Faculty of Social Work

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10294/785

The Social Work Program of Education, Research and Community Service is designed to prepare students for critical generalist social work practice with diverse peoples. Informed by the principles of social justice, the social work program encourages students to identify the needs of the disadvantaged, marginalized and oppressed; to develop the commitment, knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills required to confront structural inequalities; to address personal issues; and to empower individuals, families, and communities to realize their full potential.

For more information on the Faculty of Social Work and its programs, visit the web site at: cat.uregina.ca/socialwork/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 233

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
Adapting capacity at the Alzheimer Society of Calgary to meet the demands of a culturally diverse population of persons living with dementia
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-03) Roszell, Ashley N.; Novotna, Gabriela; Halabuza, Donalda
This report provides an account of the student’s Master of Social Work research practicum with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary (ASC), a non-profit dementia serving society. The report first starts with an introduction that describes the issue under consideration, the objectives of the study and the context of the research practicum. After the introduction, the report provides a comprehensive literature review on the topic of dementia and caregiving, highlighting research on trauma, trauma-informed care, the social impact of COVID-19, counselling frameworks, therapy techniques, single session interactions, and research on dementia perspectives. Next, the report reviews current policy and procedures within the Learning and Support Services (LSS) Department at the ASC, and provides a critical analysis of the Best Friends™ Approach which serves as the core professional development training offered by the agency. The report also incorporates Adaptive Capacity tasks aimed at building the internal capacity of the LSS Department. This includes the steps taken by the ASC to define agency social worker’s scope of practice and increase cultural awareness and sensitivity. The report then goes on to discuss the new acronyms proposed by the student researcher for caregivers’ communication with persons living with dementia (PLWD) and agency social workers’ communication with caregivers. It integrates presentations on mental health and therapy techniques that the student researcher created for this practicum as well. Lastly, the report includes data collected from an interview with an agency social worker, an environmental scan on dementia serving organizations in Alberta, a discussion on the major benefits and opportunities for growth at the ASC, implications for social work practice, and ends with a conclusion.
Open Access
Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy as an Online or Hybrid Intervention for People Aging With HIV and Cognitive Concerns: Focus Group Protocol
(SAGE Publications, 2022) Eaton, Andrew, D.; Hui, Jenny; Muchenje, Marvelous; Murzin, Kate; Carusone, Soo Chan; Ibáñez-Carrasco, Francisco; Novik, Nuelle; McCullagh, John, W.; Nicolay, Susanne; Walmsley, Sharon, L.
Cognitive impairment is a significant health issue for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Cognitive challenges can include forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and increasing struggles to learn new skills, all of which contribute to poorer mental health and decreased quality of life. Although there is no specific drug therapy that can reverse the brain impairment, group therapies may help people aging with HIV and cognitive challenges to better cope with their symptoms when combined with their usual medical treatment and follow-up. This community-based study will involve peer-led focus groups to discuss cognitive remediation group therapy – a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities tested in a pilot randomized, controlled trial – as an in-person intervention for people aging with HIV in 2019. Via a brief demographic survey and technology-mediated focus groups (n = 40) in Ontario and Saskatchewan, we will determine how the intervention could be adapted in an online or hybrid format considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis will be employed whereby a team of independent coders will code the focus group transcripts in line with the co-design framework and “Double Diamond” model of developing interventions, including intervention structure, content, and mode of delivery. Given the aging of the HIV population in Canada, increasing support will be required in addition to medical care to improve quality of life, and proactively address concerns about cognition. This protocol provides a roadmap for adapting in-person psychosocial interventions using community-based and technology-mediated methods
Open Access
Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy Online: Focus Groups with People Aging with HIV
(SAGE Publications, 2024-01) Andrew D. Eaton; Jenny Hui; Marvelous Muchenje; Taylor Kon; Kate Murzin; Soo Chan Carusone; Nuelle Novik; Adria Quigley; Kristina Kokorelias; Francisco Ibáñez-Carrasco
Cognitive health is a significant concern for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Psychosocial group therapies may help people aging with HIV who experience cognitive challenges cope with their symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed in-person group therapies need adaptation for technology-mediated delivery. Peer-led focus groups discussed adapting cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) as an online intervention. CRGT combines mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities. Purposive sampling recruited people aging with HIV (40+) who self-identified cognitive concerns and resided in one of two Canadian provinces. Thematic content analysis was employed on transcripts by seven independent coders. Ten, 2-hour focus groups were conducted between August and November 2022. Participants (n=45) responded favorably to CRGT's modalities. Alongside support for its continued implementation in-person, participants requested online synchronous and online asynchronous formats. Preferred intervention facilitators were peers and mental health professionals. We also discuss how to adapt psychosocial HIV therapies for technology-mediated delivery.
