Master of Social Work Research Practicum Reports

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10294/2906

The Master of Social Work program provides an option of completing the requirements with a thesis, or a practicum. The practicum option contains two streams: the field practicum and the research practicum. The full details for the program are provided here: Graduate Studies and Research -- Master of Social Work program.

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Open Access
The impact of Indian residential schools on First Nation parenting in Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2000-09) Redman, Calvin
The Indian residential school system in Canada is one issue that has been at the forefront of social and cultural revitalisation for Aboriginal people in recent years. The reason for this attention is the influence that this system has had on changing Aboriginal families and culture. Rueven Feuerstein identifies culture as "the process by which knowledge, values, and beliefs are transmitted from one generation to the next" (Feuerstein in Ballester, 1984, p. 32). Aboriginal people are attempting to reclaim the cultural losses suffered due to this system. One participant in this study stated, "do not deprive your children of their tradition, [let them] know their history and not be ashamed of who they are". This study examined the experiences of twenty-five (n=25) Aboriginal Saskatchewan participants who had attended residential school in Saskatchewan. The over-all focus consisted of the impact of their experiences on parenting. Aspects in this approach included memories,traumatic events and resolution suggestions from the participants. The findings in this study support the over-all focus consisted of the impact of their experiences on parenting. Aspects in this approach included memories, traumatic events and resolution suggestions from the participants. The findings in this study support the over-all views found in the literature that purport First Nation parenting to be a central factor impacted upon by the role-models who cared for the children at residential school. The examples available to the students in the schools for the most part were lacking due to the substandard parenting and nurturing examples that Aboriginal children experienced. Most of these twenty-five students were raised without support from their family and community and subjected to a system that was raised with abuse and lacked the healthy patterns that should prepare them for their role as parents.
Open Access
A critical case study on the meaning and role of 'race' in human rights work
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2004-02) Lwanga, Christine S. K.; Geller, Gloria; Watkinson, Ailsa
Throughout history, whenever society has used 'race' as a human identity and categorization of people it has been associated with denial of dignity and rights. However, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948, with the goal to promote and protect equal dignity and opportunity for all people, incorporated 'race' as a neutral and valid human identity. This article presents the findings from a qualitative case study on the meaning and role of 'race' in contemporary human rights work. The case study is based on three human rights discrimination in employment complaint cases, filed by women of different ancestry: Aboriginal, African and European. Framed within Structural Social Work (critical theory and postmodernism), this study exposes the complexity and contradictions within 'race'. It demonstrates that 'race' is a distinct and necessary prohibited ground of discrimination; however, 'race' as a human identity is in and by it-self oppressive, and identifies six distinct discourses of 'race'. These findings imply a need for further research and critical work on the position of 'race' in human service programs that reify 'race'.
Open Access
Development of volunteer mentor program manual
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Miller Moyse, Gwen
A volunteer mentor program manual was developed for the use of Vanier Collegiate, targeting high school students as volunteers to work with elementary aged children. Research on mentor programming indicated that organized and structured programming, similar to Big Brothers/Big Sisters’ model, is more likely to achieve successful outcomes. The manual closely followed the recommendations in order to emulate this success and to minimize any potential harm to youth receiving services.
Open Access
Peer specialist training: integration of peer support in mainstream mental health
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Nugent, Marcie Marie
Consumer involvement has become the holy grail of mental health services. Research shows that the use of consumer peer supporters delivers similar outcomes in recovery to mainstream mental healthcare. The effectiveness for peer support in outcome achievement is attributed to the flexibility, creativity, and ability to connect on a deeper level with their peers through the sharing of their own lived experience. Despite the evidence of the effectiveness of consumer providers, the mainstream mental health system is slow to integrate their usage. The purpose of this project was to develop a training program for peer specialists in mental health that embodies the recovery model, and allows for flexibility and creativity that makes peer supporters effective. The aim of this project is to provide a resource for agencies embarking on integrating peer specialists into their own service delivery system.
Open Access
Knowledge.spirit.strength: we are teachers to each other
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010-11-15) Peterson, Terri
No abstract supplied by the author. Abstract created by the cataloguer from information contained in the Introduction. This document describes the stories, hopes, and intentions of a local practitioner and a community of Métis students. It illustrates an empowerment based approach to community work informed by both narrative ideas and the sharing traditions of the Aboriginal people of Saskatchewan. Over the last several months, the students of SUNTEP (Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program) have explored and documented their narratives of struggle and determination with the dream of inspiring local Aboriginal youth and addressing social inequities within the larger community. Using the cultural and narrative custom of sharing, the students created a collective document describing the hopes, knowledge, and skills of their community to distribute among their many neighbors.
