FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul 24, 2025
KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is proud to announce the launch of its Safe(R) Social Work Framework, an initiative that reaffirms the College’s dedication to proactive, progressive regulation. This framework, rooted in accountability, transparency, and adaptability, is designed to ensure safe and ethical social work practices while advancing principles of equity, justice, and public wellbeing.
“This framework underscores our responsibility to safeguard public trust and champion ethical, effective social work practices,” said Alec Stratford, Executive Director/Registrar of NSCSW. “By integrating principles of right-touch regulation and addressing systemic challenges, we can create safer social and health services.”
The new framework addresses the complexities faced in social work by balancing individual and systemic perspectives. It focuses on identifying areas for improvement within social work practices, developing actionable strategies, and regularly monitoring progress to adapt to emerging challenges.
Key challenges confronting social work practice in Nova Scotia, such as high workloads, moral distress, and structural inequities, are at the heart of this initiative. The NSCSW intends to continue advocating for policy reforms and stronger support systems to mitigate these barriers for well-being.
“Social workers confront significant systemic obstacles that directly impact their ability to provide safe and ethical services,” said Stratford. “Our framework seeks to address these inequities, ensuring better outcomes for structurally vulnerable populations across Nova Scotia.”
The development of the Safe(R) Social Work Framework integrated critical insights from public reports such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report, all of which highlight the need for systemic reforms to enhance public safety and community wellbeing. By uniting recommendations focused on anti-racism, reconciliation, and mental health, the framework demonstrates NSCSW’s proactive commitment to meaningful social change.
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About us:
The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers serves and protects Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work. We work in solidarity with Nova Scotians to advocate for policies that improve social conditions, challenge injustice and value diversity.
For more information or to arrange interviews with NSCSW spokespersons, contact: Rebecca Faria, communication coordinator for NSCSW (902-429-7799 ext. 227, [email protected]).