Foster families are a key pillar of Nova Scotia’s child welfare system. They provide love, security and a strong foundation for the province’s most vulnerable children.
To strengthen support for foster families and the children in their care, the Province will invest up to $34 million over three years in a redesign of Nova Scotia’s foster care system, creating a modern and sustainable system that provides families and children the supports they need to flourish.
“Foster parents are among Nova Scotia’s most dedicated volunteers, and we need to ensure they are well-supported,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of Community Services. “Right now, Nova Scotia needs more foster parents, and it is my hope that a redesigned system will encourage more people to consider this calling.”
The redesign will include new financial supports and an immediate increase in per diem rates by $15 a day. It will also include:
- engaging youth currently or formerly in care to hear their concerns and ideas
- implementing a new system model that provides for a stronger community of support for foster families and children in care
- new foster care placement types including enhanced respite care for children with specialized needs
- improving communication and enhancing supports for foster parents during child welfare investigations