In a professional discipline proceeding, the panel found the registrant guilty of multiple acts of professional misconduct arising from counselling a vulnerable client, engaging in boundary violations and sexual misconduct, failing to maintain competence, and keeping deficient records.
The panel relied on the registrant’s admissions and an Agreed Statement of Facts establishing abuse of power, dual relationships, failure to involve the client in treatment planning, inadequate documentation, and sexualized communications and conduct.
A publication ban was ordered under s. 28(7) of the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 to protect the client’s identity.
The panel accepted a joint submission on penalty, noting that the registrant’s permanent resignation and undertaking not to practise provided robust public protection.
The registrant was reprimanded, publication of the decision and undertaking was ordered, and costs of $6,000 were awarded.
