Abstracts & Bios Session A 7 Concurrent Sessions Thursday June 16, 2005 10:00 - 11:30 A1. Paper presentations Administration matters – programs Richard Shillington Abstract Often the effectiveness of social programs is hindered by administrative foul-ups. That is, programs that look great in theory, are designed by policy experts who have little experience with programs as they appear ‘at the storefront’. This disconnect can lead to ineffective programs in that benefits do not go to those intended. Occasionally, it can lead to perverse results – those you wish to assist are actually made worse-off. Examples will be drawn from seniors’ benefits (OAS, GIS, CPP), Millennium Scholarship and Learner Bonds and tax assistance in the form of the GST credit, Child Tax Benefit and Caregivers Tax Credit Biography Richard Shillington has post-graduate degrees in statistics and has been engaged in the quantitative analysis of health, social and economic policy for the past 30 years. His research has covered several fields of social and tax policy. He has worked for several provincial and federal departments as well as commissions studying the economy, unemployment insurance, human rights and tax policy. His recent research has emphasized social exclusion based on the cultural chasm between the policy/political elite and economically vulnerable Canadians. Participatory policy making: Advancing responsive and equitable policies and practices Mike Woodford Abstract Based on interviews with state and non-state actors involved in provincial policy initiatives affecting marginalized populations in Newfoundland and Labrador, analysis of related government documents, and observation of government consultation/dialogue sessions, the author outlines a grounded theory of participatory policymaking and critiques this framework in terms of its capacity to advance equity and empowerment for oppressed populations. Theoretical and practice implications for future ‘empowering’ participatory policymaking are highlighted. Biography Mike Woodford is a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto. His research focus is on issues of marginalization and disempowerment. His dissertation critically explores participatory policymaking at the provincial level in terms of advancing social justice. Prior to beginning doctoral studies, Mike practiced clinical/community social work and later moved into social policy analysis with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. A2. Paper presentations Examining policy advocacy of social workers Dr. John Coates, Dr. Suzanne Dudziak Abstract Policy advocacy has been a longstanding aspect of social work’s mandate and practice. As Domanski (1998) states “an understanding how social workers can and do participate in the politics of social welfare policy is integral to advancing the profession’s philosophy and goals” (p.156). The authors undertook a survey of social worker participation in politics and policy-making in the Maritimes (Dudziak and Coates 2005) and are presently undertaking a follow-up study. This is the first time that a study on this topic in the social work profession has been carried out in Canada. Biographies John Coates, MSW, PhD is Professor, Social Work Dept., St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick. Suzanne Dudziak, MSW, PhD is Associate Professor, Social Work Dept., St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick. Building support for social justice: Perspectives from an educator Anne Curry-Stevens Abstract This paper will report on some of the findings of a new research study of twenty educators engaged in social justice practice, and apply that learning to the communications issues involved in building support for progressive social welfare policies. The core of the paper will center on motivation and how best to motivate our potential allies to shift their position to one that supports progressive policies. Specifically, this paper will focus on various forms of motivation including empathy, values, self-interest, spirituality, anger, future desires, guilt, inner desire for equality and outside pressure. Biography Ann Curry-Stevens is completing her Ph.D. in Adult Education at the University of Toronto. Ann was recently the Co-Director of Management and Research with the Centre for Social Justice. She was also the Director of Social Justice at the YWCA and the Justice Education Coordinator with the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice. Recent publications include the release in 2003 of “An Educator’s Guide for Changing the World: Methods, models and materials for anti-oppression and social justice workshops” and her quantitative research study, “When Markets Fail People: Exploring the Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor in Canada” in 2001. Exploring the public policy advocacy role of the voluntary sector using a population health lens Gloria DeSantis Abstract There appears to be little empirical data on the voluntary sector’s participation in public policy making processes in Canada. This paper is based on ‘research in progress’ on the advocacy work of voluntary sector social service organizations involved in public policy making. Using a population health framework, one can delineate social determinants of health (e.g., poverty, isolation) and processes of change which can result in different outcomes for different populations. Biography After spending 17 years working in the voluntary sector as a community-based researcher/planner, Gloria has recently returned to university to complete her PhD. She has facilitated many participatory and action research initiatives with a diversity of groups including immigrants and refugees, people living in poverty, youth who are homeless, and people with physical/mental disabilities. A3. Paper presentations Framing the Childcare Debate in Canada Dr. Luc Thériault Abstract As the federal government is outlining its plan for child care, the policy debate on child care has emerged onto the fore of the public scene. In December 2004, the National Post published a series of articles on this debate that was concluded by an editorial entitled “Say no to the nanny state”. This presentation will carefully dissect the conservative arguments made in the National Post to construct a clear picture of what is the position of the political right in Canada on this issue. It will then address a number of points made or ignored by this position with reference to: the need for