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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.
• Family and Youth Services
  Community-based programs supported by this department.
• 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.
• The Early Learning and Child Care Plan (ELCC)
  The Early Learning and Child Care Plan supports more day care spaces, increase subsidized spaces, and ongoing support for our child care sector.
• Early Intervention Programs
  These programs are designed for children who are at risk of poor developmental outcomes.
• Kids Come First
  This program places volunteers with children, youth and parents from across the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Child Care Information for Families

• Child Care Information for Families
  Help for Nova Scotians looking for quality child care.
• 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.
• Early Intervention Program Information
  These programs are designed for children who are at risk of poor developmental outcomes.
• 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

Information for Childcare Providers

• Information for Child Care Providers
  Information on operating a child care facility, with information on licensing, grants, staff training, etc.
• Child Care Centre License
  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).
• Child Care Operating Grant
  Available to licensed commercial and non-profit full-day child care centres.
• Child Care Stabilization Grant Program
  Funding to full-day child care programs to enhace wages, benefits and training of child care staff.
• Child Care Expansion and Replacement Loan
  Financial assistance to new and existing facilities enabling them to expand their capacity. Includes the list of Approved Expansion Loan applicants.
• Training Requirements for Early Childhood Education Staff
  Programs that fulfill the requirements to become staff in a Nova Scotian child care facility.
• Early Childhood Education Assistance Program
  This program will provide a debt reduction incentive to eligible Early Childhood Education graduates.
• 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.
• Continuing Education Program
  This program is intended to enhance the ability of licensed child care centres and family home day care agencies to recruit and retain staff.
• Links to Professional Development Programs
  Useful links for current practicing early childhood educators who wish to upgrade their skills.
• Family Home Day Care
  This program gives parents access to monitored day care services in a home setting.
• Energy Upgrade Grant
  This grant provides one-time funding that will enable a facility to operate in a more energy efficient manner.
• Outdoor Playspace Grant
  Grants to assist in the creation of natural, safe and stimulating outdoor play spaces.
• Program Enhancement Grant (PEG)
  Grants to assist in the enhancement of safe and stimulating programs.
• Repair and Renovation Loan
  Assistance for licensed commercial and non-profit child care centres.
• Supported Child Care Grant
  The Supported Child Care Grant provides a stable source of funding for programs that help children with special needs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Adoption Videos
  We've developed videos to help you understand the process, challenges and rewards of adopting in Nova Scotia.
• Directory of Services for Adoptive Parents
  A list of helpful services and organizations organized by region.

Foster Care

• Foster Care
  Information for prospective foster parents.
• Why do kids need Foster Care?
• The different kinds of fostering
• Training to be a Foster Parent
• Financial support for Foster Parents
• The process of becoming a Foster Parent
• Respite Foster Families
  Respite foster families temporarily take over
  from full time foster families and other families for short periods of time.
• Foster Care Appreciation Week Art and Poetry Contest Winners

Abuse

• About Child Abuse
  Information for people who suspect a child is being abused.
• Child Abuse Register (with new forms)
  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.
• Past Achievements
• Youth Inclusion
• Our Purpose
• Current Focus
• Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat –Youth Engagement Grant Program Guidelines
• Youth Inclusion Print Resources
• Youth Led Granting Research Report 2009 (PDF)

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
  Supports and services for 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.

Employment Support and Financial Assistance

• Employment Support & Financial Assistance
  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

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 services to support people with disabilities.

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.
• Basic Income Assistance Rates
  How much 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 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.
• Appeals
  Any person has the right to appeal any decision.
• 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

• 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.
• Affordable Housing Projects
  Nova Scotia and its partners are investing over $196 million dollars in affordable housing.

Rental Housing

• Help for people who want to rent affordable housing
  Programs to provide safe, adequate, and affordable rental accommodations for families and seniors on fixed or low incomes.
• Family Rental Housing
  This program is designed to provide rental housing to families in need.
• Rent Supplement Program
  A rental subsidy that is paid to private landlords, and which individuals to pay rent based upon income.
• Co-operative and Non-profit Housing Programs
  Co-operative housing programs provide modest, affordable housing for lower and moderate-income families and individuals.
• Lone Parent Student Affordable Rental Housing
  Rental housing units for low-income singe parents attending university.
• Seniors Rental Housing
  This program is designed to provide adequate, affordable rental housing to senior citizens and other individuals in need.

Help for Seniors

• Housing Programs for Senior Homeowners
  Programs to help seniors stay in their homes.
• 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

• 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

About the Department

• About Us
  We support the social and economic well being of  Nova Scotians.
• Our Services
• Meet the Minister
  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 Us
• Contact Us About Community Services
  Use this form for comments or questions related to the Department of Community Services.
• Find Your Local Community Services Office
  We have locations throughout Nova Scotia.
• Find Agency Offices
  Family & Children's Services, Children's Aid Societies, and Community Services District Offices.
• Housing Authority Offices
  Contact information for offices throughout the province.
• Housing Services Offices & Other Housing Contacts
  Contact information for offices throughout the province.
• Head Office Contacts
  These contact numbers are generally for specific administrative or policy development sections in the department.
• 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 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 Linda Laffin
• Contact Kristen Tynes
• Contact Lucas Wide
• Contact Brooke Armstrong
• Contact Rhonda Judge-Parsons

Backgrounders

• Poverty Backgrounder