short period of time, but our “new” staff Finally, one more reminder that the liis coming together well.
cense renewal process for 2015 will be
open in mid-September and will close
As most of you already know, I will be
December 31 at midnight. If you have
retiring at the end of 2014, and Council
any questions about the new dates or if
has begun the process of selecting a
you think you may need some help from
replacement. It’s my understanding that us in getting that done, please let us
the process will go on through the fall, so know as soon as possible. It will get
if you are interested, you could contact
very busy for our staff as the renewal
the president
deadline approaches, and we won’t be
([email protected]). I will
able to guarantee a quick response.
write a more formal “farewell” article for
RONALD STRATFORD AWARD - Established in 1984 in memory of Ron Stratford
this award is given to a social worker who (1) through volunteer efforts makes a
significant contribution to preventative or community based social service programs; or (2) is involved in research surrounding a community based social service
program; or (3) makes an outstanding contribution to establishing and/or sustaining
a self-help group or functions as a consistent and strong advocate for expanded
preventive or community based social service programs. Please contact the
NSASW office for deadlines and application process.
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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION
Annemieke Vink, RSW, Co-ordinator,
Program and Member Services
NSASW VISION
NSASW envisions an
organization that represents the
professional beliefs, values and
principles of its members to foster a
just, diverse, equal and holistic
society. It provides leadership and
service to its membership that
increases the visibility, durability
and adaptability of the profession
and influences justice through
effective advocacy and social action
to achieve a diverse, equal and just
society.
Hello NSASW Colleagues The NSASW Fall Conference will be held
in the New Dawn Centre, Sydney, NS, on
October 23, 2014 entitled “Youth and
Addictions: Doing the Work and Staying
Healthy”. The guest speaker, Jackie Barkley, is the recipient of the 2014 Ron
Stratford Award*.
Jackie has dedicated herself to advocating for persons who are marginalized and
disenfranchised by society.
She has worked in various capacities, as
a member of the IWK Child Abuse Team,
the Choices Adolescent Treatment Program, the Short Stay Mental Health services at the Nova Scotia Hospital, New
Options alternative school for youth in
the Uniacke Square community, the Geriatric Assessment Team at the QEII, with
Corrections Canada and in private practice.
Currently Ms. Barkley is a member of
Cultural Clinical Consultants, a group of
mental health clinicians from several professions such as social work, psychology
and law who ensure their services are
culturally competent. We are looking forward to an inspirational professional development day with her.
For the purpose of future conference
planning, I would like to invite any interested members to join me in forming a
Professional Development Group. Conferences throughout the province could
be held each fall, and in HRM during the
spring. Social workers from Digby, Yarmouth, New Glasgow or Liverpool (not
exclusively), would consider the topics of
interest that would be relevant to social
work in their region. As an example, the
Valley social workers determined the
need for a conference on Ethics and the
Personal Directives Act. Working in partnership with the NSASW, the conference
committee provided an excellent PD
event in the Annapolis Valley in 2013.
Cape Breton social workers are currently
partnering with the NSASW to provide
the conference on October 23, 2014 in
Sydney. Join in, won’t you?
I look forward to the collaboration!
CASW SCHOLARSHIP FUND AVAILABLE
The CASW annually makes available to provincial associations an amount up to
$1,000 to Registered Social Workers in good standing for educational/professional
development activities that align with the mission and purpose of CASW and uphold
the values and principals of the CASW Code of Ethics. Applications will be submitted by members to the NSASW office and will include: (a) a brochure or other information about the event; (b) a letter from the member’s employer indicating the employer’s support for the activity and what the support the employer will provide for
the activity; and (c) a description of the need for assistance, which addresses any
barriers that the applicant faces in accessing professional development. The scholarship winners will be announced in CONNECTION and will be expected to prepare
an article in CONNECTION and the website about the event. Contact the NSASW
office for more information.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE
CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
PROJECT
Dominic Boyd, RSW
At the 2013 AGM, Council
adopted the subject of Child and
Youth Mental Health as the
target for its social advocacy.
Accordingly, the Social Justice
Committee was tasked with
exploring this subject and
developing recommendations for
Council on what it could feasibly
undertake by way of advocacy.
Your Social Justice Committee
has completed its report on Child/Youth
Mental Health and we are currently discussing the recommendations of the report. We are delighted to have some new
members: Robyn Smith, Kim Langille
and Debra Bourque, and our new Chair,
Blair Wilson. We plan to meet for a retreat Sept 27th and discuss our goals so
we can develop new Terms of Reference. The Committee is a standing committee of the Executive Director.