Open Access
Addictions services and transitional outreach: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Labatt, Ryan; Durst, Douglas
This report is a reflective consideration of my MSW graduate student practicum at the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s Addiction Services, an agency which provides several programs and services to address client needs in the Regina and surrounding area. My practicum objectives were for me to improve my knowledge in the area of addiction services and to specifically develop a program model to transition addiction clients who required housing into homes in the community. The result of my practicum was the creation of the Transitional Outreach Program (TOP) Model which I believe addressed the scope, objectives and learning activities identified in my MSW Practicum Proposal. This paper utilizes the Direct Practice Framework outlined for MSW Integrative Practicum Reports with headings that include: Ideology, Theory, Values, Ethics, Relationships, Strategies, Skills and Visions. It is through this identified structure that existing Addiction Services Programs and the TOP Model are explored. This report bridges both the theoretical and practice implications present in my practicum experience. Relevant literature is considered in relation to existing Addiction Services Programming and for the TOP Model.
Open Access
Advanced multi-systemic approach to practice : Treaty 4 student success program, Fort Qu’appelle, Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Perrin-Bear, Leanne; Mantei, Cheryl
An in depth look at all Treaty 4 Student Success Program (T4SSP) initiatives that centred on community engagement and development.
Open Access
Advocacy, group work, and individual counselling with “Helping Young People Achieve” : a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) King, Evan; Logan, Clare
This report discusses the experience of a Master of Social Work (MSW) student from the University of Regina in his field practicum placement based at the social agency, Helping Young People Achieve (HYPA) in Adelaide, Australia. Formal group work and community development activities were incorporated in the placement. HYPA focuses on advocacy for young people and the development of opportunity, well-being, and community for marginalized young people in Adelaide. The practicum placement consisted of integrating the social work theory implemented by HYPA in their mission and individual case management approach. These approaches will be examined in this report in relation to ideology, theory, values, ethics, relationships, strategies, skills and encompassing conclusions which envisions future work in the social work profession.
Open Access
An affirmative coping skills intervention to improve the mental and sexual health of sexual and gender minority youth (Project Youth AFFIRM): Protocol for an implementation study
(JMIR Research Protocols, 2019-06-06) Eaton, Andrew
Background: Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY, aged 14-29 years) face increased risks to their well-being, including rejection by family, exclusion from society, depression, substance use, elevated suicidality, and harassment, when compared with their cisgender, heterosexual peers. These perils and a lack of targeted programs for SGMY exacerbate their risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions support clients by generating alternative ways of interpreting their problems and beliefs about themselves. CBT, tailored to the experiences of SGMY, may help SGMY improve their mood and coping skills by teaching them how to identify, challenge, and change maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Based on the promising results of a pilot study, a CBT-informed group intervention, AFFIRM, is being tested in a pragmatic trial to assess its implementation potential. Objective: The aim of this study is to scale-up implementation and delivery of AFFIRM, an 8-session manualized group coping skills intervention focused on reducing sexual risk behaviors and psychosocial distress among SGMY. Our secondary aim is to decrease sexual risk taking, poor mental health, and internalized homophobia and to increase levels of sexual self-efficacy and proactive coping among SGMY. Methods: SGMY are recruited via flyers at community agencies and organizations, as well as through Web-based advertising. Potential participants are assessed for suitability for the group intervention via Web-based screening and are allocated in a 2:1 fashion to the AFFIRM intervention or a wait-listed control in a stepped wedge wait-list crossover design. The intervention groups are hosted by collaborating community agency sites (CCASs; eg, community health centers and family health teams) across Ontario, Canada. Participants are assessed at prewait (if applicable), preintervention, postintervention, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up for sexual health self-efficacy and capacity, mental health indicators, internalized homophobia, stress appraisal, proactive and active coping, and hope. Web-based data collection occurs either independently or at CCASs using tablets. Participants in crisis are assessed using an established distress protocol. Results: Data collection is ongoing; the target sample is 300 participants. It is anticipated that data analyses will use effect size estimates, paired sample t tests, and repeated measures linear mixed modeling in SPSS to test for differences pre- and postintervention. Descriptive analyses will summarize data and profile all variables, including internal consistency estimates. Distributional assumptions and univariate and multivariate normality of variables will be assessed. Conclusions: AFFIRM is a potentially scalable intervention. Many existing community programs provide safe spaces for SGMY but do not provide skills-based training to deal with the increasingly complex lives of youth. This pragmatic trial could make a significant contribution to the field of intervention research by simultaneously moving AFFIRM into practice and evaluating its impact.
