Community Child Welfare Boards: A Brief History

The Child Welfare sector in Nova Scotia has a rich and varied history. Rooted in community engagement, social activism and concern for children in need, today’s Child Welfare System is a testament to the care, dedication and commitment of regular Nova Scotians who, for close to a century, have cared for the well being of children in their communities by establishing and governing Children’s Aid Societies.

As the field of Social Work has evolved to become more sophisticated and as legal and social implications become more complex, the private Children’s Aid Societies and Family and Children’s Services have become integrated into the Provincial Child Welfare governance system. The boards that once governed these agencies have been offered a special, but different role within the Child Welfare landscape.

The boards that had governed the integrated agencies were given an option to form Community Child Welfare Boards which individually would serve as a link between the community and the local child welfare services and collectively serves as a link between citizens and the Minister.

The Community Child Welfare Boards are a valued part of the Department of Community Services strategy as they:

• Foster community awareness and understanding of the needs of children and families served by Child Welfare.
• Provide feedback to the department on the changing social factors within the community that influence the healthy development and well being of the families and children at risk and suggest ways they may be made better.
• Encourage meaningful community involvement in activities which support and promote healthy family development, and prevent child maltreatment and family violence.

The Department of Community Services supports the boards by providing administrative assistance, budgets, workshops, board development retreats and one on one planning and coaching sessions.