Site Map

• Department of Community Services Home Page
• What's happening
  This page provides additional information about issues discussed by the Minister of Community Services in the Nova Scotia Legislature.

Services for Children, Youth and Families

• Children, Youth & Families
  We provide a range of services to children, youth, and their families. These services provide community-based, prevention-oriented supports for both children and families.
• 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 Prescription Drug Coverage (Pharmacare) 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

Child Care Information for Families

• Child Care Information for Families
  Help for Nova Scotians looking for quality child care.
• Finding Child Care
  Use the step-by-step information on this site to guide you in your search for the child care arrangement that best suits your needs.
• Child Care Subsidy
  This program assists eligible families with their child care expenses to enable them to work, pursue employment, attend school, and cope with family crisis.
• Supported Child Care for Children with Special Needs
  This program helps families of children with special needs have access to child care in their own communities
• Early Intervention Program Information
  These programs are designed for children who are at risk of poor developmental outcomes.

Information for Childcare Providers

• Information for Child Care Providers
  Information on operating a child care facility, with information on licensing, grants, staff training, etc.
• Day Care Act and Regulations
  A new set of regulations for day care facilities and family home day care programs came into effect on April 1, 2011.
• Guide to Starting a Child Care Facility in Nova Scotia
  Licenses are required for anyone who wants to care for more than six children of any age (including their own) or eight school-age children (including their own).
• Starting and Operating a Family Home Day Care Program
  Family home day care agencies provide professional support to in-home care providers.
• Food and Nutrition Support for Regulated Child Care Settings
  Includes the Manual for Food and Nutrition in Regulated Child Care Settings.
• Recruitment & Retention of Child Care Staff
  A strategy to build a plan than will take steps to stabilize and enhance the child care workforce in order to deliver quality licensed child care services in Nova Scotia.
• Training and Professional Development for Child Care Staff
  Includes information on classification (including School Age Approval), continuing education, and financial assistance for child care providers and staff.
• Early Childhood Enhancement Grant (ECEG)
  Available to licensed commercial and non-profit full-day and part-day child care centres.
• Supported Child Care Grant (SCCG)
  This grant provides a stable source of funding for programs that help children with special needs.
• Child Care Facility Annual Report
  A report requesting program information and grant utilization in compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Supported Child Care Grant and the Early Childhood Enhancement Grant.
• Early Intervention Programs
  These programs are designed for children who are at risk of poor developmental outcomes.

Adoption Resources

• Adoption
  The different types of adoption, eligibility etc.
• Adoption Videos
  We've developed videos to help you understand the process, challenges and rewards of adopting in Nova Scotia.
• Who May Adopt
  Applicants must meet certain criteria and take part in a homestudy.
• Agency Adoption
  There are two types of agency adoptions.
• Mi'kmaw Adoption
  Children who speak Mi'kmaq must be placed in an environment where the language is spoken and/or understood.
• Adoption of Children of African Nova Scotian and Bi-racial Heritage
  We are looking for African or interracial Nova Scotian/Canadian families.
• Private Relative Adoption
  Adoption of a child by a relative or step parent.
• Private Interprovincial Adoption
  Interprovincial private adoption can be complex.
• International Adoption
  Nova Scotian families may adopt a child or children from another country.
• Adoption Disclosure
  The Adoption Information Act creates a registry to help people search for members of their birth family.
• Directory of Services for Adoptive Parents
  A list of helpful services and organizations organized by region.
• PRIDE Training
  The training program is available to adoptive parents.

Foster Care

• Foster Care
  Information for prospective foster parents.
• Foster Care Videos
  Learn about the process, challenges and rewards of being a Foster Parent.
• Why Do Kids Need Foster Care?
  Most need foster care because of something done to them or because they have been exposed to an unhealthy environment.
• How to Become a Foster Parent
  The first step is to call us. 
• Foster Parent Eligibility
  Foster parents are young and old, married or single, with or without children.
• The Different Kinds of Fostering
  There are five different categories of fostering available to Nova Scotians.
• Financial Support for Foster Parents
  Foster parents receive a monthly cheque to help cover costs, but you won't make any money.
• Foster Parent Training
  The training we provide is for prospective and current foster parents.
• PRIDE Training Schedule
  All foster parents are eligible to attend PRIDE training.
• Respite Foster Families
  Respite foster families temporarily take over from full time foster families and other families for short periods of time.
• Foster Parent Thank-You Cards

Abuse

• Child Abuse
  Information for people who suspect a child is being abused.
• 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.

