Linda Kreitzer

Social Work in Ghana: A Participatory Action Research Project Looking at Culturally Appropriate Training and Practice

Social work emerged in the western world, particularly in the USA and the United Kingdom, at the turn of the twentieth century. Western social welfare systems were introduced to other countries through the colonial empires of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and social work training reflected these systems. However, many of these countries have revised their curricula to make them more culturally appropriate while others are still in this process. This article highlights issues concerning social work education and training in Ghana, West Africa through a Participatory Action Research project. Themes emerging concerning the present curriculum, the professional association and social work in Ghana are presented. Action plans instigated from this project are described, ending with a future challenge for social work in Africa.

Canadian and EU social work students in a cross-cultural program: What they learned from the experience

A four-year student exchange project took place between Canadian and EU universities that engaged in a reciprocal agreement between social work students, social service agencies and universities. Sixty-four students completed their practicum through this program. The article gives an account of the students’ learning experiences and their evaluation of this program. It concludes with a discussion of their learning experiences in cross-cultural exchanges and future recommendations for enhancing international social work field exchanges.

Shifting perspectives on international alliances in social work: Lessons from Ghana and Nicaragua

A growing movement of social work educators and practitioners worldwide is involved in democratizing activities through cross-national alliances. Through reflection on two experiences of cross-national collaborations in Ghana and Nicaragua, this article identifies elements for effective international collaboration that encourage a shift in perspective.

Social work with victims of genocide: The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) in Rwanda

Reconciliation is a multi-dimensional process that has increased in importance in countries dealing with post-conflict situations, and as a result social workers have the opportunity to support reconciliation. This article looks at reconciliation and the intervention of the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), giving an example from Rwanda.

Preparing students for international exchanges: Canadian/EU experiences

Utilizing pre- and post-departure student evaluations and data derived from exchange coordinators in Canada and the European Union, this paper documents and evaluates formal and informal preparation of students for an international social work practicum. While students felt that completing an international practicum was a rich learning experience, good preparation is essential. Differences between the Canadian and European students’ thoughts about the preparation they received are highlighted. It concludes with implications for social work international field education.

Qualitative examination of rural service provision to persons with concurrent developmental and mental health challenges

Although there has been an international trend away from institutionalization to community-based care, this has not always been successful, particularly for the unique and vulnerable population diagnosed with both mental health and developmental disabilities. The challenge of meeting the needs of this population is increased in rural and remote areas. As a part of a larger study, this paper reports on the voices of service providers for people dually diagnosed as they maneuver through the considerable challenges of meeting complex needs while located in remote northern communities. The complexities of rural service provision for those with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and developmental disability is also highlighted and includes challenges of northern living, difficulties in diagnosis, and system level issues. This paper confronts the inequities in provision of effective community-based services to this population and draws attention to the need to support and develop local, integrated services in order to build inclusive communities for all.

Supporting the resettlement of a Syrian family in Canada: The social work resettlement practice experience of Social Justice Matters

The Syrian conflict and war has contributed to the largest refugee crisis in recent history. Many refugees are seeking protection and safety for their family. This article discusses the context of the Syrian refugee crisis and how a group of social work faculty members are responding by supporting the resettlement of a Syrian refugee family in Canada. Private sponsorship options, grassroots activities, and the role of social work in resettlement are discussed. This article concludes with a call to action for social workers to strengthen their support and involvement in the resettlement of refugees.

Care Experiences of Adults With a Dual Diagnosis and Their Family Caregivers

Individuals diagnosed with developmental disability and mental illness (a “dual diagnosis”) contend with multiple challenges and system-related barriers. Using an interpretive description approach, separate qualitative interviews were conducted with adults with a dual diagnosis (n = 7) and their caregiving parents (n = 8) to examine care-related experiences. Results indicate that individuals with a dual diagnosis and their families experience misunderstanding and stigma. Families provide informal complex care amid insufficient and uncoordinated services but are often excluded from formal care planning. A lack of available funding and services further impedes care. While negative care experiences are reported as prevalent, participants also describe instances of beneficial care. Overall, findings indicate a lack of sufficiently targeted resources, leaving families to absorb system-related care gaps. Recommendations include person- and family-centered care, navigation support, and capacity building. Prevention and emergency and crisis care services, along with housing, vocation, and other supports, are needed. Practice and research development regarding life span needs are recommended.