Three Children's Aid Societies Integrate With Government

Another three children's aid societies have decided to integrate their services and staff with the Department of Community Services.

Community Services Minister Judy Streatch said today, May 20, that she welcomes the decision by the boards of Family and Children's Services of Cumberland, Queens and Yarmouth counties.

"The integration of independent agencies into the department is working extremely well," said Ms. Streatch.

"Looking after the needs of children and families is a shared priority, so our goals line up perfectly. With these agencies becoming part of government, we are able to focus on the delivery of child welfare services while the community child welfare boards focus on connections to the community."

The agencies are each run by a board of directors and headed by an executive director. They are joining other agencies in Halifax, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Annapolis counties that integrated with the Department of Community Services in the past two years.

Integrating the three agencies will bring the department's number of district offices providing child welfare services to 13. Six other children's aid societies will continue to deliver services along with Mi'kmaw Family and Children's Services, a provincial child welfare agency.

"After much deliberation and consultation with staff, our board realized integration with the province would continue to provide high quality service delivery to the children and families of Queens County and also provide staff with improved benefits and career opportunities," said Mike McNeil, president of Family and Children's Services of Queens County.

Gary Newcombe, president of the Yarmouth agency, agreed.

"We decided to enter into negotiations with the Department of Community Services because we felt it was in the best interest of delivery of service to the families and children of Yarmouth County, and as well for the long-term benefit of the staff," said Mr. Newcombe.

Cyril Reid, president of the Cumberland agency, said the move will help meet the professional needs of staff and provide quality children's services.

"Our top priority in integrating with the department is to continue to provide the best possible services to the children and families of Cumberland County," said Mr. Reid.

Ms. Streatch said she recognizes the service and commitment of the staff and boards of directors of these agencies, who have made a lasting contribution to their communities.

Staff from the three agencies will become civil servants this fall and the organizations will be formally dissolved by the end of the year. Volunteers with community child welfare boards will continue to help ensure that the best interests of children and families are served.