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Title: Cultural competency in clinical consultation at the Alberta Children's Hospital: how to deliver equitable, effective, and adequate health care to minority people
Contributors: Johnson Opoku (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The need to provide culturally competent health care and social service has become a major concern for social workers, health professionals, and researchers. Many researchers suggest ways to implement culturally competent programs and services, such as diversity training for staff, the building of cordial relations with the communities around the service centers, implementing culturally responsive service policies, and hiring from the communities to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of service users. Others advocate the need to introduce programs such as interpretation service to eliminate language barriers. They also emphasize the development of practice guidelines which should include self-assessment, enquiry about a client's cultural background, and the need to acquire cultural knowledge. Although, the above suggestions see the need for changes in the traditional way of providing health care and social service, there has been little examination of the link between culture, illness, and healing. It shows that many practitioners do not see the importance of implementing culturally competent services and programs within the health care and social service settings. Further, much of the current debates on cultural competence focus on services and programs provided by mental health practitioners and nurses, but very little research has been conducted from a social work perspective. The Child and Women's Diversity Program at the Alberta Children's Hospital tries to correct these deficiencies in cultural competence by providing a cultural based consultation to social workers, physicians, and psychologists. --P. i.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:04:22.751Z

Title: Clinical social work and child sexual abuse
Contributors: Melody Johnson (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Children and adolescents who experience traumatic life events may develop a wide variety of problems including symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use. This report will focus on assessment and treatment of children and youth with PTSD symptoms and a history of sexual abuse. An examination of the impact of sexual abuse on children will be described. A critical analysis of psychotherapy with children and youth who have been sexually abused will be explored. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) will be examined as a therapeutic approach that targets PTSD symptom reduction. This intervention is provided in a community setting. The Sexual Abuse Intervention Program provides services to child victims of sexual abuse that are 18 years of age or younger. In reviewing the literature, sexualized behaviours are the most commonly studied and characteristic symptom of sexual abuse. The following will explore children with sexual behaviours problems. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:23:51.482Z

Title: The Northern Child and Family Clinic incentives and barriers to utilization: a contradiction
Contributors: Lyn J. Comeau (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Declining referrals from local Ministry for Children and Families (MCF) child protection social workers threaten the viability of the multidisciplinary approach to child maltreatment operating out of the Northern Child and Family Clinic (the Clinic) in Prince George, British Columbia. This exploratory study used grounded theory methodology to discover and describe the incentives and barriers to referrals for local MCF child protection social workers. In-depth open ended personal interviews were conducted with six local MCF child protection social workers who had used the Clinic at least once. The findings of this study suggest that local MCF child protection social workers would value and use a multidisciplinary approach that has specific characteristics. However, additional findings indicate that the design of the approach in use at the Clinic contradicts what child protection social workers need to do their job and relates to alienation and non-utilization of Clinic services. The findings that emerged from this study are used to develop recommendations about the multidisciplinary model used at the Clinic.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:17:26.639Z

Title: Disabling labeling : a social worker's response to attention deficit disorder
Contributors: Brent Douglas Goerz (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a childhood psychiatric diagnosis that has exploded within the last decade. The literature written to address this topic is dominated by the medical perspective and for the most part contains few references from a social worker's perspective. The goals of this paper are to question some of the fundamental assumptions of this disorder and explore the treatment strategies utilized in dealing with this problem. I then apply some of these treatment approaches to two separate groups of 6 to 9 year old children diagnosed with ADD. This project looks at how the treatment strategies evolved within my own practice and then provides some radical suggestions that social workers need to consider when working with this population of children.--Page ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:18:52.971Z

Title: A shared mental health care model at Whitehorse Hospital, Yukon: A First Nations and medical perspective.
Contributors: T. Lynn Scott (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This research presents a shared mental health care model for Whitehorse General Hospital that successfully merges medical and Aboriginal health and healing practices within the mental health program. This blended model encourages a collaborative approach that supports the key concepts and principles of the national shared care model. This research explores the Whitehorse Hospital mental health program from employee participant views, perspectives, and experiences. A significant number of strengths are identified within the mental health program, along with suggestions for change and improvement. Results are descriptive in nature and positively reflect on program components. The research reveals that a collaborative shared care model does operate successfully at Whitehorse Hospital, and complements the medical and First Nations programs, as the way forward.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:04:51.926Z

