The Children and Family Services Act is a law that helps protect children and youth from harm and strengthen the wellbeing of families and communities. The act applies to everyone who is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and youth in Nova Scotia. It also applies to all communities throughout the province.
The Department of Community Services manages programs and services for the Children and Family Services Act. The act sets the rules that these programs and services must follow. Programs and services:
- help prevent harm
- provide extra support for parents, caregivers and families to help cope with challenges
- protect children and youth from their parents or caregivers
- support children and youth when they’re not able to stay with their parents or caregivers
- help family members or approved individuals (like foster parents) become caregivers for children and youth
- support children, youth and adoptive parents throughout the adoption process
By law, the Children and Family Services Act must be reviewed every 4 years. The next review needs to be completed by March 1, 2025.
About the engagement
The government is preparing to review the Children and Family Services Act to help improve programs and services for children, youth, and families.
Nova Scotians are invited to share feedback about the Children and Family Services Act.
Get informed
Learn more about the Children and Family Services Act in the discussion guides. The guides outline different topics for feedback and help you prepare your ideas and suggestions on how to improve the act.
Child, Youth and Family Discussion Guide: Nova Scotia Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) Engagement (PDF) – this guide is for youth, families and people who are not familiar with the act
Discussion Guide: Nova Scotia Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) Engagement (PDF) – this guide is for service providers and people who are familiar with the act.
How to participate
You can participate by taking a survey, attending an engagement session, or sending feedback to the Department of Community Services.
The following engagement sessions are open to the public. Additional sessions will be scheduled with communities and service providers.
November 14 6:00-7:30pm Halifax Central Library
November 28 6:30-8:00pm Dartmouth NSCC Ivany Campus
Provide your feedback through the online survey by November 30, 2023.
Youth and families
Take this survey for children, youth, families and people not familiar with the act.
Service providers
Take this survey for service providers and people familiar with the act.
You can also send feedback to cfsa@novascotia.ca or provide feedback by mail.