Open Access
Rural Saskatchewan seniors: perceptions of health
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2011-07) Tremblay, Larina L.; Jeffery, Bonnie
No abstract supplied by the author. Abstract created by the cataloguer from information contained in the Introduction. The objective of this report is to focus on one aspect of the study: an examination of the health beliefs of elderly Canadians living in rural Saskatchewan and specifically, how rural seniors conceptualize health. Increased understanding of how seniors’ conceptualize what it means to be healthy ensures that service programs and delivery of those programs will better meet the needs of the aging population. The findings from this study will assist in informing rural social work practice, service delivery and policy making in the area of rural seniors health.
Open Access
Safety training for the prevention of client violence towards social workers.
(2012-08-17T15:58:52Z) Field, Rita Anne
Social workers are employed in a broad range of human service work settings. Safe working environments and conditions that are free from client violence towards social workers is a real concern for social workers and employers alike. Many aspects must be considered when creating a safe work culture including staff training and the development of safety training materials. The Provincial Crisis Coalition, comprised of the three Mobile Crisis Units in Regina, Prince Albert and Saskatoon, requested assistance with creating a training manual and materials for their use and to share with other interested individuals or groups. This safety training report was based on the literature reviewed, information from the Provincial Crisis Coalition and their Crisis Critical Incident Reports. This report includes references to ethics, social worker rights and occupational health and safety. Definitions and predictors of violence are provided in addition to a description of detailed techniques and skills for the social worker to utilize when preventing or diffusing violence. Reference is made to the challenge of providing mandated services and the recommended processes for supporting social workers who are victims of client violence.
Open Access
Measuring success : creating an evaluation tool for children and teen bereavement programming at the Greystone Bereavement Centre
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Greig, Lisa; Novik, Nuelle; Jackson, Marlene; Durst, Doug
The literature on children's grief recognizes the value of bereavement support programs as a method for facilitating children through their personal grief journeys. The long term impact and outcomes of such support programs for children's grief have not been identified. Evaluative measures, specific to children's grief, are complex, developing and limited. To further inform the development of an evaluative tool for children and teen grief and bereavement programming, this report focuses on the experiences of caregivers whose children have attended grief and bereavement programming at Greystone Bereavement Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan. Eight interviews were conducted with caregivers whose children attended Caring Hearts Camp. The eight participants shared the benefits and challenges to their children, themselves and their family units. Through a phenomenological approach to qualitative research, these experiences are highlighted within the findings. From these findings, recommendations are provided for the development of an evaluative tool for consideration by Greystone Bereavement Centre. A pilot evaluation has also been constructed and is attached in the Appendices. Further, the recommendations within this report contribute to the knowledge of death, dying and bereavement. Within the field of social work, this knowledge will continue to enhance the care provided to the individuals and families who have encountered a death loss.
Open Access
“It’s not my time” : understanding MetSyn pilot project attrition from a women-centered perspective
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Suchorab, Jennifer; Martin, Judith; Jeffery, Bonnie; Watkinson, Ailsa
This research project aimed to understand the lived experience of Saskatoon and area women who had discontinued the MetSyn pilot project from a women-centered perspective. The MetSyn pilot project was a program developed by the Women’s Mid-Life Health Center of Saskatchewan in coordination with the Chronic Disease Management Program of the Saskatoon Health Region to provide increased awareness, prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome for women in the Saskatoon area. Phenomenological methodology was used to carry out the project. A one-time semi-structured interview with two study participants resulted in data that was analyzed using a systematic method of analysis (Moustakas, 1994). Due to the small sample size of two participants, the essence of the experience was unable to be determined. The findings, however, resulted in lessons learned such as the experience being communal with a “women as plural theme” that included feelings of disappointment, frustration, annoyance and loss. These feelings were balanced with a sense of empowerment and autonomy in regards to what decision was best for the women given their health goals and other life commitments. These lessons support suggestions for future MetSyn program development such as attention to attrition as an important component of future evaluation planning, the inclusion of guided fitness programs and greater attention to the psychological aspects of metabolic syndrome.
