Ontario reviews social worker and social service worker college

Community Action, Feb 21, 2005

TORONTO -- The Ministry of Community and Social Services is conducting a five-year review of the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 to identify and address implementation problems, if any, resulting from the provisions of the Act since the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers was first established in 1999.

The review is not an evaluation of the College's performance, but will examine whether there are legislative barriers to effective implementation of the College's responsibilities in support of the primary duty to serve and protect the public interest.

The legislation recognizes the two professions of Social Work and Social Service Work. Ontario is the only jurisdiction to include social service workers in such legislation.

Social Worker/Registered Social Worker (generally, holders of degrees: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctor of Social Work);

Social Service Worker/ Registered Social Service Worker are generally holders of a two-year certificate in social services from a community college.

College membership is required if a person represents or holds out expressly or by implication that he or she is a social worker or a social service worker or a registered social worker or a registered social service worker.

The Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, which regulates the practice of social workers and social service workers, received Royal Assent on December 18, 1998. The Act was proclaimed in stages with the final section proclaimed on August 15, 2000.

A 21-member Council representing equally social workers, social service workers and the public governs the College. The College has more than 10,000 members.

416-972-1512