an organized and structured system for the supply of services, the sole reliance on a (a demand-side) tax credit, the wages and unionization of workers, the type of service delivery and governance (private, public or non-profit) envisaged, the question of choices, and the potential impact for low-income families. Biography Luc Thériault holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Toronto. He has authored several publications on social policy issues as a member of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina. He recently joined the Department of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick where he teaches on the family and program evaluation. Welfare Incomes in Canada in 2004 John Murphy Abstract This paper presentation will highlight newly released data on welfare incomes in Canada. It will focus on three areas: first, it will analyse the adequacy of 2004 welfare incomes by comparing them with the poverty lines and the average total incomes; secondly, it will examine trends in welfare incomes between 1986 and 2004 and finally, it will describe the current status of the National Child Benefit Supplement and the clawback mechanism. Biography John Murphy of Nova Scotia is the Chairperson of the National Council of Welfare (NCW), which is a citizens’ advisory body to the Minister of Social Development Canada on matters of concern to low-income Canadians. Long term care insurance in Germany Brigitte Kitchen Abstract Long-term care dependency can affect people of all ages, including young children. In January 1995, at a time when most OECD countries, including Canada, were severely reducing social program spending, the Federal Republic of Germany introduced a universal contributory, mandatory long-term care social insurance program, (Pflichtversicherung), followed by France in 2004. The social significance of the program lies in the financial relief it offers in covering about 50% of the actual costs for long-term care dependency that otherwise could exhaust life-long savings. More importantly however, as benefits are paid to the care-dependent they can themselves decide whether they want to pay a family member willing to care for them, hire professional help from visiting homemaker services or enter a residential nursing-home. The paper addresses the question whether the German program could be a possible social policy paradigm forging the shape (future) of Canada’s own badly needed reform in long-term care. Biography Brigitte Kitchen, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at York University. She has written extensively on income security and poverty issues. Germany’s Pflegeversicherung is her sabbatical research project. A4. Paper presentations Enhancing Literacy Outcomes for All Children: A Matter of Social Justice, Not Just Improving Reading Scores Dr. Joan Beswick, Dr. Elizabeth Sloat Abstract Based on the premise that truly inclusive schools employ policies and practices that work well for all children, this presentation sets forth a longitudinal, collaborative study that provides a research-based framework for preventive early intervention to enhance literacy development in New Brunswick schools. This study emerges from research evidence that demonstrates the cumulative deficits experienced by students who do not learn to read well at an early age, the persistent and pernicious outcomes associated with low literacy achievement, the influence of socioeconomic status on reading achievement when measured at the school or community level, and the efficacy of early intervention in preventing reading difficulties. Thematically, the focus extends beyond the improvement of reading scores to the issue of social justice, and the role of schools in mitigating social inequities by enhancing the literacy development of all children, including those who are most disadvantaged. Biographies Dr. Joan Beswick is an educator with extensive experience in assessment and program planning for students who encounter learning challenges. She is currently a research fellow at the Canadian Research Institute for Social Policy, University of New Brunswick. Her primary research interests are literacy development, preventive early intervention, reading/learning disabilities, and the role of schools in enhancing educational attainment for children from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Elizabeth Sloat conducts teaching and research in the area of language development across the life span. She is an Associate Professor with the Faculty of Education at UNB, and Associate Director of the Canadian Research Institute for Social Policy at UNB. Monitoring Inclusion Quality and Supports in Child Care Donna S. Lero Abstract As policies change to reflect the principles of universal access and inclusiveness of children with disabilities in child care, it is critical to monitor both the quality of inclusion and the extent to which child care programs and staff are supported. This presentation will provide an overview of two tools that we have been testing — the SpeciaLink Child Care Inclusion Quality Principles Scale and the SpeciaLink Child Care Inclusion Quality Practices Profile. The rationale for the use of these tools will also be discussed, as will their psychometric properties and the community consultations that brought additional ideas and clarifications from hundreds of people in the field. Biography Donna S. Lero. Professor and Jarislowsky Chair for Work and Families at the University of Guelph, Donna is well known for her work on child care and family policy. Her current research includes evaluating parental leave and benefit policies; policy options to support self-employment; and policies and practices that facilitate an effective return to work following illness and injury. Forging Social Issues: Early Childhood Development Community Partnerships Paul Favarro, Mary Tangelder Abstract The Understanding the Early Years (UEY) project is based on the premise that children do well when their families live in well-resourced and supportive communities. Assisting communities in becoming environments that support family and child development is a complex challenge. It requires innovation, engagement of community organizations, citizens, and government bodies in collective action. The presentation will examine the challenges and successes of using community-level data to inform and guide community action and policy initiatives. Biographies Paul Favaro, Ph.D., is currently