News

Important Notice: The Online Register and Chrome

Individuals using the Chrome internet browser may experience difficulty accessing the College’s Online Register. We are looking into the issue and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To access the Online Register, for the time being, we recommend that visitors use an alternative internet browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox and others. For further information, please contact info@ocswssw.org.

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View the College’s 2019 Annual Report Online

The College’s 2019 Annual Report is now available on the College website. The theme of this year’s Annual Report is Reaching new heights. The 2019 Annual Report highlights the College’s activities over the past year and includes the following: Joint Message from the President and the Registrar & CEO2019 Accomplishments2019 Committee ReportsIndependent Auditor's Report We are pleased to introduce a new web version of the Annual Report – part of the College’s commitment to leveraging…

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Critical Considerations for Members in Private Practice Regarding In-Person Practice

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is issuing the following considerations for members who work in private practice and are looking for guidance in planning when and how to return to providing in-person services. As the Province moves forward with stage 1 of its Framework for Reopening, the College has already provided a number of important considerations for all members regarding their return to practice, in both a May…

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Important Update from the Registrar and CEO Regarding In-Person Practice

As the Ontario Government moves forward with its reopening framework, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to assess the significant impact COVID-19 has on our members and other stakeholders. We recognize that this continues to be an extremely challenging time - both personally and professionally. Ministry of Health Directive On May 26, 2020, Ontario’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health amended Directive #2 for Health Care Providers as…

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Professional Practice Update: 2020 CCP Reminder & Supervision Webinar

Reminder: Continuing Competence Program Participation in the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) is a condition of registration and one of the ways that members demonstrate their commitment to professional and ethical practice. While the College recognizes the ongoing impact that COVID-19 has on members, all members (with the exception of those in the retired class of certificate of registration) are required nevertheless to participate in the CCP. This includes those who are not currently practising, in…

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Further Considerations as Province Implements Stage 1 of its Framework for Reopening

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) anticipates that the Ontario Government’s recent announcement regarding the first stage in Ontario’s reopening framework may prompt questions from members regarding their return to practice. The Government’s announcement included a detailed list of stage 1 openings which can be found here. Members and other stakeholders can also learn more about stage 1 of the Government’s framework here. The College previously provided members with…

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Recent Practice Notes: Administration of Naloxone

The College recently published Practice Notes: Administration of Naloxone, recognizing that social workers and social service workers play an integral role in supporting clients who live with mental health and substance use issues. As a result of the opioid crisis, members may increasingly find themselves in practice situations in which the administration of Naloxone by inhalation or injection is expected as part of their role. The complex issues around the administration of Naloxone highlight the…

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Understanding Ontario’s Missing Persons Act

As a result of Ontario’s Missing Persons Act,  police officers are now able to request confidential client information if they believe that it will assist in finding a missing person. The Missing Persons Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2019, defines a missing person as someone in both of the following circumstances. The person’s whereabouts are unknown and: the person has not been in contact with people who would likely be in contact…

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Important Update Regarding AMED 2020

The College’s Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) is a popular event for members and staff alike. Part of the College’s Glenda McDonald Educational Series, AMED features educational activities and provides registered social workers and registered social service workers with an opportunity to network and learn more about the College’s priorities and accomplishments. With this in mind, we are disappointed to announce that this year’s AMED has been postponed and will be replaced with a scaled-down…

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What You Need to Know About High-Priority Applications

We understand that during these challenging times, there remains an ongoing need for applicants to register with the College, as well as a desire for an expedited process to put individuals in a position to contribute during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of the current pandemic, the College has adapted its registration processes where possible, keeping in mind that government approval is needed to change the current requirements of the Registration Regulation. As…

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2020 Council Elections in Electoral District No. 3

ELECTION DATE POSTPONED TO JULY 23, 2020 In response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has postponed the date of the election for both of the membership categories of social work and social service work to July 23, 2020. Though the College has resumed many regulatory operations remotely, our physical office remains closed and we are not in a position to hold the election as previously scheduled. The postponement of the…

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