Training

We provide a comprehensive training and orientation program, including on-the-job training.

We also provide an extensive in-house training calendar produced three-times each year, and opportunities to attend external training and development courses.

All child protection workers are required to attend competency training through the provincial Ontario Child Protection Training Program.

Ontario Child Protection Training Program

All newly hired child protection workers are required to complete the Ontario Child Protection Training Program. This program begins immediately upon hiring and is completed within 3 to 6 months.

The program includes training modules on the following:

• The evolution and context of child welfare
• Orientation, eligibility and investigation
• The Risk Assessment Model for child protection in Ontario, Part 1
• The impact of maltreatment upon growth and development
• Identifying and responding to child maltreatment
• Child protection assessment, Risk Assessment Model, Part 2
• Plan of service and ongoing reviews, Risk Assessment Model, Part 3
• Child and Family Services Act and legal services in child welfare
• Interviewing children
• Attachment, separation and placement
• Children in care
• Intervention to increase parental effectiveness

This program is provided by attendance at in-class sessions and by self-study using interactive electronic media.

The previous experience and training of newly hired protection workers will be assessed to determine the OCPTP training requirements. A new worker's previous experience and training may reduce the number of modules required.