Title: Mothers, problematic substance use, and child welfare in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Carol Ann Sanford (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This study examines the experiences of mothers with problematic substance use (PSU) involved with the Ministry for Children and Family Development child protection services (MCFD). The study takes place in two communities in northern British Columbia (BC). The smaller of the two communities is not named in order to protect the anonymity of the study participants. The larger community of Prince George, has a population of approximately seventy-thousand. The study focuses on the mothers' experiences of their involvement in the child welfare system in BC. Specifically, the aspects of the mothers' involvement related to identifying and accessing drug and alcohol treatment programs, or drug and alcohol counselling services (ADS) as mandated by MCFD. This qualitative, exploratory study provides a descriptive look at the women's experiences. The data is comprised of one on one, in-depth interviews conducted with ten mothers and one key worker, an experienced drug and alcohol counsellor. Demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. The interviews took place between November 2008 and September 2009. A descriptive analysis of the data reveals a number of recurring themes. Participants identified the challenges encountered in their involvement with MCFD. The women also shared the personal impact of these problems. The mothers made recommendations for improving the experience of involvement with child welfare and ADS. The paucity of research specific to this population of women living Northern British Columbia motivated this thesis. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:09:55.795Z

Title: Developing clinical skills within child and youth mental health
Contributors: Leigh Ellen Murphy (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Many children and adolescents in British Columbia experience mental health problems that greatly impact their wellbeing and ability to thrive. This report will focus on the learning and experience gained about the Child and Youth Mental Health System and the services provided through Child and Youth Mental Health to help alleviate the effects and impacts of mental illness in children and youth. While the learning through the practicum experience was very broad, limitations were utilized to focus on the assessment and treatment of children/youth with anxiety and depression. A review of the literature provided a context for developing clinical competencies in delivering child and youth mental health care, while shadowing, clinical work, and ongoing supervision provided the practical landscape for skill development. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:25:35.601Z

Title: Community referrals: the experiences of youth forensic mental health therapists in Prince George
Contributors: Jennifer Elizabeth Broughton (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services (YFPS) outpatient clinic in Prince George is the focus of this Master of Social Work practicum report. The following pages outline practicum learning goals and objectives and how goals and objectives were met. YFPS is described in detail including the mandate of the agency along with the clinical services provided by the clinic. The staff of YFPS are the subjects of the research component of this practicum report. Participants were interviewed and asked to comment on their experiences in making or suggesting community referrals for their clients. The data provided by participants was evaluated using thematic analysis. The results yielded an understanding of the community resources youth most commonly require in the Prince George area. Also, participants identified the areas where additional services are required. --P.ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:05:29.411Z

Title: Cross-cultural communication in social work practice: An interpretive approach to cross-cultural communication difficulties.
Contributors: Joanna Pierce (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This research is focused on cross-cultural communication misunderstandings between First Nations people, living on reserve, and outside services/agencies. The goal of the research is to consider issues related to cross-cultural communication. The findings are important for social workers engaged in community practice roles. An interpretive descriptive approach was used to explore the issue. The data were taken from participant interviews and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Four themes emerged from the interviews: transportation to urban services and technology, cultural practices, language and translation, and jargon and slang. The themes provide insight into how cross-cultural communication misunderstandings and professional practice applications impact relationship building between social workers and their clients.--P.ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:03:22.319Z

Title: Every voice counts : hearing from young children in residential resources
Contributors: Noreen Elizabeth O'Keefe (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The importance of involving children and youth in out-of-home care in evaluating and planning child welfare services has gained momentum as government agencies strive to increase their accountability to service users and the general public. Recent research supporting their participation has also revealed a strong link between children being heard, and protecting them from harm and abuse. Including the voices of children and youth in decision-making and planning can also increase the likelihood of achieving successful outcomes for children and families. Young children between 5 and 10 years of age however, are commonly excluded from planning and evaluation activities, which are assumed to be beyond their cognitive capabilities. The project Every Voice Counts challenges this exclusion by offering a pragmatic and ethical Interview Protocol to facilitate the involvement of young children in child welfare evaluations and planning activities.--Page ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:13:07.983Z

