A talk on, “social work as a dissenting profession”

Michael Paul Garrett’s https://www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research/people/political-science-and-sociology/pmgarrett/ presentation to the the Indian Association of Social Workers Congress – fall of 2023, https://napswi.org/ helps us to put in context the evolving relevance of our code of ethics, practice knowledge and advocacy.  He provides a lay of the land on the tensions behind what can I say but to use the word neoliberalism, and the increasing push of care systems and the ensuing regulations to define compliance as professionalism, yet core to social work as a profession, is human rights.

The presentation provides some guides to building “progressive spaces” for our everyday practice, yet Garrett keeps it humble and aims for the local context, with his analysis and vision for social work.

See the presentation here:

 

In the context of entry to practice exams perpetuating structural barriers, “the three pillars of the profession – regulation, association, and education” are called upon to cooperate!

The article Clinical Social Work Practice in Canada: A Critical Examination of Regulation  helps in understanding our regulatory history and while a little Ontario centric, it captures the recent struggles of Canadian Social Work governance with licencing for clinical practice.   Again, this article is about the regulation of “clinical practice” in social work, recognizing that predominately this is now the activities most social workers are employed in rather than anything Jane Adams would have been up to, back in the day!  It makes recommendations that seek to strengthen regulation and protection of the public along with aims for evidence informed practice, founded in our knowledge base and values.

… The OCSWSSW has low entry to practice requirements (completion of SSW diploma or BSW or MSW degree) and no specific requirements for supervision, psychotherapy, continuing competence, and private practice. However, the OCSWSSW recently announced that an entry to practice exam will be implemented in 2027. It is unclear how the Ontario College will proceed with its plan for a licensing exam considering the recently revealed racial disparities in licensure exam pass rates. We are also unclear on how the other provinces that currently have licensing exams will respond to this important and pressing structural issue. We hope that provinces will re-evaluate the licensing exams and with transparency and community involvement will generate equitable ways of licensing competent social workers. …

My own experience of “the three pillars of the profession – regulation, association, and education” is that they remain siloed from each other with to be fair, occasional glimmers of cooperation.  The pivotal role of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), ultimately unexamined by most of us.  I went to a consultation on entry exams by them recently that left me believing they are creating another business arm of the social work industry, called entry to practice exam courses, rather than a life long learning, adult learner pedagogy that advances competence in our practice.

https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/what-social-work/three-pillars-social-work

Recommendations from the study:

…Based on the analysis of regulation and clinical social work practice in Canada, the authors propose the following list of recommendations to strengthen clinical social work practice across the country: (1) concerted effort from regulation, education, and association to strengthen clinical social work practice; (2) make standards of practice and codes of ethics uniform across the country for increased mobility, improved public trust, and enhanced clinical competence; (3) create a clinical social work designation in every province; (4) create entry to practice supervision requirements for independent clinical practice and for private practice; (5) specify the qualifications of clinical supervisors and require supervisors to complete training in clinical supervision; (6) set a minimum number of hours for continuing education and make it mandatory for members to submit an annual report; (7) evaluate the need for additional training for advanced clinical social work practice; (8) develop standards for private practice in all provinces and territories and include minimum requirements for private practice; (9) Distinguish between educational levels (i.e., BSW, MSW) and/or designations (i.e., RCSW) to ensure members are adequately trained for practice; and (10) demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity, anti-oppression anti-discrimination, and anti-racism through acknowledgement of harms and historical trauma, recognition of non-Western worldviews, partnerships with community members, transparency about decision making, and openness to make changes. …

Kourgiantakis, T., Ashcroft, R., Mohamud, F., Benedict, A., Lee, E., Craig, S., Sewell, K., Johnston, M., McLuckie, A., & Sur, D. (2023). Clinical Social Work Practice in Canada: A Critical Examination of Regulation. Research on Social Work Practice, 33(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315221109486

Please see the article here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10497315221109486

Federal budget benchmarks from CCPA … ” health and socioeconomic circumstances are always connected”

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, lays out an general overview of the budget including analysis of the social determinants of health in Public Health.

