March is Social Work Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s theme “Seven Points of Unity: Many Possibilities” celebrates the release of a new Code of Ethics for the social work profession. Developed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), this code has been adopted by NLCSW, along with the NLCSW 2024 Standards of Practice, for use in this province.
Message from NLCSW’s Board Chair:
In recognition of Social Work Month and adoption of the new Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, NLCSW Board Chair and RSW Nadine Calloway released the following message:
March is National Social Work Month. In Newfoundland and Labrador there are over 1800 social workers, employed across diverse fields of practice, celebrating this month with their provincial, national, and international colleagues.
The theme for Social Work Month 2024 is “7 Points of Unity: Many Possibilities”. This theme celebrates the release of the 2024 Code of Ethics by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) in January. The Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW) adopted this newly revised code for use in this province beginning March 1, 2024. This provincial implementation date aligns with the start of a new registration year for social workers in NL and marks the beginning of Social Work Month.
The 2024 CASW Code of Ethics contains 7 values that guide ethical, inclusive, and empowering social work practice,
Respecting the Dignity and Worth of Persons
Promoting Social Justice
Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation
Valuing Human Relationships
Preserving Integrity in Professional Relationships
Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality
Providing Competent and Professional Services
Social workers embrace these values in providing crucial and essential services across our health and social systems. Their work reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of all who call Newfoundland and Labrador their home. Whether it is through frontline service delivery, managing programs and services, engaging in research, or advancing policy development and social justice initiatives, social workers demonstrate accountability to the Code of Ethics.
Throughout my 27-year career in social work, I have witnessed the tremendous dedication, passion, and professionalism that social workers bring to their practice each and every day. Social workers work diligently to provide competent, ethical, inclusive, and high-quality service, to advocate for systemic changes across the social determinants of health, and pursue truth and reconciliation.
During this National Social Work Month, we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers in fostering the health and social well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Social work has been a regulated profession in this province for over 30 years, and every day I am proud to say that I am part of this wonderful profession. While our roles may be diverse, which certainly adds to the vibrancy of this profession, we are united through our shared values and commitment to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. During March I encourage all social workers to take time to reflect on the important work they do. and to promote social work at every opportunity. Be proud to call yourself a Registered Social Worker.
It is also important that organizations, community groups and government departments that employ social workers take extra time this month to recognize and celebrate the valuation contributions of social workers in the workplace. This recognition and celebration is so meaningful.
As Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, I wish all social workers throughout the province a Happy Social Work Month.
Nadine Calloway BSW, RSW, MHS
NLCSW Chair
Ministerial Statement – Minister Pike Celebrates National Social Work Month
The following statement was read in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development – https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2024/cssd/0306n02/
CASW Distinguished Service Award: Kimberley Kelly MEd, BSW, RSW
NLCSW Pride in the Profession Award: Deanne O’Brien BA, MSW, RSW
Both awards were formally presented to the recipients during a virtual ceremony held on March 13. Learn more about the award recipients at https://nlcsw.ca/2024-award-recipients/. Speeches from the award winners will be published in the July 2024 edition of Connecting Voices.
Ideas for Recognizing Social Work Month:
A range of continuing professional education (CPE) events will be occurring throughout the month. NLCSW registrants and non-practicing members can access full event details under the Upcoming Events page. These events not only provide valuable education, but they also highlight the knowledge and expertise of social workers in NL.
In addition to these CPE opportunities, the following are some further ideas for recognizing the profession and the month:
- Review, discuss and promote the new Code of Ethics.
- Display the Social Work Month poster in your office/workplace.
- Engage with NLCSW on social media- https://twitter.com/NLCSWca https://www.youtube.com/c/NLCSW
- Develop an electronic trivia contest and have your colleagues participate.
- Pay it forward by donating to a local or provincial cause.
- Check out the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) website for details regarding national events.