A social worker from Nova Scotia Child Protective Services called me. Are my children going to be taken away from me?

It can be scary for a parent to get a call from child protection workers, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the children are going to be taken away. In Nova Scotia, child protection is part of the Department of Opportunities Social Development, and is often referred to as CPS, though some people will also use the acronym CAS, which is short for Children’s Aid Society, which is the name used in Ontario.

Referral to Nova Scotia Child Protection Services

A call from a social worker to a parent is usually the result of a “referral” relating to children in the parent’s care. A referral can be made by anyone in the community, if they have concerns about the safety of the children. Some professionals, like teachers, therapists, doctors, and police officers, have an obligation to make a referral if they find out about something that is potentially harmful to a child.

Referrals are investigated by social workers in a few different ways. Sometimes, if the referral is very obviously unfounded or not an actual concern, the parent may not be contacted at all. Most of the time, however, the social worker will contact you to make sure that the children are okay, and to try to find out if there is any truth to the concern.

Honesty and Co-operation

While you don’t have an obligation to speak to the social worker, as long as there is not a court application started, it’s a good idea to do so, being as honest and co-operative as possible. If you are struggling with any aspect of parenting, often the social worker can provide help, in the form of resources, classes, even respite caregiving for children with special needs.

Co-operating with the child protection workers usually prevents a court application from being made. Sometimes, the other parent is the concern, and co-operating with the directions of the social worker can assist you in court proceedings to address any parenting arrangements that need to be made.

For example, if your ex has issues with addiction, and is exposing the children to drugs when they are in that parent’s home, the social worker may tell you not to let the children go to that parent’s home, and to try supervised parenting time instead.

Keep good records

It’s a good idea to write down everything that a social worker tells you to do. If you are dealing with the social worker frequently, consider sending an email to the social worker after each conversation that summarizes what was discussed, and the plans that were agreed upon to keep the children safe. This makes it easier to go back and review the plan to make sure you are following it.

Get Legal Advice

Child protection can be scary and complicated, but it can also be a valuable resource to parents who need assistance with parenting. There is no shame in needing help. If you are unsure about what is happening, and want legal advice on your particular situation, contact us for a Family Matter Consult.

If Child Protective Services have already taken your child into custody, read out blog on the first steps in the process: Social workers from Nova Scotia child protection took away my children. What do I do now? How do I get my kids back?

By: Anastacia DesLauriers – Lawyer

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