News Release Archive
COMMUNITY SERVICES--DARTMOUTH CHILDREN'S TRAINING CENTRE ----------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to the co-operative efforts of parents, staff and community service providers, the Dartmouth Children's Training Centre will close four months ahead of schedule, Community Services Minister Jim Smith said today. Some residents will be placed in smaller community-based centres that allow the children a greater measure of integration with their community and their families. Those who will return to their own homes will be provided in-home support through the Department of Community Services. "This is another step in the move to integrate children with special needs back into communities, and enable greater interaction with their families. To date, and with the cooperation and support of the parents, staff and communities, more than 80 children from the Youth Training Centre and the two Children's Training Centres in Dartmouth and Sydney have been placed in communities. Reaction to the transition from parents and the children is very positive," Dr. Smith said. The Dartmouth centre housed a full complement of approximately 20 residents, although that number will be reduced to six by the end of August. In addition to full time residents, the centre has provided some respite care. Other arrangements for respite care will be in place by the November closure. The Department of Community Services is working with the Department of Human Resources and the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union to assist in finding alternate employment for the approximate 35 staff members who will be affected. The budget of $1.8 million will be reallocated to the in-home and small options support programs, the minister said. -30- Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-4326 trp June 26, 1996 - 1:00 p.m.