At present we are considering
how best to use our energies. We are
interested in planning ways to promote
social justice involvement around the
province by the NSASW members. This
can involve on-going professional development, consultation and planning. We
remain hopeful that Council continue to
build capacity to pursue social justice
collectively, and we are ready to assist in
that endeavour.
Our members include the abovementioned, plus Harold Beals, Racheal
Surette, Keith Mattinson, Annemieke
Vink and Dominic Boyd. We also have
some affiliates: Brianne Simons and Sharon Murphy. If anyone would like to get
involved with our committee, please contact Blair at:
[email protected].
HOPE NOT JAIL: Preventing the Criminalization of
People with Mental Health Problems.
Valerie Hodge, Robin Campbell, & Dr. Crystal Dieleman
Individuals with mental health problems
face many challenges in everyday life
including poor housing and homelessness, limited education, unemployment,
poverty, and insufficient mental health
services. Many people experiencing
mental health problems have little to no
means for meeting their needs; an issue
which is largely influenced by the existing state of supports and services which
have become over-burdened and disconnected from one another. As a result, our
criminal justice system has become a
first line response for people in mental
health crisis and our jails, prisons, and
forensic hospitals have become
‘warehouses’ for people with mental
health problems. These struggles can
greatly affect a person’s quality of life, as
well as their ability and/or desire to seek
treatment. Researchers must aim to develop a greater understanding of these
struggles and offer insight into the ways
in which they may be overcome.
Hope Not Jail is a research project which
aims to learn more about the challenges
experienced by people with mental
health problems who have been involved
with the criminal justice system. In addition, it aims to explore ways to improve
everyday life experiences for people in
Nova Scotia in an effort to reduce or prevent further criminalization.
Dr. Crystal Dieleman (School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University)
and members of the Hope Not Jail team
have adopted a mixed-methods approach to studying these issues. Thirty
two (32) individuals who have lived with
mental health problems and → → →
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HOPE NOT JAIL: Preventing the Criminalization of
People with Mental Health Problems (Cont’d)
“Hope Not Jail is a research
project which aims to learn
more about the challenges experienced by people with mental
health problems who have been
involved with the criminal justice system. In addition, it aims
to explore ways to improve
everyday life experiences for
people in Nova Scotia in an
effort to reduce or prevent further criminalization.”
–Valerie Hodge
have been involved with the criminal
justice system, as well as thirteen (13)
family members of individuals with such
experiences were recruited from the
Halifax Regional Municipality. Participants took part in a semi-structured interview as well as surveys which measured quality of life, mental health status,
and level of hope.
Both qualitative and quantitative results
painted a picture of desperation and a
desire for change. As one participant
described it, living with a mental health
problem is a “rollercoaster ride” “There was no escaping it, no avoiding
it. It was too powerful at that point in
time... it came on so suddenly.”
Other participants expressed the importance of social support and the impact that it can have on mental health
problems and involvement with the criminal justice system. One participant stated that:
“... if you have no guidance and you’re
just thrown into the streets with a mental
health disability, your first criminal
charge is going to be a heavy one.”
Other common themes and sub-themes
which emerged from participant narratives include impact and issues with
medication, self medicating, family dynamics, stigma, and issues with people
in positions of authority. The research
team is currently mapping each of the
themes onto overarching issues such as
trauma, tipping points and turning
points, as well as the social determinants of health. The goal is to capture
these themes into one grand narrative
which will offer insight and a greater understanding of the lived experience.
The results of this study will provide integrated outcomes that reflect how health,
social, and justice outcomes are interac-
tive, interdependent, and cannot be separated from one another. Therefore,
strategies and action plans will aim at
the root of the problem, examine how to
anticipate deterioration, and where early
interventions can/should be taken to
prevent larger problems in the future.
Strategic approaches must focus on social determinants of health, ensure communication and trust between the criminal justice, health care, and social services, and facilitate planning and implementation of appropriate programs
which may improve the lives of individuals living with mental health problems.
Hope Not Jail has already begun to disseminate results; researchers participated in the joint conference held by the
Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police
and the Mental Health Commission of
Canada earlier this year in Toronto. The
researchers were interviewed by CTV
news, and will present at the Canadian
Association for Suicide Prevention’s provincial conference in November. To
learn more about this project, and to
help bring about positive and sustainable change in your own community, visit
www.hopenotjail.org or follow us
@HopeNotJail on Twitter.
Acknowledgements: This project is funded by the Nova Scotia Health Research
Foundation. Community partners in this
project include the Canadian Mental
Health Association – Nova Scotia Division, the Self-Help Connection, the Nova Scotia General Employees Union,
and Lakecity Employment Services.
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted
by Valerie Hodge, MSW Student.
