Changes to legislation focused on well-being of children, youth: N.S. government

Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on June 30, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Nova Scotia took steps to support the well-being of children, youth and families in the province on Wednesday.

Changes to the Children and Family Services Act are aimed at protecting privacy rights and safety and the province says the amendments will:

• further protect the privacy rights of children who are or have been the subject of a court proceeding by adding social media as a prohibited form of publication
• make explicit that publication bans related to child and family well-being proceedings remain in place even after a proceeding has ended, including cases where a child or youth has died
• require any person who has pled guilty or been found guilty of an offence against or involving a child be entered on the Child Abuse Register, including where a conditional or absolute discharge is granted
• formally recognize the minister’s responsibility to offer supports that help prepare youth aging out of care for adulthood The government says the amendments come from recommendations put forth by a committee that reviews the Children and Family Services Act every four years.

“At the heart of these amendments are children and youth, as well as survivors of domestic violence who deserve privacy, protection and the right supports at the right time,” said Barbara Adams, minister of Opportunities and Social Development, in a news release from the province. “Those navigating difficult circumstances deserve care, respect and strong safeguards – these changes help ensure that.”

The province adds the 2026-27 budget includes funding to establish an Office of Children and Youth.

Amendments were also made to other legislation Wednesday, including:

• changes to the Domestic Violence Intervention Act will extend the maximum length of emergency protection orders to one year from 30 days
• changes to the Beneficiaries Designation Act will allow electronic signatures for all plans under the act
• moving the regulation of social work to the Regulated Health Professions Act and repealing the Social Workers Act

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