News

Message from the Registrar and CEO

As we settle into the fall season, I want to recognize the important role you as employers play in safeguarding the public through your support of ethical and professional practice within Ontario’s social workers and social service workers. This season of change reflects the evolving nature of the professions and the significant impact of your commitment to quality care for Ontarians. Recently, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) held…

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Healing Through Connection: How Chigamik Builds Trust and Community-Centered Care

At Chigamik Community Health Centre, located in Midland Ontario, the focus is on fostering a community-centered model of care that breaks down barriers and embraces culturally safe, inclusive approaches. Glen Chenard, the Clinical and Allied Health Services Director, speaks passionately about how Chigamik works to meet the unique needs of individuals by prioritizing collaboration and holistic health. Chigamik serves the large population of First Nations, Francophone and Métis communities in the region. “We really strive…

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Alert: Fraudulent Insurance Billing Targeting Registrants

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has been made aware that an individual is targeting registrants with fake employment offers and then using their information to fraudulently bill insurance companies. Please be on alert for job offers coming from one of the following names/organizations: Stefan Lee, Director, TMC Medical Care Ltd. Stefan Lee, Director, KS Medical Ltd. Stefan Lee, Director, LifeMed Therapy Ltd. Kevin Cheung, Director, Edinburg Medical Care Ltd.…

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Professional Practice Update: Register for Upcoming College Events and Other Announcements

In this update: Important updates to registrants’ duty to report responsibilities Reminder to register for the 2024 Educational Forum Register for the next Coffee with the College session Dear College registrants: The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share the following updates to support your practice. Important Updates to Registrants’ Duty to Report Responsibilities On July 1, 2024, amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act…

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Time to renew your 2025 registration

Registrants can now renew their registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Workers (the College) for 2025. As part of the renewal, you will be asked to provide confirmation of your participation in the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) for 2024. The deadline to complete your 2025 renewal and payment is December 31, 2024. Registrants who do not renew by the deadline risk having their certificate of registration suspended for non-payment of fees.…

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Contribute to the College’s Inclusion Journey: Learn What’s Coming up for the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share some updates on the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative. Launched last year during the renewal period, the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative invites registrants to share demographic information on a voluntary basis. The initiative is based on the fundamental principle that only what is measured can be effectively understood and improved. Contribute to the College’s Inclusion Journey New to…

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Message From the Registrar and CEO 

A ROADMAP FOR CHANGE — INTRODUCING THE 2024-2029 STRATEGIC PLAN As we welcome the fall season, a time of change and reflection, I’m excited to introduce the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers' (the College's) 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. This new strategic direction represents a time of growth and renewal for the College, guiding us over the next five years as we strengthen our commitment to regulatory excellence and public protection.  Much like…

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Healing Through Tradition: Cassandra Forget’s Journey in Indigenous Social Work

Cassandra Forget’s journey into social work is a powerful blend of personal experience and a deep commitment to mental health. As the Indigenous Social Worker at Chigamik Community Health Centre (Chigamik) in Midland, Ontario, Cassandra’s practice bridges Indigenous traditions with modern social work practices, offering a unique and compassionate approach that resonates with the needs of the people she serves. “It’s about offering a safe place to talk about mental health and not feeling alone,”…

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Tips to Help Registrants Renew Their Registration

As the renewal period for 2025 approaches, the College has put together some tips to assist registrants in navigating this annual process. Renewals for 2025 will open in early November.  Keeping your registration with the College is important. Only individuals registered with the College are allowed to practise social work/social service work in Ontario, or use the titles “social worker,” “registered social worker,” “social service worker” or “registered social service worker.” Renewals for 2025 must…

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The Controlled Act of Psychotherapy: Am I Qualified? 

The College often receives questions from registrants, employers and clients about the competency requirements for performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. College registrants, along with those from five other regulatory bodies, are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, provided they have completed the necessary additional training to be deemed competent. To help assess readiness, the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy contains a checklist that registrants should review to assess…

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Navigating Third-Party Information Requests: What Registrants Need to Know

The Professional Practice Department has received increasing inquiries from registrants who have been asked to release client information to third parties, such as banks, insurance companies, service providers and even the police. The Standards of Practice speak to this issue in Principle V: Confidentiality, and the following interpretations must be considered:  5.1.2 College registrants shall obtain consent to the collection, use or disclosure of client information including personal information, unless otherwise permitted or required by…

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Your Questions, Answered: Key Differences Between the College and Associations

We often receive questions about the services the College offers to registrants, compared to those offered by the professional associations – the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA). We know these differences can sometimes be confusing, and we hope that the below information provides clarification on the key differences.  WHAT DOES THE COLLEGE DO?  The College’s main role is to protect the public by regulating social workers…

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