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SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Sharon Murphy, MSW
Social Determinants of
Health
THE CANADIAN
FACTS
Mikkonen, J., & Raphael,
D. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts. Toronto: York University School of Health Policy
and Management.
Publication is available at:
http://www.thecanadianfacts.o
rg/
The primary factors that shape the
health of Canadians are not medical
treatments or lifestyle choices but rather
the living conditions they experience.
Established since the mid-1800s, these
conditions have come to be known as
the Social Determinants of Health. I
have been thinking about this issue and
why we are not getting at the basis of
inequality in communities through systemic change. I am puzzled that despite much evidenced-based research
such as that undertaken by Dennis
Raphael and Richard Wilkinson, studies
by the U.N. and the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development which show that people, even in
the most affluent countries, who are
less well-off have substantially shorter
life expectancies and more illness then
the rich; we do not yet seem to affect
any meaningful change.
I am also baffled that as Monique Bégin, the former minister of National
Health and Welfare stated in her forward to Juha Mikkonen and Dennis
Raphael’s book The Social Determinants of Health: the Canadian Facts;
Canada, while one of the biggest
spenders in health care has one of the
worst records in providing an effective
social safety net. Madame Bégin questions what good it does to treat people’s
illnesses and then send them back to
the conditions that made them sick?
She also quotes the World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social
Determinants of Health as saying that
social injustice is killing people on a
grand scale. I found this quite a startling statement.
This research is important because, as
mentioned,we need to make the systemic change to finally take action on
The Social Determinants of Health. The
World Health Organization set up a
commission on the Social Determinants
of Health in 2008. It found the structural
determinants and conditions of daily life
that constitute the Social Determinants
of Health are responsible for a major
part of the inequalities between and
within countries. The Canadian Nurses
Association in its statement, “The Social
Determinants of Health and Nursing: A
Summary of the Issues” states:
“Despite mounting evidence for the role
of the social determinants of health on
health status much of the prevention
and management of diseases like diabetes remain medicalized.” It goes on to
say our system is about sick care not
health care. A somewhat pejorative
statement yet it is a reality that there are
a lot of studies but little action on the
determinants of health.
The Canadian Medical Association in a
statement in 2012 noted that little in the
way of effective action has resulted despite the strong relationship between
the Social Determinants of Health and
health. In their study: The Social Determinants of Health in Canada: Are
healthy living initiatives there yet?”, Dana Gore and Anita Kothari found the
paucity of initiative in British Colombia
and Ontario on the Social Determinants
of Health is problematic. Communities
need to look at the structures involved
in the determinants of health (economic,
social, and political) structures which
create and maintain inequality instead
of communities that do not.
We have a long way to go. I was painfully reminded of this in reading a research study on chronic disease by David Stuckler and Karen Siegel titled,
“Sick Societies: Responding to the
Global Challenge of Chronic Disease”.
The authors found that health care systems set up in a period when infectious
diseases are dominant have locked into
a focus of treating acute care episodes
medically. Global health has come to
focus on low cost solutions based on
historical success in eradicating Smallpox. The authors comment that systems of chronic diseases are largely
uncoordinated in poor → → → →
countries with a focus on acute care
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SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH (Cont’d)
“Health care is the single most
pressing budget item. Health
Care accounts for 42 cents for
every dollar the provinces spend,
and these costs are rising at a
rate of 6.7% a year.”
–Sharon Murphy
rather than primary care that delivers
both preventative medicine and chronic
treatment to avoid the costly complications of diseases like diabetes. Public
health initiatives have been skewed towards medical interventions rather than
preventative approaches. It is noted the
authors of the study are skeptical of
whether health care services will be adequate to address the rising burden of disease.
We need a new approach that accounts
for that complexity of factors that prevent
chronic disease and leads to good
health. Richard Wilkinson in, “Inequality
the Enemy Between Us” says poor economic circumstances affect health
throughout life people further down the
social ladder usually run at the least
twice the risk of serious illness or premature death as those near the top. If poli-
cy fails to address these facts it not only
ignores one of the most powerful determinants of health standards in modern
society, it also ignores one of the most
important social justice issues of our
time.
Health care is the single most pressing
budget item. Health Care accounts for
42 cents for every dollar the provinces
spend, and these costs are rising at a
rate of 6.7% a year.
Considering all this it is pressing we take
the idea of the Social Determinants of
Health seriously. What can we do? I am
in favor of putting in place a Basic Liveable Income that will allow everyone to
enjoy a standard of living that allows
them to afford the necessities of life.
Something to think about.
CREATE GOOD JOBS TO NARROW INCOME GAPS,
FIGHT POVERTY
Sharon Murphy, MSW
I was disturbed to read an article on the
front page of the July 3 edition of The
Chronicle Herald about provincial cabinet ministers’ travel expenses. Two cases stood out.
