The Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Community Resources was established on February 3, 2006. It was responsible for the administration of The Child and Family Services Amendment Act, 2003. The division reported to one of the department's Assistant Deputy Ministers, Shelley Whitehead. Its programs and services provided targeted support for at-risk children, youth and families. Program areas included: child protection and family support services; foster care provided by families throughout the province; adoption and the provision of post-adoption information; teen and young parent welfare; family violence intervention and counselling; and child nutrition education. The division also consulted with child and family services agencies from eighteen First Nations on the provision of child welfare services to families living on reserve.

The Child and Family Services Division was disestablished on November 21, 2007. Responsibilities of the division were transferred to the Child and Family Services Division of the Ministry of Social Services.

The Department of Community Resources was established on February 3, 2006 as a result of government reorganization. At its establishment, the department was organized into four program divisions: Income Assistance; Community Living; Housing; and Child and Family Services. Additionally, the department had several corporate services branches and hosted the Office of Disability Issues. Programs and services of the department were delivered through a network of five regional offices and service centres located in twenty-two communities throughout Saskatchewan. Deputy Ministers of the department were Wynne Young (Feb. to Apr. 2006) and Duncan Fisher (Apr. 2006-2007).

The Income Assistance Division was responsible for providing programs and services to residents of the province in financial need. Programs included: the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement; the Transitional Employment Allowance; Family Health Benefits; and the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan. As well, it provided subsidies for rental housing, child care and bus fares.

The Community Living Division was responsible for programs and services that supported the development of inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Services were provided to individuals and their families through a system of community-based social, residential and early childhood programs and by community service workers. The division also operated Valley View Centre, a long-term residence and care facility located in Moose Jaw. Additionally, the division worked cooperatively with non-governmental organizations including the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres and the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living in the delivery of its programs and services.

The Housing Division supported affordable housing initiatives for low- and moderate-income families in the province. It oversaw the housing resources of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, a Crown corporation, which managed agreements for housing with housing authorities and cooperatives, non-profit agencies and private landlords throughout the province. As well, the division administered programs to assist in the housing needs of low-income, elderly and disabled residents. The programs included: the Centenary Affordable Housing Program; the Saskatchewan Assisted Living Services program; the Saskatchewan Home Adaptations for Independence Program; and the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program.

The Child and Family Services Division was responsible for the administration of The Child and Family Services Amendment Act, 2003. Its programs and services supported child protection, foster care, adoption and post-adoption care, teen and young parent welfare, family violence intervention and counselling, and child nutrition and development. The division also consulted with child and family services agencies from eighteen First Nations on the provision of child welfare services to families living on reserve.

Corporate services supported program and service implementation within the department. They were comprised of: the Human Resources Division; Intergovernmental Relations Branch; Communications and Public Education Branch; Strategic Policy Branch; Research and Evaluation Branch; Information Technology Services Division; and Financial Management Division.

The Department of Community Resources was disestablished on November 21, 2007 and all of its responsibilities were transferred to the Ministry of Social Services.

The Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Community Resources and Employment was established on April 1, 2003. It was responsible for the administration of The Child and Family Services Amendment Act, 2003. The division reported to one of the department's Assistant Deputy Ministers, Shelley Whitehead. Its programs and services supported child protection, foster care, adoption, teen and young parent welfare, and family violence intervention and counselling. The division also consulted with child and family services agencies from eighteen First Nations on the provision of child welfare services to families living on reserve.

The Child and Family Services Division was disestablished on February 3, 2006. Responsibilities of the division were transferred to the Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Community Resources.

The Department of Community Resources and Employment was established on April 1, 2003 when it was renamed from the former Department of Social Services by regulations of The Government Organization Act. At its establishment, the department was organized into four program divisions: Employment and Income Assistance; Community Living; Housing; and Child and Family Services. Additionally, the department had several corporate services branches and hosted the Office of Disability Issues. Programs and services of the department were delivered through a network of five regional offices and service centres located in twenty-two communities throughout Saskatchewan. Deputy Ministers of the department were Bonnie Durnford (2003-2004) and Wynne Young (2004-2006).

The Employment and Income Assistance Division was responsible for providing employment-related and financial services to residents of the province. Programs such as the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan (SAP), the Transitional Employment Allowance, and the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement provided income support. Further income support programs such as The Saskatchewan Child Benefit and Family Health Benefits provided assistance to low-income families, while the Saskatchewan Income Plan assisted low-income seniors.

