Browsing by Author "Sanchez, Miguel"

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Open Access
Addiction Services for Parents with Addiction in Regina, Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-09) Myers, Carissa Jean; Sanchez, Miguel; Hunter, Garson; Krieg, Brigette; Hampton, Mary
The research question that guides this thesis is: are the addiction services in Regina and area meeting the needs of parents with addictions and their families in Regina and area? The goal was to research the treatment services available to parents with substance abuse problems, and to determine whether the interviewed service providers assess these services as meeting the needs of those parents and their families. This study used a qualitative, multiple case study method to interview five service providers who work in addiction service agencies in Regina, Saskatchewan. The service providers were all front-line staff at various addiction service agencies in Regina, Saskatchewan. Overall, these service providers expressed insufficient resources for parents struggling with substance abuse in Regina and area. Participants discussed barriers to successful recovery for parents with addictions, characteristics that make a program more successful for parents with addictions, gaps in services in the community, and strengths in services in the community. Regarding the overall expression of insufficient resources in the community, the participants identified lack of family treatment programs, lack of cooperation between agencies, and lack of funding for addictions services for parents in Regina and area as the main problem areas.
Open Access
The Challenges and Opportunities of Using a Competency Based Education Model in Social Work Education
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2012-03) Ramirez, Nelida; MacLean, Michael; Sanchez, Miguel; Schantz, David; Schick, Carol; Hunter, Garson; Rogers, Gayla
The ongoing expansion of neo-liberal globalization is affecting the milieu of both social work education and its practice and, in some countries, is actively promoting the adoption of Competency Based Education (CBE) models for education. To date, research addressing the question of whether CBE provides a useful theoretical framework in designing and implementing a curriculum for a Bachelor of Social (BSW) Work program has been sporadic. Given the importance of the ‘CBE question’ for education in general, and social work education in particular, the nature and process of current CBE curriculum designs for social work programs needs to be well understood, and the researchbase on this subject needs to increase. Considering the lack of research on the topic, this dissertation focuses on ascertaining why CBE models have been adopted in social work education internationally and analyses how the process of applying those models to curricula design and implementation has been carried out. Thus, the research seeks to answer the question: Does the CBE model serve as a useful theoretical framework to design and implement a Bachelor Social of Work program curriculum? The overall goal of this research is to advance to the dialogue and debate about the CBE issue within the social work academic community. It is, therefore, important to consider the views and opinions of professors who support utilizing CBE models and those who oppose it as well. The research also provides a conceptual framework concerned with key terms used throughout the dissertation. As well, the study presents theoretical information related to the major conceptual underpinnings of topics and contents related to the postsecondary education environment including its learning process, and approaches to curriculum development. The theoretical and philosophical foundations of CBE and classifications of competencies, CBE curriculum’s challenges, and criticisms of the CBE model are provided. Finally, an overview of the history of social work education in different countries is included. The research approach must be identified as a generic qualitative study. The methods used to gather research data included document analysis, face- to-face interviewing, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, including e-interviewing or interview conducted by e-mail and a website blog. The data results were formally conceptualized and coded in several categories. These categories were created by scrutinizing and reflecting on the practical experiences furnished by social work educators who detailed the implications, challenges, and opportunities of using a CBE model for social work curriculum design. The conclusions of the research indicate that many factors are pressuring or providing the impetus for the use of CBE in curriculum design and implementation for social work programs. Given this context, it is vital for academics within social work faculties to analyze and discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by the need for curricula change and renewal. Such a proactive approach to meeting the challenge of change is in sharp contrast to a passive strategy of responding to both external and internal pressures for curriculum change and renewal.
Open Access
Child and Family Poverty in Saskatchewan
(University of Regina Library, 2016-11) Gingrich, Paul; Hunter, Garson; Sanchez, Miguel
From 2004 to 2014, Saskatchewan experienced ten years of exceptionally strong economic growth. Employment and incomes grew and many people in the province greatly benefited from this strong economic growth.
