A guest blog post from Serena Lewis, RSW, MSW. “As we edge closer to the now-monumental dates of April 18 and 19, I am personally aware that the histories of rural Nova Scotia communities, and many lives, will be forever changed. The collective grief and pain brought by the act of such violent disruption has, and will span families, communities, and all frontline workers who have worked tirelessly to face the gaping wounds left behind.”
The Department of Community Services recently conducted a mandatory review of the Children and Family Services Act. The NSCSW was consulted on this matter and followed up the consultation with a written submission. The NSCSW is publicly releasing its submission, as it believes that under its mandate in the Social Workers Act it is compelled to do so.
February 11, 2021 — After a lengthy and comprehensive review, the NSCSW is ready to make some key changes. And we announce the forthcoming retirement of a staff member who has significantly contributed to our profession in this province.
We encourage our members to review decision information, to gain insight into the reasons for decisions and the College’s discipline process. It is important for all social workers in Nova Scotia to understand the College’s role in ensuring that Nova Scotians can rely on professional, ethical social work practice.
The 2021 provincial theme of African Heritage Month, “Black History Matters: Listen, Learn, Share and Act,” calls on all Nova Scotians to make a better society by recognizing the long-standing history and legacy of African Nova Scotians, and by acknowledging racialized issues and adversity for people of African descent.
The Council of the NSCSW is accepting letter of intent from any members interested in joining the College’s new clinical committee. Apply no later then February 26, 2021.
We are grateful for the moral courage of the social workers who participated in the survey and focus groups for the research paper published by NSCSW in January, Repositioning Social Work Practice in Mental Health in Nova Scotia.
We encourage our members to review decision information, to gain insight into the reasons for decisions and the College’s discipline process. It is important for all social workers in Nova Scotia to understand the College’s role in ensuring that Nova Scotians can rely on professional, ethical social work practice.
Social work is a profession that highlights the importance of close and purposeful relationships with clients. These relationships play a crucial role in people’s lives, and directly affect their quality of life and general well-being. Within that important relationship, social workers are required to maintain professional boundaries with clients and to ensure that the professional relationship serves the needs of their clients.
The Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia introduced their new vision for mental health services last week. It provides a clear vision for mental health and addictions services that we have not seen since the NDP released their strategy “Together We Can” while in government almost a decade ago. While the plan certainly has some questionable policy choices, the vision it presents is transformative and the PCs deserve credit for putting forward a bold plan.
CONNECTION is the official newsletter of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.
