Perspective

MESSAGE FROM THE REGISTRAR AND CEO 

REGULATING WITH KINDNESS Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and it’s a time where we can sense the warmth and liveliness all around us. As we embrace this season of renewal and growth, we must also navigate the evolving world of regulatory governance. Now is the time to adopt a more compassionate approach to regulation for public protection.  Kindness has often been overlooked in the realm of regulation, yet it holds an immense power. The…

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THE POWER OF CONVERSATION IN PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH ROXANNE FRANCIS, MSW, RSW 

Starting a conversation is always the first step towards making progress, says Roxanne Francis, MSW, RSW.  For over 15 years, Roxanne, a registered social worker, acclaimed psychotherapist and renowned international speaker, has profoundly impacted countless lives through the power of conversation. Her passion for initiating dialogue was sparked by pressing societal issues, such as inadequate mental health resources and gaps of representation in the profession.  “My love of people drew me to the field of…

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THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PRACTICE 

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS TO ENSURE REGISTRANTS REMAIN COMPETENT AND PROFESSIONAL IN THEIR PRACTICE Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has the potential to play a role in the community and health landscape. The use of AI has demonstrated efficiencies and innovation, and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) can appreciate that registrants have been considering or have begun using AI in practice to assist with documentation or treatment…

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COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR DECEMBER 1, 2023

 • John Fleming, Council Chair, provided his report to Council.  • Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s Strategic Plan and included information about the following: an update on the launch of the College’s new database and renewals; registrant-base data including registration stats by electoral districts; recent outreach in Thunder Bay; and the recent Educational Forum.  • Council…

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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS FOR MARCH 6, 2024 

• John Fleming, Council Chair, provided his report to Council.  • Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s Strategic Plan and included information about the following: an update on the new strategic planning process; ongoing work of the new database and enhancements; upcoming Council elections in Electoral District 4; continued outreach efforts and engagement; overview of the College’s…

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PRACTICE NOTES: WHAT CLIENTS ARE SHARING WITH THE COLLEGE 

Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the College’s Professional Practice Department and Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College registrants7 with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary depending on the…

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COLLEGE UPDATES AND REMINDERS

SAVE THE DATE FOR AMED 2024  The College is happy to announce that it will be holding its Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. AMED is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series.  This year’s theme is Engage and Evolve: Collaborative Approaches to Care. The Annual Meeting, keynote address and afternoon educational sessions will be hosted entirely virtual via an online conference platform.  Registration for this year’s event will open…

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BULLETIN BOARD

CHANGE OF INFORMATION NOTIFICATION  If you change employers or move, please advise the College in writing within 30 days. The College is required to have the current business address of its registrants available to the public. Notification of change of address can be done by accessing the Online Portal or by sending the new employer address to the College by email to info@ocswssw.org. Please provide your College registration number when you communicate with us.  If…

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A Better Tomorrow, Today: Candies Kotchapaw’s Journey to Amplify the Global Black Experience

Nurturing young Black minds to excel in their endeavours was always at the forefront of Candies Kotchapaw’s professional ambitions.  Instead of waiting for change to happen, she broke new ground to create systems of support to help guide and inspire current and future generations of young Black leaders.  INITIAL PURSUITS  Candies Kotchapaw, MSW, RSW, was born in Jamaica, and it was upon immigrating to Canada with her family at the age of 14 that she…

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MESSAGE FROM THE REGISTRAR AND CEO 

THE COLLEGE’S COMMITMENT TO REGISTRANT ENGAGEMENT  I am delighted to address you in the fall issue of Perspective as the incoming Registrar and CEO at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College).  As I move into this new role, I want to reaffirm the College’s commitment to listening to registrants and ensuring that College decisions are guided by registrants’ lived experiences. The College strives to foster a two-way dialogue with…

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – REVISED CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE NOW AVAILABLE

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is excited to share that the revised Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice were recently approved by College Council and are now available to view on the College’s website!  REVISIONS TO THE CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE  The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice were revised following a robust consultation process to ensure that updates reflect societal changes and…

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COUNCIL ROSTER FOR 2023-2024

AMANDA BETTENCOURT – ELECTED SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER Amanda Bettencourt is dually registered with the OCSWSSW, initially joining the College as a social service worker and then obtaining her Bachelor of Social Work from the former Ryerson, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University. She works full-time as a School Social Worker on Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve in Ohsweken, where she also sits on the Anti-bullying Taskforce and provides consultation services to the federal…

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