Strategy informed by social context

A message from the NSCSW Council President

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) accomplished a great deal in 2022. Throughout the year, our organization has focused on key areas that are of utmost importance to the public and aligned with the values of our profession. One of our primary priorities has been to continue to develop our approach as a right-touch regulator looking at the problem from all angles first and then deciding how much regulation is necessary to get the job done. By building on a foundation of good regulation principles and adding a touch of agility, right-touch regulation ensures that risk to the public is minimized without compromising effectiveness.

Additionally, the NSCSW has continued our commitment to reconciliation and anti-racism, recognizing the important role social workers play in addressing systemic inequalities.

NSCSW has also been building a regulatory framework to strengthen clinical social work practice. Moreover, the organization has been active in advocacy for social justice, taking a stand against issues such as poverty, mental health, and child welfare. Through its various accomplishments, the NSCSW has demonstrated its dedication to making a positive impact on Nova Scotia.

In 2022, the College introduced a significant change to the professional development requirements for social workers. The aim of the new regulations was threefold: to provide clarity of expectations and support to social workers in their journey towards successful registration, to promote professional competency of registrants, and ultimately, to safeguard the public. These changes were grounded in the professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, aligned with accredited social work curricula, and consistent with Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network recommendations. They reflect the most recent evidence-based research and developments in the field, ensuring that practitioners meet the highest standards of care and service.

We were proud to work with our partners at the Canadian Association of Social Workers to continue to revise the national Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice. The last revision occurred in 2005, and much has changed during that time. It’s important to revisit these foundational documents, as much has changed in the last eighteen years. The social work Code of Ethics needs to reflect new understandings and knowledge. Furthermore, the new Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice will address social work’s special role in the journey of reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities recognizing our profession’s role in the genocide of Indigenous peoples in Canada. We are hopeful that the launch of the new Code of Ethics this year will lead to deeper reconciliation.

We continue to work with the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators (CCSWR) to address pervasive and detrimental effects of racism in social work regulation, and are taking steps to address it head-on. Through collaboration with the Anti-Racist Regulatory Practice Framework Working Group, the CCSWR aims to critically reflect upon their policies and processes, and develop regulatory tools to dismantle systemic and structural racism in regulation and practice. Our goal is to create a regulatory framework to promote the elimination of biases and other barriers in regulatory policies and processes. This important initiative highlights the need to critically reflect on how social work regulation can effectively address racism and ensure equitable access to services for all individuals.

Nova Scotia’s mental health and substance use services need a new approach, one that acknowledges the complexity of mental health needs and social context. That’s why the NSCSW is taking action to support the re-positioning of social work through a bio-psycho-socialspiritual model. The clinical committee has worked to create a framework for the regulation of clinical social work that aims to foster a relational process of healing, one in which both practitioner and client bring expert knowledge to the therapeutic conversation. By emphasizing shared responsibility for creating a connected and supportive society, the NSCSW hopes to advance policy and standards towards clinical regulation. With Phase 1 focused on defining the scope of clinical practice and articulating required knowledge and competencies for specialization in private practice, the NSCSW is committed to making a positive impact on mental health and substance use services.

Advocating for social policies that lead to social justice is crucial to advancing the public interest, creating a better future for children and families in Nova Scotia and core part of the NSCSW’s mandate. Through strategic partnerships with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Nova Scotia Action Coalition for Community Well-Being, we have achieved some important wins, and our message is resonating throughout the province. Social work is bringing hope for those feeling despair and a clear vision of what could be. Poverty has a huge impact on childhood development, and family income is a major factor in dictating development. Access to supportive services is also crucial. If we want child and family well-being, we must invest in our kids and their families. This is one of our core advocacies goals, and we can’t afford to wait. Our children can’t wait.

I am incredibly proud of the work that our staff at NSCSW have done this past year in advocating for social policies, advancing mental health and substance use services, and revising the national Code of Ethics. We are committed to creating a better future for children and families in Nova Scotia through strategic partnerships with organizations dedicated to promoting justice and well-being. As President of NSCSW, I could not be more honored to serve the public interest by helping advance evidencebased policy solutions grounded in principles of equity, human rights, inclusion and respect. Our team is passionate about making a positive impact on communities across Nova Scotia. Together we will continue working towards a brighter tomorrow for all.

LYNN BROGAN, MSW RSW, NSCSW COUNCIL PRESIDENT