Department of Social Development

The Department of Social Development is responsible for managing programs and services designed to provide protection and care for children, seniors, individuals and families, while also fostering independence and self-sufficiency.  We are responsible for overseeing social assistance programs, licensing and inspecting long term care homes, coordinating adoption, kinship and foster care and providing a range of health services and programs like Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision. We work with non-profit organizations and community groups to ensure that the department’s programs and services are effective in supporting clients.

• Planning and overseeing child welfare and youth programs and services.  
• Providing support and care for children and youth through child protection, foster and kinship care, and family-based programs.  
• Monitoring the continued eligibility of the provincial social assistance caseload.  
• Offering comprehensive health services, including dental care, hearing aids, medical supplies, and prosthetic devices, to improve the well-being of low-income individuals with specific health needs.  
• Ensuring the safety of residents through the licensing and monitoring of nursing homes and special care homes.
• Overseeing income security programs and services including Transitional Assistance, Interim Assistance, Extended Benefits Programs and all income support special benefits.
• Enhancing shelter availability through programs like the Shelter Enhancement Program.
• Offering various services and programs, including vehicle retrofit assistance through the Vehicle Retrofit Program, to enable greater independence and mobility for individuals with disabilities. 

• Improve the care and support provided to residents of long term care facilities and to those receiving care at home.
• Ensure the well-being of children and youth and include their views and preferences during decision-making that affects them.  
• Improve employability skills for social assistance recipients.