Judy Gardner

Following prior findings of professional misconduct, the Discipline Committee determined penalty in a proceeding involving sexual abuse, sexual boundary violations, and dishonest record keeping affecting vulnerable clients.

The panel proceeded in the registrant’s absence after finding that notice requirements had been met and that the registrant had full notice of the proceedings.

Emphasizing public protection, denunciation, specific and general deterrence, and maintenance of confidence in self-regulation, the panel ordered revocation, a reprimand, a five-year prohibition on re-application or reinstatement, publication subject to an existing ban protecting client identities, and substantial costs.

The panel accepted the College’s submission that partial recovery of prosecution costs was appropriate and ordered payment of $100,000.

In a professional discipline hearing, the panel found that the member committed repeated boundary violations and sexual misconduct against three vulnerable clients, including prolonged unwanted touching, sexualized comments, coercive conduct, and in one instance forced sexual contact.

The panel also found that the member failed to maintain proper clinical and financial records and issued false invoices in a child’s name to obtain insurance reimbursement for services actually provided to adult clients.

Relying in part on expert evidence on social work ethics, boundaries, documentation, and trauma-informed practice, the panel held that the conduct breached multiple provisions of the governing statute, the Professional Misconduct Regulation, and the Standards of Practice Handbook.

All allegations in both Notices of Hearing were proven on a balance of probabilities.