March 2013 - Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers

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March 2013
CONNECTION
IN THIS ISSUE
SW Week Activities (2)
Social Workers Honoured (3)
Association News (5)
Social Justice (8)
Board of Examiners (14)
NSASW Awards (15)
News and Events (16)
NSASW Council
2012-13
President - Debbie Reimer
Vice-President - Lorna GriffinFillier
Treasurer - Wendy Keen
Past President - Kevin
MacDougall
Chair, Board of Examiners Gail MacDougall
Exe. Dir. - Robert Shepherd
(Continued on next page)
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SOCIAL WORK WEEK ACTIVITIES
Regional
Representatives
Cape Breton - Catherine Mae
MacDonald
Colchester - Vacant
Cumberland - Gillian Harris
Fundy Shore - Vacant
Halifax Metro - Ezra Wexler
North Shore - Vacant
South Shore - Stephen Young
Valley - Vacant
Special Council
Representatives
CASW Board - Archie MacKinnon
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Faculty - Dr. Jan Fook
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Student - Alanna Mackenzie
Université Sainte-Anne Faculty Jacqueline Kenny
Université Sainte-Anne Student Vacant
Association of Black Social Workers Alfred Saunders
Aboriginal Member - Vacant
Friday, March 15th , from noon –
1:00pm. in the Royal Bank Theatre, at
the Halifax Infirmary site - the Nova
Scotia Association of Social Workers is
pleased to welcome Megan Leslie, MP
Halifax, to speak to the following topic:
Defending Social Programs for a
Stronger Canada: A How - to - Guide to
Activism as part of our Social Work
Week celebrations (March 17th 23rd).Telehealth has also been arranged
in various healthcare organizations
across the province.
March 20, 2013 (12:15 pm)
Social Work: What is it Good For? A
workshop presentation by Dr. Jan
Fook:
As social work practitioners, we often feel
we have to struggle to articulate what is
good about what we do, especially to other professionals who may not necessarily
understand how social work can make a
distinctive contribution. In this workshop I
offer a view about what social work can
offer, from the point of view of practitioners who have been engaged in critical
reflection on their practice. I briefly explain what critical reflection is (a way of
examining the fundamental ideas which
March 19, 2013 (9:00 - 12:30 pm)
What is extra-ordinary about ordinary form the basis of our practice) and show
how this can lead to new understandings
social work?
of our practice experience. I then draw
The Dalhousie Social Work and Commuout some observations of what I have
nity Partners Group invites you to help us
learnt about good social work practice
celebrate Social Work Week by thinking
from hearing many different social workabout what good social work looks like.
ers’ practice stories.
Although we might believe that we know
Place: Sobey’s Bridgewater – Community
what this is, it is often very difficult to arRoom - 45 minute presentation with 45
ticulate this in ways which are clear, esminute Q&A (lunch provided)
pecially to other professionals. Sometimes we are forced to use terms or
Please RSVP by March 13th to Stephen
frameworks which do not do justice to our Young youngsb@gov.ns.ca or
practice from our own perspectives. So
(902) 541-1285
what is extra-ordinary about ordinary social work?
March 20, 2013 (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm) Social Work Week Reception at the NoThis event will showcase examples of
va Scotia Archives, University Avenue in
good social work practice from the experi- Halifax.
ence of a range of social workers from
different settings and backgrounds, and
March 23, 2013 (9:30 am - 12:00 noon) will provide time for discussion of ideas
Brunch at the Saege restaurant, Spring
about how to better profile the good pracGarden Rd. Halifax.
tice of our profession. There will be opportunity for discussion with this panel, as
well as to network and find ways forward March 28, 2013 (3:30 pm - 6:00 pm) in promoting the social work profession. It Member Consultation on proposed new
will be equally interesting to students,
Social Work Legislation, Ramada Inn,
experienced social workers, and colDartmouth.
leagues from other professions.
When? March 19, 9.00-12.30
Where? IWK - Parker Reception Room
RSVP: Linda Power (linda.power@dal.ca)
by March 6th.
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SHARON MURPHY RECEIVES AMAZING GRACE AWARD
at the
7th ANNUAL COURAGE TO GIVE BACK AWARDS
“At 28, Sharon overcame her
learning disability, achieved her
dream of becoming a social worker,
and graduated with a Masters in
Social Work. Sharon now dedicates
her life as an advocate for social
justice and ending poverty.”
The Family SOS 7th Annual Courage
to Give Back Awards Honouring Extraordinary Individuals in Our Community was held January 17, 2013 at the Cunard Centre, Halifax, NS - The Courage
To Give Back Awards recognizes extraordinary individuals who have shown
great courage in surmounting personal
hardships and have gone on to give
back to their communities and families.
Sharon Murphy, Retired Social Worker
and social justice advocate, was a recipient of the Amazing Grace Award
one of five awards for 2013. Presenting
the Award to Sharon is Mariana Cowan
Vice Chair of Family SOS and Chair of
The Courage to Give Back Awards.
realize that this is exactly how poor kids
and families feel in general - on the outside looking in. At 28, Sharon overcame
her learning disability, achieved her
dream of becoming a social worker, and
graduated with a Masters in Social
Work. Sharon now dedicates her life as
an advocate for social justice and ending poverty. While living in Amherst she
was the chair of the local Poverty Action
Committee for 15 years and a board
member of the Transition House Association for 18 years. Since moving to Halifax, she has been a member of the
Community Coalition to End Poverty in
Nova Scotia and on the board of the
Affordable Housing Association of Nova
Scotia. She has also been Chair of and
is currently Co-Chairing the Social Justice Committee of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers. Sharon's incredible journey has left her truly in awe
of the strength of the human spirit.