Economic and Rural Development Minister Michel Sampson brought along his
executive assistant on a 10-day trade
mission to Morocco, New York and Paris, costing the public $9,231.12. And
Natural Resources Minister Zach
Churchill defended the cost of a media
event (I call it a photo-op) in Maine touting the new cruise ferry, the Nova Star,
now running between Portland, Me. and
Yarmouth.
When I saw this article, I had just read
two reports on income inequality and
was pondering them, and the people I
meet in my volunteer work on poverty. I
realize we must give our elected officials
the financial support they need to do
their job.
But with so much financial inequality,
shouldn’t they be more discriminating in
their travel choices? The irony that I live
in a country where wealth and power are
in the hands of so few, while so many
have so little, is not lost on me.
Some facts from both reports are worth
mentioning. The first report on income
inequality comes from Campaign 2000,
a coalition of more than 180 Canadian
groups fighting child poverty. It states
that income inequality is more pronounced than earlier believed because
many of the country’s wealthiest people
are funneling their income through private companies known as Canadiancontrolled private corporations (CCPCs).
As a result, income data has been understated because income earned by
these private companies has not been
included in published material → → →
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CREATE GOOD JOBS TO NARROW INCOME GAPS,
FIGHT POVERTY (Cont’d)
“Policy reforms that tackle
inequality in the labour market, such as those between permanent and temporary forms of
employment, are needed to reduce income inequality.
Policies that invest in human
capital are needed. This requires better training and education for those with low skill
levels.”
–Sharon Murphy
derived from personal income tax returns.
The report shows that the income of the
top 10 per cent of earners increased an
average of 16 per cent when CCPCs
were included in the data. The increase
was even more dramatic for those in the
top 0.1 per cent. Their average incomes
rose to $2.1 million when CCPCs were
taken into account, compared with $1.3
million if CCPCs were excluded.
And for the elite 0.01 per cent, average
incomes in 2011 were 71 per cent higher
when CCPCs were included, rising to $8
million from $4.7 million.
Michael Wolfson, one of the study researchers, noted that the primary owner
of a CCPC can distribute shares to a
child or spouse and the dividends they
earn from the corporation are not reflected in the primary owner’s income even
though the money stays in the family.
The CCPC can also pay salaries to family members, which are deducted as expenses for the corporation and can understate income levels. I knew people
placed money in tax shelters, but seeing
this in black and white made it very real
to me.
This second report came from a forum on
economic inequality sponsored by the
Organization of Economic Co-operation
and Development countries in May 2011
titled Divided We Stand: Why Inequality
Keeps Rising.
This report does not paint a very positive
picture, either. It says that increases in
household inequity have been largely
driven by changes in the distribution of
income. The highest 10 per cent of earners have been leaving the middle class
behind more rapidly than the lowest
earners have been drifting away from the
middle class. Does this mean the middle
class is slowly being eliminated?
The report says that redistributive strategies based on government transfers and
taxes alone would be neither effective
nor sustainable. It recommends we need
to meet the challenge of facilitating and
encouraging access to employment for
underrepresented groups.
Policy reforms that tackle inequality in
the labour market, such as those between permanent and temporary forms of
employment, are needed to reduce income inequality.
Policies that invest in human capital are
needed. This requires better training and
education for those with low skill levels.
National Council of Welfare said the
same thing in its final report, The Dollars
and Sense of Solving Poverty, which promoted an investment model rather than a
Band-Aid spending approach to reducing
poverty.
Surely we need to look to our elected
representatives to set the standard for
treating others with fairness and equity.
As I once heard Dennis Drainville, the
Anglican archbishop of Montreal say, if
we don’t work toward the common good,
we won’t make a difference in poverty.
CASW for Peace and Self-Determination
(Ottawa, Ontario) August 15, 2014 – The roots of the social work profession are
grounded in the principles of peace, social justice and the dignity and worth of all
peoples. Social work principles also include capacity building, social and economic
equality and social protection as peaceful solutions should be about gains and developments as well as the inevitable compromises.
At this time in history, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) joins
the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in pleading for Israelis and
Palestinians alike to transform these principles into actions and outcomes that
would lead to a positive and peaceful future.
(Excerpts from a CASW news release dated August 14, 2014)
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SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
PARENT PARTNER PROGRAM
Teresa Johnson, RSW and Jacqueline Griffith, RSW
“The Parent Partner Program
is a grassroots initiative that
was 25 years in the making, as
Social Workers understood
trials of various types of parent
support groups and parent psycho-education sessions.”
