As the regulatory body for almost 24,000 social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the College’s primary mandate is to protect the public interest. One of the ways the College fulfills this public protection mandate is by providing practice-related guidance and resources to support members in practising ethically and professionally.
As noted in its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, the College is committed to upholding ethical and professional practice. The College provides educational resources to support members in their practice and to empower members to employ sound clinical and ethical judgment in making decisions that will benefit the individuals, families and communities they serve.
These practice resources are available on the College website and include the following:
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
In accordance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Handbook sets out minimum standards of professional practice and conduct for College members. The Standards of Practice are meant to be applied to members’ practice in conjunction with any applicable legislation and with their professional judgment.
Practice Guidelines
The College’s Practice Guidelines contain information and practice advice which should be considered by College members. They are developed to assist members and employers in interpreting and applying the College’s Standards of Practice in specific areas, including the following:
- Custody and access assessments
- Medication practices
- Consent and confidentiality with children and youth
- Performing the controlled act of psychotherapy
Practice Notes
Practice Notes is a regular feature in the College’s member newsletter Perspective. It is an educational tool which assists College members, employers and other stakeholders in gaining a better understanding of how the Standards of Practice may apply to recurring issues in everyday practice.
ETHICS->A: Ethical Decision-Making Tool
The College’s ethical decision-making tool, ETHICS→A, assists members in considering the issues and applying their professional judgment in particular scenarios. The Tool supports ethical and professional practice by providing a process for College members and employers to follow.
Consultations with the Professional Practice Department
College members as well as their employers have access to free consultations with the Professional Practice Department to discuss ethical and/or practice dilemmas that they may be facing. Members and employers may wish to contact the Professional Practice Department for more information at practice@ocswssw.org.
The College remains committed to developing practice resources to support members’ ethical and professional practice. We will continue to communicate regularly with College members, employers and other stakeholders as these resources are developed and revised.