Statement on Auditor General’s Report on Child, Family Well-Being

NOTE: The following is a statement from Brendan Maguire, Minister of Community Services.

Safe and healthy children, youth and families are key to building a stronger Nova Scotia. My Department’s role is to ensure vulnerable children and youth are protected and championed.

Earlier today, May 7, the Auditor General’s Office released its report on the health, safety and well-being of children placed in temporary emergency arrangements and child and youth care homes.

We have accepted the 20 recommendations in the Auditor General’s report, with work on many already in progress.

I want to reassure Nova Scotians that every single occurrence or incident involving a child in care is reviewed by the social worker, supervisor and many others. Ensuring the children in our care are well supported is always foremost in the minds of staff.

The report highlights what we already know – we need to be better at documenting our work and our actions. The nature of the work can mean things are changing quickly and that can result in work that is considered normal practice – like checking in with a child in care on the phone or via text – not being documented.

We will make these changes and continue to ensure the needs of children and families are prioritized. Going forward, we will be better at this important aspect of our jobs.

I have confidence in the dedication and diligence of staff at Community Services to ensure vulnerable children receive the care, assistance and love they deserve and need.

I also have confidence that youth care homes and the organizations that deliver temporary emergency arrangements provide safe and appropriate support to children.

My Department has, over the past several years, made important advancements in supporting children in care, including:

• continuing to develop prevention and early intervention programming and expand and enhance existing programs available across the province, enabling us to better support families before they are in crisis
• entering the final phases of redesigning our foster care system; currently, there are about 700 caregivers who open their hearts and homes to children who need them – and we always need more
• developing a new framework of practice to guide us in our daily work; we are making progress toward reducing unnecessary administrative tasks for social workers so they are freed up to spend time on what is most important – caring for the children and families they support
• conducting a review of the Children and Family Services Act to ensure it is modern and reflects the needs of the people we serve.

To all families and young people in care, your well-being is my utmost concern. I want to assure you that I am deeply committed to addressing the issues outlined in this report, and you have my unwavering support.

Even before receiving this report, I had initiated meetings to directly engage with both you and our dedicated front-line workers.

Being a former child in care myself, I empathize with your experiences and pledge to tirelessly advocate for you.

I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of our hard-working front-line workers at Community Services. Our social workers, child protection workers and all staff members demonstrate relentless dedication to supporting our youth in care, and I want them to know that their efforts are truly valued and supported.