… A test for this historic budget is whether it recognizes that health and socioeconomic circumstances are always connected—not just in pandemic circumstances—by planting the seeds for a public-led recovery, including a plan to pay for it in the long term.

Does it achieve?

Focusing on the public health arm of the health care system, there are no significant changes in the budget. In fact, the budget largely conflates public health and the broader health care system, which dilutes public health’s unique concerns such as the health of populations, prevention and root causes of poor health. There are no strong signals in this budget of efforts to shift provincial/territorial health spending more towards prevention, versus downstream treatment.

In terms of strengthening the social determinants of health, the budget contains some very important new commitments, such as the robust plan for high quality, affordable child care. This initiative signals a significant commitment to strengthening conditions for health and social equity, especially for women and families. …

CCPA image of masked people and components of society -housing, civic institutions, statistical charts, $.

See the post here: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/2021-federal-budget-analysis

World Social Work Day, Look to Africa: “I am because we are … it’s time to rethink Western models of social work”

Martin Webber’s aspirational vision for the aims of social work are founded from his years of leadership in helping to develop social work professional standards in mental health and practice based research, such as Connecting People Project to help guide recovery interventions.  He nudges social workers to focus our aims beyond promising but ultimately more limited approaches such as organizational co-design or co-production to deeper societal interactions and dynamics. 

Personally, I find the seeking of a deeper social focus that connect the individual to community make so much sense as a milestone to guide our efforts to: help, intervene, counsel, plan, heal.  And as Webber say’s Look to Africa.

World Social Work Day provides an opportunity for us to explore how social work is practised and experienced around the world. This year, the theme ‘Ubuntu – I am because we are’ encourages us to look to Africa for inspiration.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu philosophy derives from the indigenous black populations of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is commonly represented by communal ideals and relationality – people thrive through their relationships with others. It can be readily understood by the common maxims:

I am because we are

A person is a person through other persons

It takes a village to raise a child

See the article here: https://martinwebber.net/archives/2987

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From INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS

IFSW AFRICA’S MESSAGE ON UBUNTU FOR WSWD

Information Type: NewsTopic: World Social Work Day

March 15, 2021

On behalf of the IFSW African Region, Noel Murdizo, the Regional President, and Joachim Mumba, the Regional Vice President, have released a video on this year’s global theme Ubuntu. The Global Agenda theme is being highlighted across the world, it resonates with social work values and has been used in Africa as a traditional philosophy to reinforce community wellbeing and development. The community strengthening approach of Ubuntu can be applied in all countries and communities.

Announcement of reunification between OASW and CASW

…We are very pleased to announce that our work to elevate our voice includes rejoining the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) as a federation partner effective April 1, 2021. The reunification of OASW with the national federation is exceptionally exciting, as OASW will unite with social work associations across Canada to promote our profession, increase our impact on provincial and federal policy efforts, and provide additional resources to OASW members. …

…Effective April 1, 2021, the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) will once again be a federation partner of CASW!The reunification of OASW to the national federation is exceptionally welcomed as CASW will once again have partner organization representation in every province and territory in Canada except for Quebec. … 

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After nigh on a decade, these two leading Canadian social work organizations have realigned themselves to advance our profession’s knowledge and values.  The fracture had centred around several provincial social work associations (Ontario and Alberta and Quebec earlier) withdrawing from the nationally focused social work organization Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).  The break was framed as CASW not effectively advancing the profession of social work by the two associations, for Quebec, nationalism was key.  Of course the provincial associations had some important points, though some thought, “follow the money,” as the funding for CASW came from provincial bodies.

Many of us from the Eastern Branch OASW advocated that a federal focus on policy was critical for the profession.   While there are various perspectives that can be brought to bear on federal and provincial view of the profession, generally the OASW Eastern Branch’s was based on our perhaps Ottawa centric view of social policy verses the OASW provincial office Toronto centric view.