Family SOS programs and services are
all directed toward keeping kids safe
and families thriving. Working with
schools, other agencies and families
themselves, our focus is always on allowing kids to thrive and fulfill their potential while helping to build stronger
families. For more information on Family
SOS programs and services please visit
www.familysos.ca
The Amazing Grace Award is presented
to a community member whose advocacy and accomplishments have signifiSharon Murphy was born with a rare
cantly contributed to the well being of
chromosomal syndrome called Turner
families. This individual has surmounted
Syndrome, which produced kidney,
barriers and continued to fight for what
thyroid, and heart problems, along with
is right. Through a graceful gentle spirit
a profound nonverbal learning disability. and a natural inclination to bring out the
Growing up in a large working poor Irish good in others, the amazing grace recipCatholic family in Newfoundland, Sharon ient has the courage to face heart
often felt like she was on the outside
wrenching circumstances and turn it into
looking in at her more financially fortuan opportunity to better the lives of othnate peers. As an adult, she came to
ers.
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TOD AUGUSTA-SCOTT, MSW, RSW
Recipient of the
2013 CASW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
CASW Distinguished
Service Award
The award is given to those
individuals who have made a
substantial and unique contribution
to the field of Social Work in
Nova Scotia, who have
demonstrated qualities such as
compassion, leadership, creativity,
initiative and high ethical standards
and who has furthered social work
practice, program development,
community organization, social
action, research, teaching or writing.
Tod Augusta-Scott, MSW, RSW, is
known internationally for his work with
domestic violence and narrative therapy.
He has spent almost 20 years as the coordinator of Bridges – a domestic violence counselling, research and training
institute in Nova Scotia, Canada. He has
taught at Dalhousie School of Social
Work and continues to be a guest speaker at the School on a regular basis. Tod
is on faculty at the Hincks Dellcrest International Training centre in Toronto.
book Narrative Therapy: Making Meaning, Making Lives (Sage Publications,
2007). Along with working for other academic journals, Tod is a regular reviewer
for the Journal of Systemic Therapies,
Canadian Journal of Counselling, and
Canadian Social Work.
Tod has created a cutting edge model of
practice in the Men’s Intervention Sector
in Nova Scotia. As a social worker, he
applies a social justice approach to his
work and is well respected in the field as
Tod has presented his work in every
an expert in Narrative Therapy. He has
province and territory in Canada. He has initiated many new approaches to workcreated a group manual for working with ing with people who have been affected
men who have abused that has been offi- by family violence and professionals in
cially adopted by the Departments of Jus- the filed highly respect him as a person
tice in New Brunswick, Newfoundland
and as a social worker.
and the Northwest Territories. He also
works nationally as a consultant to the
His interest in Narrative Therapy has also
Canadian Forces on the issue of domesled him to publish academically as well as
tic violence. Tod has co-developed the
participate in CBC radio documentaries
Canadian Domestic Violence Conference
on the colonial history of Atlantic Canada.
and the Winds of Change Therapy ConParticularly, he is interested in what peoference, which are presented every two
ple choose to remember and how this
years.
influences their identities and relationships with others. Tod lives with his wife
Tod has also presented his work interna- and two young children in Halifax. He
tionally in Asia, Europe, British Isles and enjoys playing music and sailing off the
North America. He has numerous acacoast of Nova Scotia.
demic publications. He is the co-editor
and contributor to the critically acclaimed
NSWM Webcast –Mark your Calendars and Sign Up!
This free webcast "Social Work Practice
in a Digital and Electronic World: Ethical
and Risk-management Challenges" will
explore novel and emerging ethical issues arising out of social workers' growing use of electronic interventions and
communications, digital technology, and
social media.
Presenter:
Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D
When:
March 28, 2013
Time:
1:00pm to 2:00pm (EST)
Register for the webcast at:
http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom
_events/casw-20130328/site/index
(Excerpt from CASW Reporter - March 4,
2013)
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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION
As social workers, we know that change
can be difficult and can often take longer
than we anticipated. However, we never
lose hope.
Find us on Facebook
and follow us on
Twitter
The Association has been following
the discussions in the media on
several social justice issues over the
past few months on topics such as:
education, health care, crime
legislation, rehabilitation in the
justice system, humanitarian aid,
pensions and many others. Each
posting is linked to the original
article that appeared in the media
so that members can read the article
by the original author.
We invite members of the
NSASW to visit these two sites
and also to make comments if you
like. It is a convenient way to stay
current on the issues of the day that
are relevant to social workers.
You will need to sign in or if you
are a new user you can sign up and
create your unique username and
password for these sites.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/NSASW
Twitter: www.twitter.com/
NSASWNEWS
Words and Acts - By the time Connections is out, Council will have reviewed
the draft of our new legislation and approved it (maybe with some changes). It
will be available in the member’s section
of the website. Please take the time to
look at it carefully and send in your comments and/or attend one or more of the
meetings that will be taking place.
Debra Reimer, RSW President
Governance Corner - One of the challenges with developing a Policy Governance framework for governing an organization is staying on track and not losing
focus. There are so many demands that
are made on Council, and staff, that it is
easier to be reactive than proactive. And,
it’s much easier to get excited about operational issues (like how much we spent
last month on office supplies) than it is on
re-thinking the Mission of NSASW.
