Discipline Committee Finds Former Social Worker Guilty of Professional Misconduct

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Discipline Committee of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers has found Mark John Bergen guilty of professional misconduct. Mr. Bergen was found to have violated sections 2.29, 2.5, 2.2, 2.36 and 2.6 of Ontario Regulation 384/00 (Professional Misconduct) for conduct or actions, in regard to two clients to whom Mr. Bergen provided counselling and/or psychotherapy services, and to his subsequent convictions under section 271 of the Criminal Code, for having sexually assaulted both of the clients.

In its decision, the Discipline Committee ordered that Mr. Bergen's certificate of registration be revoked, that Mr. Bergen pay costs in the amount of $5,000 to the College, and that the findings and order of the Committee be published with the name of the former member on the general newswire.

A summary of the Committee's decision is available on the College's website at www.ocswssw.org.

About the College
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers regulates the practice of social work and social service work in Ontario.  The College ensures professional and public accountability for the thousands of registered social workers and registered social service workers in our province. Professionals who wish to use the title "social worker" or "social service worker" can only do so if they are registered with the College.  Registration is also required if you represent yourself or hold yourself out as a "social worker" or "social service worker."

SOURCE: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers

Glenda McDonald, M.S.W., RSW, Registrar
[phone] ext. 201
[email protected]