Message from the Registrar and CEO: Update on the Review of the Standards of Practice

Over the past year, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has been conducting a comprehensive review of its Standards of Practice. Once approved by Council, the revised Standards of Practice will impact every social worker and social service worker in Ontario, regardless of their area of practice. Supporting employers The Standards of Practice, which set out the minimum standards of professional practice and conduct for College registrants, can support…

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Don’t Miss Out! 2023 Annual Meeting and Education Day

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is happy to announce that it will be holding its virtual Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. AMED is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. Employers are encouraged to share this great educational opportunity with their social work and social service work staff members. College registrants can use their attendance at this year’s AMED towards…

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Supervision and Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy

How much supervision is needed to ensure College registrants are competent to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy? Registrants of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) are permitted to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy provided they do so in compliance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, the regulations and the bylaws. Before providing psychotherapy services, College registrants should consider the essential elements needed to determine their…

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“We Are Still Here” – A Woman’s Journey to Healing and Rediscovery

Content/trigger warning: The following article includes information about residential schools, violence against children, intergenerational trauma, systemic and structural racism and oppression and the ongoing impact of colonialism. Readers are encouraged to seek support if needed. Last year, Rita May Fenton stumbled upon her dream journal from 2012. She had a dream about living in a big house with many people coming to visit, called “The Healing Place.” “I’ve always wanted to have a teepee in…

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Practice Notes: Shattered Trust – The Sexual Abuse of Clients

Content/trigger warning: The following article includes information about sexual misconduct. Readers are encouraged to seek support if needed. Download the PDF 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…

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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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