Nova Scotia reports sharp drop in children in emergency care, but average stays grow longer
The number of children in Nova Scotia's Temporary Emergency Arrangements fell from 138 to 19 since 2022-23, though the average length of stay has increased. Officials told a legislative committee they are working through Auditor General recommendations while facing criticism over delays in launching the child and youth advocate office.
Nova Scotia Deputy Minister Craig Beaton and other officials reported to the Public Accounts Committee that the number of children and youth placed in Temporary Emergency Arrangements (TEAs) dropped from 138 in 2022-23 to 19 as of August. However, the average length of stay for a child in a TEA grew from eight months to 9.6 months over the same period.
TEAs are provided by companies such as Arden Professional Client Care and Specialized Support Services of Nova Scotia. These arrangements offer housing and 24/7 care with a 2:1 staffing ratio.
The update follows a May 2024 report by Auditor General Kim Adair, which warned that vulnerable children in provincial care were at risk of receiving inadequate care and noted weak oversight for both TEAs and group homes. Beaton stated that 17 of the Auditor General's 20 recommendations have been addressed, with the remaining three scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
An update to the Department of Opportunities and Social Development's case management system is expected to be ready in November. The new system is intended to help staff make better placements and track investigations related to group homes.
During the committee session, opposition MLAs raised concerns about the timeline for establishing the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate. Regulations for the office are still being drafted, with an expected launch within the current fiscal year. NDP MLA Lisa Lachance criticized the time taken to establish the office, noting that calls for it have been made since 2018.