HALIFAX The Nova Scotia government is releasing a free, online training course on identifying and responding to sexual exploitation of children and youth. This eight-part course published today includes information on ways to offer support without judgment. Community Services Minister Kelly Regan issued a statement saying anyone can be subjected to sexual violence, although she says young people and those from marginalized communities are more likely to be targeted. Regan says being aware of child sexual exploitation and knowing what to look for are key to ending the violence and supporting survivors. The minister says the training is for service providers, parents, teachers, first responders, counsellors and anyone who is acting as a support person or is concerned about sexual violence.
Posted: Apr 14, 2021 6:00 AM AT | Last Updated: April 14
As a child in care, the teen cannot be identified and neither can any members of his family. His mother s hands are pictured above. (Shaina Luck/CBC)
The parents of a Nova Scotia teen with autism who has complex care needs want to know why some families are being told by the Department of Community Services to give up custody of their children in order to get them into group homes.
The option is used in only a handful of cases, but can present a devastating choice for those families. That was the shock of our lives that we would have to potentially give up our parental rights to give our child the care that they needed, the teen s mother said. We adamantly, adamantly want to participate in his care.
Posted: Mar 14, 2021 6:00 AM AT | Last Updated: March 14
The province began an overhaul of child welfare services in 2015. It s not clear how long the process is expected to continue.(Costea Andrea M / Shutterstock)
Nova Scotia s Department of Community Services is looking for outside help once again on an overhaul of the child welfare system that started six years ago.
The province issued a tender on March 4 for a partner to support new and emerging initiatives that advance child welfare.
The initial focus of the partnership, according to tender documents, is the development and rollout of new programming in the category of prevention and early intervention.