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.
Metadata only
An analysis of my practicum providing counseling
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-04-01) Luyendyk, Sarah; Pekrul, Ray; Barss, Colleen; Halabuza, Donalda; Hunter, Garson
This report is an analysis of my practicum at Family Service Regina in which I provided individual counseling. My goal to increase and apply graduate level social work knowledge and skills in counseling was achieved through various ways. I worked with a variety of clients: females, males, young adults, seniors, Chinese and Inuit. I gained in-depth knowledge on various problems and assisted clients in addressing the problems, such as anxiety, depression, codependency, grief and loss, self-esteem, limited support and anger. I gained a better understanding of various therapeutic approaches and applied them to assist the clients. The therapeutic approaches consisted of, person-in-environment perspective, person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy and the strengths based approach within a person-in-environment perspective. My counseling skills improved in reflecting, relationship building, goal setting, exploring deeper, focusing and confronting. I gained insight into, and learnt to work with my personal values, the agency’s values, the client’s values and the professional values within Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), Code of Ethics. I encountered an ethical dilemma. I conclude this paper with recommendations that suggest greater emphasis needs to be placed on training students to deal with situations they will encounter in direct social work practice and educating students on strategies to change social policy and address macro level issues.
Open Access
Anti-poverty strategy: a reflective review of an anti-poverty organizing practicum with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Englot, Kirk; Cruikshank, Jane
The intention of this report is to serve as a reflective review of an eight-month part-time Master of Social Work field practicum, which I competed with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) between the months of May and December 2009. My practicum activity drew from community development theory and was informed by a trend emerging across Canada towards the incorporation of anti-poverty strategies. I contributed to an organizing effort to draw together anti-poverty and social justice activists and organizations into a provincial network that has adopted the title Action for a Poverty Free Saskatchewan. The pages of this report outline the ideological and theoretical tenants that underpinned my work. I also reflect upon my fieldwork experiences through an evaluation of values, ethics, strategies, skills and future visions for my career and the profession of social work. I conclude that an anti-poverty strategy can assist in collective anti-poverty organizing.
Open Access
The ART of conversation: Feasibility and acceptability of a pilot peer intervention to help transition complex HIV-positive people from hospital to community
(BMJ Open, 2019-03-30) Eaton, Andrew
Objectives To pilot a peer-based intervention for people living with HIV who used substances, had challenges with antiretroviral adherence and would be discharged from hospital to community. Study design A community-based, quasi-experimental pilot intervention study designed to assess feasibility, acceptability and connection to a community-based HIV organisation. Setting This study was conducted in Toronto, Canada, at Casey House (CH; hospital for people living with HIV) in collaboration with the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT; community-based HIV organisation). Participants People living with HIV who were CH inpatient between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018, struggled with antiretroviral adherence, actively used substances and would be discharged to community were eligible. Forty people met criteria, 19 were approached by an inpatient nurse and 17 consented. Average age was 48.8 years (SD=11.4), 58.8% were male and participants averaged 7.8 physical and mental health comorbidities (SD=3.1). Intervention Titled ’The ART of Conversation', the three-pronged personalised intervention was developed through input from CH clients and ACT volunteers, all living with HIV. Intervention components were (a) predischarge goal-setting (adherence, substance use and self-identified goal) with the study nurse; (b) predischarge meeting with an HIV+ peer volunteer (PV) and (c) nine postdischarge phone calls between PV and participant, once per day for 3 days, then once per week for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes Feasibility was measured through proportion of eligible participants recruited and PV availability. Acceptability was assessed through participant interviews at three times (preintervention, post-intervention and 6 weeks follow-up) and through PV call logs. Client records determined connection to ACT within the study timeframe. Results Twelve participants completed the intervention and nine connected with ACT. Predischarge goal-setting and PV meeting were both feasible and acceptable. Postdischarge phone calls were a challenge as half of completers missed at least one call. Conclusions Although predischarge goal-setting and PV meeting were feasible, methods to maintain connection following discharge require further investigation.
