News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS599) -->> COMMUNITY SERVICES--NEW DIRECTIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES--NEW DIRECTIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ----------------------------------------------------------------- Community Services Minister John MacEachern, today announced a number of new directions that will enable the department to meet increasing demands on its services while staying within its budget. "It's important to note that these initiatives do not represent a budget reduction," said Mr. MacEachern. "It's equally important to note that the department is still committed to the assurance of basic necessities -- food, shelter, clothing -- to every Nova Scotian, and to the protection of children and others who are at risk or who are vulnerable." "It is important to understand that, despite our attention to balancing the government budget, we have never imposed any general reduction in provincial assistance levels," said the minister. Program reviews are underway within the Department to identify savings. Travel budgets have been reduced and $200,000 for technology projects have been delayed. More emphasis has been placed on better management of programs. A Revenue Recovery Unit has been created with responsibility for such programs as collection of overpayments. The department is strengthening the eligibility reviews on new applicants and will conduct more comprehensive reviews of existing clients. The department is also cost-sharing 13 new positions with municipal units to assist in managing the eligibility of new clients and the early detection of either overpayment or fraud. Cooperation with the Department of Justice will see an improvement in the rate of maintenance enforcement. Family Benefits recipients whose adult children receive survivors' Canada Pension Plan benefits of $164 per month, will have to count that as income in the calculation of their provincial benefits. This will affect about 311 people. The parent contribution for subsidized child care will be increased by fifty cents per day. This will be increased in two stages, 25 cents effective Nov. 1 and 25 cents on Jan. 1, 1997. The number of subsidized spaces will be maintained. The Department of Community Services provides approximately $35 million to almost 200 community agencies. For 1996-97, grants to agencies and organizations from the department will be reduced by three per cent from the amount included in the current estimates. Transition houses for abused women will see an increase over last year despite the three per cent reduction. By the end of 1996, the department will conduct a review of these agencies to determine the appropriate level of funding. The department has also committed to work with the Children's Aid Society and other agencies to find ways to increase the professional time available to spend with clients. "Over the next few months, we will be finalizing the social assistance review with the intent of building a system that will best meet the needs of the future," Mr. MacEachern said. "As well, we need to work with the municipalities to develop a structure that ensures our resources are focussed on assuring the basic needs of life for Nova Scotian families." -30 - Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-4326 trp Oct. 04, 1996 - 10:25 a.m.