Spring 2025

Message from the Registrar and CEO

At the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), we continue to advance our shared goal of public protection through accountability, innovation and meaningful collaboration with employers. We are pleased to share the release of the College’s 2024 Annual Report, A New Era: Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. This report reflects key highlights from the past year, including our continued efforts to uphold core regulatory values and build trust with the…

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New Registration Requirement Coming Soon: What Employers Need to Know

The College is introducing a new registration requirement. As of October 1, 2025, all new applicants will be required to submit a vulnerable sector check as part of the registration process.   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 registration process.  The requirement…

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The Future of Crisis Response: How the International Crisis Response Association is Leading Change

In times of crisis, rapid and appropriate intervention is vital for de-escalation and safety. The International Crisis Response Association (ICRA), founded in 2019, has been pivotal in reshaping mental health crisis intervention by promoting non-police alternatives. Today, the ICRA supports over 200 municipalities across North America in establishing such services. From Vision to Movement ICRA co-founders Rachel Bromberg and Asante Haughton recognized the need for non-police responses to mental health crises, beginning their work in…

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Guidance to Insurers on Registrant Titles and Scope

The College, along with the professional associations – the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Ontario Social Service Workers Association – have received numerous reports related to insurance claims for psychotherapy services provided by social workers and social service workers being denied by insurance providers. The refusal of these claims creates barriers to client care and is a matter of public protection.   Employers can refer to the information below if they experience issues with…

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Stay tuned for AMED 2025 videos coming this summer!

The College is holding its virtual Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 This year’s theme is Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. The College is pleased to have Professor Charmaine Williams, PhD, RSW, Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, as the keynote speaker. Her presentation, entitled How to: Live Through Unprecedented Times, will address practical strategies for those in social, health and community services…

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Practice Notes: Are You Practising in Scope?

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 registrants1 with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary…

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Coffee With the College

The College invites social workers and social service workers to participate in its new interactive series, Coffee with the College! Hosted by the Professional Practice Team, this engaging lunch-and-learn discussion series will explore some of the most common ethical and practice dilemmas that registrants encounter. The series focuses on recent trends in practice inquiries. Registrants can also ask questions and engage in live consultations with the Professional Practice staff, with guidance from College resources and…

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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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