School of Social Work

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/30

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Westernization-indigenisation in social work education and practice: understanding indigenisation in international social work
(2019) Ouedraogo, Valerie; Wedler, Barbara
International social work is about thinking globally when acting locally and vice-versa. Most of all, it is a field that requires acknowledging differences and a ‘welcoming’ of theories and practice models of one’s own singularity (cultural, political, economic) for direction in understanding social work. These context- and population-specific approaches build the core identity of the social work profession. However, limited opportunity for these specific approaches, along with knowledge and skill gaps, underscore International Social Work post-secondary curriculum on a global scale. Thus, the authors are centrally concerned with conducting a research-informed study to strengthen International Social Work courses. In this article, the authors outline the development of Indigenisation theory and offer ways of thinking and interacting with social work concepts and methodologies in an International Social Work teaching and learning context. This article offers a pragmatic approach of considering a dialectic of Westernisation-Indigenisation, to connect the local and the global as well as the North and the South by aiming to develop the concept of Indigenisation in International Social Work. Through a tri-continental partnership (Europe, North America, Africa), the authors outline their current and future plans to create a research study to develop curriculum and conduct field work, to focus efforts on decolonizing social work practice and education. This partnership offers a two-directional relationship between global thinking and local acting, therefore modelling Indigenisation theory and its application on an international scale.
Environmental sustainability in social work: a questionnaire and focus groups study
(2022) Ouedraogo, Valerie
This poster is presenting the firsthand results of open-ended questionnaire and focus groups sessions conducted with social workers who had sustainability as a core course topic in their Bachelor of Social Work curriculum. Our poster will focus on 1) definitions of environmental sustainability from the perspective of participants; 2) social work practice fields that participants indicated as favorable to incorporate sustainability and 3) barriers to incorporate sustainability in social work daily practice. Our study aims to understand ways that social workers exposed to sustainability course topics have been enacting environmental sustainability in their social work practice. Our purpose is to inform and discuss the need for change in incorporating sustainability into the Social Work curriculum and encouraging professional development of environmental sustainability social work practice.
The effects of intersectional stigma and discrimination on the mental well-being of Black, LBQ, female youth 18–25 years old
(2018) Richards, Donna; Gateri, Hellen; Massaquoi, Notisha
This chapter focuses on Black, lesbian, bisexual, and queer female youth and the effects of intersectional stigma on their mental well-being. Labels such as "lesbian", "bisexual", and "queer" are used to refer to women who have same-sex desires. Few studies addresses the intersectional stigma that Black, lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) female youth face in a society where racism, sexual orientation, and homophobia intersect with other social inequities. Throughout the chapter, in addition to LBQ, the acronyms LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) and LGBQ are used because much of the literature reviewed concerns the larger LGBTQ community. It found that this group not only experiences discrimination in society in general, but may also face discrimination within the LGBTQ communities. Oftentimes, they also face rejection or pressure to remain closeted in their own racial/ethnic communities because of heteronormative cultural pressures. It purposely excludes transgendered populations as one's social work practice experiences have been primarily with the LBQ population. Transgender is an umbrella term used to refer to identities such as transgender and intersex.
What is the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social workers?
(2020) Gateri, Hellen; Richards, Donna; Edwards, Fiona
At the start of the 2020 Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Canada, many social workers throughout Canada worked on the frontlines, providing essential services in hospitals, long-term care facilities, shelter systems, the social services sector, and the criminal justice system, as their places of employment were deemed essential services. This presented often confusing situations for social workers; who were faced with the challenges of simultaneously complying with crisis-level provincial and federal safety guidelines and mandates, directives from their regulatory bodies, and protocols from their employers, while keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy as they continued working with clients. The following paper discusses the precarious situations faced by frontline social workers, the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on them, and we offer recommendations to support frontline social workers’ mental health during this and future pandemics.
The implementation of Bill 212 in Ontario schools: implications for Black students
(2021) Gateri, Hellen; Richards, Donna
In February 2008, Bill 212 (Progressive Discipline and School Safety) replaced Bill 81, the Safe Schools Act of June 2000 with regards to the behaviour, discipline, and safety of students. However, since Bill 212 has been in effect, suspensions and expulsions have been unfairly implemented against Black secondary students. Using anti-Black racism (ABR) framework, this commentary paper explores the effects of sections 306–311 of the Bill on Black students within Ontario's secondary school system. Based on this exploration, we will critically examine the way suspensions and expulsions have been employed through Bill 212 and the consequences of these disciplinary measures for Black students. We recommend alternative practices such as restorative justice and the integration of ABR framework to address students’ inappropriate behaviours in the educational system.
