Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People

Context for Practice: Social workers value all people as deserving respect, equality, equity, justice, and freedom. Social workers foster well-being, autonomy, justice, and responsibility, with due consideration for the rights of all people.

Standards of Practice: Social workers in all areas of practice shall demonstrate support for the rights of all people to experience equity, justice, freedom, and respect by:

1.1.1 advocating for the human rights of individuals, groups, and communities;

1.1.2 respecting and validating the contribution of others;

1.1.3 advocating for the protection of the human rights of all people;

Context for Practice: Social workers demonstrate respect for the right of every person to participate in making decisions in all matters affecting them based on informed consent, consistent with their capacity while considering the rights of others consistent with the Personal Directives Act, 2008.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall respect service users’ rights to self-determination and autonomy by:

1.2.1 advising service users of their rights and responsibilities regarding the purpose, extent and nature of the social work service being offered including the required registration of social workers under the Social Workers Act, and when so requested, providing service users with access to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice;

1.2.2 discussing the service user’s options, potential risks and benefits and proposed social work interventions;

1.2.3 advising of their right to a second opinion or to refuse or cease services at any time when services are not mandated;

1.2.4 notifying them of their right to initiate a formal complaint process regarding services;

1.2.5 advising them of the requirements to record information and their right to access their professional records;

1.2.6 working in partnership with service users by acknowledging they are experts in their lives, promoting their well-being and collaborative participation in decisions about interventions and service goals, alternative service options, and only limiting those rights when their decisions or actions pose a serious, imminent, or foreseeable risk to themselves, others, or when it is needed to protect them from being harmed by others;

1.2.7 making reasonable efforts to explain to service users the circumstances in which information from other sources is required, and seeking agreement and written consent for obtaining the needed information;

1.2.8 supporting service users to understand potential consequences, if any, of refusing to provide information that is required by law;

1.2.9 taking the steps required to ensure service users have access to all information and resources necessary to participate in decision-making;

1.2.10 advising service users of any legally mandated authority and its scope and making explicit all specific limitations at the onset of the professional relationship;

1.2.11 notifying involuntary service users as soon as possible regarding decisions taken about them, except where there is evidence or reasonable belief that the information may bring about or exacerbate self-harm or harm to individuals or the public;

1.2.12 partnering with service users to ensure as much autonomy as possible in all cases where the service users’ rights to self-determination is limited by the law, the social worker’s role, or duty of care;

1.2.13 being self-aware of personal beliefs and moral positions that may negatively impact service users’ right to self-determination or to receiving social work services.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall advocate for the rights and freedoms of all people to develop to their fullest potential by advocating and promoting:

1.3.1 the rights of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021);²

1.3.2 the rights of First Nations communities to develop their own child welfare laws, as outlined in “An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children youth and families” (2019)³

1.3.3 the rights of people as outlined in the Canadian Constitution⁴ and in Nova Scotia Human Rights legislation;⁵

1.3.4 their rights to protection and equality before the law;

1.3.5 their right to linguistic and religious freedom and to freely practice their culture;

1.3.6 equitable access to education, employment opportunities and social services.

Context for Practice: Social workers respect, acknowledge and understand the inherent rights of Mi’kmaq People, and all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People in Nova Scotia, consistent with the Constitution of Canada, “An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families”,⁶ and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021)⁷. Social workers undertake to engage with cultural humility in their practice and recognize the importance of decolonizing practices within their work.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall respect the status and diversity of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples, and advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples by:

1.4.1 recognizing that community involvement is crucial for the restoration, resilience, and healing from historical trauma;

1.4.2 understanding that fostering respectful and meaningful relationships is fundamental to working effectively with First Nations, Metis and Inuit individuals, families, and communities;

1.4.3 committing to learning about and respecting the customs, beliefs, and practices of the Indigenous communities they serve as a means to build culturally attentive services and trust;

