Asking Client Out Results In Revocation Of Social Worker's License

A recent decision of the Discipline Committee of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is a reminder to social workers and all regulated health professionals of the risks inherent in flirting with or seeking to date a client - even a client to whom they are no longer providing services.

In Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers v Sweet, the registrant worked in the outreach housing support program at a hospital, and attended at clients' homes to provide services. The client was a young single mother, whom the client assisted in developing a routine. The client also had depression, and the registrant conducted a number of assessments for suicidality.