HALIFAX — The Federation of Foster Families Nova Scotia says the provincial government has already slashed more than half of its funding and intends to end the remainder next year, a move the advocacy group warns will weaken support and representation for foster parents and youth in care.
Funding changes and immediate impacts
The federation, which has trained and advocated on behalf of Nova Scotia foster parents for five decades, says the province reduced its annual provincial grant by 52 per cent in the March budget. Provincial officials later informed the organization in June that they plan to stop all remaining funding in the next fiscal year.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Previous annual provincial funding | $1.1 million |
| Cut announced in March | 52% |
| Remaining funding | Planned elimination next year |
The federation says the reduction has already forced it to cancel programs and that further cuts will limit its ability to recruit new foster parents and speak up on behalf of children and youth who rely on the system.
Advocacy and training shifting to government
Opportunities and Social Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek told reporters the province will take over some training responsibilities now performed by the federation. The federation says some training programs will now be delivered by the government, but it argues those changes will not fully replace the services and advocacy the organization has provided.
“It will certainly weaken the voice of the [foster] parents, for sure. Whether or not it weakens the whole system, it depends on how they go about training,”
The comment was made by Christopher Higgins, chair of the federation's board, in an interview Tuesday. Higgins said the federation had been developing a program to connect foster parents with potential recruits — a project cancelled after the initial budget cut.
Concerns about recruitment and advocacy
Federation leaders say recruitment of new foster families is particularly vulnerable. Training and outreach programs have been central to attracting and retaining carers over the decades, they say. With those resources reduced or transferred, they fear fewer prospective parents will come forward and current foster parents may have less organisational support.
The group also warned that terminating its funding will diminish an independent advocacy channel. For half a century the federation has provided a platform for foster caregivers to raise concerns about individual cases and broader system issues. The organization says losing core funding will limit its capacity to monitor and speak out on systemic problems affecting youth in care.
Government response and wider debate
The Progressive Conservative government led by Premier Tim Houston has faced criticism this year over budget choices and cuts across several sectors. Officials say the shift will centralize training within government and deliver services directly, but the federation and some foster parents remain sceptical about whether that model will preserve independent advocacy and community-based recruitment efforts.
- What changed: March budget cut 52 per cent of the federation's $1.1-million provincial funding.
- Next step: Province disclosed in June it plans to eliminate remaining funding next year.
- Immediate result: Some federation programs cancelled, including a recruitment initiative.
Higgins said the federation continues to work with the department on transition plans but warned that program terminations are already taking place. He said the federation’s diminished capacity will hamper both training outreach and advocacy efforts.
Community implications
The change raises practical questions for foster parents, prospective carers and community groups that support youth in care. If the government assumes direct responsibility for training, local agencies and municipalities will want clarity on how training will be delivered, what standards will be maintained and how families can access support during the shift.
Those questions will be central to maintaining stability in the foster-care system at a time when demand for placements and support services remains a pressing concern for communities across the province.
As the federation and the department negotiate next steps, foster families and advocates say they will be watching closely to see whether government-led training and services can preserve the voice and supports that the federation has provided for decades.
Reporting for NEXO RADAR.
