Registrar attempts to alleviate Bill C-76 concerns

Page 7

Ontario government legislation purported to regulate social service workers is causing confusion and anxiety among First Nation community workers. In an attempt to clarify the implications of Bill C-76, the registrar of the fledgling Ontario College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers was invited to Sudbury May 7.

Registrar Glenda McDonald addressed a forum organized by the Circle of Original Peoples Council at the Koski Centre of Cambrian College. Forty representatives from First Nations community care agencies and educational programs were on hand to learn more about the implications of the law.

The College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers came into being in December 1998, McDonald explained. The legislation came into force in three separate phases with the final proclamation taking place in August 2000. "It took Ontario longer than any other jurisdiction in North America to get around to regulating these professions," she stated.

The College is similar to regulatory bodies already established to govern teachers and physicians, according to McDonald. "The Act (Bill C-76) regulates the practice of social workers," she said. "The college's primary mandate is to serve and protect the public from incompetent, unethical or unfit workers."

The registrar made a clear differentiation between professional associations and the college. It is important to note, she said, that associations exist to promote the profession; whereas, "the college focuses on the protection of the public interest."

In line with that goal, the college will publish standards, a code of ethics and set up a professional development program. "Social workers must be aware of the standards of the profession," she said.

She pointed out that "we are accountable to the public through the Ministry of Community and Social Services." However an arm's length relationship is maintained with the ministry. To ensure that the college fulfills its mandate, the ministry will conduct a review in August 2005.

Public participation in the activities of the college is guaranteed, McDonald asserted. Seven public appointees have seats on the college council. "Their role is to keep us honest and make sure that sober second thought is given to the actions of the college. The council is constantly aware that the work of the college must be transparent to members of the public. It can't be a big mystery."

Although the advantages of membership in the provincial body are "intangible" at the moment, McDonald promised that members will reap the benefits down the road. "Membership gives us a stake in the development of our practice," she stated. "It also gives increased public confidence in our profession."

Many people working in the helping professions are resisting membership because of the high price tag.

It costs $75 to apply to be a registered social worker plus $370 per year to belong to the college. In addition, there are heavy fines imposed for so-called misconduct or misrepresentation. For example, a worker can be fined $5,000 for a first offence and $10,000 for subsequent offences.

The fees are expensive, according to the registrar, because the college has only 8,500 members at present.

Observers in First Nations communities predict ongoing confusion over titles and the definition of social worker. It is common for community helpers to carry a variety of labels including counsellor, educator, outreach worker, therapist, facilitator, child care worker, case worker or family worker.

"This is kind of a murky area," McDonald admitted. "But if you represent yourself to be a member of the profession of social work, you have to join the college."

"The upcoming exams scheduled for November 2003 are also contributing to anxiety among workers.

Emphasizing that the college is still in its infancy, McDonald assured the audience that "the spirit of what we are doing leans towards inclusivity as opposed to exclusivity. The diversity of the professio makes it difficult to pin down everything we do. We need a few years under our belt before we'll know how things will pan out."

She acknowledged that "there are a lot of difficult debates going on in workplaces and community agencies as they try to determine who is a social worker. We don't have all the answers yet."

It is mandatory for a person to register with the college if they hold themselves out to be a social worker, she stressed. "It is not optional; it is for the protection of your clients."

The registrar urged workers to apply for a provisional certificate which is available up until November this year. If people register this fall, a grandparenting clause kicks in. It enables the registration of people who normally would not have the educational requirements to join the college.

Meanwhile, many questions remain unanswered. "The college is not sure how certain parts of the legislation will be interpreted," McDonald concluded.