Fonds F1743 - Ontario Association of Social Workers. Kingston Branch fonds

Prior to 1966, the needs of, and on-going training for, professional social workers in the Kingston area had been addressed by such individuals having become members of the Kingston Branch of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Over the preceding years, this local body had expanded to include social workers in the Counties of Lennox & Addington, Hastings, and Prince Edward and forthwith had become known as the Kingston-Quinte Branch. Then, by the mid 1960's, this Branch had extended itself yet again, to include social workers in Northumberland and Peterborough Counties. Consequently, the name was changed once more to the Kingston-Quinte-Kawartha Branch of the CASW.

At a June 1965 meeting, it was decided that as the distances to be traveled by members were becoming extremely problematic, the Branch would be split in two: a) the Quinte-Kawartha Branch, which would include social workers in the Counties of Peterborough, Northumberland, Hastings, Prince Edward, and Lennox & Addington; and b) the Kingston Branch. After some discussion, it was moved, and unanimously approved, that a request be forwarded to the Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers (OAPSW) -- now known as the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) -- asking that the Kingston Branch be re-constituted as a Branch of the OAPSW to serve qualified social workers employed, or residing, in Frontenac County. A 'pro tem' slate of officers was elected and immediately formed itself into a Nominating Committee to present a slate of officers, once OAPSW approval for the re-constitution of the Kingston Branch had been received.

Thus the Ontario Association of (Professional) Social Workers - Kingston Branch came into existence in the Spring of 1966. Since that time, the Branch has strived to serve members in the Kingston region by providing leadership through the assertion of the role of social workers, by advancing their interests, and enhancing their contributions to social justice. It acts as a source of information and consultation on social work practice by publishing and disseminating relevant and pertinent information to its members and the public at large; and it encourages and assists members to develop the highest professional standards through on-going training sessions and workshops. The Kingston Branch also seeks to assist the region by undertaking studies of social problems and issues, and taking appropriate action in order to influence social policy and legislation, so that the well-being of area residents is protected.