What registrants need to know about charges and self-reports regarding findings of guilt
Are registrants required to report findings of guilt to the College?
Yes. Registrants are required to report every finding of guilt in relation to a criminal offence, an offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or the Food and Drugs Act (Canada) and any offence that could be relevant to practice. For example, if a registrant is charged with a provincial offence under the Personal Health Information Protection Act for unauthorized access of personal health information.
I got a parking or speeding ticket. Do I need to report that to the College?
No. Speeding and parking tickets do not need to be reported to the College. These offences are not related to a registrant’s suitability to practise social work or social service work. Registrants should use their judgment and knowledge of the profession and the Standards of Practice when considering whether a finding of guilt is one that may impact their suitability to practise and therefore should be reported.
Does the College investigate every self-report regarding a finding of guilt?
No. Although the College does review all self-reports received, we do not investigate everyone. After reviewing the self-report, the College determines what level of risk may be posed to the public and makes a decision about the appropriate regulatory response. There are options available to the College that do not involve a formal investigation. For example, a registrant may be asked to review practice standards and/or other resources. In some cases, they may be asked to meet with a College representative to discuss the matter.
What happens if a registrant does not self-report a finding of guilt?
A registrant who does not comply with their self-reporting obligation could be investigated and may face professional misconduct allegations.
How does the College learn about charges or findings of guilt?
The College receives information from a wide variety of sources. Some of these sources include employers, the police, the public and the news media.
If I have been charged and/or convicted, will the College make the charges/conviction public?
In some cases, yes. As of June 4, 2025, the College bylaws require that matters assessed as relevant to a registrant’s suitability to practise be posted to the registrant’s profile on the College’s Online Register. This includes the posting of charges, convictions, and terms of release. Posting this information is consistent with the practices of other regulatory bodies, including health professionals regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act.