In Ontario, social workers and social service workers are recognized and held accountable through the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998. The act was fully proclaimed on August 15, 2000.
The legislation, which established the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, protects the public by improving standards in these fields and ensuring better quality service.
Any practitioner wishing to use the title “social worker/registered social worker” or “social service worker/registered social service worker” must be a member of the College.
The College certifies practitioners who have the required social work/social service work credentials by:
- setting and enforcing professionals and ethical standards;
- establishing complaints and discipline processes in response to public complaints about alleged incompetent or unprofessional social workers and social service workers;
- fostering ongoing professional development of its members; and
- maintaining a register of College members which is available to the public.
For more information, please see refer to the website of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.