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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is very pleased to announce a new joint application pathway with the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC) for social service worker diploma programs offered by Ontario Indigenous Institutes. Eligible Indigenous Institutes seeking approval for their social service worker diploma programs can now submit a single program application that meets both the College’s and the IAESC’s requirements. All applications will be processed…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has an important update regarding the recent Council elections of two registered social workers in Electoral District No. 4. Why a re-vote? The Elections Committee considered a request for a recount and, to ensure fairness and transparency, has decided to conduct a re-vote for the Council elections social worker positions in Electoral District 4. The re-vote will begin on Monday, July 8, 2024.  What areas…

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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…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share the following updates to support registrants in their practice. Have your voice heard! Share your perspective through the ASWB Census The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the association that develops entry-to-practice exams for social workers and social service workers, is inviting College registrants to share their perspective through their census. As mentioned in the March 1st eBulletin, feedback…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is very pleased to announce that proposed changes to our governing legislation, the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (the SWSSWA) have been passed and will come into force on 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 the…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to provide the following updates: Registration and Renewal Fees for 2025 During its meeting on May 2, College Council approved the recommendation of the Finance and Audit Committee that there be no increase to the registration and renewal fees in 2025. In making this decision, Council carefully considered the College’s operating costs and resource needs. For questions or inquiries about registration…

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In this update: NEW! Online booking now available for practice consultations  Reminder: Invitation to share your feedback through the ASWB Census Reminder: 2024 Continuing Competence Program readings Stay tuned: Updates to the College’s Practice Guidelines on custody and access NEW! Online Booking Now Available for Practice Consultations   We are excited to announce a new online booking system to request practice consultations with the Professional Practice Department: This new system will streamline requests to consult with the…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is proposing amendments to our governing legislation, the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (the SWSSWA), specifically as it relates to section 50, regarding confidentiality.   Under the proposed Bill 188, Supporting Children's Futures Act, 2024, section 50 of our legislation would be amended to better align itself with…

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On February 23, 2024, the call for applications for Council member elections in District No. 4 closed. The Election Committee is pleased to share that since they received two nominations in the social service worker category, and there are two social service worker positions available for District No. 4, the two registrants who submitted applications have been acclaimed. Lori Monroe, RSSW and Dana Herriot, RSSW, will serve on College Council for a three-year term, beginning on September 23,…

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Currently, students who are graduating with a degree in social work or a diploma in social service work can register with the College prior to their convocation if they have completed all the academic and practicum requirements of their program. These new graduates are registered with a term, condition and limitation on their certificate which is removed once the College receives official confirmation from their school that they have convocated. As of September 1, 2024,…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has partnered with Optimus SBR, an independent consulting firm, to develop its next Strategic Plan.  This process presents a valuable opportunity to shape our future alongside our key engagement groups, including service users, College registrants, Council and committee members, employers, educators and government partners. We want to ensure that the development of our new Strategic Plan is informed by the perspectives of all…

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