Council’s role is to focus on the big picture: what should the goals of NSASW
be? How do we know if we have
achieved those goals? What is the line
between the responsibility and accountability of the Executive Director and the
Council? And, if we’re going to turn the
Executive Director loose to accomplish
the goals and not second-guess every
decision she or he makes, what do we
want to determine, very specifically, that
he/she may NOT do?
Perhaps most challenging of all is, how
do we act as knowledgeable, responsible
leaders of the NSASW when the demands of our own professional and personal lives are such that we can barely
keep up? As leaders, we are expected to
look out for the best interest of the public,
of the Association and of the profession
of social work. As people we are sometimes overloaded with burdens and discouraged by slow progress.
Key sections you may want to focus on
include the definition of “social
work” (found on page 4 of the Act); the
Objects of the College (found on page 5);
and the powers of Council (found on pages 6-9). These three sections include
some significant changes that are being
proposed.
Two other major changes include the
elimination of the Board of Examiners,
with responsibility for the whole organization falling on Council; and calling our
organization a “College” rather than an
“Association”. With regard to the latter,
Council believes that the term
“association” implies that the main focus
of the organization is on the profession
and the membership, while “College” implies that the main focus is on the protection of the public. Through our deliberations with our consultant, it has been
made clear to us that we are expected to
have legislation that puts protection of the
public first. However, we also know that
what is good for the profession and the
members is almost always what is good
for the public.
If you would like to host a gathering of
social workers to discuss the Act, please
let us know and a Council member and/or
staff member will meet with you. To
schedule a meeting, please send me an
email (kidsaction@xcountry.tv) or contact
the Executive Director, Bob Shepherd, at
(Robert.shepherd@nsasw.org).
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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION
As the meeting was winding down, the
next meeting was being planned, and other community leaders were identified as
people who should come. Several were
poor people, without transportation of their
own or money for public transit. “I could
pick them up” I said, rather boldly and
without much thought. What I did think
was, “whatever needs to be done…”
“One of the wonderful things about
this profession of social work is that
‘whatever needs to be done…’ is
often something that social workers
do, whether it’s providing
transportation to a meeting or
visiting people in their home, or
simply “being present” and “taking
time”. We are called to serve
others, and to do whatever needs to
be done to accomplish that.”
Robert Shepherd, RSW
Bob Shepherd, RSW - Executive Director
“Whatever Needs to be Done”
I recently had breakfast with a friend and
was telling her about some of the interesting things I have done in my social work
career. One particular story caught her
attention:
I was working as an anti-racism organizer
in suburban Detroit in the late 1960s. My
task was to help white suburbanites understand the nature of racism and help to
motivate them to change their own behaviour and the behaviour of (white-run) institutions that negatively affected the lives of
black people in the metro-Detroit area. As
a social worker I had a great deal of freedom to do what needed to be done to
achieve the larger purpose.
In the course of my work, I often was involved with black organizers who were
angry about the racism they saw, and experienced, and were distrustful of anyone
white. In one meeting, the group was organizing the Detroit stop of Martin Luther
King’s Poor People’s Campaign (King was
assassinated about 6 weeks before the
Campaign came to Detroit on its way to
Washington). I was very much an outsider, but had gained the trust of one member of the group and he invited me to the
meeting.
And so, I became the chauffeur for two
charming, wise, angry, older black women
who were community leaders who helped
plan activities for the Poor People’s Campaign stop in Detroit.
As plans developed, the group needed
someone to find a place, and a way, to
feed the 200 or so people traveling
through. “I think I can make that happen”,
I said, again without much thought about
how. In the end, the City gave us space in
a downtown arena and my church organized, cooked, and served the food.
“Whatever needs to be done…”
(A brief aside—Dr. King spoke at my
church 2 weeks before he was assassinated, and I had lunch with him and a small
group of people from the church. Two
weeks later I wept with everyone else in
the church as his recorded words were
played at the beginning of the service. I
still weep at the memory.)
One of the wonderful things about this
profession of social work is that “whatever
needs to be done…” is often something
that social workers do, whether it’s providing transportation to a meeting or visiting
people in their home, or simply “being present” and “taking time”. We are called to
serve others, and to do whatever needs to
be done to accomplish that.
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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION
determine if they are participating in the
presentation via Telehealth. This event will
take place in the Royal Bank Theatre, at
the Halifax Infirmary site, on Friday,
March 15th, from noon – 1:00pm.
VIOLENCE THREAT
ASSESSMENT - Planning
and Response
Halifax: April 9, 2013 (early
rate deadline March 19)
This workshop provides a
communication and decisionmaking model to help businesses,
schools, organizations and
communities become more
effective in their management of
threats. Participants will learn
strategies to help them identify,
assess and manage individuals
who may be escalating towards
violence. This workshop provides
a communication and decisionmaking model to help businesses,
schools, organizations and
communities become more
effective in their management of
threats. Participants will learn
strategies to help them identify,
assess and manage individuals
who may be escalating towards
violence.
Register at:
http://www.ctrinstitute.com/
novapw.html
On Wednesday, March 20, 2013 we will
present the CASW award to Tod Augustus
Scott at a reception at the Public Archives.
Come and share your congratulations!
Annemieke Vink, RSW - Coordinator
Hello social work colleagues!
License renewal is drawing to a close for
another year! Thank you to those who registered online and through hard copy with
post-dated cheques. In spite of the computer glitches, construction and staff shortage you will all receive your license, 2013
stickers and receipts in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your compliments, encouragement and patience. All of your feedback will be considered in the plans for the
next license renewal time.
We can now place our attention on the
events of March and May. Social Work
Week is March 17-23, 2013 with several
ways to celebrate your profession in your
communities. See our website,
www.nsasw.org for the choices available
in your region.
As part of our Social Work Week celebrations (March 17th - 23rd), the Nova Scotia
Association of Social Workers is pleased
to welcome Megan Leslie, MP Halifax, to
speak to the following topic: Defending
Social Programs for a Stronger Canada:
A How - to - Guide to Activism.
Telehealth has been arranged in various
healthcare organizations across the province who wish to participate. Please contact your local hospital or health centre to
If you have any plans celebrating Social
Work Week, please let me know so I can
pass on the information.
A special NSASW Members meeting
will be held on March 28, 2013 from
3:30 – 5:30pm at the Ramada Dartmouth. The purpose is to inform you
and to discuss the new proposed legislation, The Social work Act. You are all
invited!
In May, we will reach our 50th anniversary
as the Nova Scotia Association of Social
Workers. The NSASW AGM and Conference will be held on May 16-17, 2013 at
the Ramada in Dartmouth, NS. Join us as
we convene to review the past, recognize
the present and consider the future of social work. The new and proposed legislation will be featured, as well as a few surprises.
You will also be able to congratulate the
NSASW award recipients in person and
take great satisfaction in knowing that
peers nominated them for their excellence
in social work. Nominations are now being
received.
Until next time, I wish you all a Happy Social Work Week!! See you at the March
meeting and the NSASW AGM and Conference.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE
We intend to provide two social justice
continuing education events yearly and
participate in two public events. We also
As our NSASW Council evolves into a
are exploring how we might respond very
policy-type body, with no committees,
quickly to issues, via an autonomous
decisions have to be made regarding
grouping of concerned social workers.
how the Social Justice Committee would
For example, anyone concerned about
function and relate to Council. Last year
an issue would formulate a statement
we discussed this matter and resolved
and supporters would sign on, calling
that we would best function working diourselves “Social workers for Social Jusrectly with our Executive Director. Hence,
tice”. We would welcome your thoughts
the NSASW Social Justice Committee is
on this concept, as it would enable more
now operating as an administrative comvigorous social commentary.
mittee. We have been tasked with developing several policy issues which Coun- Please contact the Chair at:
cil can take a stand on, and our work is
dominic.boyd@cha.nshealth.ca
underway. We will meet March 9th in
with your thoughts!
Millbrook to discuss various issues and
Thank-you.
come up with our “top three’ for Council.
We are open to input from all members, Dominic Boyd MSW, RSW
by emailing or calling our Chair.
Chair
Social Justice Committee News
In the Council
meeting of June
18, 2012, Council
established goals
for the Association.
One of those goals
was:
“That NSASW will have a
Social Policy Advocacy
strategy (by the end of 2012)
that will (a) outline a process
for the identification of 2 or
3 key social policy issues per
year; (2) involve appropriate
members in research and
writing of possible policy
positions for NSASW; (3)
once approved by Council,
present these position papers
to government, the media,
and the public.”
SOCIAL IMPACT BONDS
Sharon Murphy, BSW,MSW
My attention was recently drawn to a news
headline stating, “Ottawa Seeks Private
Cash For Public Social Plans”. The federal
government is introducing an approach to
funding social services called, Social Impact Bonds. Funds would be raised from
investors or charities to finance social programs.
Judith Dunlap in “Privatization: How Government Promotes Market-Based Solutions
to Social Problems”, asks two pertinent
questions: 1: Is it the government's intention to shift responsibility for social provision to market-based solutions? 2: are
market-based solutions more cost-effective
as a response to social problems?
The answer to the first question is yes .It
started with the elimination of the Canada
Assistance Program in favor of the Canada
Health and Social Transfer Program in
1996. The 97 budget report: “Cuts in
Transfers to The Provinces Continue Unabated” Notes that the federal government's
long drift away from its social program
funding partnership with the provinces is
evident.
Dexter Whitfield, in his paper “Payment By- Results,” notes public provision has
been fragmented and commercialized. And
has mutated into many new forms designed to widen and deepen the role of the
private sector in the delivery of public services.
Words are important: one news report stated, “Government wants to tap into a gold
mine of private sector funding.” This language objectifies and relegates the private
sector to a commodity, rather than encouraging the notion that all levels of government and the private sector need to work
together to eliminate the specter of poverty
in our society.
British Prime Minister David Cameron,
expresses this kind of thinking when he
argues that rolling back → → → →
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Social Justice
SOCIAL IMPACT BONDS (Cont’d)
Sharon Murphy, BSW,MSW
“Critics question whether the
bond program would lead to
reduced funding for nonprofit organizations
supplying valuable but hardto-measure services, and the
program is a
commercialization of social
values.”
- Sharon Murphy
the state would serve to roll forward society. An April 12th, 2012 research note by
the Canadian Union of Public Employees
says, “The biggest flaw in this vision is
selling a strong public sector in opposition to a strong civil society.” In fact they
are not in opposition to each other or in
my opinion mutually exclusive. But as
mentioned, everybody has an important
role in the provision of public services.
