Courtesy Registration

In 2009, the Association approved the Board proposal that it create a category of temporary registration called courtesy registration. This would enable the Board to register social workers living, working and who are registered in good standing in another province when employed by an organization approved by the Board of Examiners. This registration would allow these social workers to provide limited services to clients residing in Nova Scotia.

In 2009 a social worker employed by the Government of New Brunswick was registered in order to allow her to conduct family case conferences in Nova Scotia.

Fair Registration Practices Legislation

In last year's Annual Report, the Board informed the membership that all professional regulatory bodies, including NSASW, would be subject to legislation which aims to, in part:

• ensure that nationally and internationally trained applicants are provided with clear and understandable information about registration licensing practices and requirements;
• support best practices in regulated occupations;
• address a public perception of barriers to regulated occupations ensure that regulatory bodies provide registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair;
• ensure that an objective process is in place for applicants to appeal registration decisions.

It is clear that in order for NSASW to adhere to the Registration Practices Act, we will have to revise our legislation.

Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)

Again, as shared in last year's report, the federal, provincial and territorial governments have signed the AIT, designed to reduce interprovincial barriers to the free movement of workers, within Canada.

On behalf of the Association, the Registrar sought an exemption to the Agreement in order to assure that individuals seeking registration in Nova Scotia have a social work degree issued by a university approved by our Association. The Department of Community Services has supported our request for an exemption.

International Credentials

NSASW is pleased that increasing numbers of social workers from diverse backgrounds are applying for registration in this province. Credential assessment is a challenge. The Registrar has organized a meeting of Atlantic social work regulatory bodies in order to address this issue.

REGISTRATION

RENEWALS

On April 1, 2009, fifty-four registered social workers and candidates had failed to either renew their registration for 2009 or to submit their resignation. That means that, on their permanent record, is a statement that at one time their registration was suspended due to non-payment of fees.

In 2008/09, the Association made a significant effort to educate our registrants about the importance of timely renewal. On April 1, 2008, there had been seventy-one failures to renew.

CANDIDACY

In 2009, NSASW had over 200 registrants participating in the candidacy process. The Registrar reviewed 305 reports, up from 265 the previous year. Many of our candidates make a special effort to acknowledge the valuable contribution candidacy supervisors are making to their professional development. It is also of value to read about the challenges our candidates are facing as they make their way into the profession. This information is useful to the Association as it attempt to provide information and offer services which will be of use to our registrants.

COMPLAINTS

The Complaints Committee continues to try to respond to complaints in a timely manner. In 2009, it took, on average, nine months to resolve a complaint. Yet many social workers who have been the subject of a complaint will note that their cases took significantly longer than the average to resolve.

Committee members recognize the stress experienced by social workers who have a complaint levelled against them. At the same time, the Committee is composed of volunteers with access to limited staff support and financial resources.

In 2009, the Complaints Committee received fourteen new complaints: three from Halifax region; five from Cape Breton; two each from the North and Fundy Shores; and two from out of province. Ten cases were closed.

These numbers do not include the complaints arising from breaches of Section 55 of the Social Workers Act (practising social work when not registered or suspended). Nor do they include matters that have been referred to the Discipline Panel, yet still require members' careful attention.

Complaints Committee: The Complaints Committee consist of two registered social workers and two public members. The Committee regularly reviews its procedures in an attempt to be more efficient and effective. Committee members stress the need to amend the Social Workers Act in order to address some of the challenges faced by the Committee, particularly its inability to compel evidence.

DISCIPLINE

In December 2009, one matter was heard by the Discipline Panel. The Panel agreed to the terms negotiated between the Complaints Committee and the social worker respondent.

2009 COMPLAINTS AND CASE CLOSURES