Youth Secretariat

• Youth Secretariat
  We are helping involve young people in the essential tasks and processes of government and the community at large.
• Our Purpose
• Current Focus
• Past Achievements
• Youth Inclusion
• Youth Inclusion Resources
• Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat –Youth Engagement Grant Program Guidelines
• Youth Led Granting Research Report 2009 (PDF)
• Rapport de recherche sur les jeunes subventionneurs en Nouvelle-Écosse
• Events & Opportunities

Support for Persons with Disabilities

• Services for Persons with Disabilities
  We serve children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, long-term mental illness and physical disabilities in a range of community-based, residential and vocational/day programs.
• Alternative Family Support Program
  This program supports people with disabilities in an approved, private family home.
• Independent Living Support
  This program provides up to 21 hours a week of supports and service for people who require minimum support in their own home.
• Approved Community-Based Homes
  Programs that allow residents to live, work, and socialize in the community.
• Licensed Homes For Special Care
  These settings provide support and supervision in homes with four or more beds.
• Direct Family Support
  This program provides supports and services to both children and adults with disabilities who live at home with their families.
• Adult Service Centres
  Community-based vocational programs for adults with disabilities.
• Protection For Persons in Care
  Under this Act, abuse may be physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, neglect, theft or medical abuse.
• Wheelchair Recycling Program
  Wheelchairs for children and adults with a net family income that falls within program guidelines.
• Personal Directives Act (on the Department of Justice site)
  This Act enables Nova Scotians to document their wishes regarding what personal care decisions are made for them in the event that they are unable to make these decisions themselves. See also the DCS Service Provider Sample Forms.
• Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities
  This program offers services to support people with disabilities.
• Email Services for Persons with Disabilities
  Use our online form.

Employment Support and Financial Assistance

• Employment Support & Income Assistance (ESIA)
  We give money for living costs, or other supports to help people get on with their lives when they have no other place to turn.
• Helpful Websites and Phone Numbers
• Direct Deposit Form
  Please use this form to enroll in direct deposit through the Department of Community Services.

Employment Services

• Employment Support Services (ESS)
  This program helps people on Income Assistance to become more self-sufficient.
• Assessment Services
  We provide individuals with a wide range of both formal and informal career and life assessments as a part of their employability action plan.
• Going to School
  There are some circumstances when you can attend school and receive Income Assistance.
• Educate to Work Program
  The government pays for tuition and books at  the Nova Scotia Community College for people who receive Income Assistance.
• Employability Related Expenses
  Income Assistance may help with many job- and training-related costs.
• Help When You're Looking for a Job
  We offer many types of supports to people looking for work.
• If You Get a Job
  If you or your spouse are employed, you can keep 30% of the net wages earned.
• Self Employment and Entrepreneurship
  We have policies and programs to support people who want to create their own income.
• Work Activity Programs
  These programs help people who have barriers to employment to integrate themselves into employment and society.
• Wage Subsidy Program
  A wage subsidy is a tool used to help you find a work experience that will result in a lasting job.
• Youth Development Initiative (YDI)
  These programs provide work experience for youth who are connected to the Department of Community Services.
• Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities
  This program offers employment services to support people with disabilities.
• Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS)
  Information for organizations taking part in LaMPSS. It includes resources for the Work Activity and Skills Work! programs.

