Authority Development

Authority Development was the category of sub-projects for creating the four new child and family services Authorities. The development of the Authorities was the key feature of the new system. The Authorities do not deliver services directly, but play an integral role in the coordination of services province-wide and are the governing bodies overseeing these services. The responsibilities of the Authorities include:

• Delegating the mandate for service delivery to their respective service delivery agencies
• Developing policies and procedures
• Assessing needs, setting priorities, planning, funding and service management
• Ensuring that children and families have access to quality services
• Ensuring that policies and standards are followed
• Monitoring and assessing service delivery
• Working with other Authorities, community partners, private bodies and government to coordinate service delivery
• Promoting collaboration and cooperation among communities, service affiliates and Authorities

On June 10, 2002, legislation to create the new Authorities and structure was introduced in The Legislative Assembly. Royal Assent was received on August 9, 2002. The Child and Family Services Authorities Act came into force upon proclamation, November 24, 2003. The legislation is an important first step toward the restructured child and family services system.