–Authors
In the spirit of promoting our Social Work program and to aid in our recruitment efforts, we’d like to highlight a
program in development, spearheaded
by Social Workers at the IWK Health
Centre.
Social Work is a rewarding career due to the countless opportunities
that are available to help effect positive
change in people’s lives. In the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the IWK
Health Centre, Social Workers Teresa
Johnson, MSW, RSW and Jacqueline
Griffith, MSW, RSW, are members of an
inter-professional team, working alongside families who have newborns experiencing significant health challenges. The
NICU can be a stressful and overwhelming place, filled with uncertainty. Social
Workers have a meaningful role in the
NICU assisting families adjust to hospitalization by providing counselling to individuals, parents, couples, and families.
Additionally, Social Workers in the NICU
embrace the tenets of Family Centred
Care and recognize how vital families are
in the healing journey of their infant.
In order for parents to be at their
best during such a difficult time, a great
deal of support from their extended family, friends, and from staff can be important. However, it is common for NICU
families to report that friends and family
have trouble relating to their experience.
The potential benefits of having parent to
parent support from those who have
‘been there’ was clear. That is why parents are now offered the opportunity to
meet with a volunteer whose child has
been previously cared for in the NICU,
who can say, “I experienced something
similar, and this is what was helpful for
us”. This invaluable perspective is accessible through the Parent Partner Program in the NICU at the IWK.
The Parent Partner Program is a
grassroots initiative that was 25 years in
the making, as Social Workers understood trials of various types of parent
support groups and parent psychoeducation sessions. The current program
began in January 2014 as collaboration
between NICU Social Workers and two
mothers who had past NICU experience.
In 2012, Natasha Skinner, who is also an
employee at the IWK, gave birth to twins
approximately 13 weeks early; the twins
spent their first four months at the IWK.
Leah Whitehead gave birth to her daughter at 28 weeks gestation, followed by a
ten week NICU course. Both women reflected upon their experiences and wanted to give back to others facing similar
challenges.
Natasha initially became co-chair
of the Family Centred Care Committee.
This committee is made up of parents
and members of the NICU Care Team,
and works to support and enhance the
overall patient and family experience in
the IWK NICU. Natasha co-chairs with
Teresa Johnson, MSW, RSW. The work
of the committee flows from the Family
Centred Care approach within the IWK
Health Centre, where patients and families are considered part of the health
care team and contribute invaluable perspective, knowledge and expertise regarding care provision.
According to Teresa Johnson,
MSW, RSW and Jacqueline Griffith,
MSW, RSW, the Parent Partner Program
gives structure to what was already
growing out of the initiatives of parents of
children who had previously been in the
NICU. “They would regularly drop off
clothing, or come back to visit, or pass
along suggestions to us”, says Teresa,
“and externally there are Facebook pages and informal support groups. We just
harnessed this positive energy.”
The parent to parent → → →
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PARENT PARTNER PROGRAM (Cont’d)
“Studies in other provinces
have shown the benefits of enhanced parental involvement
while their babies are in
NICU care. The IWK is 16
months into a Family Integrated Care (FIC) study, whereby
parents are encouraged to become active participants in their
baby’s care.”
__Authors
support comes in many forms, from family email connectivity through the IWK,
and Snack and Chat opportunities for
parents. Such support and connectedness helps parents sustain and maintain
their active involvement while staying in
the NICU. Studies in other provinces
have shown the benefits of enhanced
parental involvement while their babies
are in NICU care. The IWK is 16 months
into a Family Integrated Care (FIC) study,
whereby parents are encouraged to become active participants in their baby’s
care. Mount Sinai Hospital has measured their success following the introduction of an FIC Program and they found
that babies receiving this type of care
through the program gained more weight
(24.5%) compared with babies who were
not in the program and 82.1% of babies
were being breastfed at discharge, compared to 45.5% of babies not enrolled.
Furthermore, the study found that parents
had decreased stress levels and babies
had a decreased risk of infection and critical incidents. (Sourced from CAHO site:
http://caho-hospitals.com/lorem-ipsumdolor-sit-amet-labore-aliquando/)
The Parent Partner Program has
plans to grow and become a sustainable,
positive addition to the NICU experience.
“We have written a strategic plan, including an education and training module”,
says Griffith “and will provide support and
guidance to our Parent Partners as they
train new parents for the program.” Tonya Grant, Professional Practice Chief for
Social Work at the IWK Health Centre,
says that “this type of program aligns with
our principles of practice; selfdetermination, autonomy of the individual
and meeting patients and families where
they are in their experience. With the
guidance from the Neonatal team, and
the energy and professionalism of Social
Work staff like Jacqueline and Teresa, as
well as the support from the IWK as a
whole, this form of family involvement will
always be seen as vital to the work done
at the Health Centre.”