Income Assistance

• Income Assistance (IA)
  This program provides people in financial need with assistance with basic needs such as food, rent, utilities like heat and electricity, and clothing.
• How to Apply for Income Assistance
  Call or visit us to get started with your application.
• Who Can Receive Income Assistance?
  You have the right to apply for Income Assistance  if you live in Nova Scotia and you are 19 or over.
• Basic Income Assistance Rates
  The amount you can expect to receive to cover the the cost of your basic needs.
• Supports Beyond Basic Assistance
  Income Assistance can help with special needs beyond the basics.
• Money From Other Sources
  The program treats money you receive differently depending on why you got it and where it comes from.
• Benefits For Children
  The federal and provincial governments both pay a benefit for children under the age of 18 to low-income families.
• Medical Costs
  This program provides assistance with a variety of special needs.
• Prescription Drug Coverage (Pharmacare)
  Drug coverage available to recipients of Income Assistance and others who qualify.
• Career Seek: Help to Attend Post-secondary Programs
  This program allows eligible Income Assistance recipients to receive benefits while they attend university or a post-secondary education program.
• How Going to School Affects Income Assistance
  Make sure that you speak to your worker about your continuing eligibility for Income Assistance.
• How Having a Job Affects Income Assistance
  There are a number of ways Income Assistance program may continue to help you.
• School Supplies for Families with Children
  You can use the money to buy anything your child must have for school.
• Harvest Connection Program
  This program allows eligible recipients to keep up to $3,000 of income earned from working in seasonal harvesting.
• How to Appeal a Decision About Your Income Assistance
  You may appeal any decision related to your application or the amount of your assistance.
• Appeal Hearings
  If you have appealed an ESIA decision, and you are unhappy with the results of the Administrative Review, you can request an appeal hearing.
• Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) Policy Manual
  This manual contains all of the policies that your worker uses when making decisions.

Assistance with Housing and Repairs

• Affordable Housing & Repairs
  We provide a number of programs to help lower income households maintain, acquire or rent safe, adequate and affordable housing.
• Shelter Enhancement Program
  This program supports shelters for women, children and youth who are victims of family violence.
• Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust Fund Programs
  These funds are being delivered through various Aboriginal off-reserve groups.

Housing Investments

• Affordable Housing Projects
  Between 2002 and 2012 Nova Scotia and its partners will be investing over $196 million dollars in affordable housing.
• Map of Affordable Housing Projects

Rental Housing

• Public Housing and Other Affordable Renting Programs
  Programs to provide safe, adequate, and affordable rental accommodations for families and seniors on fixed or low incomes.
• Public Housing for Families
  This program is designed to provide rental housing to low income familes in need of safe affordable housing.
• Public Housing for Seniors
  This program is designed to provide adequate, affordable rental housing to low income seniors (age 58 or older).
• Rent Supplement Program
  Provides adequate affordable rental housing in private sector apartment buildings and co-operative and non-profit housing projects.
• Co-operative and Non-profit Housing
  Cooperatives and non profit housing projects provide modest, affordable housing for lower and moderate-income families, seniors and individuals.
• Lone Parent Student Affordable Rental Housing
  Provides affordable rental housing units for low-income single parents attending university.
• Housing Authority Offices
  The seven Housing Authorities in the Province are responsible for the administration and management of the rental housing units.

Help for Seniors

• Housing Programs for Seniors
  Programs to help seniors stay in their homes.
• Public Housing for Seniors
  This program is designed to provide adequate, affordable rental housing to senior citizens and other individuals in need.
• The Senior Citizens Assistance Program
  This program helps senior citizens who wish to remain in their own homes but who cannot afford to carry out necessary repairs.
• Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence
  This program helps landlords pay for home adaptations to extend the time that low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently.
• Property Tax Rebate Program
  This is a program for seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• Parent Apartment Program
  This loan program promotes additions or renovations to accommodate senior family members.