Title: MIMBY (Maybe in my backyard): a community development approach to providing treatment for adult sex offenders in the north region of B.C.
Contributors: Leslie Webb (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This report details the experience of working in partnership with a non-profit community corrections agency to address the issue of adult sex offender treatment in northern B.C. communities. A community development approach was used to research treatment and community needs specific to the north region, and to design a comprehensive program proposal in response to those findings. Needs were assessed by two methods. First, the specific needs of the offenders themselves were evaluated. Probation officers completed a caseload analysis survey form for a sample of 69 sex offenders on probation during a 2-month snapshot period. The second part of the project involved extensive consultation with a total of 56 service providers from eight different communities across the north region. The primary client groups served by the participants included not only offenders, but also the victims and families of offenders. Aboriginal-serving organizations, and the areas of law enforcement and the justice system were also represented. Data were gathered through a combination of Delphi group, focus group, and individual interview techniques. The results, at the very least, confirmed the need for additional sex offender treatment programs in the north region. Beyond that, it was established that both direct service and community development components are necessary to meet the conditions of safety, effectiveness, community-sensitivity, and sustainability. Such a program would be more likely to be supported and accepted by local professionals in a range of human services, and by the larger community. Ultimately, it would be more effective in fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the prevention of sexual violence. The final program design reflects the belief that sex offenders cannot be treated in isolation of the community in which they live, and that, in order to be effective and cost-efficient, the program must be "locally-delivered and regionally focused".
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:16:32.343Z

Title: Substance abuse treatment: a case study
Contributors: Jasbir Kaur Dhillon (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract avaialble.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:10:57.758Z

Title: Cultural centre points: emerging indigenous social work ontology
Contributors: Rey Tupas Singh (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This practicum report discusses findings of an autoethnographic case study of a grassroots community building project conducted by Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST), Toronto's Aboriginal child welfare agency. The project focused upon NCFST's engagement of a culturally diverse urban Aboriginal group of 350 residents living at a subsidized housing complex in Scarborough, Ontario. Using reflexive autoethnographic journaling and newsletters as recording instruments the research student provides a descriptive account of an emergent community social work ontology based on the confluence of Pan-Indian approaches and western social work community theory. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:07:23.358Z

Title: Facilitators and barriers to medical evaluation of child maltreatment in northern British Columbia
Contributors: Stephanie Lynn Rex (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The goal of this qualitative study was to gather insights into how the primary care system could maximize opportunities to identify and address child maltreatment when children present for both routine and acute medical care. Through personal semi-structured interviews with twelve northern physicians/nurse practitioners I learned about systemic barriers they faced which prevents health care providers from accessing critical health and social history, sharing diagnostic information with investigators in an understandable way, and developing competence in conducting these assessments. Participants provided practical suggestions for addressing these concerns and highlighted facilitators that assisted them in completing these assessments. As the national approach to primary care transitions to a new model of interprofessional primary care teams, it presents numerous opportunities to improve systemic procedures for information exchange and interprofessional collaboration. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:28:18.756Z

Title: Two realities of women in northern social work: Privilege and oppression.
Contributors: Mary-Ann Johnson (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This qualitative study describes the experiences of five White female social workers who work with First Nations people in northern British Columbia. The concepts of culture, gender, and geography were explored by examining the participants' roles as social workers, thoughts about being a woman in northern British Columbia, and experiences working cross-culturally with First Nations people. The research was informed by the critical theory of structural social work and analysis of the interviews was done using thematic analysis. The main implications for social work practice and education include embracing strategies for effective relationship building with First Nations people, and acting as a means or prompt for social workers, educators, and students to reflect on how being oppressed and privileged impacts them both personally and professionally. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:08:37.129Z

