Code of Ethics
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers regulates two professions: social workers and social service workers. The following sets out the Code of Ethics for registrants of the College:
1) A College registrant maintains the best interest of the client as the primary professional obligation;
2) A College registrant shows respect for the intrinsic worth of the clients they serve;
3) A College registrant carries out their professional duties and obligations with integrity and objectivity;
4) A College registrant continually maintains and enhances their professional competence;
Additional Resources:
Practice Notes: “But How Do I know If I’m Competent” – Issues to Consider
Practice Notes: The Importance of Professional Judgment
5) A College registrant does not exploit the relationship with a client for their own personal benefit, gain or gratification;
Additional Resources:
Practice Notes: Boundary Violations
Practice Notes: Navigating Conflicts of Interest
Practice Notes: Dual Relationships: Ensuring Clients Best Interests Are Paramount
Practice Notes: Dual Relationships: Approach with Caution
6) A College registrant maintains confidentiality in all client interactions;
Additional Resources:
Privacy Toolkit
Practice Guidelines for Consent and Confidentiality with Children and Youth
Practice Notes: “Setting the Table” – Issues to Consider When Initiating Client Conversations
Practice Notes: Meeting Professional Obligations and Protecting Clients’ Privacy: Disclosure of Information Without Consent
Practice Notes: Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information without Client Consent
Practice Notes: Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest
7) A College registrant who engages in another profession, occupation, affiliation or calling must not allow outside interests to affect their relationship with clients;
8) A College registrant does not provide services in a manner that diminishes the public’s trust or discredits the professions;
9) A College registrant advocates for workplace conditions and policies that are consistent with this Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers;
Additional Resources:
Practice Notes: But “They” Told Me To! Owning Your Professional Accountability
Practice Notes: Where Do I Stand?: Understanding the Relationship Between the College and Your Employer
10) A College registrant takes an anti-racist and anti-oppressive stance in their work, and commits to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all aspects of their practice;
Additional Resources:
The Journey to Unity: Disrupting Racism and Decolonizing Child Welfare
Practice Notes: Ethical and Competent Responses to Anti-Black Racism
Practice Notes: Cultural Humility: A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
11) A College registrant advocates for social justice, the overall benefit of society, the environment and the global community.