Open Access
Aftercare for families transitioning from residential care
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Gerrand, Christal; Novik, Nuelle
The following research practicum was created to gather information on aftercare issues specific to Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Family Treatment Program (FTP). Although the FTP is based in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, it provides intensive family reunification services to families that reside in communities across Canada. The program has identified a gap in the aftercare component of their service continuum, and as such a qualitative, collective case study approach to research was conducted in order to gather data on aftercare experiences. Data was collected from two groupings of participant samples: the Discharged Client sample and the Family Therapist sample. Eight participants were interviewed from the Discharged Client sample and six participants from the Family Therapist sample responded to electronic questionnaires. The results of the data analysis produced four themes with varying responses found within each group. Ultimately, the findings of this project demonstrate that aftercare services are viewed as needed by both participant groups. Several implications are considered for the provision of aftercare services tailored for the Family Treatment Program. Five recommendations are presented to direct this process within the framework of an intensive family reunification services model that has been developed by the National Family Preservation Network.
Open Access
A strength-based perspective with Regina Public Schools
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Gelsinger, Valerie
The Regina Public School Board is informed by a strengths-based philosophy which includes the Circle of Courage model. The purpose of this paper is to identify first, how social workers within the Regina Public School Board apply a strength-based perspective in their interactions with students, administrative staff, parents, teaching staff and other allied agencies and second, its relevance to their practice. A qualitative case study was conducted that utilized the framework of a case study and a semi structured interview for face to face interviews with social workers employed by the Regina Public School Board. It is anticipated that the data gathered will benefit new and existing staff by providing guidance for their daily work and will help to clarify how school social workers are utilizing a strength-based perspective to support students, families, administrative and teaching staff and allied agencies.
Open Access
Why you have to get in the chute : reflections on the integration of social work services in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-02) Wasson, Erin; Chalmers, Darlene
This report is a reflection on and an analysis of my Master of Social Work (MSW) practicum journey. I provide an overview of my learning experiences with particular attention to my role in the creation of an organizational structure, clinical practice in this setting, my interactions with staff, students, and faculty of the WCVM (Western College of Veterinary Medicine), the integration of social work theory and practice, ethical considerations, and the literature as it pertains to the practicum context.
Open Access
Outsider research in social work : thoughts, challenges, experience
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-02) Bzdel, Helen
I wrote this article to address the question of whether or not non-Aboriginal researchers can be involved in conducting research with Aboriginal people. Most of the literature on this topic over the last decade argues that such research should be conducted by an Aboriginal person. I based this article on my experience as a non-Aboriginal person joining a research project with Aboriginal youth and Aboriginal researchers. I facilitated two sessions with the youth on topics related to their identity. In the first session, I had a discussion about working with a non-Aboriginal person and led them through a therapeutic laughter session. In the second session, I asked the youth to choose a song that they identified with in regard to their identity and we discussed why they identified with that song. After I participated in this project, I concluded that a non-Aboriginal person should be cognizant of certain factors in order to effectively engage in research with Aboriginal participants. Then they can assist participants in creating knowledge by telling their story in the manner in which they wish it to be told, even though the researcher is not Aboriginal. I identified the following factors as being important: acting as an ally; learning to walk beside/work in conjunction with Aboriginal participants; working with Aboriginal mentors and researchers; recognizing personal privilege; following Ownership, Control, Access, Possession (OCAP) principles and being involved as a learner.
Open Access
Family therapy with youth and their families : a family therapy internship with the Youth Community Counseling Team
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-02) Harder, Doug
This report provides an overview of the Youth Community Counselling Teams integrated therapeutic approach of structural solution-focused family therapy, the values of the agency and how values are implemented. Case examples are provided to display my implementation of family therapy in direct social work practice within the agency. The focus for social workers in the Youth Community Counselling Team is to stay on top of their case load, which appears to limit their ability to focus on the social work value of pursuit of justice. Finally, this report describes some present service barriers to potential clients and future barriers considering the changing face of Saskatoon’s population with increasing Aboriginal and Immigration populations. This report will be of value for social workers that are considering a family therapy internship at Child and Youth Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Saskatoon Health Region.
Open Access
Relational aggression among young girls : understanding the impact on victims and their families
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-01-05) Kritzer, Shannon Wendy
This study examines the impacts upon victims and families of adolescent female relational aggression. Many adolescent girls endure female relational aggression on a daily basis in their school, community, and home settings. Research shows numerous short-term and long-term mental health impacts to the victims. Currently there is little research on the impact of those supporting female adolescents victimized by relational aggression, namely, the victim’s family. From the small amount of research discovered, certain themes emerge. Families feel powerless, become angry, agitated, and anxious, and struggle with the feeling that they failed their child. Some families feel alone and isolated, while others feel such devastation that they resort to relocating their entire family for a fresh start. Furthermore, research also reveals discrepancies in the focus of intervention and prevention programs. The purpose of this project was to discover the impacts of adolescent female aggression on the victims and their families and to narrow down interventions and prevention programs for victims and aggressors of relational aggression. In doing so, this report aims to provide programs to assist school personnel and those involved in mental health professions.