Career and employment services offered by the division included: career planning; information on job availability; skills training; and work experience programs. The division was also responsible for the Child Care Branch (by 2006, renamed the Early Learning and Child Care Branch) which administered licences to day care facilities and provided subsidies to low-income families requiring day care services.

The Community Living Division was responsible for programs and services that supported the development of inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Services were provided to individuals and their families through a system of community-based social, residential and early childhood programs and by community service workers. The division also operated Valley View Centre, a long-term residence and care facility located in Moose Jaw. Additionally, the division worked cooperatively with non-governmental organizations including the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres and the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living in the delivery of its programs and services.

The Housing Division supported affordable housing initiatives for low- and moderate-income families in the province. It oversaw the housing resources of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, a Crown corporation, which managed agreements for housing with housing authorities and cooperatives, non-profit agencies and private landlords throughout the province.

The Child and Family Services Division was responsible for the administration of The Child and Family Services Amendment Act, 2003. Its programs and services supported child protection, foster care, adoption, teen and young parent welfare, and family violence intervention and counselling. The division also consulted with child and family services agencies from eighteen First Nations on the provision of child welfare services to families living on reserve.

Corporate services supported program and service implementation within the department. They were comprised of: the Human Resources Division; Intergovernmental Relations Branch; Communications and Public Education Branch; Strategic Policy Branch; Research and Evaluation Branch; Information Technology Services Division; and Finance and Property Management Division.

The Department of Community Resources and Employment was disestablished on February 3, 2006. Career and employment services were assumed by the Department of Advanced Education and Employment, while responsibility for child care programs and licences was transferred to the Department of Learning. The Department of Community Resources assumed responsibility for income assistance, housing, child and family services, and community living programs and services.

The Family and Youth Services Division of the Department of Social Services was established in 1992 through an amalgamation of services and responsibilities of two previous divisions: one for children and families and another for young offenders. In doing so, the goal of the department was to provide a more effective level of services to children, youth and families than in the previous organizational structure. Programs and services offered by the division were delivered by staff in twenty-five communities throughout Saskatchewan, from nine government-operated facilities, and by non-governmental agencies.

Activities of the division were focused around four key areas: Child Protection and Family Support Services; Alternative and Foster Care; Adoption; and Young Offender Services. Child Protection and Family Support Services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes. In-house support provided by workers and non-governmental agencies included parenting education, life skills training, emergency babysitting, counselling and support, emergency crisis intervention, and work with local police and justice to address cases of abuse and/or sexual assault.

Alternative and Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. The four types of foster care offered were: emergency; short-term; long-term and therapeutic. Children were also placed with extended family, in group homes or in short-term residential facilities. Stabilization, assessment and treatment services were provided, along with training and support to those offering foster care in their homes.

Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were categorized as Crown ward (those in the care of Social Services) or non-ward (adoptions by step-parents, independent adoptions, international adoptions or adoptions via an agency.) Post-adoption services provided included the provision to adoption clients of background information on their birth parents, and the conducting of searches for birth families.

Young Offender Services administered the client files of youth, aged 12 to 17, who were in the justice system in accordance with the federal Young Offenders Act (Canada). Services were provided under a youth model of justice which recognized the differences in developmental level between youth and adult offenders. Services offered were consistent with the Act, and
included Alternative Measures (non-judicial mediation), Community Options (judicial interim release, community homes, community service orders, personal service orders, fines, compensation, and probation), and custody options (remand, open custody and closed custody.) Young offender services were transferred to the Department of Corrections and Safety on March 26, 2002.

The Department of Social Services was discontinued on March 31, 2003. All services and programs except young offender services were continued under the Department of Community Resources and Employment.

Established in 1988, the Family Services Division of the Department of Social Services provided child, family and youth social services by authority of The Family Services Act. Programs and services were delivered through a network of twenty-three regional offices throughout the province. The division also oversaw provisions of service by non-governmental organizations that supplemented or complemented services provided by the department. The division reported to the Assistant Deputy Minister of the department.

Family services included child protection, teen parent and unmarried mother services, adoption, foster care, and family violence services. Child protection services investigated into all reports of child abuse or neglect. Subsequent measures included counselling, referral and supportive services or the removal of a child from the home. Teen parent and unmarried mother services provided information, referrals, counselling, and pre-natal and post-natal support services, as well as services for single mothers seeking to place children for adoption. Adoption services were responsible for the recruitment, screening, preparation and selection of adoptive families for children in need of placement, as well as facilitating private, step-parent, and international adoptions. The foster home program provided substitute family
environments for children in need of temporary or permanent placement. Responsibility for children in foster care was shared between the department and the foster parents in the program. Family violence services were provided by departmental staff and by non-governmental organizations and included crisis accommodation, crisis intervention, counselling and family support.

