Children, Youth & Families

Community Services provides a range of community-based, prevention-oriented services to children, youth, and their families.

Programs and resources

• Child Care Information for Families
  Help for Nova Scotians looking for quality child care.
• Information for Child Care Providers
  Information on operating a child care facility, with information on licensing, grants, staff training, etc.
• Adoption
  The different types of adoption, eligibility etc.
• Foster Care
  Information for prospective foster parents.
• Child Abuse
  Information for people who suspect a child is being abused.
• Youth Secretariat
  We are helping involve young people in the essential tasks and processes of government and the community at large.
• Community Child Welfare Boards
  Community Child Welfare Boards serve as links between the community, the local child welfare services, and the Minister of Community Services.
• National Child Benefit in Nova Scotia
  This is provided to all low-income families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age of 18.
• Low Income Pharmacare (drug coverage) for Children
  Prescription drug coverage is available to families who receive the Nova Scotia Child Benefit.
• Children in Care
  When children can't remain in the home.
• Community Residential Services
  This program provides placement services for children and youth in the care of the Minister of Community Services, who require more supervision and structure than is available in family foster care.
• Secure Care at The Wood Street Centre
  A safe place for children and youth in crisis.
• Child and Youth Strategy
  A key recomendation of the Nunn Commission.
• Community-based Organizations Supported by Family and Youth Services
  Community-based programs supported by this department.
• Child Abuse Register
  The Child Abuse Register is used by organizations to confirm that potential employees and volunteers have not been found by the court to have abused children.
• The History of Child Welfare in Nova Scotia
  This video shows how the way we practice adoption today is based on our experiences over the years.
• Early Intervention Programs
  These programs are designed for children who are at risk of poor developmental outcomes.
• Past Childcare Programs and Initiatives