Social workers need support, not blame

November 04, 2011

Re: "Agreement seeks solutions for troubled native families; Move aims to reduce number of children placed in care," The Journal, Oct. 28.

The members of the Alberta College of Social Workers are pleased that the provincial government is moving ahead on a new agreement with the federal government and aboriginal leaders to reduce the number of aboriginal children in care. Addressing root causes such as discrimination and poverty will go a long way toward alleviating much suffering for Aboriginal people.

Unfortunately, Steve MacDonald's comments regarding front-line staff hamper this initiative. MacDonald is the deputy minister of Human Services. When he was questioned whether the province had enough staff to properly follow up on highrisk cases, MacDonald said he "felt the resources were adequate, but workers needed to do a better job of learning from each other on complicated files."

In contrast to MacDonald's view regarding adequate resources, there are many reports of long-standing issues in the ministry of Children and Youth Services, which has recently become Human Services. Half of human service workers have held their positions for two years or less. A high percentage of staff are off on medical leave. Chronic issues of high caseloads, lack of resources and deprofessionalization have made it extremely challenging to serve vulnerable and marginalized people.

We urge MacDonald to support good practice rather than blame front-line workers.

In addition, the major changes that are occurring with the amalgamation of several ministries into the Human Services ministry creates confusion and uncertainty for frontline workers. This is yet another workplace stress for staff.

As the regulatory body of social workers in this province, we are urging Minister Dave Hancock and ministry leaders to support their staff to serve vulnerable and marginalized families well.

Creating a healthy workplace environment where social workers are supported to care for their clients will go a long way in preventing further tragedies.

Lori Sigurdson, Alberta College of Social Workers, Edmonton
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