Responsibilities of the Family Services Division, along with those of the Young Offenders Division, were amalgamated in 1992 to form the Family and Youth Services Division of the Department of Social Services.

Established in 1983, the Family Support Division of the Department of Social Services provided child, family and youth social services by authority of The Family Services Act and Regulations and the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. (after April 1984, the Young Offenders Act). Programs and services were delivered through a network of twenty-four service delivery units throughout the province. The division also oversaw provisions of service by non-governmental organizations that supplemented or complemented services provided by the department. The division reported to the Assistant Deputy Minister of the department, and was organized into two sections: Child and Family Services and Youth Services.

Child and Family Services included child protection, single parent services, adoption and foster care. Child protection services investigated into all reports of child abuse or neglect. Subsequent measures included counselling, referral and supportive services or the removal of a child from the home. Single parent services provided information, referrals, counselling, and pre-natal and post-natal support services, as well as services for single mothers seeking to place children for adoption. In addition, services were expanded to focus on teen parents. Adoption services were responsible for the recruitment, screening, preparation and selection of adoptive families for children in need of placement, as well as facilitating private and step-parent adoptions. In addition, the REACH (Resources for the Adoption of Children) program coordinated adoptions for children with special needs and circumstances. The Foster Home Program provided substitute family environments for children in need of temporary or permanent placement. Responsibility for children in foster care was shared between the department and the foster parents in the program.

Youth Services included young offenders services and residential services. Young offenders services administered cases of juvenile offenders in the justice system. Services offered were consistent with the Act, and included Alternative Measures (non-judicial mediation), Community Options (judicial
interim release, community homes, day programs, community service orders, personal service orders, fines, compensation, and probation), and Custody Options (remand, open custody and secure custody.) Residential services were provided from four child care facilities: Saskatchewan Boys' Centre (renamed Paul Dojack Centre in 1985), Roy Wilson Centre, Dales House and Kilburn Hall, from purchased residential care from three non-governmental organizations and from government-funded group homes and receiving homes throughout the province.

As a result of a departmental re-organization in 1985, child and family services renamed the responsibility of the Family Support Division, while a separate division was created for young offender services. A subsequent re-organization in 1988 had responsibilities of the Family Support Division transferred to the Family Services Division.

Established in 1980, the Regional Services Division of the Department of Social Services delivered services under the authority of The Saskatchewan Assistance Act and Regulations, The Family Services Act, The Unified Family Court Act and the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. Services and programs were administered from eight regions with district offices located in major centres within the regions. Services provided by the division included income support, child protection, unmarried parents' services, adoption, foster care, young offenders' services, special youth resources and emergency social services.

Income support services determined the eligibility of recipients for financial assistance and administered the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan. The Child Protection Program was responsible for the investigation into all reports of child abuse or neglect. Subsequent measures included counselling, referral and supportive services or the removal of a child from the home. Unmarried parents' services provided information, referrals, counselling, and pre-natal and post-natal support services to unmarried parents. Additionally, services were provided to unmarried mothers seeking to place children for adoption. Adoption services were responsible for the recruitment, screening, preparation and selection of adoptive families for children in need of placement, as well as facilitating private and step-parent adoptions. In addition, the REACH (Resources for the Adoption of Children) program coordinated adoptions for children with special needs and circumstances. The Foster Home Program provided substitute family environments for children in need of temporary or permanent placement. Responsibility for children in foster care was shared between the department and the foster parents in the program. Young offenders' services administered cases of juvenile offenders in the justice system. Departmental, community and residential services included counselling, legal assistance, psychological and psychiatric assessments, predisposition investigations, probation services and detention services. The division operated four child care facilities (Saskatchewan Boys' Centre, Roy Wilson Centre, Dales House and Kilburn Hall), purchased residential care from three non-governmental organizations and funded various group homes and receiving homes throughout the province. Emergency social services provided food, clothing, lodging and personal services in the event of large-scale disasters.

As a result of re-organization in 1983, income support became the responsibility of the department's Income Security Division, while all other programs became the responsibility of the Family Support Division.

Established in 1979, the Community and Personal Services Division of the Department of Social Services provided services and programs to strengthen and support individual and family life in Saskatchewan. The division was organized into three branches: Core Services Branch; Home Care and Senior Citizens Branch; and Family and Community Services Branch.

