As we move into the spring season, I want to take a moment to recognize the important work you do every day as social workers and social service workers. Across diverse practice settings and communities, your commitment to ethical, compassionate and competent care continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities across Ontario. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to quality care.
In my role as the College’s Registrar and CEO, I have the privilege of viewing the professions through a regulatory lens. One that is grounded in public protection, accountability and trust. At the same time, like many, I have experienced firsthand the care and support provided by social workers and social service workers. Together, these perspectives reinforce the importance of the College’s role and the critical responsibility we share in upholding safe, ethical and professional practice.
This commitment to public protection is reflected in several key initiatives currently underway. Recently, the College launched the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP) in response to a concerning rise in sexual abuse-related complaints. Sexual abuse is one of the most serious breaches of professional obligations and can have profound and lasting impacts on clients. The SAPP supports registrants in recognizing and preventing boundary violations, understanding abuses of power and identifying “slippery slope” scenarios. As part of the 2026 Continuing Competence Program (CCP), all registrants (except those in the retired class) are required to complete the SAAP. This initiative is an important step in strengthening safeguards around public protection and reinforcing public trust in the professions.
The College also continues to monitor trends in practice to ensure that our regulatory approach remains responsive and relevant. The landscape of social work and social service work is constantly evolving, shaped by changing client needs, emerging areas of practice and broader system-level shifts. In recognition of this, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the CCP to better understand how registrants practise across sectors, to identify emerging trends and to ensure that the CCP continues to support professional growth while maintaining its focus on public protection.
Your voice is essential to this process. In the coming months, you will have opportunities to share your experiences and insights through surveys. I encourage you to participate, as your feedback will help shape the future of the CCP and confirm that it reflects the realities of practice today.
As we move forward, your ongoing engagement remains critical to maintaining a regulatory approach that is ethical, accountable, effective and community-centred. Thank you for the care you provide and for your continued commitment to safe and competent practice.
Sincerely,
Denitha Breau,
RN, MSN, MBA
Registrar and CEO
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers