Perspective

Navigating Third-Party Information Requests: What Registrants Need to Know

The Professional Practice Department has received increasing inquiries from registrants who have been asked to release client information to third parties, such as banks, insurance companies, service providers and even the police. The Standards of Practice speak to this issue in Principle V: Confidentiality, and the following interpretations must be considered:  5.1.2 College registrants shall obtain consent to the collection, use or disclosure of client information including personal information, unless otherwise permitted or required by…

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Your Questions, Answered: Key Differences Between the College and Associations

We often receive questions about the services the College offers to registrants, compared to those offered by the professional associations – the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA). We know these differences can sometimes be confusing, and we hope that the below information provides clarification on the key differences.  WHAT DOES THE COLLEGE DO?  The College’s main role is to protect the public by regulating social workers…

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Council Roster for 2024-2025

Daniel Afram – Elected Social Worker  Daniel Afram completed his first degree in Psychology at Carleton University followed by a graduate certificate through Georgian College in Addictions Treatment and Prevention. He subsequently completed a BSW at Lakehead University and his MSW through Wilfrid Laurier University. Over the past two decades, Daniel has had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents, families and communities in the area of trauma and concurrent disorders as a clinician and through…

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Council Meeting Highlights for May 2, 2024

John Fleming, Council Chair, provided his report to Council.  Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates and information about the following: an update on the new strategic planning process; ongoing work of the new database; an update on Bill 188 relating to the proposed amendments to section 50 of the Social Work and Social Service Work Act; an overview of outreach efforts including the ongoing…

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Council Meeting Highlighs for September 23-24, 2024

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024  The following Council members were elected by Council to the Executive Committee:  Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW –Council Chair  Nicole Bonnie, Public member – Vice-Chair  John Fleming, Public member – Executive Member  Woyengi (Gigi) Goary, RSW – Executive Member  Mandi Olson, RSSW – Executive Member  Madimba Tshibuabua, RSSW – Executive Member  SEPTEMBER 24, 2024  Council reviewed the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan and commitment documents.  Council reviewed and approved the recommendations of the Nominating Committee with…

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Practice Notes: The Current, Accurate and Relevant Client Record 

Download the PDF Please note that the second scenario of these Practice Notes contains references to intimate partner violence.  Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the College’s Professional Practice Department and Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College registrants[1] with specific practice…

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Discipline Decision Summaries

The College publishes summaries of decisions of the Discipline Committee and/or provides links to full-text, neutralized versions of its decisions. Information that is subject to a publication ban or that could reveal the identity of witnesses or clients, including the name of the facility, has been removed as necessary, or has been anonymized. As of January 2019, decisions are also available via the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII).  By publishing decisions, the College endeavours to: …

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College Updates and Reminders

DON’T MISS OUT! – REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 EDUCATIONAL FORUM NOW OPEN  The College is happy to announce that it will be holding its virtual Educational Forum on the morning of Wednesday, November 20, 2024.  In addition to a College update from Denitha Breau, Registrar and CEO, the Educational Forum will include a keynote panel discussion entitled Touchpoints of Trust: Setting Boundaries and Navigating Consent. The College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, MSW,…

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGISTRAR AND CEO 

REGULATING WITH KINDNESS Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and it’s a time where we can sense the warmth and liveliness all around us. As we embrace this season of renewal and growth, we must also navigate the evolving world of regulatory governance. Now is the time to adopt a more compassionate approach to regulation for public protection.  Kindness has often been overlooked in the realm of regulation, yet it holds an immense power. The…

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The Power of Conversation in Psychotherapy With Roxanne Francis, MSW, RSW

Starting a conversation is always the first step towards making progress, says Roxanne Francis, MSW, RSW.  For over 15 years, Roxanne, a registered social worker, acclaimed psychotherapist and renowned international speaker, has profoundly impacted countless lives through the power of conversation. Her passion for initiating dialogue was sparked by pressing societal issues, such as inadequate mental health resources and gaps of representation in the profession.  “My love of people drew me to the field of…

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THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PRACTICE 

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS TO ENSURE REGISTRANTS REMAIN COMPETENT AND PROFESSIONAL IN THEIR PRACTICE Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has the potential to play a role in the community and health landscape. The use of AI has demonstrated efficiencies and innovation, and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) can appreciate that registrants have been considering or have begun using AI in practice to assist with documentation or treatment…

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COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR DECEMBER 1, 2023

 • John Fleming, Council Chair, provided his report to Council.  • Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s Strategic Plan and included information about the following: an update on the launch of the College’s new database and renewals; registrant-base data including registration stats by electoral districts; recent outreach in Thunder Bay; and the recent Educational Forum.  • Council…

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