In answer to the question about costeffectiveness, David MacDonald, senior
economist with the Canadian Centre for
Policy Alternatives, says government will
end up paying more for programs that it
would have funded 10 years ago-just
because they were good ideas. MacDonald remarked, “now they run them
through this bond system whereby some
private financier makes 10 to 20% on
their investment rather than government
evaluating a good idea and say let's fund
that.
Critics question whether the bond program would lead to reduced funding for
non-profit organizations supplying valuable but hard-to-measure services, and
the program is a commercialization of
social values.
got rid of the loophole that allows the
proceeds from cashing in stock options
to be taxed as if they were capital gains,
at half the normal rate, rather than as
ordinary income.
Marc Lee in his study “Eroding Tax Fairness” found the top 1% of taxpayers saw
their rate dropped by 4% between 1990
and 2005.
Most Canadians saw their tax rates fall
by 2% of income not so for the poorest
20% of taxpayers who pay 3 to 5% more
in taxes.
Middle income families pay about 6%
more in taxes than a family in the top 1%
I realize the importance of deficit reduction. However, people living in poverty
would probably prefer government policies that deal with the systemic causes
of poverty. Not programs that only provide a temporary Band-Aid solution. Also, in response to a recent fiscal update
report, by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
Avery Shenfield, chief economist with the
CIBC, noted that coming off a deficit of
only 1.5% of the GDP last year that Canada has room to take a gradualist approach to deficit reduction. It is also
worth noting Canada has a Triple A credWhat is the answer? For starters we
need a more progressive income tax sys- it rating with all three Credit Rating Agentem. Ed. Broadbent former leader of the cies.
NDP has argued that higher taxes on
In unity there is strength. We all need to
excessive compensation could provide
work together for the “common good” to
the money to help eliminate poverty in
ensure equality, and that every Canadian
Canada .That even without taking the
has the opportunity to realize their potenstep of raising taxes on well compensated executives. We could help the situ- tial. Canada is a richer country than it
was 10 years ago –why are the poor still
ation, by ending the public subsidy of
suffering?
excessive CEO’S pay packages, if we
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The Canadian Association
of Social Workers (CASW)
is a federation of
provincial/territorial
organizations. Its national
office is located in Ottawa.
By joining the appropriate
provincial/territorial
organization social workers
automatically become
affiliated with CASW.
CASW was founded in
1926 and has completed 84
years of service to social
workers and to the
Canadian public.
Mission Statement:
CASW is the voice of social
workers in Canada
promoting excellence in social
work practice, education and
research and supporting
provincial/territorial
regulation in the interest of a
just and sustainable society.
383 Parkdale Avenue,
Suite 402 Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y 4R4 Telephone
613.729.6668 Fax
613.729.9608
E-mail: casw@casw-acts.ca
Website: www.casw-acts.ca
Social Justice
LOCAL IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIPS (LIPS)
Margaret Fraser, Project Coordinator
Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs)
are an outcome of the Welcoming Communities Initiative, http://
welcomingcommunities.ca/lip/ originally
developed in conjunction with the Ontario
Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(CIC) is supporting an increased number
of LIPs across Canada, enhancing current networking and creating a seamless
integration of immigrants into our Municipalities.
Currently, a project is underway to look
at a LIP for HRM. The project will bring
together key stakeholders, businesses,
educators, service providers, profession-
al associations, government as well as
immigrants and more to identify community-based planning around the needs of
newcomers. The NSASW office will keep
you informed about progress, and we are
pleased to have been included in the
early stages of this project.
A LIP Community Forum will be held on
March 7th ,2013 (9:00 am to 3:00 pm) at
the Westin Nova Scotian. Topics will be:
Cultural and Social Inclusion; Economic
Growth and Impact; English As An Additional Language; and Health and Wellbeing.
Social Justice
CHILD WELFARE SERVICES FOR ABORIGINAL CHILDREN
Harold Beals, RSW
An article in the Halifax Chronicle Herald
(February 26, 2013) commenting on a
Canadian Human Rights hearing revealed that aboriginal children are being
removed from their families at an alarming rate. The Assembly of First Nations
and other experts are estimating that
“there are at least 27,000 aboriginal children who have been removed from their
immediate families.” The reason is not
related to the assimilation of the Indian
child as it was in the 1940’s and 1950’s
but rather due to the desperate conditions on reserves that are contributing to
a cycle of poverty leading to family
breakups, and youth in conflict with the
law. Paul Champ, lawyer at the Tribunal
hearing said “What is the same in the
pattern is the acceptance of the federal
government and the respondent that
First Nations children can be treated
differently. That it’s acceptable that a
lower level of services can be provided”.
For background on this issue see the
report, “Kiskisik Awasisak: Remember
the Children: Understanding the
Overrepresentation of First Nations Children in the Child Welfare System” at:
http://cwrp.ca/sites/default/files/publications/
en/FNCIS2008_March2012_RevisedFinal.pdf
ACCESS 808 - A Hub for Youth Services
A new service for youth ages 16-24 has been established in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). Access 808 located @ 808 George St , Sydney provides a range of services as described in their attached Home Page. It is the result of the tireless efforts of a small group of dedicated individuals hoping to fill
the gaps in the formal systems. See website: http://access808.ca/
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Social Justice
SOCIAL WORKERS: DEFENDING SOCIAL PROGRAMS FOR A
STRONGER CANADA
CASW Media Release - March 1, 2013
Canada is experiencing accelerated changes at the national level that is altering, in
almost every aspect, its relationship to the federation. From the Criminal Justice
System to Old Age Security to tax expenditures, the rebranding of Canada will resound, both at home and abroad, for generations to come.
