It Takes a Village, Op-Ed

Press Release

May 20, 2026

May is Foster Care Awareness Month – a time to recognize foster families, caregivers, social workers, community partners and everyone who plays a role in supporting children and youth across the province.

We often say it takes a village to raise a child – and it’s true. Children grow not only in their homes, but in their communities. On playgrounds and in classrooms, shaped by teachers, coaches, neighbours, friends and extended family. These experiences and people shape who they become.

For children and youth living with foster caregivers, that village can make all the difference. Foster caregivers provide stability, compassion and connection during some of the most challenging times in a young person’s life. Their care helps children feel safe, supported and valued.

In Nova Scotia, we know that healthy children, families and communities are deeply connected. That’s why we’ve changed the way we support children, youth and families.

We’ve developed a new child and family well-being framework of practice and policy manual that grounds the Department’s work in the vision that communities support the safety and well-being of children, youth and families.

It’s about more than just policy. It’s a fundamental shift in how we support children, youth and families. It moves the focus from child protection to child safety, family preservation and support. It centres children and families, recognizing their strengths and unique circumstances, while emphasizing culturally safe, inclusive and holistic approaches.

This work reflects a shared responsibility. Communities, service providers and families all play a role in supporting children’s well-being. Embracing this shared responsibility supports social workers to meet families where they are and build plans together, with the child at the centre.

The policy manual that guides the work of the Department has been updated to fully reflect and support the new framework.

Building something like this could never be done in isolation. It was shaped by over 500 people and organizations through engagement sessions, including employees who support child and family well-being, the Association of Black Social Workers, the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia, community partners and service providers, and other government departments.

It was also designed using national and international inspiration, including Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services; An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth, and families (federal legislation); the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry, the Africentric Social Work Framework; and the Department’s own policies and principles to address anti-Black racism.

We believe in strengthening children, youth and families. And we believe that supporting children means supporting the entire village around them.

While our framework prioritizes family preservation, there are times when a child is not able to remain with their family, and foster care may be an option while we work toward a return home.

We have also updated our approach to foster care and have implemented the Mockingbird Family model. This is a community approach among foster caregivers where they receive additional support through their peers, while building trusting relationships and important connections for children living temporarily in foster care.

This Foster Care Awareness Month, we celebrate the people who open their homes and hearts to children and youth who need love and care. Their work reflects what we know to be true: children do best when they are surrounded by caring relationships in strong communities.

We’re building a better way forward, and it starts with the village.

Be there for a child that needs a home today – consider opening your home and becoming a foster caregiver. Visit https://fostercare.novascotia.ca/ or call 1-800-565-1884 for more information.

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