Policy brief: Guidelines to address pandemic health disparities experienced by racialized families with developmental disabilities
(2023) Khanlou, Nazilla; Khan, Attia; Pashang, Soheila; Vazquez, Luz Maria; Gateri, Hellen; Hutchison, Nerissa; Ohiku, Titilayo
This policy brief was developed as part of the project titled Equity-informed intersectoral KMb to address pandemic health disparities experienced by racialized families with developmental disabilities.
Refugee youth: early mental health intervention and support
(2024) Gateri, Hellen; Edwards, Fiona
Refugee youth are vulnerable to poor mental health due to exposure to trauma and disruptions to their psychological, emotional, and physical development. Using the public mental health theoretical framework, this chapter will explore the need for early mental health intervention and support for refugee youth during and after resettlement in host communities. Many refugee youth experience adjustment challenges following prolonged exposure to the stress of insecurity, fear, and loss. Further discussion will critically examine the support programs and services that have been developed.
Social support for racialized families of children and youth with developmental disabilities: COVID-19 pandemic inequities
(2023) Khanlou, Nazilla; Khan, Attia; Vasquez, Luz Maria; Pashang, Soheila; Gateri, Hellen; Ohiku, Titilayo; Hutchison, Nerissa; Alawiye, R.
People with disabilities face increased risk for exposure, complications, and death from the recent COVID-19 public health emergency (Shapiro, 2020; Turk et al, 2020). The pandemic lockdown, with disruption of services and support (Chung, 2020) and accessibility barriers to prevention and response measures (Eshraghi et al., 2020), increased the challenges associated for people with developmental disabilities (DDs) (Ameis et al., 2020). Racialized people with disabilities (including DDs), further face systemic disadvantages across their social determinants of health (John et al., 2016); the interlocking barriers to care position them at a high risk of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research findings suggest that social support mitigates the effects of stressors for families to promote the wellbeing of children / youth with DDs leading to positive outcomes (Khanlou et al., 2022; Khanlou et al., 2015). Lack of data on the effects of the recent pandemic on people with DDs results in the inability of health surveillance systems to accurately determine the impact of the pandemic on marginalized populations and support needed (Turks et al., 2020). Increasing calls from racialized communities and disability advocates, scholars, and practitioners urge for the need to generate more data on the pandemic experiences of racialized people with DDs.
Employment barriers for racialized immigrants: a review of economic and social integration support and gaps in Edmonton, Alberta
(2024) Intungane,Doriane; Long, Jennifer; Gateri, Hellen; Dhungel, Rita
This article explores the strategies used by government-sponsored institutions dedicated to addressing systemic barriers to employment for racialized immigrants in Edmonton. The research involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with service providers, employment program coordinators from different settlement and employment agencies, and a research and training centre operating in Edmonton, Alberta. The first objective is to understand the barriers racialized immigrants face through the hiring and promotion process. The second objective is to understand the support provided by those institutions and the impact of their equity policies on how they assist racialized Canadians in finding gainful employment. Lastly, this study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement on the employment of racialized immigrants in Edmonton. The results show that around 50% of employment service providers acknowledged that visible minority immigrants face barriers while integrating into the labour market, including racial microaggressions in their jobs. In addition, the findings indicate a lack of programs tailored to the needs of racialized job seekers. Participants in this study reported that the Black Lives Matter movement raised awareness among employers regarding racial issues in the workplace. Hence, there is a demonstrated need for employers to undergo training to recognize and address racism in hiring, promoting, and retaining racialized employees at Canadian workplaces. Interviewees recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted racialized employees and newcomers. They recommended that Canadian companies establish educational programs that emphasize the importance and benefits of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hiring process.
