Children's Aid Societies to Join Community Services
Children and families in three Nova Scotia communities will benefit when their children's aid societies join the Department of Community Services.
The integration of Family and Children's Services of Lunenburg County, Shelburne Children's Aid Society and the Halifax Children's Aid Society will lead to operational efficiencies and consistent service delivery.
"This is a big step for these three agencies and I want to congratulate them for their initiative," said Minister of Community Services Judy Streatch. "They are confident that integration is the best approach for children and families and for their staff and I'm confident that we're going to make a good thing even better."
"We entered into negotiations with the department with one priority in mind -- to provide the best possible care for children and families," said Pauline Himmelman, president of the board of directors for Family and Children Services of Lunenburg County. "In addition, we also believe this will be beneficial for staff in terms of career opportunities and benefits."
Staff from Community Services and the children's aid societies worked together last year to examine existing services and recommended improvements in a report released in January 2006. This service delivery review triggered the dialogue around integration and the three agencies approached the department to explore service delivery options. Those discussions resulted in the agencies asking the minister to dissolve their societies and integrate services and staff with Community Services.
"This integration will allow staff to more effectively pool resources to continue to provide a high level of service to children and families, as well as consider new programming options," said Dr. William Hart, president of the board of directors for the Halifax Children's Aid Society.
"I am pleased with the department's commitment to continue the calibre of services that we've provided over the years," said Kelli Wolfe-Enslow, president of the board of directors for Shelburne Children's Aid Society. "This integration will also provide a more consistent approach in working with children and families."
In 2005-06 the Department of Community Services invested about $61 million in the 13 board supervised children's aid societies. Ms. Streatch said any savings from operational efficiencies will be reinvested in services for children and families.
In recognition of the importance of community involvement, community child welfare boards will be established in Lunenburg, Shelburne and Halifax. The boards will provide input and advice on the needs and priorities of local children and families.
Both Lunenburg and Shelburne will integrate with Community Services on Nov. 1 and Halifax will merge on Dec. 1.