THE SOCIAL WORK
PROFESSION ACT
The Manitoba Association of Social Workers Manitoba Institute of
Registered Social Workers (MASW-MIRSW) wishes to announce that Bill
9 The Social Work Profession Act has been granted Royal Assent in
the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba on Thursday, 08 October 2009.
The legislation has been in development for many years and will
result in the formation of the Manitoba College of Social Workers,
which will assume responsibilities for regulation of the profession
of Social Work in accordance with the terms specified in the Act.
Although granted Royal Assent, a coming into force date has not yet
been specified and will be determined in the days ahead as
consultations with the Manitoba Government occur.
According to Leona Schroeder, President of the MASW-MIRSW, The
primary purpose of the legislation and the regulatory College will
be to regulate use of the title of Social Worker and ensure that the
best interests of the public and the profession are served through
the application and promotion of high standards for education,
training, competency in practice, and ethics.
Under this legislation all individuals who represent themselves as
Social Workers will be required to meet specific qualifications as
set out by the Act and the College regulations. In accordance with
the terms of the Act, qualifications for registration will be:
-
A Social Work degree
from an accredited post-secondary faculty or school, or
-
Completion of
another educational program of study approved by the College, or
-
A combination of
education or training, and work or volunteer experience
considered to be substantially equivalent and approved by the
College
Accountability for
practice and conduct will be assured through a public complaints and
review process. As well, the College will maintain a Register of all
regulated Social Work practitioners that will be accessible for
members of the public to verify registration and any conditions on
the certificate of registration.
The new College of Social Workers will be continuing consultations
and working closely with the many diverse sectors of practice in the
Social Work community to develop regulations, bylaws and procedures
for meeting the requirements of the legislation as well as promoting
collaboration and unity within the profession.
Until The Manitoba College of Social Workers is operational and The
Social Work Profession Act comes fully into effect, the MASW-MIRSW
will continue to administer Social Work affairs. The MASW-MIRSW
looks forward to working with members of the profession and the
public as the College develops.
Frequently
Asked Questions
The Social
Work Profession Act
|
