News

Message from the Registrar and CEO

FROM LEGACY TO LEADERSHIP: 25 YEARS OF REGULATORY EXCELLENCE Spring is a time of renewal, growth and transformation – an ideal reflection as we embark on a new era of regulation and public protection. This year, we proudly celebrate the College’s 25th anniversary. Over the past twenty-five years, we have created an organization rooted in accountability, ethical practice and unwavering commitment to public protection.  Since its inception, the College has continuously evolved to meet the…

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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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Curious About Complaints? We’ve Got Answers

One of the key responsibilities of the College is to address concerns about the professional conduct of registrants. This work happens through our complaints and discipline processes. There are several ways that an issue can be brought forward to the College: through a complaint or through a report. Some complaints and reports, but not all, will move into the discipline process. It’s normal for these processes to feel daunting to registrants, but they play a…

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Council Meeting Highlights for December 10, 2024

The public is welcome to watch Council meetings in real time via livestream. Livestream links are made available on this webpage as Council meetings take place. DECEMBER 10, 2024 Senior consultant Sheena Prasad from Diversio presented the identified trends from the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative. 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…

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Registration Now Open for AMED 2025!

The College is happy to announce that it will be holding its virtual Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. EST. There is no cost to attend AMED.  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 their 2025 Continuing Competence Program (CCP).  What to expect…

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Council Meeting Highlights for March 6, 2025

The public is welcome to watch Council meetings in real time via livestream. Livestream links are made available on this webpage as Council meetings take place. MARCH 6, 2025 Guest Dr. Barbara Fallon presented to Council on her research from two studies: the First Nations Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (2019), a national study on child welfare investigations across Canada, and the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect…

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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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First Findings from the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative – Data Insights Now Available

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is excited to announce that insights from the inaugural year of the  Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative are now available as part of the 2024 Annual Report – A New Era: Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. Launched during the 2024 renewal period, the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative invites registrants to share demographic information on a voluntary basis. The initiative is based on…

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