Privacy and Information Security

Privacy protection is a legal, professional, and ethical responsibility.

When in practicum, students are required to comply with applicable professional standards (see CASW, OCSWSSW, and University of Toronto links below) as well as the legal requirements and policies of the practicum setting for privacy and security standards for personal and other confidential information.

• Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics 2005 (PDF), Value 5: Confidentiality in Professional Practice.
• The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice 2018, Paragraph 6.

Encrypting Personal and Confidential Information

• University of Toronto policy requires encryption of all personal and confidential electronic information kept outside of secure U of T servers. Refer to the University of Toronto FIPPA Guidelines Regarding Security for Personal and Other Confidential Information (PDF).
• The Practicum Office recommends that NO practicum-related information is removed from the setting – in hard copy, memory key, laptop, or smart phones.
• Privacy protection of the practicum organization’s information and the privacy of the people whom they serve is paramount.
• When in practicum, familiarize yourself with the policy of the practicum setting for handling electronic and hard copy data.

Sharing of Information

Personal information that students provide to the University is collected pursuant to section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act, 1971. It may be used and disclosed as necessary for official university purposes and shared within the university on a need-to-know basis.

Information about students will also be shared as necessary for your classroom or field education in the program, to support success in the program and to provide letters of reference in the future.

The field practicum is an integral part of the program. Information about students will be shared with agency representatives, Field Instructors, Faculty- Field Liaisons, and Education Coordinators as necessary to support and evaluate progress.

The University will protect student information in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.