See the NSCSW Standards of Practice

Guiding social work practice

A code of ethics is the foundational document for social work practices, encompassing the values of our profession, articulating our central beliefs, and creating the unique context for engaging in our work.

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) launched a new Code of Ethics, Values and Guiding Principles in 2024 to guide social workers’ professional conduct. NSCSW engaged in lengthy consultations with Nova Scotians and registrants to adapt CASW’s Code to the Nova Scotian context, and use it as the starting point for new Standards of Practice.

The purpose of the Nova Scotia Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (aka the Code) is to serve as a foundation for the ethical practice of the individual practitioner and the social work profession in our province. The Code states the professional values and sets out guiding principles aligned to each value. All values and guiding principles have equal importance and work together to describe the conduct and professionalism necessary to provide ethical social work services.

Ethical behaviour begins with a social worker’s commitment to ethical practice. Both the spirit and the letter of the Code compel social workers as they act in good faith and with a genuine desire to make sound judgements.

The College also develops practice support guidelines and tools to assist members and employers in interpreting and applying the NSCSW Code in specific areas. These resources contain information and practice advice which members of the College should consider when navigating complex issues.

The Code of Ethics: Shared professional values

Social workers who practice in Nova Scotia agree to uphold these seven core values:

  1. Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People
  2. Promoting Social Justice
  3. Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation
  4. Valuing Human Relationships
  5. Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice
  6. Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality
  7. Providing Competent Professional Services

Standards of Practice: 

  1. Establishes professional expectations as the basis of responsibility for social workers so that they may develop, control, evaluate, and improve their own practice.
  2. Promotes the protection of the public, and specifically of clients of social workers, by ensuring competent social work practice.
  3. Provides a basis for professional development and continuing education within the profession.
  4. Put into action the values, ethics, knowledge, and skills expected of social work professionals, so that other professionals, employees, clients and the general public may understand the goals and methods of social work practice in Nova Scotia.
  5. Enhances the value and credibility of the profession so that it may more effectively advocate for social change when deemed necessary.

Agreement to be governed by these standards is incorporated into NSCSW’s registration and renewal processes; every social worker practicing in Nova Scotia is required to abide by them.

Read the Standards of Practice
Lisez le normes de pratique

Standards of Practice for Clinical Specialists

These clinical standards serve as a foundational framework guiding clinical specialists in their practice, ensuring that clinical specialists adhere to the ethical and professional benchmarks set forth by the NSCSW.

By integrating clinical standards with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, clinical specialists are equipped to provide ethical and effective services, fostering a positive effect on individual and community well-being through their dedicated efforts in private practice environments.

Read the Clinical Standards
Lisez le normes de pratique du travail social clinique
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