About
SeaStar is a safe, welcoming place, where different agencies and services work together to improve the way our community responds to concerns of child abuse.
As a leader in Atlantic Canada, SeaStar’s innovative approach brings together professionals from law enforcement, child welfare, health care, mental health, and justice systems. Our aim is to create one integrated approach to investigation, assessment, and treatment of suspected violence or abuse.
Referrals
SeaStar does not take direct referrals. Referrals to SeaStar are made by the Department of Community Services or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services, or police.
If you are concerned that a child or youth is at risk, contact the Department of Community Services or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services office where the child lives. After regular business hours, call 1 (866) 922-2434.
When a child is referred to SeaStar, we may offer:
- Coordinated, one-stop services
- Welcoming environment, designed specifically for children and youth
- Calm, comfortable interview room
- Specialized medical assessment (if needed)
- Personalized, ongoing support
- Help assessing options for mental health services
- Enhanced communication across agencies
About Child and Youth Advocacy Centres
SeaStar is one of over 40 Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) open and in development across Canada. CYACs are safe, child-focused spaces where multidisciplinary teams collaborate to support children and youth who have experienced abuse throughout healing and criminal justice processes.
SeaStar is a member of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres of Canada, and the Atlantic Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Network.
Note that a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, like SeaStar, is not the same as an Office of the Child Advocate. While the names are similar and both work to advance the best interests of children, their mandates are different and separate.
If you are looking for the Office of the Ombudsman in Nova Scotia, please visit: https://ombudsman.novascotia.ca/