I can’t pretend to know in any depth the ins and outs of it all but let’s just say at this time a decade ago, a lot of talk and presentations of evidence and experience occurred along with tangible and visionary aims for social work were shared.  One example of the energy at the time is that this website got launched and brought together various perspectives from across the country.  Although the ideals behind using social media to dialogue about our profession and governance didn’t actually move to an interactive conversation between parties, for example I had to use official statements from the OASW, yet important things were said and there was a record of sorts. 

Below are some samples of posts:

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/editorial-on-our-professions-shifting-terrain-colleen-lundy-therese-jennissen/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2015/01/17/members-of-the-alberta-college-of-social-workers-to-vote-on-resuming-membership-with-the-canadian-association-of-social-workers-casw/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/effective-march-31-2011-oasws-membership-in-the-canadian-association-of-social-workers-casw-will-be-suspended-for-a-period-of-one-year-oasw-communique-to-members/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/la-perspective-nationale-est-primordiale-et-le-retrait-de-lattso-ne-fait-que-renforcir-une-perspective-purement-provinciale-ou-regionale/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/the-real-question-is-in-what-organizational-form-do-individual-social-workers-regain-their-democratic-voice-at-the-national-and-international-level/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/oasw-has-responded-to-those-who-have-communicated-their-concerns-individually-and-has-provided-communiques-to-update-our-members-about-the-process-of-consultation-and-information-gathering-that-have-l/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/eastern-branch-board-letter-to-provincial-president-and-all-branches/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/the-difficulties-go-back-to-the-time-when-a-decision-was-made-to-turn-casw-into-an-organization-of-organizations-provincial-territorial-rather-than-of-individuals-quebec%e2%80%99s-withdra/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/to-suspend-its-membership-with-the-casw-will-impact-its-ability-to-meet-its-mandate-of-promoting-and-positioning-the-profession-advancing-the-interests-of-the-profession-and-meeting-emerging-tren/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/in-it-only-13-6-of-oasw-members-stated-that-oasw%e2%80%99-s-affiliation-with-casw-added-no-value-to-their-membership-glen-drover-explains/

https://socialhealthpracticeottawa.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/martha-wiebe-casw-has-helped-to-elevate-and-bring-credibility-to-the-profession-of-social-work/

 

“… hints of promising changes to long term care policies..” – the speech from the throne

Pat Armstrong’s analysis with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives explains how we can focus on cracks of opportunity to advance care.

(Image from report: Champlain LHIN report: Planning for Long-Term Care: When care at home is no longer possible)

If not now, when? The throne speech and long term care

… The throne speech also promised “further targeted measures for personal support workers” to “better value their work and their contribution to society.” That could simultaneously address some aspects of systemic discrimination, given that racialized and/or immigrant women disproportionately staff these jobs. It could also help address the shortage of people willing to do the work, as well as help prevent a further she-cession.

Similarly, the throne speech’s promise to implement “a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system” could also support these workers, given that women still bear the primary responsibility for this care. …

See the blog post here: https://behindthenumbers.ca/2020/09/24/if-not-now-when-the-throne-speech-and-long-term-care/

Learn more about Ottawa Local Resources from the Council on Aging of Ottawa : https://coaottawa.ca/committees/health/long-term-care-in-ottawa/

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COVID 19 and “the long-standing deficiencies in Canada’s long-term care sector,” Report from the Royal Society

SWAG shared the Royal Society of Canada report.  “The attached document was compiled by some outstanding academics and health care professionals who have been monitoring LTC issues in Canada for decades.  Do take the time to read it and circulate to colleagues in Geriatric care and caregiver support.” 

Overview:  Restoring Trust: COVID-19 and The Future of Long-Term Care

….The report begins by reviewing the research context and policy environment in Canada’s long-term care sector before the arrival of COVID-19.
It summarizes the existing knowledge base for far-sighted and integrated solutions to challenges in the long-term care sector. The report then outlines profound, long-standing deficiencies in the long-term care sector that contributed to the magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis.
Equally important contributors to this crisis are the characteristics of the older adults living in nursing homes, their caregivers and the physical environment of nursing homes.