The Core Services Branch was responsible for providing services to mentally challenged persons and for supporting the non-governmental organizations that offered complementary services. Community residential programs such as approved homes, group homes, training homes and semi-independent living settings offered care with an aim of clients functioning as independently as possible. The Community Resource Home and Outreach Program provided respite services to clients' families. The Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw and the North Park Centre in Prince Albert provided residential facilities for long-term care and programming. As well, the branch was responsible for the administration of activity centres and sheltered workshops throughout the province.

The Home Care and Senior Citizens Branch was organized into two sections: Senior Citizens and Home Care. The Senior Citizens Section was responsible for the planning and development of special-care homes, for the provision of subsidies to all residents of special-care homes, and for the licensing of low-income housing units for seniors. The section also established a Regulations Review Committee to review regulations pursuant to The Housing and Special-care Homes Act. The Home Care Section was responsible for the organization of district home care boards that provided home care service. Services delivered by the boards included nursing, homemaking, meals, home maintenance, and physical and occupational therapy. The section also coordinated with non-governmental agencies and senior care centres to provide services and to promote independence in seniors.

The Family and Community Services Branch was organized into three sections: Family and Youth Services Section; Day Care Section; and Community Services Section. The Family and Youth Services Section operated under the authority of The Family Services Act, The Unified Family Court Act, The Children of Unmarried Parents Act, and the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. The section provided protection for children from families struggling to care for them in the form of counselling and foster care. Adoption services were provided through ward agreements and through the REACH (Resources for the Adoption of Children) program. Four child care facilities (Saskatchewan Boys' Centre, Roy Wilson Centre, Dales House, Kilburn Hall) along with several non-governmental agencies provided care for troubled youth. As well, the section provided juvenile offender services. The Day Care Section administered grants and monitored the standards of a variety of day care services throughout the province. The section encouraged involvement of parents in decision-making on the provision of services, and promoted public awareness about day care services. The Community Services Section administered grants and monitored the standards, financial operations and licenses of non-governmental social services organizations.

As a result of re-organization in 1980, child and youth services became the responsibility of the department's Regional Services Division, and seniors and home care services became the responsibility of the Continuing Care Division. All core services, day care and community services remained the responsibility of the Community and Personal Services Division.

Established in 1978, the Family and Community Services Branch of the Department of Social Services was responsible for the delivery of a variety of programs under authority of the following acts: The Family Services Act, 1973; The Unified Family Court Act; The Children of Unmarried Parents Act, 1973; and the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. Programs and services of the division were delivered through a decentralized network of regional offices throughout the province. The Branch was also responsible for the administration of grants and licensing to residential centres, group homes and day cares through its Community Services and Day Care Divisions.

Child protection services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes and were administered through the Child Protection Registry. Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were administered through ward and non-ward agreements, and through the REACH program (Resources for the Adoption of Children) which found placements in homes for children with special needs. Services to unmarried mothers included financial assistance, health care, maternity home care, counselling and training. Cases of juvenile offenders were administered in accordance with the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. Institutional care for troubled youth was provided at four child care facilities (Saskatchewan Boys' School/Centre, Roy Wilson Centre, Dales House and Kilburn Hall) and at various private institutions throughout the province.

As a result of departmental re-organization in 1979, the Family and Community Services Branch became the responsibility of the department's Community and Personal Services Division.

In the months following the establishment of the Department of Northern Saskatchewan (D.N.S.) in May 1972, responsibility for social services programs to the province's Northern Administration District was transferred from the Department of Social Services. A Social Services Division was organized under the Operations Branch of the D.N.S. during the 1972-1973 fiscal year. Regional offices were established at Uranium City, La Ronge, Buffalo Narrows and Creighton, and a temporary office was located at Meadow Lake. Program delivery in the areas of public assistance, child welfare and probation commenced. For the 1973-1974 fiscal year, a Social Services Division existed as part of the Health and Social Development Branch. Despite the change in organizational structure, there was no alteration to the programs and services offered. A permanent regional office at Green Lake replaced the temporary location at Meadow Lake.

By the 1974-1975 fiscal year, a Social Services Branch was established. For the duration of its existence, the branch focused on the program areas of public assistance; child and family welfare; corrections; community services. Programs and services continued to be delivered through the network of regional offices, which included a sixth office at La Loche by 1975.

