What improvements has Nova Scotia made to its child-welfare system?

Nova Scotia has increased funding for prevention and early intervention, enhanced support for social workers, and implemented new foster care models and policies.

Why was Isaiha Surette returned to his mother's care?

Decisions to return children to family are made by judges based on various submissions, aiming for reunification while ensuring child safety.

Are Nova Scotia's social workers overworked?

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers reports high caseloads, and the department is working on recruitment, retention, and better support for social workers.

Home / Crime and Justice / Nova Scotia Child Welfare: Reforms Post-Tragedy

Nova Scotia Child Welfare: Reforms Post-Tragedy

19 Dec

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Summary

Child died after mother's frustrated actions during diaper change.
Toddler returned home from foster care two weeks prior to death.
Nova Scotia promises system improvements and increased social worker support.

Nova Scotia's child-welfare system has seen significant changes since the 2020 death of a child shortly after returning home from foster care. A senior official from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development highlighted ongoing improvements aimed at enhancing child safety and well-being. These changes include increased financial investments in prevention and early intervention programs, as well as enhanced support and compensation for social workers.

The department has also implemented new models for foster care, such as the Mockingbird model, and revised its child and family well-being policy manual. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of children in care by investing in family support and early intervention. The goal is to ensure that when children are returned to their families, all risks have been adequately mitigated.

Despite these reforms, the case has reignited discussions about the adequacy of resources and support within the child-welfare system. The department is focused on recruiting and retaining social workers, acknowledging the challenging nature of their work. While specific cases are confidential, internal reviews are conducted following serious incidents to assess departmental response and circumstances.