Child advocate urgently needed as children in care are failed by the system: NSNDP

HALIFAX – Today, Opportunities and Social Development Critic Lina Hamid made the following statement in response to a recent news report about children running away and going missing from group homes:

“Our hearts are broken for every child in care who has been let down by this government. The fact that there are fewer than 150 children living in group homes, yet almost 500 incidents of children going missing from group homes in the last year, shows that these young people are not getting the support they need from a system that’s supposed to protect them.

Children are some of the most vulnerable Nova Scotians, and they deserve a dedicated voice that will represent them, their interests, and their needs to the Houston government. For nearly a decade, New Democrats have been calling for a Child and Youth Advocate to ensure that vulnerable children are heard and protected the same way they are in other provinces. The Houston government promised to create an advocate in 2021, and passed legislation for one in 2024, but years later, Nova Scotian youth are still waiting.

Children in the care of this government are falling through the cracks, and vulnerable youth can’t keep waiting. The legislation is there. There’s money in the budget. We don’t know why the Houston government keeps stalling on their promise to create a Child and Youth Advocate, but we will keep fighting until there’s one in place.”

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