Programs for Developers

• Programs for Developers of Affordable Housing
  Programs to promote the development of affordable housing for people with low to moderate incomes.
• New Rental Housing
• Rental Housing Preservation
• New Home Ownership

Help to Homeowners for Major Repairs

• Financial Assistance and Grant Programs for Homeowners
  Programs to help lower income households maintain, acquire or rent safe, adequate and affordable housing.
• Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs
  Help for major repairs and adaptations.
• Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Homeowners
  The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to homeowners to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by persons with disabilities.
• Emergency Repair Program
  The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) assists eligible homeowners or occupiers in rural areas to undertake emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their houses.
• Provincial Housing Emergency Repair Program
  This program provides assistance to low income homeowners who cannot afford to carry out emergency repairs on their homes.
• Home Ownership Preservation
  This program provides assistance to homeowners who need major repairs or renovations to their homes in order to meet minimum health and safety standards.
• Family Modest Housing Program
  Funds for lower and middle income families to build or buy modest housing.
• Small Loans Assistance Program
  Low interest loans to qualified applicants.
• Parent Apartment Program
  This loan program promotes additions or renovations to accommodate senior family members.

Help to Landlords for Major Repairs

• Programs for Landlords
  Programs to help landlords offer safe, adequate and affordable housing for lower income households.
• Conversion Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
  RRAP helps developers convert non-residential properties into affordable self-contained rental housing.
• Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Landlords
  RRAP helps landlords undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings for persons with disabilities.
• Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
  RRAP helps landlords with mandatory repairs to self-contained units for rental for low income tenants.
• Rooming House Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
• Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence

Help for People with Disabilities

• Housing Programs for Persons with Disabilities
  Programs for low-income persons with disabilities.
• Access-A-Home Program
  This program provides assistance to people who must adapt their homes for wheelchair use.
• Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program

Housing Investments

• Affordable Housing Projects
  Between 2002 and 2012 Nova Scotia and its partners will be investing over $196 million dollars in affordable housing.
• Map of Affordable Housing Projects

Licensing

• Licensing Services & Protection for Persons in Care
• About Licensing Services
• Protection for Persons in Care Act
• Licensing of Day Care Facilities and Family Home Day Cares
  

  Information specific to licensing of day care facilities and family home day cares.

   

• Licensing of Homes for Special Care
  Information specific to licensing of homes for special care facilities.
• Licensing of Residential Child-Caring & Children's Small Option Homes
  Information specific to licensing of residential child-caring facilities and children’s small option homes.
• Compliance & Enforcement Policy

About the Department

• About Us
  We support the social and economic well being of  Nova Scotians.
• Our Services
• Meet this department's Minister, The Honourable Denise Peterson-Rafuse
  The Honourable Denise Peterson-Rafuse
• Media Room
• Publications, Policies & Reports
• Related Legislation
• French Language Services
• Emergency Social Services
• Employment Opportunities
• Department of Community Services Privacy Policy
• Routine Access Policy
• Our Dedication to Client Confidentiality

Contact Information

• Contact Community Services
  Most communication with the department should be done through your local office. We have locations throughout Nova Scotia.
• Northern Region District Offices
• Western Region District Offices
• Central Region District Offices
• Eastern Region District Offices
• Offices with Child Welfare Services
  Child welfare services include child protection and supports for children in care, including foster care and adoption. Report suspected child abuse to one of these offices.
• Housing Authority Offices (includes Public Housing)
  These offices are responsible for the administration and management of  public housing and other affordable rental housing programs. Applications are available through these offices.
• Housing Services Offices & Other Housing Contacts
  Contact Housing Services about home improvement loans, grants, and other financial assistance programs related to improving or developing housing.
• Head Office Contacts
  These contact numbers are generally for specific administrative or policy development sections in the department.
• Contact Us About Community Services
  Use this form for general comments or questions related to the Department of Community Services.
• Media Contacts at the Department
  Members of the media should use information on this page to contact us.
• Report Child Abuse
  Everyone has the duty to immediately report to a child welfare agency even a suspicion that a child under 16 may be in need of protective services.
• Contact Us About the Community Services Website
  Use this form to let us know about technical or content issues with the Community Services site.

Communications Staff Contact Forms

• Contact Forms
• Contact Kristen Tynes
• Contact Amanada Pelham
• Contact Tony Kiritsis
• Contact Cassie Naas
• Contact Rhonda Judge-Parsons