“A national strategy
(poverty reduction plan)
would ensure that all
Canadians, regardless of
their age or where they live,
would have equitable access
to programs and services to
support living with dignity
and respect.”
- CASW Media Release
As a result of the recently accelerated legislative and funding changes, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) and the Canadian Association for Social
Work Education (CASWE) have chosen the theme Social Workers Defending Social
Programs for a Stronger Canada to jointly proclaim March 2013, National Social
Work Month.
“At their minimum, strong, equitable and accountable social programs are society’s
strongest security against crime and exploitation of others” states Dr. Carolyn
Campbell, CASWE President. “At their best, they permit people and society opportunities to reach our potential.”
With most provinces and territories adopting poverty reduction plans, it has become
clear that Canada requires a national plan. The Government of Canada’s participation in a poverty reduction plan is essential given the billions transferred each year
in support of the delivery of social and health services. A national strategy would
ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their age or where they live, would have
equitable access to programs and services to support living with dignity and respect.
“With the rules governing Canada’s equalization program and affordable housing
agreements set to expire in 2014, the federal government has opportunity to proactively address the growing income inequity gap in Canada” states Morel Caissie,
CASW President. “We encourage the government to reinstate conditions to the social transfer, introduce new standards for post secondary education, housing, and
poverty; and to create new child care service programs with enforceable standards.”
Social Justice
“IT TAKES A SOCIAL WORKER...”
Sydney Blum, RSW
I am an active and organizing member
of the Local Exchange Trading System
committee (L.E.T.S) and the Sunrise
Community Development Cooperative
which are visionary committees for the
area developing a master plan for sustainable community development locally. My L.E.T.S. work involves outreach
to local people who have developed
tradable skills in any and all realms who
would be willing to accept a local cur-
rency (in part) for their skill in order to
keep work and currency in the local area. This group serves to empower a
sustainable local economy despite being a small rural community; allowing for
growth and connection where the community can meet its own needs. My
L.E.T.S. participation also involves planning and helping to bring about a
L.E.T.S. fundraising dinner which donates to a selected human rights cause.
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Social Justice
“IT TAKES A SOCIAL WORKER...” (Cont’d)
Sydney Blum, RSW
The International Federation
of Social Workers (IFSW) is
a global organization striving
for social justice, human rights
and social development through
the development of social work,
best practices and international
cooperation between social
workers and their professional
organizations
International Federation of
Social Workers,
PO Box 6875, Schwarztorstrasse 22,
CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland
Tel (41) 22 548 36 25
Fax (41) 31 382 1125
We are at a turning point with L.E.T.S.
development· and have decided to design, print, and issue currency (all within
regulated guidelines) in order to increase local trading among members
and expanding to non-members. We are
offering a design contest to the community for the currency design which will be
printed and distributed this spring.
I have taken on an outreach and organizing group ordering of organic foods
from New Brunswick. I take care of the
ordering and distribution of the bulk
food. We are going to begin discussion
of forming a local food co-op this winter.
I have also gotten involved with the local
Transition Town Movement and hosted
an apple pressing event at my home.
soups, and casseroles making additional
meals to be distributed to those in need
locally. My role is to help by making decorations, decorate, cook, clean, phone
outreach. Between the two events I
probably put in 40 hours of work. This
event is becoming a model community
event that is being replicated elsewhere
(Bridgewater, now their second year,
planned on 1000 meals this Christmas).
I am involved in the Colchester Wind
Farm (CCWF) which is the first community owned wind farm in Nova Scotia. It
is now up and running and serving the
needs of the North Shore with locally
produced sustainable electricity.
Living the concept of "It takes a Village"
a number of women, including myself,
This year I got involved with a wonderful have taken on the task of baby-sitting
Free School event that happens every
the new born child of a local woman who
summer. Where people come from all
is a one person farm operation CSA
over to study with people who have spe- (Community Supported Agriculture) so
cialized information to share. My husthat she can continue her daily work and
band and I opened our art studios for
chores on the farm. We scheduled shifts
viewing and discussion and then helped that ran through the planting, growing,
with food preparation for the final dinner. and harvest seasons. My part was apI also volunteer for the Tatamagouche
proximately 6 hours a week- MWF
Creamery Christmas Dinner which
(10a.m.-12 noon.)
served over 700 (!) dinners to the local
community, delivering nearly 250 last
I was one of 13 women who put on a
year to the local home-bound. The con- production of the Vagina Monologues
cept is about neighbor serving neighbor. and gave 4 performances along the
Each community guest is personally
North Shore. We raised more than$3000
served at a beautifully decorated table
to be donated for scholarships locally
where their personal meal selections are and toward the global fund for the edugraciously met and catered to. I am incation and prevention of violence
volved in planning, decorating, preparagainst women. We have given out buring, cooking, delivering, and cleaning up saries to the North Shore teen women,
over a 5 day period. All the food is doNorth Shore Adult women and First Nanated, homemade, and mostly organic. tions women. Some of the programming
There is great care given to the nutrition- that received benefit from our gift was
al value and healthfulness of the meal
Yes Men, Young Writers, Raising Boys,
and providing it for free to all in the com- ARSN, Women Sharing Spiritual Jourmunity to eliminate any stigma to those neys, Creative Arts Facilitation and
in need. The take-out dinners are deliv- Herbal Medicine. It was an extraordinary
ered to the homebound by caring indiexperience.
viduals and the meals are large servings
that will provide a few days' meals. The I am an active member and helped to
left overs are made into fish cakes,
organize the first Atlantic Dowsers Soci-
C ON N E C T I O N
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Social Justice
“IT TAKES A SOCIAL WORKER...” (Cont’d)
Sydney Blum, RSW
ety (ADS) gathering and weekend workshop. We hosted speakers who use dowsing for humanity, sustainable farming, potable water in Latin and South America, healing.
ties more vulnerable to the psychological
and social impacts associated with fracking,
destroying community integrity forever.
