Agency merges with province

BY WENDY ELLIOT

Kings County Register

The amalgamation of Family and Children's Services of Kings County and the Department of Community Services will provide consistent service delivery for children and families.

The move was coming for some time, says Mark Mander, who chairs the board of one of the oldest private agencies in the province. It follows a routine audit that found a number of serious problems.

Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services, announced the shift May 21. "Community Services, along with the board of directors of Family and Children's Services of Kings County, feel it is in the best interest of local children, families and staff that they integrate with the department. Our priority is to protect children and families who need help and support."

Leonard Doiron, former acting director of child welfare for the province, will manage the Kings County office on an interim basis to address concerns identified in the audit. Community Services staff will also work with the agency to manage and provide support through the integration process.

Mander says the volunteer board and agency status will be dissolved Dec. 31. The department will be responsible for service delivery. All of the current staff will become civil servants Aug. 31.

“No one is losing their jobs,” Mander notes. He also adds heavy caseloads did not lead to the problems illuminated in the audit.

"The board members of Family and Children's Services of Kings County will continue to be strong advocates for children," says Mander, also Kentville’s police chief. The agency’s foundation will continue to operate.

"By moving the agency over to the Department of Community Services, board members will be able to concentrate their efforts more on the needs of children and community development."

The recent audit on the agency's files by child welfare staff from Community Services found management and direct practice concerns that included poor documentation, inadequate assessments and inconsistent response times.

A number of measures will be implemented immediately: a risk-management process consistent with provincial child protection and children in care standards, additional training, The Department of Community Services is auditing all child welfare offices and agencies in the province.