Children, Youth & Families

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

Programs and resources

• Directory of Licensed Child Care Facilities
  The Government of Nova Scotia licenses child care facilities throughout the province. This directory lets you search for facilities by name and/or location, and shows whether a facility currently meets its licensing requirements.
• 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.
• About 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.
• 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.
• Helpzone
  Our website that helps children, youth and families find the government services they need.

Related information

• Amendments to Nova Scotia’s Day Care Regulations - Consultation Summary
• Children and Family Services Act
• Children and Family Services Regulations
• Day Care Act
• Day Care Regulations
• Child Abuse
• Adoption Information Act
• Programs and Services for Children Youth, and Families brochure (PDF)
• Review of Child Welfare Services Governance and Business Model (PDF)