The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is excited to announce that changes to our governing legislation, the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (the SWSSWA) have come into force as of July 1, 2024.
These amendments relate to section 50 of the SWSSWA regarding confidentiality and build on the College’s mandate of strong oversight to provide the best possible and safe environments for Ontario’s most vulnerable populations.
ALIGNING THE COLLEGE WITH PROVINCIAL HEALTH REGULATORS
The amendments to the SWSSWA align the College with health regulators in the province, by incorporating the same confidentiality provisions as the Regulated Health Professionals Act. This update modernizes the College’s legislation, ensuring that our regulatory framework remains both current and effective. As is already the case with Ontario health regulators, we can now collaborate and share essential information about ongoing investigations of a registrant with other regulatory bodies and agencies, all with the ultimate goal of protecting the public.
STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION AND INFORMATION SHARING FOR PUBLIC PROTECTION
Now that the changes are in effect, if a registrant is under investigation for serious professional misconduct, such as allegations of sexual abuse, the College has enhanced abilities to share this vital information with relevant parties, such as a children’s aid society and/or law enforcement agencies.
The College is able to publicly confirm whether we are investigating a registrant if there is a compelling public safety reason to make such a confirmation – for example, if there is a significant risk of harm to the public.
It is important to note that the College will NOT openly acknowledge every ongoing investigation. Disclosure of an ongoing investigation will occur only when it is deemed necessary to protect public safety. In instances where there is a risk of public safety, the College is authorized to confirm the existence of an investigation.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For questions or inquiries about the legislative changes, contact the College’s Communications Department at communications@ocswssw.org.