Public assistance was offered through the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan and Old Age Social Security Assistance. Child and family welfare services included: child protection; foster homes and child care centres; adoption services; day care centres; assistance to unmarried mothers; and administration of putative father cases. Community recreation centres were established in 1974. Additional community services introduced by the branch included: the Services to the Elderly Program (by 1980 known as the Northern Home Care Program); the Employment Support Program; and rehabilitation programs for residents with alcohol dependency. Corrections initiatives included: probation supervision and programs; the supervision of parolees from federal institutions living in the north; a probation hostel located at Potato Lake; and community corrections centres at Besnard Lake and Buffalo Narrows which opened in 1981 and 1982, respectively.

The Social Services Branch existed until 1982, when responsibility for social services was transferred back to the Department of Social Services. The Department of Northern Saskatchewan was disestablished in 1984.

Originally established in 1972 as the Regional Services Division, the Social Services Division of the Department of Social Services was responsible for the delivery of a variety of programs under authority of the following acts: The Family Services Act, 1973; The Saskatchewan Assistance Act and Regulations; The Children of Unmarried Parents Act, 1973; The Rehabilitation Act; and the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. Programs and services of the division were delivered through a decentralized network of regional offices throughout the province.

Programs administered by the division centered on child care and welfare, employment readiness, and income support.

Child protection services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes. To aid in the delivery of service, a Child Protection Registry was established in 1977. Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. The Special Foster Care Program offered care for children unable to benefit from traditional or institutional placements. Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were administered through ward and non-ward agreements, and through programs such as the Aim Centre and REACH (Resources for the Adoption of Children) which found placements in homes for children with special needs. Services to unmarried mothers included financial assistance, health care, maternity home care, counselling and training. Cases of juvenile offenders were administered in accordance with the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act. Institutional care for troubled youth was provided at four child care facilities (Saskatchewan Boys' School/Centre, Roy Wilson Centre, Dales House and Kilburn Hall) and at various private institutions throughout the province.

Employment readiness was offered through initiatives such as the Work Activity Program, the Employment Support Program, the Summer Employment Project, the Winter Works Incentive Program, and Work Preparation Centres. These programs frequently operated in co-operation with other government departments. The aim of the programs was to provide skills training and employment opportunities for socially or economically disadvantaged citizens.

Income support was administered through the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan and other assistance programs to citizens with financial need or disability. In addition to income support, the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan offered welfare services such as counselling, rehabilitation and preventative services to clients in need. As well, Local Appeal Boards comprised of departmental staff and local citizens addressed grievances raised by clients about their applications for assistance.

The division also provided corrections services (1972 only), adult probation services (until 1976), and emergency welfare services.

The Social Services Division was renamed the Social Services Branch in 1976, and was in existence until a departmental re-organization in 1978. Responsibilities for child, youth and family services were transferred to the Family and Community Services Branch, employment programs were administered by the Employment Programs Branch, and income support programs became the responsibility of the Income Security Branch.

The Department of Social Services was established in 1972 and repealed the former Department of Welfare Act. It provided for the department, its staff, departmental organization, powers and duties and other miscellaneous provisions necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the department, including the constitution of the Welfare Board. Administrative offices for the department were centralized in Regina and accommodated the Minister, Deputy Minister and directors of the departmental divisions.

At its establishment, the department was organized into four divisions: Regional Services; Community Grants and Standards; Programs; and Corrections, and two branches: Administration; and Personnel and Training. Programs and services were delivered through a decentralized network of eleven regional offices.

In late-1972, the Core Services Administration was established as an interdepartmental agency comprised of the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Departments of Health, Education and Social Services and an executive director. The role of the agency was to administer programs for mentally and physically handicapped citizens that were previously administered by the three departments.

By 1980, the department was organized into six divisions: Operations; Regional Services; Corrections; Continuing Care; Income Support; and Community and Personal Services. Programs and services were delivered through a regional office system as well as through non-governmental organizations.

In 1990, the department was organized into seven divisions: Policy and Intergovernmental Relations; Human Resources; Community Living; Young Offenders; Family Services; Income Security; and Support Services. Programs and services were delivered through a regional office system of six regions, through various Saskatchewan Employment Centres and in partnership with non-governmental organizations.

By 2000, the department was organized into three core divisions: Family and Youth; Community Living; and Income Security. Support services for the department were delivered through three divisions: Organizational Development; Technology and Property Management Services; and Financial Management Services, through four branches: Communication and Public Education; Research and Evaluation; Strategic Policy; and Intergovernmental Relations, and through the Community Development Unit. Programs and services continued to be delivered through a regional office system of six regions and in partnership with non-governmental organizations. As well, the department oversaw the Office of Disability Issues.

