Members of Children and Family Services Act Review Committee Appointed

Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire has appointed 10 people to a committee to review the Children and Family Services Act.

The act protects children and youth from harm and strengthens the well-being of Nova Scotia’s families and communities. It is legislated to be reviewed every four years.

The appointees represent diverse communities across Nova Scotia and share a commitment to improving the lives and well-being of children and youth in the province. They are:

• Wayn Hamilton, former executive director, African Nova Scotian Affairs
• Suzanne Litke, lawyer, Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project
• Nancy MacDonald, Executive Director, Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia
• Paul Sheppard, lawyer, Nova Scotia Legal Aid
• Dr. Tania Wong, pediatrician, IWK Health
• Jill Barkhouse, Director, Practice Support, Department of Community Services
• Amanda Dillman, Director, Family Services, Department of Justice
• Frazer Egerton, Executive Lead, Strategic Initiatives, Department of Community Services
• Stacey Greenough, Director, Child and Family Wellbeing, Department of Community Services
• Anne Simmons, Director, Africentric, Child and Family Wellbeing, Department of Community Services.

“Our communities thrive when children and youth are protected from harm and when Nova Scotia families are strong,” said Minister Maguire. “The review committee members bring significant experience in child and family services and a focused equity lens.”

As part of the review, the Department hosted public engagements in the fall. People also submitted responses through an online survey and mail. A summary of the feedback is available at: https://novascotia.ca/children-and-family-services-act-engagement/
The review will be complete, and the report made public, by March 1, 2025.

Quotes:

“I am looking forward to participating in a full and comprehensive review that contributes to the further protection of children and youth and supports the well-being of families.” — Nancy MacDonald, Executive Director, Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the Children and Family Services Act protects one of Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable populations – children who are living in situations of abuse or neglect
• the last review of the act was done in 2020
• committee members are appointed by the minister and must prepare a written report

Additional Resources:

Children and Family Services Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/children%20and%20family%20services.pdf