The long-standing deficiencies in Canada’s long-term care sector and the characteristics of the key players had direct impact on the immediate causes of the COVID-19 crisis in our nursing homes. This report enumerates those immediate causes.

The report then articulates principles for action and recommendations for urgent action.

See the report here: https://rsc-src.ca/en/restoring-trust-covid-19-and-future-long-term-care

Youth Survey to help guide social policy, 12-17 years old — Canada in 2020: A Youth Perspective

“The Association for Canadian Studies and Experiences Canada are inviting children between the ages of 12 and 17 to participate in this short online survey (6-8 minutes). ”

We are asking youth across the country how they feel about Canada, their personal identities, diversity, discrimination, as well how they are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the survey is to better understand how recent events are affecting youth to inform social policy. Your child’s participation in this survey is highly appreciated.

Go to Survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Canadain2020

The Federal Poverty Reduction Strategy needs your help to define the “market basket”

Linda Lalonde updates us on first reading on legislation to create their Poverty Reduction Strategy in the House and Market Basket Measure consultation with Statistics Canada.

…The bill includes targets for poverty reduction from 2015 figures of 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2030. Of course, that means that 50% of Canadians living in poverty will still be there twelve years from now. Hopefully, there will be some kind of hearings or other ways to have input on the legislation.

Poverty Reduction Act – passed first reading Nov 6^th
http://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/bill/C-87/first-reading#enH45

Online consultation with Stat’s Can- (survey) of: what matters in our Market Basket? here:  https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/consultation/mbm

(Stats Can consult on MBM open to Jan 31st)

The Strategy includes the creation of the first official poverty line for Canada, the Market Basket Measure (MBM), and Statistics Canada is doing a consultation on the MBM asking about the adequacy of the levels of expenditure they consider would pull you out of poverty. It gives 5 groupings of expenses, i.e food, clothing & footwear, transportation, shelter and other necessities.

Market Basket Measure figures from StatsCan survey
Item		Family of 2		Family of 4
Food		$            670		$             950
Clothes/footwear		$            110		$             160
Transportation		$            220		$             320
Shelter		$            790		$         1,110
Other necessities		$            590		$             840
Monthly Total		$        2,380		$         3,380
Annual total		$      28,560		$       40,560

… There are also several questions about specific items such as use of cabs/uber and whether a smart phone is a necessity. The numbers they are suggesting add up to $28,560 for a family of two and $40,560 for a family of four.

I find it odd that they only ask you for the number of people in your family but not their ages to get to those numbers. The expenses of a family of one adult and three kids will be different from one with four adults. Things like child care and medical expenses have to be included in ‘other necessities’ because there’s no other place to put them. One non-subsidized day care space would wipe out the whole amount they’ve allowed.  I’ve attached a chart with the amounts they give for each category. If you are familiar with the current social assistance rates, you’ll see the figures are a bit different.

Linda Lalonde for further details here: linda_lalonde_ottawa@yahoo.com

National views of factors in child welfare: community, organization and individual, for social workers providing care

This Canadian Association of Social Worker’s report is shared by Lynn Sherwood. “CASW is asking for changes to federal funding for social services such that the provinces would be accountable for ensuring that funding for social services is used for social services.” She is seeking to work with local organizations such as the Ontario Association of Social Workers Eastern Branch to bring focus on the report’s recommendations. 

Putting Children First: Social Workers and Child Welfare in Canada

At the outset, it is critical to acknowledge that we recognize the profession of social work’s very specific role and responsibility in supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“We now have the concrete research that something needs to be done about overwhelming caseloads and increasing austerity-driven managerialism that robs social workers of time better spent forming relationships in their communities and helping families.”

Read about our next steps to help social workers: https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/putting-children-first-social-workers-and-child-welfare-canada

Please Contact Lynn if you are interested to help in any way to encourage community focus on the report.

sherwood3914@rogers.com