Policy updates for Ontario social workers may reveal potential misconduct

Major reforms are coming to caregivers in Ontario next month, as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is launching proposed changes to the Social Work and Social Service Work Act. 

These updates — which will come into effect on July 1 — are aligned with the OCSWSSW and the provincial government’s ambitions to overhaul social work registration in Ontario. Specifically in this case, by building and maintaining the best possible environments for caregivers and their clients. 

The amendments in question surround adjustments to confidentiality, which when applied, will help other caregivers in Ontario connect with the OCSWSSW network. This will allow secondary agencies outside of the OCSWSSW access to the online registry for provincial social workers. 

According to an official release from the OCSWSSW, this open communication network will ensure all engaged parties can see if registrants are being investigated for potential misconduct. 

“In partnership with the government, it was clear that legislative changes were needed in order to provide the strongest possible oversight to keep Ontarians safe. We have been working collaboratively with the government to implement these changes which will allow us to partner effectively with those agencies involved to enhance protections and improve care for our province’s most vulnerable people,” said OCSWSSW CEO Denitha Breau in an official statement. 

To follow up on this announcement, OCSWSSW representatives urge anyone in the province who is actively seeking the services of a social worker, to check the online registry to see if the desired practitioner is registered in an official capacity with the OCSWSSW.