Open Access
The clinical counselling experience of a master of social work student at Family Service Regina
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2018-11) Gislason, Alanna L.; Halabuza, Donalda; Sanchez, Miguel
This practicum report explores my practicum experience for a Master of Social Work degree as a Graduate Student at Family Service Regina, a community-based organization offering counselling services to the Regina community. My approach to counselling with clients at this organization was inclusive of three therapeutic approaches which were cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. This report will describe these three approaches and details my experience in applying these therapeutic frameworks. This paper will describe and analyze my experiences, observations, and personal reflections throughout my practicum placement at the Counselling Unit at Family Service Regina. In addition, I will outline in detail how I met my goals and objectives. Themes of anti-oppressive ideology and practice are threaded throughout this report. I end the paper by reflecting on my perspectives as a social worker and the implications for my future practice.
Open Access
Counselling at the Youth Resource Centre
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2024-08-23) Chowdhury, Shabnam; Sanchez, Miguel; Pino, Fritz
This report details my clinical experience as well as my learnings and insights such as how theory and practice were integrated throughout my field practicum. The practicum was completed at the Youth Resource Centre (YRC) with Mental Health and Addictions Services (MHAS) in Saskatoon within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The first sections of this report focus on my learning goals, practicum tasks, and my overall experiences in this setting. I then discuss the three therapeutic frameworks I used: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). Furthermore, I shared my reflection on how I engaged with the assessment process that this setting provides. I discuss further how the relevant literature and theories are applicable in working with the population receiving services from this Centre. In conclusion, I address the ethical dilemma and social work values that I prominently encounter. I conclude with my final reflection summary.
Open Access
Disability, Poverty and Welfare Policy: A Critical Disability Theory Analysis of Alberta’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and Implications for Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2012-09) Miazdyck-Shield, Dionne Christine; Sanchez, Miguel; Hunter, Garson; Chalmers, Darlene; Daschuk, James
Throughout modern history, people with disabilities have been socially and economically excluded and subject to intrusive, segregated services. The systemic exclusion of people with disabilities from mainstream society is a product of entrenched discrimination and the devaluing of their lives. The majority of people with disabilities are left with limited options, forcing them to rely on family members, charity and/or state programs to meet their financial and daily living needs. Disability activists have challenged the hegemonic belief that disability is an individual problem, labeling this the ‘individual pathology’ model of disability. They propose an alternative framework, ‘the social model’ which views disability as entirely subjective and societal, rather than a problem within individuals. This thesis examines how the underlying belief that people with disabilities are tragic and flawed, deserving of charity but not equality, may still be a critical factor that influences the construction of social policy, despite the rising popularity of social model thinking. Utilizing choice analysis, this thesis studies the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) in Alberta. The questions are asked: which model of disability influenced how and why AISH was developed; and has the AISH program evolved with the growing recognition of the social model of disability? The analysis is then used to reflect on the emerging Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program. The systemic exclusion of disabled people has been de-politicized. Alternatives to the individual pathology model, although known to policy-makers, have been ignored in mainstream policy discourse. (Oliver, 1996; Titchkosky, 2006). If positive change is to happen, the situation of people with disabilities must be re-politicized and their collective experience of exclusion acknowledged and as they define their own needs (Oliver, 1990).