1.4.4 honouring the vital role of Elders and cultural advisors in social work practice, acknowledging their wisdom, knowledge, and skills as foundational to the well-being and safety of individuals, families and communities;

1.4.5 ensuring they are informed by current trauma-informed practice knowledge and employing a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the intergenerational impacts of colonialism on families and communities;

1.4.6 understanding Indigenous worldviews and supporting the rights of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples to develop and implement Indigenous social work models of practice that preserve the integrity of their values, practices, and beliefs, thereby contributing to the decolonization process;

1.4.7 recognizing and valuing the diversity within and between different First Nations communities in Nova Scotia and among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, understanding that decolonization requires acknowledging the unique cultures, histories, and experiences of each group;

1.4.8 ensuring that supervision of Indigenous social workers is provided in a culturally relevant, safe, and responsive manner, reflecting a commitment to decolonization and the empowerment of Indigenous professionals within the field.

1.4.9 Advocating for Land Back Initiative that support the restoration of Indigenous land rights in collaboration with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leaders, while amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives

Context for Practice: Social workers approach their practice with cultural attentiveness and respect for the distinct status and rights of African Nova Scotians and Persons of African descent. Social workers actively engage in practices that support reparative justice and the healing process. By recognizing the enduring impact of segregation, slavery, and discrimination, social workers are dedicated to creating a more equitable and inclusive society where the inherent rights and dignity of every individual are upheld.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall address and facilitate healing on the multifaceted injuries inflicted by historical injustices towards African Nova Scotians and Persons of African descent by:

1.5.1 advocating for and supporting measures aimed at restoring lost rights and statuses for African Nova Scotians and Persons of African Descent;

1.5.2 advocating for and developing policies and programs that seek to recompense quantifiable losses arising from employment discrimination and healthcare disparities;

1.5.3 championing efforts that facilitate the physical and psychological healing of communities, including the restoration of lands;

1.5.4 advocating for actions that contribute to the healing of wounds from historical injustices, including supporting public apologies, commemorations, and tributes that honour the victims and survivors, acknowledging the profound impact these injustices have had on individuals, families, and communities;

1.5.5 promoting measures that prevent future human rights violations, fostering awareness and educational initiatives that highlight the importance of upholding human rights and preventing discrimination.

Context of Practice: Social workers must work towards the goals of the Accessibility Act,⁸ which aims to create an inclusive and barrier-free environment by 2030, underscoring the importance of respecting the dignity and worth of all people. This legislative framework aligns with the findings from the human rights challenges led by the Disability Rights Coalition⁹, which identified systemic discrimination in the institutionalization of people with disabilities. These findings reveal how institutionalization strips individuals of their autonomy and individuality, highlighting the need for systemic change.

Standard of Practice: Social workers shall uphold inclusive practices that affirm the rights and dignity of people with disabilities by:

1.6.1 addressing historical injustices faced by individuals with disabilities;

1.6.2 actively working to dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination;

1.6.3 fostering services that value personal autonomy and community inclusion;

1.6.4 supporting the transition from institutional models of care to person-centered approaches;

1.6.5 promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities;

1.6.6 advocating for policies supporting the full participation of people with disabilities in society

Context for Practice: Social workers shall offer services in a manner that respects service users’ ethnicity, national origin, age, economic status, immigration/refugee status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, marital status, culture, varying abilities, language, race, religion, values, and beliefs. Social workers shall apply a trauma-informed and strength-based approach when providing services to all people. Social workers enhance their relationship with diverse service users by engaging in ongoing learning related to cultures, beliefs and practices and respecting their rights to receive services free of bias or judgement. Social workers advocate for the right of service users to receive services in the language of their choice and, when using an interpreter, preferably secure an independent and qualified professional interpreter. Social workers advocate for equity and inclusion of all people in their workplaces.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall respect all manner of diversity by:

1.7.1 allowing service users to self-identify their cultural identity and assist in identifying culturally attentive and responsive interventions;

1.7.2 engaging in ongoing critical self-reflection;