For more information on the Parent Partner Program, please contact Teresa
Johnson at [email protected] or Jacqueline Griffith at [email protected].
Dementia Strategy Consultations
Earlier this year, Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine announced the development
of a provincial dementia strategy.
Since that time, the Department of Health and Wellness and the Alzheimer Society of
Nova Scotia have been co-leading an Advisory Committee that is guiding the development of Nova Scotia's first comprehensive plan to enhance delivery of dementia care and
treatment ensuring people living with dementia, as well as their families or care partners,
are well supported.
As a health care provider, you provide support, care or services to people living with dementia or their families and we want to hear from you. We hope you are able to attend
one of the consultations listed below and provide your insight and recommendations.
Locations: October 2th – Sydney Fire Hall; October 9th Truro Fire Hall; October 23rd Annapolis basin Conference Centre; and October 30 th Dartmouth Holiday Inn. Please RSVP
with which location you’ll be attending to [email protected] .
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BASKET WEAVING:
The Interweaving of Native Culture and Traditional Healing
Practices in the Treatment of Trauma Lessons Learned
Jane Schnare, MSW, RSW
“The following abstract was
written for the purpose of sharing lessons learned from a therapeutic stance as well as a cultural perspective on how to
enter into a therapeutic relationship which will have some
meaningful and lasting benefit
for First Nation’s Survivors of
Residential Schools.”
–Jane Schnare
Abstract: The premise of this abstract focuses on lessons learned as a clinician
through the process of being invited into the homes, lives and stories of trauma and
incredible resilience for Native Survivors of Indian Residential Schools. Through the
process of unravelling stories of past trauma with a view to recovery/freedom from
symptoms; meaningful therapy requires the weaving together of traditional beliefs
and practices with trauma focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches. Culturally relevant treatment honours traditional beliefs and focuses on their innate resiliency historically within their culture. As a clinician invited intimately through the therapeutic relationship into the lives of First Nations abuse survivors I have discovered
along with them the healing power of cultural identity. Similarly, my role as therapist
was one of teacher; to guide them through the process of telling their stories to a
place of peace and acceptance utilizing therapeutic techniques from an eclectic
spectrum of therapeutic approaches. All the while, inter-weaving their stories and
Native beliefs into the therapy journey. It was a process of co-creating healing
through a mutual respect of our shared roles as guide, teacher, story teller and healer. Culturally relevant, psychotherapy requires the weaving of two world views to
create a basket of healing.
_______________
Editor’s Note: For a complete copy of this article please contact the author, Jane
Schnare, MSW, RSW at: [email protected]
Dalhousie University School of
Social Work Alumni
“Winds of Change: The Life and Legacy
of Calvin W. Ruck”, by Lindsay Ruck,
published by Pottersfield Press,
was launched on June 4th, 2014 at Stevens Road United Baptist Church. Lindsay Ruck, a journalist, has written a wonderful story about her grandfather’s life
and many, many accomplishments.
Calvin Ruck was a graduate of Dalhousie’s School of Social Work and received an honorary degree from Dalhousie in 1994; and he was appointed to the
Senate of Canada. He wrote a book
about the No. 2 Black Construction Battalion, the previously untold story of overcoming barriers to African Nova Scotian
and other Black Canadians joining military service and fulfilling their wish to
serve their country. Dr. Ruck participated
in and led many struggles against racism,
and received numerous honors in recognition of his work in human rights and
social justice. He died on October 19,
2004.
“Winds of Change: The Life and Legacy
of Calvin W. Ruck” is available in
bookstores and is a must read for social
workers and all who are colleagues in
creating a fairer and better world.
On September 2, the first day of a new
academic year, the social work alumni
executive co-sponsored with the School a
light lunch for new and returning students. Donelda MacDonald, secretary of
the alumni, and Dr. Judy MacDonald, interim director of the School, brought
greetings from alumni, faculty and staff,
followed by informal discussion and expressions good wishes for a happy and
successful 2014/15 year. The Alumni Executive held its’ first meeting on Thursday, September 18, 4:30 pm at the
School. We welcome contact with alumni
and students. [email protected] .
–Joan Gilroy for the Dalhousie
SW Alumni Executive
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SOCIAL WORK CAMP
“The presentations were fantastic and the ability to meet other
social workers who work in
various areas of practice was
very eye opening. This was a
fantastic weekend of learning,
networking and reducing
stress.”
–Camp Participant
Christine Crooks, RSW
On the weekend of June 20-22nd, 55 social
workers gathered at Berwick Camp, in the
Annapolis Valley, for a retreat. This was a
multi-purpose event: self care, reasonably
priced continuing education, and spending
time with like minded individuals who have a
lot in common and share passion and dedication to the profession.