Open Access
The Experiences of Men Who Attended Domestic Violence Treatment Programs and Made Changes to End Violence in Their Intimate Relationships
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-07) Giesbrecht, Crystal Joy; Sanchez, Miguel; Krieg, Brigette; Halabuza, Donalda; Carter, Claire
The present study sought to gain an understanding of the experiences of men who have been violent in their intimate relationships, attended domestic violence treatment programs, and successfully made changes toward ending their violent behaviour. This project adds to the existing literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) and further informs practice in the area of treatment and support for men who perpetrate IPV. The study used phenomenological research methodology. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with four participants. Following completion of the interviews, all statements made by participants during the interviews were coded into fifteen themes, and these fifteen themes were divided into three categories: men’s experiences before entering Domestic Abuse/Violence Treatment Programs (DAVTPs), experiences attending DAVTPs, and experiences after attending DAVTPs. As well as the fifteen central themes, there were also seventeen subthemes, which further describe the experiences of the participants and the context of those experiences. In terms of their experiences with violence before entering DAVTPs, the participants talked about the violence that had existed in their relationships, relationships with their children, their families of origin, and masculinity. When discussing their experiences in treatment programs, men spoke about engaging initially, accepting responsibility, bonds with other participants and facilitators, and things that they learned. In describing their lives after completing the programs, the participants discussed improved relationships, improved self-esteem, healthy masculinity, and the continued work that they are engaging in. Overall, participants were initially motivated to change because of relationships and of the effect that their violence had on their family, as well as negative self-esteem stemming from their violence, more so than justice system repercussions. For the participants, making change began with accepting responsibility for their violence, as well as responsibility for making changes in their lives. While participating in treatment programs, the men increased their emotional awareness and self-awareness, which was a catalyst for making change. The most important things that the participants learned during their time in the programs that were intrinsic to their process of ending violence in their relationships and remaining violence-free included: increased self-awareness, improved communication skills, and the realization that they need to continue working on themselves. The features of the treatment programs that the participants found the most helpful were the bonds that they formed with co-participants and the safety of the group environment. This research contributes to the body of knowledge regarding what helps abusive men to change their behaviour, for the purpose of helping to increase women’s safety and improve men’s lived realities. Information on what makes it possible for men to develop and maintain non-violent behaviours can assist service providers and community members help men to achieve these goals, and the present study contains several findings and recommendations provided by the participants that speak to this goal.
Open Access
Exploring the core phenomena of positive discipline in everyday parenting programs
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2016-12) Shanks, Tanis Leigh; Watkinson, Ailsa; Sanchez, Miguel; Hinton, Lee
This qualitative study explored the lived experience of 9 parents, 8 of whom indicated that they were newcomers to Canada. All 9 participated in Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP), a parenting program based on the rights of the child, to determine what it is in the program that reduces their approval of child physical punishment. In a Canadian study on PDEP, it was found that 95% of 321 parents indicated a reduction in the approval of child physical punishment, and more than 80% believed that they would use physical punishment less often (Durrant, et al., 2014). The current study explored why this change occurred and how the program made a difference in the lives/attitudes of parents when deciding to use corporal punishment on their children. The parents in the present study illustrated their experiences in the program through semi-structured interviews. Many of the same themes appeared across interviews demonstrating that there is something that makes a difference in their attitude toward the use of CPP and other forms of punishment after taking the PDEP Program. It was found that through the program, participants gained a sense of normalization and competence in their parenting. Both of these themes led to increased feelings of self-efficacy that led to the phenomenological essence of empowerment. This study provides a deeper understanding of what influences parents when making the decision to use or not to use child physical punishment. This study is also expected to assist social workers, allied professionals and policy makers with a greater understanding of the support mechanisms parents need before and during child rearing.
Open Access
“It’s not about me or them”: a close-up experience with the settlement of refugees at Regina Open Door Society
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-11) Tang, Tung Yu (Jon); Sanchez, Miguel; Hunter, Garson
This report outlines my practicum experience working with refugees at Regina Open Door Society. Regina Open Door Society is a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to new refugees and immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan. My first objective was to comprehend the settlement process of refugees in Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan. I was aware that refugees experience ongoing systemic discrimination and oppression, which leads to increased levels of vulnerability. Most often, refugees experience persecution, severe hardship and life-threatening situations prior to seeking refuge in other countries. Thus, I wanted to gain more insight into refugees’ life experiences and, at the same time, wanted to further develop my family case management skills. To obtain these objectives, I became familiar with the programs offered by Regina Open Door Society and immersed myself in their daily activities for four months. The Anti- Oppressive, the Strengths-based, and the Structural Social Work perspectives guided my experience at Regina Open Door Society. During my practicum experience, I gained a greater insight into the refugee settlement process in Canada and Saskatchewan. I believe my family case management ability has improved. In my experience, the strengths-based approach was helpful in addressing a wide array of common challenges (i.e. accommodation, domestic violence, gender discrimination, self-discrimination, substance abuse). As a result of this practicum, my confidence as a social worker has significantly improved. I have become further aware of structural changes and my increased commitment to work with oppressed people.
