Services Enhanced for Former Children in Care
People who were in permanent care as children can now access the Province’s Disclosure Program online to request their personal information and documents that may be needed by post-secondary institutions and other organizations.
This means people will be able to get information faster, and those seeking information will be able to access culturally relevant supports.
Previously, requests for information or documents were handled on an individual basis by a social worker assigned through the Department of Community Services.
“We want to support former children in care to have opportunities to build their future in our province,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of Community Services. “I encourage former children in care to reach out to the Disclosure Program to learn more about the Tuition Waiver Program and other services.”
Some post-secondary institutions waive tuition and mandatory program fees or offer bursary programs for former children in care. People who received youth services via a signed agreement when they were between the ages of 16 and 18 may also be eligible for these supports. Disclosure Program staff are available to discuss individual circumstances and the options that may be available.
Quotes:
“This is tremendous news. It will assist those studying or looking to study at NSCC – or other institutions with a similar program – who were in care in Nova Scotia and wish to apply for our college’s Post-Care Free Tuition Program. Allowing the information to be online will help streamline the application process, making it more accessible and helping to open doors to education and opportunity.”
– Jill Provoe, Acting Vice-President, Academic, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Quick Facts:
- each year, about 120 young people, ages 19 to 24, transition from child welfare supports
- streamlined services for former children in care under the Disclosure Program are aligned with open adoption records, legislation that took effect on May 1
- services provided by the Disclosure Program are available free of charge
Additional Resources:
Children and Family Services Act:
https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/children%20and%20family%20services.pdf
Information access for former children in care:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/former-child-permanent-care-request-access-information
More information on tuition waivers and supports:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/request-eligibility-verification-tuition-waivers-and-supports-former-children-care
Former children in permanent care can contact the Disclosure Program: 902-424-2755 / 1-833-424-2755 (toll-free) / disclosureprogram@novascotia.ca / Disclosure Program, 2131 Gottingen Street - 3rd Floor, Halifax, NS B3K 5Z7