News & Events

March 11, 2020 — K’JIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – In partnership with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia (CCPA-NS) released a new report today that lays out what is required for a transformative social policy agenda, entitled Creating the future we all deserve: A Social Policy Framework for Nova Scotia.

Every March we celebrate National Social Work Month (NSWM) in recognition of the contributions of social workers to society. The theme adopted by the CASW Board for the 2020 National Social Work Month celebrations is: United by Diversity. Strengthened by Inclusion.

May 22-23, 2020 —Join us for our annual conference and AGM: “Mental Health, Today and Tomorrow.” Early bird rates are available until March 31. Conference registration closes May 8. Save yourself a seat on Eventbrite today.

On Tuesday February 25 2020 the Nova Scotia government tabled what they claimed to be a balanced budget: a budget that lowered corporate taxes and reduced per capita social expenditures. The theme of this budget is “Better Together,” which promotes the idea that a collective response to our current struggles is needed. The content of the budget has incremental changes in that direction, but ultimately falls short of that promise.

In this issue of Connection magazine we’re taking a closer look at the conditions that affect mental health in Nova Scotia, and opportunities to co-create change in our community.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the professional relationship. Social workers are expected to demonstrate respect for the trust and confidence placed in them by clients, communities and other professionals by protecting the privacy and respecting the client’s right to control when or whether this information will be shared with third parties.

The 2020 African Heritage Month theme, The Ties that Bind: Faith, Family and Community, recognizes the essential traits that sustain the strength, resiliency and togetherness of the African Nova Scotian community. For social workers, African Heritage Month is also an important time to reflect on the urgent and continued work that is needed to create full inclusion and belonging in Nova Scotia.

This June 10 session is an opportunity to improve collaboration between social workers in mental health services and private practice, and social workers in child protection. Front-line child protection workers will increase their understanding of common mental health issues, and counselling practitioners will gain insight into child protection practices, proirities, systems and challenges.

This May 8 workshop offers an opportunity for social work practitioners to discuss real situations, and get feedback and support for how to handle the challenges they experience. Participants will explore ethical dilemmas and examine the difficult choices between alternative actions.

Participants in this April 27 training will develop their knowledge about trauma informed practice, how it can be applied to social work settings, and how social workers can mitigate the effects of working in trauma exposed environments.