Open Access
Lives Disrupted: Resettlement Stories of Men Leaving War Torn Countries
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-05) Bressler, Holly Maria; Halabuza, Donalda; Sanchez, Miguel; Rahimi, Sadeq; Gregory, david
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the lived experience of men who fled war torn countries and now reside in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Drachman's (2008) Stages of Migration Framework was used to explore three stages of migration: pre-migration/departure, transit and resettlement. This qualitative research study used a narrative approach using Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach and Zilber’s (1998) holistic content analysis to uncover the themes. Bronfenbrenner’s (1989) ecological theory was used to analyze and interpret the findings. Three participants were interviewed for this study and a total of seven themes were uncovered from the men’s narratives. In the pre-migration stage, two themes were discussed “war” and “loss of freedom.” Participants described the terror, destruction and killings of war and the devastating loss of freedom. During the transit stage the themes of “the journey” and “waiting to relocate” were themes uncovered. Prior to arriving in Regina, the first participant fled from Burma to Thailand spending almost ten years in a refugee camp; the second participant escaped from Guatemala to Mexico and was in exile for several months; the third participant fled from Afghanistan to India for close to seven years. During the resettlement stage three themes emerged which were “challenges,” “demonstrating resilience”, and “stability.” The challenges commonly discussed included language, climate, dealing with trauma, cultural adjustment and overcoming employment challenges. A major part of “demonstrating resilience” was a willingness to access support from family, friends and community settlement services. Stability was viewed as success for participants. The findings of this study highlighted the benefit of strong relationships with settlement services and supports to improve English language training and employment integration. Equally important were services fostering relationships with community agencies and relationships with individuals in Regina. The lived experience of war had life-long impacts on the participants and was a devastating disruption in each participant’s life. Participants reported a lack of culturally appropriate mental health support to address trauma from war. Civilians continue to flee war torn countries sharing their stories is an important observance of human rights.
Open Access
The Martial Arts Project: Exploring the Use of the Martial Arts as an Intervention for Young Offenders with Substance Influenced Violent Offences
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2016-09) Sysing, Melitun Castillo; Sanchez, Miguel; Stockdale, Kiera; Krieg, Brigette
Youth-committed violent offences comprise a large percentage of overall violent offences in Canada that include violent non-fatal and fatal offences, costing its citizens 7.95 billion dollars annually. Many of these offences have also occurred while under the influence of a psychoactive drug. Youth crime in general has decreased nationally in the past ten years. However, youth crime rates continue to remain high in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, doubling the national average. Traditional therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and multi-systemic therapy, have been used to address substance use and violent behaviors in young offenders and have shown success. This study explores the question of the effectiveness of alternative methods of intervention, such as the martial arts, for young offenders with substance influenced violent offences. Unfortunately, there is the idea among society and organizations that work with this population that exposing violent young offenders to the martial arts will create more violent and aggressive offenders. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lives of adult martial artists (n = 5) who attribute managing or overcoming their addictions and violent and aggressive behaviors to their participation in the martial arts. The study also explores the experiences of service providers (n = 17) who work with the young offender population and identifies their perceptions on the use of the martial arts as an intervention. Results revealed that service providers find this population challenging and frustrating to work with due to their lack of motivation to change, as they are surrounded by a negative environment and lack of pro-social support in the community. The service providers felt that the martial arts would be a beneficial intervention. The findings of the present study provided a much clearer description of the mechanisms within martial arts that contributed to behavior change, such as supportive pro-social instructor and peers, giving them a sense of direction in life, learning how to cope with their emotions, and learning life lessons through training, such as perseverance and hard work, where other studies were unable to find the evidence.