Title: Cognitive dissonance in social work - the experiences of social workers who facilitate transracial adoption plans for aboriginal children
Contributors: Susan Burke (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This research study explores the idea of cognitive dissonance in social work, where cognitive dissonance is defined as a state of tension that occurs when a person holds two cognitions (ideas, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours) that are psychologically inconsistent with one another (Tavris & Aronson, 2007). Twenty-one social workers who have worked on teams that facilitate transracial adoption plans for Aboriginal children were interviewed regarding their experiences. Three key questions were explored: 1. Do social workers who facilitate transracial adoption plans for Aboriginal children experience cognitive dissonance and, if so, in what ways? 2. How does that cognitive dissonance impact social workers? 3. In what ways do social workers reconcile a sense of dissonance? The findings from this study suggest that social workers do experience cognitive dissonance, that they are impacted in primarily adverse ways, and that they cognitively reconcile the dissonance to decrease their discomfort/tension. These findings are used to provide suggestions on ways that social workers can reduce dissonance as well as ideas for future research and recommendations for practice. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Health Sciences
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:29:31.716Z

Title: Shared parenting after separation: A male perspective.
Contributors: Jack E. Kinnear (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In 2004, over 30,000 children were affected by their parent's divorce. Based on what is deemed in the best interest of the child custody arrangements have evolved over the past 30 years resulting in both parents remaining involved in the life of their child post-divorce. In an attempt to keep both parents involved following a divorce, joint custody is becoming a common custody arrangements. Joint custody can be either joint legal custody or joint physical custody. With joint physical custody or shared parenting, the daily care of and responsibility for the children is shared between the parents. Shared parenting can and does keep families intact following a divorce or separation. It is in the child's best interest to be raised by both parents following a divorce. The case of fathers who were actively co-parenting their children following their divorce was explored through the case study approach. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis to reveal the experiences of the five fathers. As a father who was in a shared parenting arrangement for 14 years, my lived experiences are woven throughout the thesis through the process of auto-ethnography. Findings support the view that shared parenting after separation can be a positive experience for children and families following a divorce or separation. Shared parenting is more effective when both parents are able to effectively communicate and co-operate with each other. It also noted that it may not be in the best interest of the child to have on-going relationships with both parents especially in cases where there is violence or abuse against a parent and/or children. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:11:31.007Z

Title: Integrating theory and social work practice in adult psychiatry
Contributors: Dustin Pickens (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The intention of this practicum report is to provide further context into the understanding of agency involvement on the adult psychiatry unit at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (Northern Health). Adult Psychiatry provides a variety of mental health (co-occurring with addictions) supports to address service users' needs in Prince George, B.C. and surrounding areas. This practicum was a unique venture that included specific learning goals pertaining to professional practice and educational development in the area of mental health and addictions services. This report will include a detailed description of integrative practice that includes practice models/theoretical frameworks, values, ethics, strategies, and skills. This report is a synthesis of observations, research, and participation that highlights critical reflection, hands-on and insightful learning on the adult psychiatry unit within the social work field. --Leaf iii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:26:21.22Z

Title: Dad violence against mom: A very bumpy road.
Contributors: Barbara Alice Ingram (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2017-03-30T16:58:06.36Z

Title: Social work practice with female juvenile delinquents
Contributors: Constance Rita Kaweesi (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Recently, in Canada there has been an increase in the number of female juvenile offenders involved in the criminal justice system. This increase has significant implications for clinical and forensic social work practice. The literature available to guide clinical practice with forensic clients is limited and in particular a research gap exists on female adolescent offenders. The purpose of this project is to examine clinical social work practice with female juvenile delinquents at a forensic clinic in Prince George, British Columbia. This is an analysis of my clinical social work practice through the application of Ferrara's (1991) characteristics of effective group counsellors. The evaluation of my clinical social work practice relied on the observations and assessment of the co-therapist. Feminist and cognitive behavioral treatment approaches have been utilized with adolescent female offenders in this case study. Both treatment approaches have developed from different philosophical paradigms but in clinical social work practice they can be synthesized and applied jointly in a therapeutic setting.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:10:55.71Z

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