1.7.3 acknowledging and reflecting on personal and professional privilege;

1.7.4 recognizing service users as experts in their own culture;

1.7.5 advocating for equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces;

1.7.6 seeking knowledge about and demonstrating an understanding of intersecting factors of exclusion and all forms of diversity;

1.7.7 understanding trauma, collective trauma, and resilience, and their impacts on individuals, families, groups, and communities;

1.7.8 seeking on-going learning opportunities to keep abreast of current diverse and culturally relevant issues and culturally attentive social work services;

1.7.9 consulting other service providers or advocates (e.g., a cultural interpreter or advisor, knowledge keeper, Elder or spiritual leader) to assist in providing culturally safe and appropriate services;

Context for Practice: Social workers understand and support children’s, youth’s, adults, and aging adults’ right to make informed choices and give assent or consent to services, consistent with their capacity. Social workers safeguard service users’ right to make informed decisions even when a legal order limits their rights.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall uphold the rights of services users to provide informed consent by:

1.8.1 ascertaining their capacity to give informed consent to services as early as possible in and throughout the relationship;

1.8.2 recognizing that in some cases, their ability to give informed consent is limited because of incapacity or because they are involuntary participants in services, or because their actions pose a serious threat to themselves or others;

1.8.3 safeguarding the rights and interests of involuntary service users or those with limited capacity when acting on their behalf;

1.8.4 taking all reasonable steps to ascertain their views in situations where they cannot give informed consent because of inability to fully understand or communicate their decision;

1.8.5 recognizing when a service user’s ability to give informed consent is limited by duty of care (e.g., service user’s intent to self-harm), any law, or court order while assisting service users to attain as much self-determination as possible;

1.8.6 advising service users involved with services involuntarily of any limitations that apply to their right to refuse services, including those related to how information will be shared with other parties;

1.8.7 following all applicable Nova Scotia laws and regulations including the Mental Health Act and Regulations.

Context for Practice: Social workers are deeply aware of the conditions that threaten the well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities. They understand that violence is a critical public health issue rooted in dynamics of power and control, disproportionately impacting women, gender-diverse and racialized people. Social workers recognize that violence affects individuals across the lifespan and in all areas of society, driven by systemic inequalities. They actively advocate for the well-being of those most affected, implementing appropriate interventions to promote safety and support. Additionally, social workers acknowledge the harmful effects of workplace harassment and bullying on colleagues and the work environment, championing efforts to foster a healthy, respectful workplace culture.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall advocate for individuals, groups, families and communities to be free from violence or the threat of violence by:

1.9.1 being knowledgeable about the signs of intimate partner and gender-based violence and screening for this when working with families or couples, and taking steps to protect survivors and their children;

1.9.2 understanding the National Calls for Justice¹⁰ directed at social service, health and justice providers and advocating for changes in society, systems, communities, and organizations to prevent violence;

1.9.3. understanding the recommendations contained in the Mass Casualty Commission Report (2023) related to gender-based violence and system response;¹¹

1.9.4 being knowledgeable about the signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and the sexual exploitation of children and youth, and taking the necessary measures to protect their safety and well-being;

1.9.5 where circumstances require, fulfilling their professional duty to report, and supporting the integrity of the family as specified under the applicable child protection legislation;
understanding the connection between animal cruelty or abuse of animals and the potential for violence in the family;

1.9.6 understanding the connection between animal cruelty or abuse of animals and the potential for violence in the family;

1.9.7 refraining from engaging in conduct that is reasonably considered bullying, or causing harm to others, including acts of racial discrimination and microaggressions;

1.9.8 advocating for the right to work in a healthy workplace that is free from violence in all its forms;

1.9.9 informing mandated service providers and persons believed to be at risk of harm by a service user when appropriate and consistent with legislation, best practice and workplace policies;

1.9.10 taking appropriate action when there is a reasonable belief a service user intends to inflict self-harm, consistent with legislation, best practice, and workplace policies.