Category: Blog

CASW Report Highlights Social Worker Challenges Within Canada’s Troubled Child Welfare System

On August 16th, 2018 the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), a federal partner of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), published a report which paints a troubling picture of Canada’s child welfare system. The report, Understanding Social Work and Child Welfare: Canadian Survey and Interviews with Child Welfare Experts, is a critical… Read more »


OPINION: Wagging finger far easier than rectifying social ills

Re: “Health sermon thinly veiled poor-bashing.” I read with anticipation Gail Lethbridge’s column in your July 28 edition. This was in response to the Chester-St. Margaret’s MLA’s recent controversial comments linking chronic disease to lifestyle choices. I was hopeful I’d find words of wisdom about our collective responsibility to address systematic inequalities in our province…. Read more »


Nova Scotia’s Income Assistance Changes Lack Empathy

The Department of Community Services (DCS) recently rolled out changes to the Income Assistance programs which aim to help low-income Nova Scotians. Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services, stated that these changes were brought in because: “We want all Nova Scotians to have the dignity, self-esteem, and self-confidence they need to move their lives forward…. Read more »


Guidelines for Social Workers on Medical Assistance in Dying

College Committee crafts guidelines to support NS social workers In June 2016, the federal government passed the legislation for medical assistance in dying (MAID). Canadian doctors and nurse practitioners can now provide medical assistance in dying (MAID) and social workers specifically in the healthcare field play a key role as they help clients grapple the… Read more »


Our Federal Government Needs to Develop A Poverty Reduction Strategy

by Sharon Murphy, MSW  In this report, “Behind the Numbers: The Federal Role in Poverty Reduction”, the authors note that days after the 2015 election a Globe and Mail opinion piece pointed out something many antipoverty activists already knew. Every territory and province with the exception of British Columbia has a Poverty Reduction strategy in place… Read more »


Discovering my passion during my NSCSW placement

By Alyssa Delenardo, MSW (former NSCSW placement student) Outside of my comfort zone Finding a placement as a Master’s of Social Work student is not an easy feat but I was intrigued when I received a call about a placement with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. After meeting with Alec, the Executive Director/Registrar,… Read more »


Join us at ‘Innovation in Social Work Practice: A Foundation for Our Future’

We’re excited to invite all members to the 2018 Spring Conference & AGM this May 11-12 at the Best Western Chocolate Lake Hotel (250 St Margarets Bay Rd. Halifax, NS). This year’s theme is Innovation in Social Work Practice: A Foundation for Our Future. We have a rich line up of presenters as we spend… Read more »


Our opportunity to help shift the mental health care system

A recent report on CTV Atlantic, featuring grassroots organizer Laurel Walker, shares the story of a group pushing the health authority’s to revamp our province’s mental health care.  The report indicates that 42% of Nova Scotians have reported that they have dealt with a mental health issue in their lifetime. This is one the highest… Read more »


Our vulnerable children, youth, and families deserve better.

The Nova Scotia government’s budget (released March 20th) made it clear that they will continue to prioritize fiscal health over community health – a false dichotomy that will have a long-term impact. The government’s decision, to not strengthen family life for vulnerable children and youth through core investments, will significantly impact our province’s child protective… Read more »


Conversations in your community during #NationalSocialWorkMonth 

We’re only two weeks into National Social Work Month and we’ve had the pleasure of meeting with social workers from Sydney to Yarmouth as part of our Conversation with your College events. We’ve shared our draft five-year Strategic Plan goals to gain on the ground feedback moving forward as we finalize the plan for our Annual General Meeting (May 11-12). The… Read more »


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