News & Events

In the Media: Report Highlights Social Worker Challenges Within Canada’s Troubled Child Welfare System

Media Release Thursday, August 16, 2018 Report Highlights Social Worker Challenges Within Canada’s Troubled Child Welfare System KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – Statistics released today in a report by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), a federal partner of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), paint a troubling picture of Canada’s child welfare system…. Read more »


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 »


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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 »


Vicarious Trauma & Resiliency in NS Social Workers

How do you view vicarious trauma, self-care, and resilience? We’re seeking your feedback as we develop a new strategy to support social workers and organizations to minimize the impact of vicarious trauma Your participation is voluntary and your responses are anonymous and confidential.If you’re experiencing or know someone who is experiencing vicarious trauma please reach… Read more »


Guiding our Private Practice Regulations

The College’s Professional Development Committee needs your input! Your feedback will guide & determine the direction for the Private Practice Committee as they review and determine appropriate regulations for entry to private practice in Nova Scotia. The survey will take approximately 6 minutes to complete and closes September 7, 2018.  Complete the survey here The Social Workers… Read more »


Limited access to your member profile in July

During the month of July, there will be limited access to your member profile through our database as we bring a new system online.  If you have not done so already, please download copies of your registration certificate before July 3, 2018.  Questions? Contact the College’s Regulatory & Applications Administrator Alexandra Nelson at alex.nelson@nscsw.org


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 »


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