Calculated kindness? The voices of women refugee claimants: accessing pre- and postnatal health care services in Toronto, Ontario
(2024) Gateri, Hellen
In Canada, refugee claimants are given temporary immigration status, making access to health care services challenging. While the federal government determines the entitlements granted to refugee claimants, provinces are responsible for delivering health care services. This qualitative study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight refugee claimants and six service providers in Toronto, Ontario. An intersectional theoretical framework was employed to examine the experiences of women refugee claimants and their complicated and often incomplete access to prenatal and postnatal health care services. Findings revealed that delivery of health care services in Ontario created barriers to access and under-utilization of services resulting from intersections of health coverage, immigration status, gender, class, and discrimination.
The natural environment in social work curriculum : a narrative reflection of teaching-learning through a sustainability course design and delivery
(2024) Ouedraogo, Valerie
This paper aims to narrate the author’s journey about a newly designed course called, Social Work and Sustainability offered at the beginning of social work education, which she used to develop and improve a learning material to enhance her teaching. It is a narrative reflection centered on class observations (from 2016 to 2019) and integrates a discussion of research related to sustainability in higher education. The author used both worldview and narrative methodological approaches to reflect on the course design and pedagogy process. Then Zapf’s (2008) model of the person as environment is expanded to lay out the evolution of the traditional ecosystems’ framework with the interconnectedness model framework of sustainability. The study highlights the importance of decolonization approaches and transgressive pedagogy calling for the development and implementation of Sustainable Social Work from a culturally-grounded perspective. The study recommends social workers to advocate for a reconnection with the natural environment through the integration of environmental awareness into theoretical and practical aspects of social work.
Internally displacement associated with conflict and violence: the case in Burkina Faso
(2024) Ouedraogo, Valerie
This PowerPoint presents the firsthand results of a study about social service organisations and delivery to adults in context of the insecurity crisis in Burkina Faso. Internally displacement from rural population to urban areas is one of the main effects resulting from this crisis. These firsthand results highlight social work role in context of political conflict. The results emphasize on the need for local knowledge development as well as transformation of social work services, organisations and delivery to internally displaced adults and host communities. Ce PowerPoint présente les résultats préliminaires d'une étude sur l’organisation et la prestation de services sociaux aux adultes dans le contexte de la crise d'insécurité au Burkina Faso. Le déplacement interne de la population rurale vers les zones urbaines est l’un des principaux effets résultant de cette crise. Ces résultats préliminaires mettent en évidence le rôle du travail social dans un contexte de conflit politique. Ils mettent l'accent sur la nécessité de développer les connaissances locales ainsi que de transformer les services et les organisations de travail social et leur prestation auprès des adultes déplacés internes et des communautés hôtes.
Research recast(ed) : S2E12 - Cultural inclusivity: Afrocentric education in the field of social work with Dr. Ouedraogo
(2023) Miskiman, Megan; Schabert, Reinette; Ouedraogo, Valerie
On today’s episode, we sit down with Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work here at MacEwan University, Dr. Valerie Ouedraogo, where we discuss cultural inclusivity and the need for Afrocentric education in the field of social work.
Research recast(ed): S2E6 - COVID-19 and the next generation of residential care worker: lessons learned, with Dr. Anna Azulai
(2022) Ekelund, Brittany; Cave, Dylan; Azulai, Anna
We learn about geriatric mental health and also explore how the next generation of social workers can help combat bias. Today we talked with Dr. Anna Azulai about social services relating to older folks and their needs and her research about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living in long-term care and continuing care facilities. Within our conversation we learned about geriatric mental health and also explored how the next generation of social workers can help combat bias and bring a better, more well rounded, approach when treating and assisting older people.
Screening for geriatric depression in residential care facilities: a systematic narrative review
(2015) Azulai, Anna; Walsh, Christine A.
Studies in residential care facilities suggest that routine screening can assist in the early detection of geriatric depression. However, the effectiveness of screening instruments in residential care in the US and Canada has not been adequately evaluated. We conducted a systematic narrative review of the English-language literature published between 2000 and 2010 on screening instruments used for depression detection in older adults living in residential care facilities. The review yielded nine scales and their modifications tested in residential care, which we evaluated. We provide specific recommendations for the use of effective scales and discuss implications for practice, policy and research.