Much of my time this year has been spent
on trying to understand the psychological
and sociological impact potential of this and
I played a role as organizer, fund raiser, and to inform others, along with others, through
activist for the repair and restoration of my
community activism, movies, workshops,
neighborhood Barrachois Community Hall
speakers, letter writing, etc. The goal being
that was vandalized and burned a few years to empower the community to protect and
ago. We have gotten the building closed in
voice its right to consideration and protecfrom weather, written successful grants for
tion from harm. We are making progress.
matching funding, had a well-attended fundraising dinner and auction and hope to get
the hall usable again for community events
by next summer.
Editor’s Note:
Sydney Blum, RSW has agreed to allow us
My community work this year continues to
to reprint her personal account of the social
focus on the threat of natural gas fracking in justice issues she has been involved in as a
our area and the need for community educa- social worker living and working in her comtion and organized response. I feel this pos- munity. Her account is in support of her lies a grave threat not only through environcense renewal for 2013. We thought it would
mental harm but by fracturing the social co- inspire others to become involved in social
hesion of the communities in which it hapjustice work and to emphasize the impens. While hosting Jessica Ernst, scientist portance of social work and how one social
and gas patch consultant, who just won the worker can make a difference.
United Nations ANIMA award to a Courageous Woman for her fight to protect the
In recent correspondence from Sydney she
environment from industry harm felt that the states: “The credit really goes to the memcommunity's structures here in the Maribers of this amazing community, Tatamatimes would be irreparably damaged by gas gouche. There are so many extraordinary
and oil exploration on shore. The tightly knit people here "walking their talk" with commitnature of our local communities, the physical ment and dedication.”
layout of our communities, and the lay of the
land and water would make our communi-
Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work (COSW)
An organisation for citizens of the Commonwealth who are interested in supporting social
work and social development. Goals:
To provide a Commonwealth network for information about social work and social development;
To provide support and sharing of technical knowledge and expertise between and
amongst Commonwealth countries and their social workers;
To identify contact people in all Commonwealth countries who will act as liaison persons
for interested individuals, groups and organisations within their countries;
To establish a link with Commonwealth organisations with similar objectives and the Organisation of Commonwealth Associations;
To work closely with the International Federation of Social Workers and to promote active
involvement of Commonwealth social workers in international social work and social development organisation.
“I played a role as
organizer, fund raiser, and
activist for the repair and
restoration of my
neighborhood Barrachois
Community Hall that was
vandalized and burned a few
years ago.”
- Sydney Blum, RSW
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 and
Registered Social Workers
SOCIAL WORKER CANDIDATES
December 2012
PRIVATE PRACTICE
January 2013
Sarah Elizabeth Bray
Adam David Matthews
Holly Leigh Wilson
Tammy Lou McPhee-Doyle
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS
December 2012
Susan Evans
Carrie Ellen Evely
Kim Maurice Joseph Grondin
Norman Joseph Sylliboy
PRIVATE PRACTICE
December 2012
Darlene Katrine MacGregor
SOCIAL WORKER CANDIDATES
January 2013
Jenna Nicole Adlakha
Michael Robert Nahirnak
Holly Patricia White
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS
January 2013
Karen Michelle Doyle
Amy-Lynn Evelyn Goulden
Laura Ann Kennedy
Carolyn Andrea Wells
SOCIAL WORKER CANDIDATES
February 2013
Anne Marion Renée Brochu
Constance Ann Campbell
Krista Marie DeCoste
Christina Margaret MacInnis
Kathryn Elizabeth Matheson
Melissa Anne Myers
Lisa Marie Parker
Jillian Colleen Watters
Shannon Lee Young
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:
M. Gail MacDougall, (Chair)
Geoffrey Hood
Nancy Ross
Deborah Kaetz
Linda Wilson
Jack Landreville
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS
February 2013
Marion Brown
Kristen Leasa Danielle Joy
Jacqueline Jane Maloney
Christina Borgaily McCarthy
Donna Marie McLean
Joyce Elaine Morouney
April Cristine Munro-Wood
John Edward Rolls
Gary Peter Young
Mark Scales
PRIVATE PRACTICE
February 2013
Trevor Maurice Day
Tiana Isabella Theo Fusco
Proposed New Social Work Legislation
There will be a special members meeting on
March 28th at the Ramada Inn in Dartmouth, from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm to discuss
the proposed legislation. A PowerPoint
presentation at 4:00 pm with plenty of time
for questions and discussion. Go to the
NSASW Board of
Examiners
NSASW website and look for the link 2013
NSASW 50th AGM to preview the documents. Send any comments to Robert
Shepherd at: robert.shepherd@nsasw.org
or Debra Reimer at: kidsaction@xcountry.tv
Alphonsine Saulnier
Government
Appointments
David MacIver
Richard Melanson
Larry Clement
Board Staff:
Joyce Halpern
Registrar
Suzanne Desjardins,
Administrative Assistant
Matt Lafond
Assistant Registrar
Wayne Hollett
Investigator
Linda Debaie,
Investigator
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NSA SW AWA R D S
RON STRATFORD MEMORIAL AWARD:
This award is presented in memory of Ron Stratford, a dedicated social worker committed to a
holistic perspective emphasizing prevention and community development. It is awarded annually
to a resident of Nova Scotia who:
•through volunteer efforts makes a significant contribution to a preventive or community-based
social service program, or
•is involved in research surrounding a preventive or community-based social service program, or
•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.