Open Access
Exploring and developing resources for families of children with a life-limiting illness
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-05-17) McKenzie, Lynn May; Johner, Randy; Durst, Douglas
Nothing can prepare a person to care for a child with a life-limiting illness. Children are not supposed to die before their caregivers. Caregivers sometimes are left alone to figure out how to navigate through their children’s illnesses. The health care professionals around them may lack the knowledge and experience to support them. The resources available to families of children with a life-limiting illness are scarce and scattered. Often health care professionals do not have access to information to provide support to these families. The purpose of this research study was to explore what resources are available for families and develop a resource booklet for health care professionals to use to support the families of children under the age of 18 years with life-limiting illnesses. A qualitative research study with open-ended interviews was conducted with eight health care professionals. The interviews were both face-to-face and by telephone. The intention was to gather information that would be utilized to develop a resource booklet. The findings suggest that there is a lack of resources available for health care professionals who provide support for families of children with a life-limiting illness. The research also showed that health care professionals would utilize a resource booklet if available. Health care professionals, families and children with a life-limiting illness are impacted by the lack of resources and would potentially benefit from a resource booklet.
Open Access
A narrative way of being
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-05-17) Corbeil, Anjeanette; Halabuza, Donalda; Chalmers, Darlene
The helping relationship is intricately bound with genuine honour and ethical responsibility. Being invited into another’s story of hardship and uncertainty carries a profound obligation that holds a powerful opportunity for human connection and influence. Narrative therapy offers a respectful, reflective approach to the helping relationship and therapeutic process that celebrates collaborative effort and impact. Genuine curiosity and the art of storytelling spark insight and inspiration as they hold the power to leave a lasting impression. As a social work practice reflection, this discourse includes an outline of my practicum objectives, shares skills and stories discovered and reveals an honest exploration of my personal and professional growth through appreciating a narrative way of being.
Open Access
Access denied: exploring people with disabilities' experiences accessing an erotic life
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-07) Apps, Michelle; Halabuza, Donalda
This paper investigates the lived experiences of people with physical and intellectual disabilities' in accessing an erotic life (defined as any sexually charged touch, with the desire to create intimacy). The research is chiefly concerned with how people with disabilities feel about having an erotic life, which is an overlooked area, and how they think that should be facilitated. The study was conducted through a narrative inquiry (Riessman, 2008), in which the participants told stories about their lives within the context of accessing and facilitating an erotic life. A thematic analysis revealed the main themes of access, perceptions acting as attitudinal barriers, facilitation, the role of interlocking oppressions, and notions of control.
Open Access
Exploring the lived experiences of siblings who grow up with a sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-07) Day, Amanda; Johner, Randy; Chalmers, Darlene; Novik, Nuelle
This research project explores the lived experiences of young adults who are living with a sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by asking one methodological question: What are the lived experiences of young adults who lived with a sibling diagnosed with ASD in Saskatchewan? The research practicum employs a phenomenological approach, which includes semi-structured interviews and participant derived photographs, involving 5 adult siblings in Saskatchewan. A different relationship, but it is not one that is less became the essence shared within the different lived experiences of the study participants. The essence was impacted by two major themes identified throughout the analysis, including challenging and positive experiences. Subthemes that emerged from the challenging theme include the diagnosis and complex and layered. Positive experiences subthemes include reciprocity and bonding. These themes are discussed, along with the implications for social workers and future research.
Open Access
The perspective of clinical caseworkers on the developmental trauma experiences of youth living in group homes at Ranch Ehrlo
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-08-29) Becerra, Susana Prado; Kikulwe, Daniel; Johner, Randy
Trauma is a common problem experienced by marginalized children, youth, and their families. It affects physical health, mental health, and relationships and often manifests as problematic behavior for which youth within the child welfare system in Canada are institutionalized. This research utilizes a critical realist perspective of disability, a developmental trauma disorder (DTD) approach, and ethnographic methods with the aim to understand the perspectives of caseworkers working with youth who have experienced trauma and are now residing in Ranch Ehrlo Society’s (RES) group homes. The data collection consisted of six semi-structured interviews with clinical caseworkers who work in RES’s residential programs. According to the data, the youth present trauma exposure and symptoms and behaviors as described by DTD diagnostic criteria. Other findings that emerged include the community, familial, and child welfare factors that contribute to the trauma; considerations for trauma-informed care; and resilience. In conclusion, a DTD approach and a critical realist perspective contribute to inform the problem in an innovative and coherent manner, offering social workers knowledge in advocating for social justice, developing professional competency, and enhancing interdisciplinary work.