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
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
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
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
Clinical counselling at the caring place in Regina: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-06-06) Forcheh, Irene A.; Pino, Fritz; Durst, Douglas; Novotna, Gabriela
This report documents the learning and insights I gained from my clinical field practicum at The Caring Place (TCP). In this report, I emphasize how I achieved my learning objectives, the ways in which I integrated theory and practice while engaging on the activities to achieve my objectives. My overarching goal was to gain graduate level clinical social work skills and knowledge in counseling, specifically on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care. I show examples from my counselling sessions that demonstrated how I implemented the tenets and principles of these therapeutic modalities. This report starts with the discussion of my rationale of doing a clinical social work practicum, which has led me to The Caring Place. This is followed by literature review related to the counselling modalities mentioned as well as discussion of my theoretical framework. I also incorporated a section where I discuss the challenges I encountered during the practicum. I concluded by reflecting on my vision for future clinical social work practice.
Open Access
Community-based program development: a support group manual for individuals who experienced psychological trauma
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-04) Bleau, Carmen; Novik, Nuelle; Jeffery, Bonnie
The purpose of this research practicum was to develop a psychoeducational trauma support group facilitation manual in an effort to fill a gap identified in a Cultural Audit Report completed by Independent Living Vernon Society in January 2019. A primary theme identified through the Audit was the prevalence of trauma for service users, as well as the impacts of mental illness and substance abuse. Individuals who are not provided with the knowledge and understanding of the impacts that psychological traumas have on their mind and body struggle throughout their lives with various mental, emotional, and physical complexities. An Appreciative Inquiry approach, utilizing Trauma Informed principles, guided the development of this support group format. Information to use in the development of the manual was collected through a literature review, email interviews with community service providers, and environmental scan. The support group manual outlines areas of focus specific to individuals who identified adverse childhood experiences, historical trauma and interpersonal traumas. Through the incorporation of mind and body interventions, the support group manual that was developed delivers strategies and techniques to provide trauma survivors with coping mechanisms that will sustain and alleviate symptoms through their process of recovery. Through a social work program and service delivery lens, the support group manual was designed to be used to deliver programming to severely traumatized individuals by Independent Living Vernon Society in the community of Vernon, British Columbia.
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
Dads need help too: understanding the unique needs of young fathers
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-06) Balkwill, Donna; Novik, Nuelle
The purpose of this research project was to gain an understanding of how young dads experience fatherhood; and learn about their unique needs and their experiences seeking and accessing community supports. The research project included the identification of recommendations for the development and enhancement of services provided by Family Service Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Research was completed using a transcendental phenomenological interpretive framework and methodology. Four themes emerged from the research data: (1) Dads need help too; (2) Fatherhood as identity; (3) Absent fathers of young dads; and (4) Father friendly support needs. Recommendations for the development of community supports includes the embodiment of client centered, anti-oppressive, and traumainformed social work. Therapeutic approaches that promote the use of client centered, antioppressive and trauma-informed social work include solution focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, and solution focused narrative therapy.
Open Access
Developing a program evaluation for thinking for a change: integrated cognitive behavioral change program with incarcerated women in Saskatchewan: a research practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-03) Ziola, Joanne; Fletcher, Kara; Oba, Funke
A program evaluation was developed for use by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice with the cognitive behavioural program Thinking for a Change. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of Thinking for a Change as utilized with incarcerated women in Saskatchewan. Data requests were made for sample groups of incarcerated women who had completed the program and a matched comparison group. A scan for gender responsivity in the program delivery was also conducted. The data sets received were not matched on factors that impact recidivism. Therefore, recommendations to the Ministry of Justice include correcting this oversight. Additional recommendations are made for the completion of the quantitative program evaluation as well as improving gender responsiveness in program delivery.
Open Access
Developing a social work community centre: an exploratory and feasibility study
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-04) Patrick, Gloria; Novik, Nuelle; Johner, Randy
This research project focused on exploring the feasibly of developing a University of Regina Faculty of Social Work Community Centre that would serve as a student learning setting, supply programs and resources to the community, and offer innovative networking and training opportunities with community partners. The identification of social barriers and gaps in services within Regina’s community based programs aided in the targeting of community based agencies for the Community Centre to potentially partner with. These agencies have expressed interest in developing and delivering programming within the Centre and would assist in helping to mentor Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students. An overview of the structure, procedures and accountability measures are explored, in addition to analyzing the risks and benefits of community partnerships and networking in the development of a Community Centre. By exploring what has been done, what is currently being done, and what isn’t being done, the Faculty of Social Work will have a clearer picture of how to create a Centre that will contribute in a meaningful way to their students, partners and community. This report will provide recommendations for consideration by the Faculty of Social Work as decisions are made in determining the feasibility of the development of the proposed Centre moving forward.
