The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is the regulatory body for social workers and social service workers. Its primary duty is to serve and protect the public interest. The College is accountable to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Public Protection
The College’s ongoing mandate is to protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. If one of yours needs support, one of ours can be trusted to help. Here’s why:
The College:
- Sets entry-to-practice requirements so that only those with specific qualifications can register.
- Ensures that all social workers and social service workers follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
- Maintains a public Online Register that lists all registered social workers and registered social service workers in Ontario.
- Requires all social workers and social service workers to take part in professional development every year.
- Has complaints and discipline processes to protect Ontarians.
Complaints and Discipline
As part of its public protection mandate, the College considers and investigates reports and complaints regarding alleged misconduct of College registrants. The College ensures due processes are in place and ensure fairness and transparency for all parties.
Click here to learn more about the College’s complaints and discipline processes, including how to file a complaint.
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
The Standards of Practice set out minimum standards of professional and ethical conduct required of registrants of the College, in accordance with the College’s mandate to protect the public from unprofessional, incompetent and unfit practitioners. This is approved by the College Council and implemented by bylaw. It provides a means to guide College registrants, assess their behaviour and adjudicate issues of professional practice.
Click here to learn more about the College’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
CHECK THE ONLINE REGISTER
The College has an Online Register that lists all registered social workers and registered social service workers in Ontario.
Use this online tool to confirm that your practitioner is registered and accountable. Go to ocswssw.org and click on “FIND A REGISTRANT” at the top right corner.
This online tool provides information on all registered social workers and registered social service workers, including their:
- registration status
- employment information
- discipline history (if any)
To learn more about the College, its history and administration, please visit our About Us page.