Chief of Research and Evaluation for the Peel District School Board, Mississauga, Ontario. He received his Ph.D. in community psychology from the University of Toronto. He is the author of numerous articles, chapters and technical reports in the areas of early childhood development, education, program evaluation and applied measurement. Mary Tangelder, M.A. In the past nine years, Mary Tangelder's work and research has centred primarily on education for social justice. Areas of work include community capacity building, health promotion, and human rights education. She received her M.A. from OISE/University of Toronto in Comparative, International, and Development Education. Most recently, Mary is researching community indicators of child development. A5. Workshop Reducing the grasp of the long arm of the workplace into the lives of children and elders: Labour policy as critical social policy for today’s families Dr. Judith Martin Abstract This workshop advances more equitable labour policy for families of low-waged employees. Such policy is important when contemplating the future we envision for children/elders and adult family members who are labour force participants. This workshop will: Summarize data on employee fatigue/stress due to the lack of work-family balance and link to family well-being. Describe the situation of low-waged employees who depend on Labour standards (unionized employees, white-collar professionals have additional rights, e.g. family responsibility leave). Identify elements in The Canada Labour Code, now under review, that require amendment to meet the work-family needs of low-waged employees. The Canada Labour Code covers 10% of Canadian employees, however, the Federal government has a leadership role in shaping policy that assists employees, and specifically low waged employees, to balance work and family. The goal is: • Discuss Labour policy as social policy • Encourage social workers to consider their role in the current review Biography Judith Martin (Ph.D. Sociology) is Executive Director of the Work and Family Unit, Saskatchewan Labour. Her publications include articles on child care and work-family issues. Dr. Martin is a Director on the Board of the Vanier Institute for the Family (Ottawa), the Community Health Foundation (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), and the Saskatchewan Labour Force Development Board. A6. Roundtable Implications of the Shrinking Space for Feminist Antiviolence Advocacy Mandy Bonisteel, Linda Green Abstract A number of regulatory restrictions, including adjustments to the Federal Charities Act, blurred boundaries in public and private funding, and rising credentialism, are deterring feminist organizations with charitable status from their important role in advancing structural change. A manifestation of increased corporate control of governance has been the discouragement of feminist antiviolence workers from participating in public policy discussions. The relegation of advocacy to an ancillary role and the branding of advocacy work as subversive has produced funding conditions and threats to funding consistent with the antifeminist backlash that has marked Canadian social and economic policy throughout the past decade. An anti-oppression framework informs this discussion of the de-politicization of women's equality seeking groups resulting from the imposition of a service delivery (vs advocacy) model, changes in anti-violence worker qualifications, and a shift towards outcomes for VAW work that pathologise the experience of women who have experienced violence. Biographies Mandy Bonisteel has been a feminist activist for 25 years, including frontline rape crisis work, antiviolence curriculum design, health and social work sector consulting in Bosnia, Kosovo and Namibia. She coordinates the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate Program at George Brown College and is an Ontario Medal of Citizenship recipient. Linda Green is a feminist researcher with a background in education, social science, and health research. She is a Doctoral Candidate in Counselling Psychology for Community Settings at OISE/UT. Her dissertation research focuses on the marginalisation of activist principles in feminist counselling practice and, more broadly, in feminist anti-violence work. A7. Roundtable Roundtable on the Transition of Single Parents from Welfare to Work Stella Lord, Peggy Mahon, Doreen Parsons Abstract This Roundtable will address policy issues related to a viable transition for single parents from welfare to work within an environment which is increasingly focussed on ‘employability’ rather than the maternalist ‘right to care’ model which previously protected single mothers from a requirement to look for work. The presenters will briefly outline the new focus on employability within the Nova Scotia social assistance regime and how current federal and provincial policies promote and support it. Roundtable participants will be invited to share information about similar policies in other provinces as well as their insights about what employability means in the current policy and labour market context. They will be asked to consider what steps federal and provincial governments could and should take to ensure that a transition from welfare to work under new employability welfare regimes does not mean that single mothers are still condemned to a life in poverty. Biographies Stella Lord, CRIAW-Nova Scotia: Is completing a Ph.D. on the development of the concept of employability for single mothers within the Nova Scotia social assistance regime. She recently retired as a policy analyst with the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and previously taught sociology and women’s studies at Saint Mary’s University. She has longstanding experience in action-oriented research with women’s groups. Peggy Mahon, Women’s Centres Connect, Nova Scotia: (Biography forthcoming) Doreen Parsons, Women’s Economic Equality (WEE) Society, Nova Scotia: has been an educator and community economic development (CED) practitioner for more than 20 years—working locally, provincially and nationally on economic equality issues. As the Coordinator for the WEE Society, she has worked to develop innovative social and economic initiatives for rural women challenged by poverty. Doreen is one of the authors of a recent study funded by Status of Women Canada entitled, Public Policy and the Participation of Rural Nova Scotia Women in the New Economy.