Social exclusion and mental well-being of older people in rural China
(2016) Tong, Hongmei; Lai, Daniel W. L.; Guo, Aimei
The growth of the aging population in China is an important reality facing professionals and policy makers working with older adults. Challenges and needs related to the mental health of older adults, particularly those in rural areas in China, have been understudied. This cross-sectional study involved 499 older adults randomly selected from four rural counties in Jiangsu Province, China. Social exclusion was measured according to material resources, housing conditions, social relations, civic participation, and basic services. Mental health indicators included depression, happiness, and worry. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between social exclusion and mental health variables. Exclusion related to material resources, housing conditions, social relations, participation, and basic community services were found to be negatively associated with mental health outcomes. Social policies and programs to reduce various forms of social exclusion should be developed in order to enhance the mental health of older Chinese in rural areas.
State-of-the-art review of transition planning tools for youth with FASD in Canada
(2019) Coons-Harding, Kelly D.; Azulai, Anna; McFarlane, Audrey
While the nature of the formal transition to adulthood has changed over the past decade, it continues to be premised on the notion of achieving independence. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), however, may never reach full independence in their adult years, instead more so achieving interdependence. Consequently, their transition into adulthood may be particularly challenging because of the expectation of increased responsibilities and autonomy in many areas of life. While there is considerable interest in the area of transitional aged youth and youth leaving care, there is much less research addressing the needs of those with developmental disabilities, particularly FASD, leaving care and transitioning to adult services. It is not clear what services currently exist in Canada for transitional aged youth with FASD. Furthermore, it is also unknown to what extent existing programs enable youth with FASD to successfully transition into adulthood. Using a stateof-the-art review method, the purpose of this project was to review the literature on transition planning processes for youth with FASD from across Canada to determine the strengths and challenges of these existing transition planning tools, and to provide recommendations for the future for youth with FASD and their families.
Ageism and future cohorts of elderly: implications for social work
(2014) Azulai, Anna
In the field of prejudice and discrimination studies, an emphasis has been on racism and sexism, with comparatively little attention to understanding of ageism. This fact is alarming, particularly in the context of the growing population of older adults around the globe. This article provides a review of evidence of ageism among members of helping professions. The author expresses concern and develops an argument that ageism will increase as Baby Boomers reach retirement years. Implications for social work are then discussed.
Exploring intersections of age, gender, immigration, ethnicity, and widowhood among older Chinese immigrants in Canada
(2023) Wang, Qianyun; Walsh, Christine A.; Tong, Hongmei
The population of older adults in Canadian society is aging and becoming more ethnically diverse. Some scholars have explored the lived experiences of older immigrants in Western societies; however, studies on widowhood experiences among older immigrants are extremely limited. By adopting an intersectionality framework, this study seeks to address this gap by examining the influences of age, gender, immigrant status, and ethnicity on the lived experience of widowed older Chinese immigrants in Calgary, Canada. Data were collected from twelve in-depth qualitative interviews and thematically analyzed. Older Chinese immigrants’ widowhood experiences were located within intersections of multiple identities. Findings suggest that an intersectionality perspective could be used to better inform the development of social work practice and policy-making for older immigrants.
Reclaiming the history of social work education in Africa: initial learnings from the Association for Social Work Education in Africa (ASWEA) document analysis project
(2023) Kreitzer, Linda; Ouedraogo, Valerie; Lombard, Antoinette; Twikirize, Janestic; Abukari, Ziblim; Tassé, Abye; Musah, Yassannah
In Ghana, there are symbols that draw clarity to a point of view or speech. These are Adinkra symbols, and each is accompanied by a proverb or moral statement. The Sankofa is a bird looking back and this symbolizes the importance of learning from the past. Our research group has put this symbol into action. Three social welfare conferences held in the 1960s (Ghana, Zambia, and Egypt) concerning social work in West Africa and three expert group workshops of social work educators in the early 1970s, paved the way for the creation of The Association for Social Work Education in Africa (ASWEA) in 1973 with the support of the international community, African governments, and nongovernment organizations. Its purpose was to bring together academics and practitioners interested in African social work education to discuss the issue of social work education in Africa and to be a guiding light to make social work education and practice relevant to social issues in Africa. This included promoting the profession on the continent, supporting research and teaching, providing an avenue to exchange information and experience throughout Africa about the profession of social work, and to address the need to make social work education culturally relevant to the continent of Africa. With a history of colonialism, independence, and westernization, social work education in Africa needed to revolutionize its training and practice to address the needs of the continent.

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