About Us
The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto is distinguished by its emphasis on the integration of research and practice in both the classroom and its practicum education. As the oldest school of social work in Canada, FIFSW has been on the cutting edge of education, policy, research and practice for more than 100 years.
Recognized as one of the leading social work research Faculties in North America, FIFSW is highly involved in promoting excellence in social work practice and policy development. Teaching in the Faculty is enriched by the internationally recognized research of faculty members which is designed to help governments, agencies and communities effectively address real world challenges.
FIFSW Year in Reviews
2021-2022 Year in Review [PDF]
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A Century of Social Work Excellence
Our history
1914The emergence of social work in Canada at the beginning of the twentieth century corresponded with the ever-increasing industrialization of Canada. Most of the social work at the time was performed voluntarily by affluent women, who recognized the increasing need for training social workers in Canada and became advocates to move this agenda forward. A meeting with the University of Toronto secured the support of the Board of Governors, but a lack of funds was the challenge. Mrs. H.D. Warren, a well-known philanthropist at the time, agreed to donate the funds needed to pay for the salary of a director. In 1914, the Department of Social Service at the University of Toronto (which is now the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work) was established, making it the first school of social work in Canada. The first director of the Department was Franklin Johnson Jr., an American graduate in sociology. | 
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