Registration for the 2022 Educational Forum Now Open!

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) invites members to attend its virtual Educational Forum on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. EST.  What to Expect at the Educational ForumThis half-day virtual event is an excellent opportunity for members to stay connected with the College and gain valuable knowledge through the following agenda: College updateKeynote address, entitled The Journey to Unity: Disrupting Racism and Decolonizing Child Welfare,…

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College Office Closed for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) will be closed on Friday, September 30th in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about and reflect on the dark chapter in the country’s history and to commemorate the survivors of the residential “school” system, their families and their communities. The College is committed to continuing…

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Council Highlights for September 8-9, 2022

September 8, 2022 (9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.) The following Council members were elected by Council to the Executive Committee: John Fleming, Public member – Council Chair Mandi Olson, RSSW – Vice-Chair Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW – Vice-Chair Mukesh Kowlessar, RSSW – Executive Member Pam Murphy, Public member – Executive Member Durel Williams, RSW – Executive Member Council received orientation and training from Crowe Soberman LLP regarding financial reports and Council responsibilities. September 9, 2022 (9…

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Save the Date for the 2022 Educational Forum!

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is happy to announce that it will be holding its virtual Educational Forum on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The Educational Forum is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. The College is pleased to have Sherrie Moore, MSW, RSW, Service Director, Family and Children’s Services Niagara, and Elizabeth Sault, Indigenous Healing and Wellness Program Coordinator & Indigenous Advocate, as…

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2022-2023 College Council Remains Committed to Protecting Ontarians

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to announce the College Council for 2022/2023. “Social workers and social service workers play an integral role in the lives of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations, from seniors to children,” said Council Chair John Fleming, who was elected to the position on September 8, 2022. “Everyone benefits when they receive care and services from regulated professionals. Ontarians have the right to assume…

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Funding Opportunity from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is offering a funding opportunity to build workforce capacity in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). The second round of funding through the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund has opened. Further details about the Fund and how to apply are available on the government’s website. This time-limited fund provides 12-month grants to support capacity-building activities and projects led by children’s service providers who deliver clinical services in…

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DEI Task Group Meeting Highlights – July 14, 2022

Natasha Young, RSW, reflected on the land acknowledgement, as an Indigenous member of the Task Group.Task Group member Sandra Southwind, RSW, set the intention for the meeting.Co-chair Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW, welcomed Task Group members to the meeting.The minutes from the May 9, 2022 meeting of the Task Group were reviewed.The Task Group engaged in a debrief with guest Karen Mock on the facilitated discussion on anti-Semitism held at the May 9, 2022 meeting.The Task Group…

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Watch the 2022 AMED Videos Online!

The College held its 2022 Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) virtually on June 10, 2022 with over 2,200 registered attendees. There were more than 1,400 attendees who tuned in live on our virtual portal and many more viewing the presentations on-demand afterwards, making this year’s AMED a tremendous success!   We invite members to watch the videos of the AMED sessions — the theme of which was Learning and Unlearning in a Changing Landscape…

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Meeting Highlights, Joint Meeting of the DEI Task Group and the Standards of Practice Committee – June 20, 2022

Lise Betteridge, Registrar and CEO, welcomed the Task Group and Standards of Practice Committee members to the joint meeting.Task Group member Sandra Southwind, RSW, set the intention for the meeting.Lise Betteridge provided some background regarding the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) Social Work Workforce Coalition and its connection to Council’s decision to implement entry-to-practice exams.Task Group and Committee members provided input into the Social Work Census as requested by the Coalition. The Census is…

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DEI Task Group Meeting Highlights – May 9, 2022

Task Group Co-Chair, Brian Seng-Low, RSW, read a Land Acknowledgement and shared some of his reflections on his own learning and experiences with respect to Reconciliation and the land.Co-Chair, Brian Seng-Low, RSW, welcomed Task Group members to the meeting, including its newest member, Chisanga Chekwe, Public Member.The minutes from the April 11, 2022 meeting of the Task Group were reviewed.Karen Mock, a human rights advocate and consultant and a guest at the meeting, facilitated a…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Information on the Masking Mandates in Ontario

As noted in its recent announcement, effective June 11, 2022, the Ontario government is lifting most masking mandates. With the exception of long-term care homes and retirement homes, masks will no longer be required. Masking continues to be recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes. The Ministry of Health will issue guidance for health care workers and organizations on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other health care…

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Professional Practice Update: New FAQs on the Administration of Naloxone and Other Announcements

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share the following updates and resources to support members’ practice and protect the public interest. New FAQs on the Administration of Naloxone The College’s Professional Practice Department continues to receive many inquiries related to the administration of Naloxone. We have developed frequently asked questions to offer guidance on this topic and support members who may need to provide life-saving care…

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