The weekend opened with the critically acclaimed documentary “Gen Silent”. We also
had a campfire complete with singing and
smores! Saturday started with a brief time of
meditation and then we gathered for an insightful presentation on grief. We also had an
African Drumming circle, a Zumba class, and
short presentations about Elderdog and the
Kikima Kings grandmothers. Later in the day
we heard about MOSH followed by the inspiring story of the Phoenix Bishops
Choir. We also had some late night music (complete with harmony to the Beatles
and Leonard Cohen) and the option of an exquisitely lit walk through the labyrinth.
On Sunday we looked at vicarious trauma and vicarious victory.
Meals were catered by a dedicated group of volunteers from Berwick Camp and
enhanced by some offerings from a couple of social workers and a great local bakery!
Some reviews from your peers include:
“It was a magical time with colleagues and friends. I left feeling inspired and very
well fed. I look forward to next year.”
“It was a fabulous weekend with great company, thought-provoking speakers, lots
of laughter and tears and wonderful food provided by generous folks who gave up
their weekend to cater to us!! When does that ever happen? I will be back next
year for sure!! Rain or shine!”
“The presentations were fantastic and the ability to meet other social workers that
work in various areas of practice was very eye opening. This was a fantastic weekend of learning, networking and reducing stress.”
Back by popular demand, we will
gather again on the weekend of
June 19-21st, 2015. Mark it on
your calendars and plan to join
us! For further information or
questions contact:
[email protected]
C ON N E C T I O N
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T H E N S A S W B OA R D O F E X A MI N ER S
Board Approvals for Social Worker Candidates,
Registered Social Workers and Private Practitioners
July 17, 2014
Bradley, Ashley Kimberley
Jennings, Tonya Dooley
Thibault, Deborah Lorraine
MacKenzie, Alanna
SWC
SWC
SWC
SWC
SWC
Shaheen, Maria Ann
SWC
Betts, Samantha
SWC
Martin-Celero Medrano, Piedad SWC
Zinck, Andrea
SWC
Brooks, Charnell
SWC
MacRae, C Michelle Marie
Farmer, David Richard
RSW
Haines, Amanda Lynn
Hawker, Kassandra
McCarville, Elizabeth Mary
Saunders, Tessa Mary
Wheeldon, Jennifer Ann
Coyne, Erika D
McIntyre, Catherine
Sturgeon, Heidi Maria
RSW
RSW
RSW
RSW
RSW
Patterson, Daniel Robert
RSW
RSW
RSW
RSW
RSW
PP
Edwards, June
PP
Anthony-Clark, Leslie Gail
Skinner, Ashley
NSASW Board of
Examiners
Under section 15(1) of the
Social Workers Act (1993)
the Board of Examiners is
composed of nine social
workers appointed by the
Council of the Association
and three non-social
workers appointed by the
Government of Nova Scotia.
Registered Social
Workers:
Geoffrey Hood (Chair)
Tonya Grant
Deborah Kaetz
Jack Landreville
Marion Brown
Deborah Erickson
Mark Scales
REGULATORY MATTERS
Joyce Halpern, the only full time Registrar
NSASW ever had, retired last spring. At
about the same time, her long time Administrative Assistant, Suzanne Desjardins,
became ill and hasn’t returned to work. In a
short period of time we lost over 30 years
of combined knowledge and experience in
social work regulation in Nova Scotia. We
survived because a number of people went
far beyond the call of duty to fill in the gaps
and help us to re-configure the necessary
staffing components. These include the
carry-over staff, Nancy Viner, Annemieke
Vink, and Julie Vandervoort. As well, a
temporary “office organizer”, Nancy McKinnell, temp worker, Dorothy Newcomb (now
a full time staff person), and Kevin MacDougall, former Council president and allaround good guy, stepped in and helped us
get back on track. Just when we thought
we had gotten through the major changes,
Julie Vandervoort, the Deputy Registrar,
resigned for health reasons. I called on
professional regulatory colleagues and was
able to make arrangements with Leona
Telfer, the recently retired Director of Registration Services and Professional Con-
duct for the Nova Scotia College of Nurses,
to assist us for two days per week until the
Registrar position could be filled.
th
On September 8 , Marc Wagg, a lawyer
with experience in conflict resolution, negotiations, and investigations began as our
new Registrar. He will have a steep learning curve as he learns more about professional regulation and about social work, but
he is excited to be here, and we’re delighted to have him.
We recently completed an annual report for
the Fair Registration Practice Act (FRPA)
which is designed to help ensure that registration practices are fair and transparent.
Included in that report were the following
interesting facts: In 2013, we received 61
social workers who got their social work
education in another province. This includes 15 from New Brunswick and 13
from Manitoba. And, we had 8 people who
received their social work education outside of Canada.
Our work to monitor and streamline both
the application process (→ → → →)
Sherry Battiste
Government
Appointments
David MacIver
Justin Adams
C ON N E C T I O N
P age 1 6
T H E N S A S W B OA R D O F E X A MI N ER S
and Candidacy continues. We believe that registration will be suspended. Also, you
new applicants and Candidates will see
must record your 2014 professional develimprovement in how things are being done. opment hours by December 31st by going
to Member Login on the NSASW webpage.
Please Note: The 2015 license renewals
PD activities can be added as they are acare due by December 31st otherwise your cumulated.
Introducing Marc Wagg
We are pleased to welcome Marc Wagg to
NSASW. He joined us in September. As
Registrar, Marc will assist staff and the Complaints Committee with the complaint process. He will also collaborate on the development and revision of operational policy and
procedures and on meeting the requirements
of new provincial legislation.
Marc is a bilingual lawyer, and has an extensive background in regulatory environments,
having worked as Legal Counsel with the
New Brunswick Securities Commission and
as Deputy Director of Employment Standards
with the province of New Brunswick. He has
degrees in law and psychology, and is currently working towards a Master’s degree in
linguistics. We look forward to working with
Marc and to his contribution to the Association.
NSASW Board of
Examiners
Under section 15(1) of the
Social Workers Act (1993)
the Board of Examiners is
composed of nine social
workers appointed by the
Council of the Association
and three non-social
workers appointed by the
Government of Nova Scotia.
Registered Social
Workers:
Geoffrey Hood (Chair)
Tonya Grant
Deborah Kaetz
Jack Landreville
Marion Brown
Deborah Erickson
Mark Scales
Sherry Battiste
Government
Appointments
David MacIver
TO ALL NSASW 2014 LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL WORK CANDIDATES, RETIREES AND STUDENTS YOUR RENEWAL INFORMATION AND FEES
ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2014.
We are making every effort to give you plenty of time to adapt to the change in license
renewal deadline that was passed at the AGM on May 9, 2014.
No late fee will be available, and, if you have not completed the renewal process on
time, your license to practice social work will be suspended effective January 1, 2015.
The fees for RSW’s and SWC’S will remain $416 but the retirees fee has been reduced
to $50 and the student fee will be $10.
When you are completing your renewal, if you pay on line through the paypal option, you
will immediately receive a receipt which will have a notice that your are fully licensed. It
can be used for any employer who needs verification. The fee for paper copies is $25.
If your status will change as of January 1st (i.e. you will be inactive for whatever reason,
or retire) please let us know so that we can change your status in the database. You
won't be able to do that yourself.
You can update your profile or add to your continuing education record at any time by
going to the Member Login at the NSASW website (www.nsasw.org ), your username
and password are required.
Justin Adams
1888 Brunswick St., Suite 700
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 3J8
Phone: 902-429-7799
Fax: 902-429-7650
E-Mail: [email protected]
NSASW Staff
Executive Director
Robert Shepherd
Coordinator
Annemieke Vink
Registrar
Marc Wagg
Applications Administrator
Dorothy Newcomb
Administrative Assistant
Nancy Viner
NSASW CONNECTION
To send articles and information for inclusion in future
issues of CONNECTION
contact: Harold Beals at:
[email protected]
The deadline to receive content for the next issue of
CONNECTION is
December 1, 2014
Editors: Harold Beals and
Bessie Harris
Taking care of the people who take care of us
As a Nova Scotia Association Social Worker member, you can count on The Cooperators group auto* and home insurance program for the coverage you need.
You’ll be backed by superior service and preferred rates that you can only get
through your group insurance program. The program is purely voluntary; however, we
encourage you to participate by calling the number provided to request a quote. Your
name will be entered to win cash prizes just for getting a no-obligation quote.
This group Insurance program is only available through their Contact Centre right
here in Atlantic Canada.
Members will enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
 Preferred member discounts when you insure your car and home with them
and/or have a claims free history
 Claims Guarantee with no obligation, consequence free counseling if you decide
not to proceed with a claim
 Online Services conveniently and securely manage and view your policy
 Customer Perks for access to hundreds of discounts brand name companies
and local businesses
 Flexible Payment choice of day, method, and frequency of payment. You can
have your insurance premium deductions coincide with your pay date.
You can call 1-800-387-1963 to get your quote or visit their website at
www.cooperatorsgroupinsurance.
The Co-operators also has scholarships available for members. Please contact
Annemieke Vink at the NSASW office (902-429-7799) for more information.
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