Open Access
Assertive community treatment: field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-10) McFadden, Chanda; Durst, Douglas; Kikulwe, Daniel
The following report is an account of my practicum experience at Calgary Assertive Community Treatment program. This report offers personal experiences and reflection, as well as a review of current literature concerning the complexities associated with severe mental illness. Mental health service delivery through this model is discussed throughout the course of the report, outlining both advantages and criticisms of the model. The Assertive Community Treatment Model, together with its vital components and guiding principles, is considered a successful course of action for treatment of individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness. This service delivery model aids in accomplishing several evidence based advances including but not limited to decreased symptoms of mental illness and overall positive gains for individual recovery. The social work profession, in particular, shares an important contribution towards the success and effectiveness of this treatment model.
Open Access
Barriers to addressing HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND): Perspectives of community-based service providers
(Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, 2018-02-23) Eaton, Andrew
HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) is an emergent public health issue in developed countries. Consequently, people living with HIV who experience HAND will increasingly require support from community-based HIV service providers. The objective of our qualitative study was to identify barriers service providers face in addressing HAND among people living with HIV. Thirty-three providers from 22 AIDS service organizations across Ontario, Canada, were interviewed. Using thematic analysis, three types of barriers were identified: (a) personal/professional, (b) service access, and (c) systemic. This paper draws attention to HAND-related obstacles that service providers encounter in their work and presents options to overcome them.
Open Access
Becoming more trauma-informed: an exploration of family service Regina’s trauma-informed practice
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-08) Andres, Christine; Novik, Nuelle; Kikulwe, Daniel
This paper is a reflection of my MSW field practicum placement at Family Service Regina (FSR), an accredited, non-profit community agency that offers a variety of supportive services including professional counselling, education, planning and advocacy for vulnerable individuals and families within the community of Regina, Saskatchewan. The objectives of this practicum were to: 1) develop an understanding of trauma-informed practice and identify options and strategies for Family Service Regina (FSR) to consider in adopting a trauma-informed practice as part of the Agency’s service delivery system; and, 2) develop skills in program development and evaluation. The bulk of this practicum placement was focused on generating an agency evaluation report including recommendations for FSR to consider as they move toward incorporating a trauma-informed approach. This final practicum report includes a literature review on trauma-informed organizations, data gathered from interviews of FSR partner organizations, a survey of staff and management to evaluate FSR’s current strengths and gaps, individual interviews of management staff, and focus groups.
Open Access
Becoming trauma informed: a research practicum exploring haven family support staff experiences of trauma informed care
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-09) Gagne, Erin; Chalmers, Darlene; Gebhard, Amanda; Fletcher, Kara
The following report presents the findings from my research practicum with Haven Family Connections, Haven Family Support program in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The purpose of this research practicum was to assist the agency in meeting their identified need for staff capacity-building on vicarious trauma and trauma informed practice. The research practicum was guided by the following question: How can Haven Family Connections, Haven Family Support increase staff knowledge of vicarious trauma and trauma informed practice and improve their capacity in delivery of trauma informed services? A literature review was completed to determine emerging themes and identified key knowledge areas on trauma and trauma informed practice. This review also informed the development of a staff trauma informed practice self-assessment tool. The results of the self-assessment, which asked staff about their knowledge and skills related to trauma and trauma informed practice, informed staff focus groups and provided a baseline for assessing the current knowledge and skills of staff on trauma and trauma informed practice. Data collected from both the staff self-assessment tool and two focus groups were utilized in training recommendations and the development of a staff training guide. The findings revealed areas of strength as well as areas for further development in terms of staff training and practices.
