Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services: cultural competence, client-centricity, and the role of the social worker

This practicum report details my experiences in respect of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program under Mental Health and Addictions Services, Northern Health Authority, Prince George, British Columbia, supplemented by a description of the outcome of my visit to the ACT program of the Community Support Network at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare System, Ohio, USA. My practicum learning goals pertained to the following aspects of ACT, especially in the context of Northern Aboriginal communities: procedures, services and clinical social work skills client-centric and culturally competent treatment/services/support and community settings. The report, therefore, gives an account of my acitivities and tasks, and details the outcomes. It includes statements of ACT team members as well as their experiences that contributed to my understanding of ACT application in the real world scenario. Anti-oppressive Social Work Practice and Aboriginal Healing Models form the theoretical frameworks of my practicum. The report also discusses the issues and challenges associated with ACT, apart from carrying my personal reflections. --Leaf ii.