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
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, training etc.
Adoption
The different types of adoption, eligibility etc.
About Child Abuse
Information for people who suspect a child is being abused.
Foster Care
Information for prospective foster parents.
Family and Youth Services
Community-based programs supported by this department.
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.
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.
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.