Open Access
Building equitable, culturally safe & trauma-informed health care: mending a broken system
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-07) Anderson, Christina; Novik, Nuelle; Oba, Funke; Fletcher, Kara
This practicum report provides a description and critical analysis of my experience as a Master of Social Work (MSW) student during my field practicum placement with the Public Health Observatory (PHO), with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The purpose of this practicum was to gain graduate-level experience and knowledge about the integration of knowledge and skills relevant to macro social work practice in areas focused on health equity, cultural safety, and the promotion of trauma-informed principles in a healthcare setting. This report will explore the literature on macro social work practice, health equity, cultural safety, narrative (storytelling) approaches, and trauma-informed care. The literature review also examines what is required to move from reflection to reflexivity. Finally, this field practicum report describes my experience engaging with these overarching themes in an effort to understand how healthcare systems can be transformed — a transformation that must include a critical, self-reflexive, and revolutionary dialogue about the direction we envision for health care in Saskatchewan.
Open Access
Can Social Media Participation Enhance LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being? Development of the Social Media Benefits Scale
(Social Media + Society, 2021-01-23) Eaton, Andrew
Social media sites offer critical opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth to enhance well-being through exploring their identities, accessing resources, and connecting with peers. Yet extant measures of youth social media use disproportionately focus on the detrimental impacts of online participation, such as overuse and cyberbullying. This study developed a Social Media Benefits Scale (SMBS) through an online survey with a diverse sample (n = 6,178) of LGBTQ+ youth aged 14–29. Over three-quarters of the sample endorsed non-monosexual and/or and gender fluid identities (e.g., gender non-conforming, non-binary, pansexual, bisexual). Participants specified their five most used social media sites and then indicated whether they derived any of 17 beneficial items (e.g., feeling connected, gaining information) with the potential to enhance well-being from each site. An exploratory factor analysis determined the scale’s factor structure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe post hoc tests examined age group differences. A four-factor solution emerged that measures participants’ use of social media for: (1) emotional support and development, (2) general educational purposes, (3) entertainment, and (4) acquiring LGBTQ+-specific information. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 40,828, p < .0005) and the scale had an alpha of .889. There were age group differences for all four factors (F = 3.79–75.88, p < .05). Younger adolescents were generally more likely to use social media for beneficial factors than older youth. This article discusses the scale’s development, exploratory properties, and implications for research and professional practice.
Open Access
Can social media participation enhance LGBTQ+ youth wellbeing? Development of the social media benefits scale
(SAGE Publications, 2021-01-23) Craig, Shelley L.; Eaton, Andrew D.; McInroy, Lauren B.; Leung, Vivian W. Y.; Krishnan, Sreedevi
Social media sites offer critical opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth to enhance well-being through exploring their identities, accessing resources, and connecting with peers. Yet extant measures of youth social media use disproportionately focus on the detrimental impacts of online participation, such as overuse and cyberbullying. This study developed a Social Media Benefits Scale (SMBS) through an online survey with a diverse sample (n = 6,178) of LGBTQ+ youth aged 14–29. Over three-quarters of the sample endorsed non-monosexual and/or and gender fluid identities (e.g., gender non-conforming, non-binary, pansexual, bisexual). Participants specified their five most used social media sites and then indicated whether they derived any of 17 beneficial items (e.g., feeling connected, gaining information) with the potential to enhance well-being from each site. An exploratory factor analysis determined the scale’s factor structure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe post hoc tests examined age group differences. A four-factor solution emerged that measures participants’ use of social media for: (1) emotional support and development, (2) general educational purposes, (3) entertainment, and (4) acquiring LGBTQ+-specific information. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 40,828, p < .0005) and the scale had an alpha of .889. There were age group differences for all four factors (F = 3.79–75.88, p < .05). Younger adolescents were generally more likely to use social media for beneficial factors than older youth. This article discusses the scale’s development, exploratory properties, and implications for research and professional practice.
Open Access
The Canada Child Tax Benefit and Social Assistance in Saskatchewan: Horizontal Transfer of Benefits from the Poor to the Working Poor
(Social Policy Research Unit, University of Regina, 2000-09) Hunter, Garson

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