DAVID WILLIAM CONNORS MEMORIAL AWARD:
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.
The David William Connors Award, in memory of David’s gentle manner and care for others, is
presented annually to a front line social worker who has shown the following attributes:
•has demonstrated a desire to go beyond the call of duty to meet clients’ needs;
•has shown respect, caring, empathy and dignity in all aspects of his/her work;
•has displayed through direct practice a basic belief in each human being’s personal worth and
ability; and
• has endeavored to bring about lasting change for those in hardship, particularly youth.
KEN BELANGER MEMORIAL AWARD:
The Ken Belanger Memorial Award is presented every second year in memory of Ken Belanger
who distinguished himself by speaking out against oppression and exploitation. This award alternates with the Freda Vickery Award The award is presented to a Registered Social Worker who:
•has demonstrated an explicit and unfailing commitment to pursuing social justice and to challenging oppression in its many forms;
•is recognized by the social work community as practicing social work with a high level of caring,
responsibility, integrity and ethical standards;
•has broken new ground working for, and behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
persons; and/or has demonstrated a particular concern for gay and lesbian youth.
FREDA VICKERY AWARD:
The Freda Vickery Award is given every second year to a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers, who has been a member for at least two consecutive years, and who
fulfills the following Award criteria:
•A member of NSASW who upholds the ethical standards and values of social work,
•who has displayed imagination and creativity in his/her professional work, and
•who has given his/her professional skills to the community at large.
Each nomination for any of the above awards must be accompanied by:
•Name, address, phone number and current position of nominee.
•A letter of support from the nominator.
•A second letter of support from an individual or group who has direct knowledge of the contribution of the nominee
Nominations for all the above awards will be accepted until April 1st Send to:
Robert Shepherd, Executive Director, NSASW,
1891 Brunswick Street, Suite 106, Halifax, NS B3J 2G8
(902) 429-1790. Fax: (902) 429-7650
E-mail: robert.shepherd@nsasw.org .
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Protests
NEWS AND EVENTS
NSASW Council
Minutes: A reminder
that Minutes of all Council meetings are placed
on the Association’s
website in the member’s
section. To enter the
member’s site you will
need your username and password.
Minutes can be found under News &
Events . Keep up-to-date on your Council’s discussions.
The Conference Board of Canada released its new report card on Canada.
Canada’s social performance has
remained a “B” over the last two
decades. To read the full report, please
click on the link below for full details at:
http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/
default.aspx .
Single referral source for community
and social services across the Province: 211 is not a counseling service. It
is an information and referral service that
will connect people with the most appropriate services to meet their needs. It is
free, confidential and available 24/7
throughout the year.
Share CONNECTION!
If you know of a social worker who is
without internet services, please make a
copy of the newsletter for them, or …. let
us know, and we will ensure that a copy
is sent out to them.
Campaign 2000: Campaign 2000 released its annual Report Card on Child
and Family Poverty . The 2012 report,
entitled, “Needed: A Federal Action Plan
to Eradicate Child and Family Poverty in
Canada” , calls on the Federal Government to take a lead role in child and family poverty reduction. (Quoted from the
CASW Reporter, November 2012). To
read the report Click Here
Solution focused practice - Mar 25 Apr 21, 2013 | Dalhousie School of
Social Work Online: This form of thera-
py is characterized by respectful curiosity, use of the client’s language, and
learning about what is important to them
in the co-construction of their preferred
future. A 4-week interactive online
course with facilitators Jill Ceccolini,
MSW, RSW and Barry McClatchey,
MSW, RSW. For more information check
out website: http://socialwork.dal.ca/
Continuing%20Education/Current%
20Programs/Workshops.php?id=140 .
NORTHWOOD PRESENTS
3rd Annual Research Symposium
Current Research in Aging and
Continuing Care
Friday, June 14, 2013
Holiday Inn Harbourview, Dartmouth
Stay tuned for more information
www.nwood.ns.ca
information@nwood.ns.ca
Follow NSASW on
social media!
The latest news relevant to
social workers on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/NSASWNEWS
You can follow our Facebook
updates by linking to our page:
NSASW
The Discussion forum can
be found at:
http://www.nsasw.org/forum
NSASW Celebrates 50th
1891 Brunswick St., Suite 106
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 2G8
Phone: 902-429-7799
Fax: 902-429-7650
E-Mail: nsasw@nsasw.org
NSASW Staff
Executive Director
Robert Shepherd
Coordinator
Annemieke Vink
Registrar Joyce Halpern
Assistant Registrar Matt LaFond
Administrative Assistant
Suzanne Desjardins
Administrative Assistant
Michel Perrault
NSASW CONNECTION
To send articles and information for inclusion in future
issues of CONNECTION
contact: Harold Beals at:
haroldbeals@eastlink.ca
The deadline to receive content for the next issue of
CONNECTION is
June 1, 2013
CONNECTION is on the web
Click Here