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
Developmental evaluation of before it happens: examining human service providers levels of comfort in detecting vulnerability
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-06) Manz, Jascia; Jeffery, Bonnie
This developmental evaluation was completed for the Before it Happens project, a 36 month federally funded project targeted to prevent violence to women and girls through multi-sector collaboration. As a research practicum student, I had four primary objectives in this project; to develop my academic, professional research skills, to develop qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis skills, to develop my training skills and finally to develop a comprehensive understanding of the ways research can influence social work practice, policy and training materials. These objectives were achieved through completing a comprehensive literature review in the areas of gender-based violence prevention programs, collaboration and developmental evaluation. After completing the literature review to have an understanding of best practices and approaches in the areas of gender based violence reduction programs, community collaboration and developmental evaluation, interview questions and questionnaires were designed to gather information from participants in the evaluation. With these tools in mind, I assisted with the development and delivery of a training package for the Vulnerability Displacement Protocol. During my research practicum, I continually documented and reflected on my understanding as well as the broader implications that research can have on social work practice and my role in using research to influence policy and training materials. Limitations included the time restrictions of the project and the availability of organizations to participate. Recommendations include a higher level of Indigenous engagement and consultation, organization uptake and community awareness and finally time management.
Open Access
A dive into the ocean of counselling to explore learning treasure through the use of therapeutic approaches to support youth, children, and adults
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-12) Dave, Tanvi; Fletcher, Kara; Gebhard, Amanda
This field practicum report reflects my experience in counselling at Catholic Family Services, Prince Albert. Throughout the practicum journey, I have received various opportunities to work with a diverse population to practice cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy with mindfulness, play therapy, and motivational interviewing. This practicum report will explain learning objectives and treatment approaches in these areas, followed by the most suitable case scenarios to demonstrate my learning goal and activities. This report includes a literature review on counselling therapy and how I extracted my learning experience from the challenges I encountered. Additionally, this report connects mental health and the importance of social workers in this busy demanding field. This report illustrates my skill set as a social worker and how I have utilized this opportunity to sharpen my skills to support adolescents, adults, and children. This report connects mental health as an ocean and my practicum journey as a diver to practice therapeutic approaches in counselling to explore and strengthen my learning.
Open Access
Diversity in restorative justice: a research practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-04) Kamuti-Gaitho, Susan; Durst, Douglas; Kikulwe, Daniel
The research report focuses on the notion of restorative justice, which attempts to address the harm caused by the criminal acts, as well as underlying structural issues and issues of power and privilege. Restorative justice is fairly inclusive in terms of involving the victim, offender and the community. Restorative justice includes the ideas of dialogue and story-telling, which align with anti-oppressive approaches by giving people opportunity to voice their views and be involved in addressing crimes and conflicts, which can be empowering. Restorative justice also grapples with structural issues, oppression and the increasing diversity in Canadian society. The report addresses practices that could make restorative justice more responsive to the needs of diverse clients including integrating restorative justice with cultural safety and moving towards structurally transformative restorative justice by addressing issues such as racism, marginalization and poverty. Providing restorative justice practitioners with training in various areas such as cultural safety, intersectionality, application of anti-oppressive approaches and how to link their daily work with larger structural issues also is discussed. Over-representation of Indigenous people and racialized ethnic groups in the criminal justice system and limited literature on power, privilege and ethnicity in relation to restorative justice leads to the question of how power and privilege affects the practice of restorative justice in a diverse society.
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
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
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
Growing forward: best-practice(s) in client-centred service(s) for those experiencing and using intimate partner violence
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-12) Wyatt, Bronwyn Jeanne; Novik, Nuelle; Kikulwe, Daniel
Research indicates there are different subcategories of individuals who use Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) based on their personal characteristics, past experiences, and current psychopathy. While no agreed upon standard exists, both Johnson’s and Holtzworth-Munro & Stuart’s typology theories are well-respected, commonly utilized, evidence-based typologies outlining characteristics common to certain users of IPV. Further research indicates that interventions are more effective when tailored to meet the particular needs of each subtype. This research practicum report details completed review and analysis of best-practice risk assessment tools used to identify typologies of IPV users, research and reviewed literature regarding typology theories, and identified intervention treatments. This report outlines the evaluation of current practices of IPV assessment throughout all Family Service Regina service programs and provides research groundwork for future agency endeavours regarding the engagement and service of IPV users. Common themes identified included the impact of language to include or exclude, the necessity for purposeful assessment tools that are seamlessly incorporated with informal risk assessment skills of clinicians, and interventions that move from victim-centred to client-centred in a concerted effort to ensure that services are provided in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed ways that engage clients to be participants in their own growth. Finally, this report provides recommendations to encourage continued use of person-centred language, to incorporate understandings of typologies of IPV to inform interventions, and to pair best-practice, evidence-based assessments and interventions with the family-centred mission and values for which Family Services Regina stands.
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
Implementing aspects of trauma-informed care in psychoeducational groups for psychiatric patients in acute settings: social work perspectives
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-03) Egan, Patrick; Novotna, Gabriela; Novik, Nuelle
This practicum report discusses and analyzes my practicum experience as a social worker at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in Vernon, British Columbia. The focus of this practicum report is on trauma-informed practice and how it can be implemented into health care. My primary goal for the practicum was to gain experience and become familiar with the role of a social worker in an acute psychiatric unit, while designing and implementing a trauma-informed psychoeducational group for patients with a focus on wellness, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and discharge planning. This practicum report provides an extensive literature review on psychoeducation groupwork, trauma-informed practice, and adverse childhood experiences. It explores how trauma-informed practice can be utilized in health care, and how it can be applied in practice. Further, the report discusses my experiences and the role of the social worker while working in the emergency department, intensive care unit, psychiatric unit, and home health program. Finally, this practicum report will discuss and analyze the ethical considerations and challenges of my experience as a graduate social work student during my practicum placement with Vernon Jubilee Hospital.