Fall 2025

Message from the Registrar and CEO

As we move through the fall season, a time of reflection and change, I’m reminded of the importance of pausing to recognize our shared progress. This season, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has continued to build strong partnerships with employers and engagement groups across Ontario. By working together, we support social workers and social service workers in delivering safe, ethical and competent care to the people of this…

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Walking Together: Indigenous Approaches to Healing at St. Joseph’s Care Group

At St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, an Indigenous team of social workers and social service workers are reshaping healthcare by weaving traditional knowledge with Western models of care. For Brenda Mason, Ogichidaa Kwe (Elder in Council), N’doo’owe Binesi, Carly Brar, Indigenous Counsellor, N’doo’owe Binesi, Indigenous Health and Paul Francis Jr., Vice President of N’doo’owe Binesi, Indigenous Health, Partnerships and Wellness, this work is deeply personal and a vital part of advancing reconciliation…

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Unlocking Value Through Field Education: Mutual Benefits for Registrants and Students

Have you ever considered providing field education opportunities to social work or social service work students? Field education is a mandatory practicum requirement for social work and social service work students. As an experiential learning tool, field education helps students develop their professional competencies by providing them with an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to the practice setting. Why bring students on board? Fresh perspectivesStudents arrive equipped with the latest concepts and innovative best…

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Practice Notes: Online Footprint — Professional Integrity Matters

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 inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary depending on the…

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Updates and Reminders for Employers

New Registration Requirement Now in Effect – Vulnerable Sector Checks  This is a reminder to employers that as of October 1, 2025, the registration requirements for all College applicants now include submitting a vulnerable sector check. This additional registration requirement serves as an additional tool to help safeguard the public from potential harm and brings the College in line with other regulatory bodies. Most Canadian social work regulators already require background checks as part of their…

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Employer Resources

Employers play an important role in helping the College fulfil its mandate of public protection. Click on the resources for employers of social workers and social service workers below to learn more. Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Privacy Toolkit The Online Register Mandatory Reports Continuing Competence Program (CCP) Information for Employers Employer Quiz Perspective Newsletter For more resources, please visit the College’s new Resource Room.

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