Open Access
Ministry of Health : mental health and addiction services
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-08-10) Hutchinson, Keri; Halabuza, Donalda; Sanchez, Miguel
This report reflects my practicum experience with the Ministry of Health: Mental Health and Addiction Services. My objective for choosing a macro environment in which to complete my practicum was to learn about senior level management and gain a deeper understanding of policy and research. The paper is intended to reflect my learning experiences with the Ministry of Health. In this paper I will explore past and current trends in health care and the application of the Lean management system. I will provide a description of my practicum setting and discuss what is currently being done in mental health and addiction services. In addition, I will provide information on my work of mental health and addiction wait times and research information on eating disorders. Future directions of the Ministry of Health will be discussed that include mental health approaches and therapies, along with the integration of mental health and addiction services within primary health care. I will address ethics, values and human rights that are central to mental health and the social work profession. I will conclude my report discussing strides that health care in Saskatchewan has made against the challenges and barriers that still exist. My reflections and experiences will be incorporated throughout this paper.
Open Access
Physical and Psychological Effects of Politically Motivated Torture of Chilean Refugees
(Social Policy Research Unit, University of Regina, 2007-12) Sanchez, Miguel
Open Access
Program evalutation: Family Service Saskatoon’s Intimate Partner Violence program
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-06) Woodman, Riley; Novik, Nuelle; Sanchez, Miguel
This research report discusses a program evaluation of the Family Service Saskatoon (FSS) Intimate Partner Violence Outreach program (IPV program). Intimate partner violence is a social issue that impacts lives all over the world, especially in Saskatchewan. IPV outreach programs are present in numerous jurisdictions and incorporate many different activities and outputs. Research and literature describing these programs and identifying their successes is limited and therefore, research must be conducted in a way that examines common practice versus best practice. This document will include a literature review of factors that impact outreach programming for persons who experience IPV. Using Appreciative Inquiry to guide the methodology, this document will review the details of the IPV program at FSS and include data from interviews with staff of the program. Similar agencies elsewhere in Saskatchewan, and in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and New Zealand were contacted as part of this study. Finally, discussion topics and recommendations for the Agency will be identified.
Open Access
Seeing the trauma of homeless women
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-03) Chen, Yi Chen; Sanchez, Miguel; Kikulwe, Daniel
Homeless women are recognized as a vulnerable group in North America. They have difficulty being accepted in society and in their own communities. Given these realities, they lack a support system and are at higher risk for re-traumatization in their environment. As a social work practicum student at MyAunt’s Place, a shelter for homeless women in Regina, Saskatchewan, I witnessed the re-traumatization of homeless women during their healing process while staying in the temporary residence. I focused on trauma-informed practice (TIP) to understand their trauma and crisis intervention skills that support problem solving in the complex situation they face, including domestic violence, substance abuse, victimization, unstable housing, poverty, and sexism. My goal was to learn how to assist these women to find their strengths and regain control and power over their lives. Upon completion of the practicum, I reflected on my own personal development as a social worker with a view toward strengthening my own skill set and abilities within the context of social work practice, ethics, and values.
Open Access
A social work practicum with the Regina Public School Division
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010-08) Boyd, Neeja Carling; Sanchez, Miguel
This field practicum report discusses my experience as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student from the University of Regina with the Regina Public School Division (RPSD). I was able to work alongside a school counsellor at three elementary schools within the RPSD. In this paper, I will outline my practicum objectives and discuss how I was able to achieve them. An overview of the agency and the roles and duties of a school counsellor will be reviewed. In this report I will incorporate the main projects and activities I was able to participate in such as: group facilitation, assisting with implementing interventions, attending specialized meetings and working collaboratively with outside agencies. I have discussed the theoretical orientation of each of these interventions and the strengths-based perspective and cognitive behavior therapy within this report. I have also discussed social work values and ethics.