The Department of Social Services was discontinued on March 31, 2003 with the establishment of the Department of Community Resources and Employment.

Throughout its history, the department focused on four key functions in the delivery of its programs and services: social assistance; child and family services; correctional services; and community services. Social assistance was administered through the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan and other assistance
programs to citizens with financial need or disability. In addition to income support, the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan offered welfare services such as counselling, rehabilitation and preventative services to clients in need.

Child care services offered included protection of children in troubled family situations, administration of juvenile offenders under the Juvenile Delinquents
Act (later the Young Offenders Act), assistance to unmarried mothers; adoption; foster care; and institutional care for troubled youth. The administration of young offender case files was transferred to the Department of Corrections and Public Safety in 2002.

Correctional services aimed to protect society from those who committed crimes, but also to assist those who committed crimes though guidance, retraining or treatment programs. These programs included educational and vocational training, counselling and therapy, and probation, community residence and parole services. Correctional services were transferred to the Department of Justice in 1983.

Community services offered by the department included day care, recreational services for senior citizens, housing and continuing care for seniors, the disabled or chronically ill and children under institutional care, rehabilitation services and programs for disabled citizens and those with special needs, and
emergency social services. In 1983, the administration of continuing care was transferred to the Department of Health.

The Department of Northern Saskatchewan (D.N.S.) was established on May 1, 1972. It was created based on a commitment made by the Government to the people of northern Saskatchewan to create a single agency that would facilitate the development and administration of programs and services tailored to the needs of the north. Central offices for the D.N.S. were located in La Ronge, and its jurisdiction was the Northern Administration District. The following deputy ministers were responsible for the department throughout its history: J. W. Churchman (1972-1974); M.B. Derrick (1974); Douglas F. McArthur (1974-1975); Marcel L'Heureux (Acting 1975-1976; 1976-1979); J.B. Stobbs (Acting 1979); R.L. Purdie (1979-1983); and Peter Van Es (1983-1984).

Responsibilities were transferred from the following government departments to the D.N.S. between May 1972 and April 1973: Natural Resources; Mineral Resources; Education; Social Services; Co-operatives; Public Health; Agricultures; and Government Services. Throughout much of its history, the department was organized based on four key areas: economic and resource development; project management; social development; and support services.

Economic and resource development initiatives created by the department encouraged growth and prosperity for the people of the north. Branches were devoted to the management, protection and development of resources including fisheries, forestry and agricultural lands; the promotion of tourism and recreational opportunities; and human resource development through the Prospectors' Incentive Plan and the Colleges Branch (later known as the Northern Continuing Education Branch).

Project management related to the development, construction and maintenance of public and private infrastructure in the north. Branches of the department devoted to project management included the Construction and Maintenance Branch; Northern Housing Branch; Engineering Services Branch; Municipal Facilities Branch and Central Services Branch.

Social Development focused on academic education of youth, social services, and public health services. Programs and services were provided through the Academic Education Branch; the Social Services Branch; and the Health Services Branch. By 1980, the Northern Continuing Education Branch was also included in the social development realm.

Support services included those services that benefited the people of the north, and those that assisted the department itself. External support services were provided through the Northern News Branch (later known as the Extension Services Branch); the Northern Air Services Branch; Field Services Branch; and the administration of Saskatchewan Northlands Agreement subsidies. Internal support services included administrative services; personnel and training; financial services; an office for legislation and regulations; planning and research; and the department's Crown solicitor.

The Department of Northern Saskatchewan was disestablished on July 16, 1984. This marked the conclusion of a nearly two-year process of functions and responsibilities of the department being realigned and transferred back to other government departments.

The Operations Division of the Department of Welfare was established in 1968 upon a reorganization of the department. As part of the reorganization, all public assistance, child welfare, corrections, geriatric care and emergency welfare programs and services delivered by the department were made the responsibility of the branch. Programs and services were offered through a network of eleven regions and at various institutions throughout the province. The division was headed by the department's Associate Deputy Minister (Operations), C.A. Westcott.

Public assistance was administered through the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan and other programs for citizens with financial need or disability. In addition to income support, the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan offered welfare services such as counselling, rehabilitation and preventative services to clients in need. As well, Regional Appeal Committees and Regional Advisory Boards, comprised of departmental staff and local citizens, addressed grievances raised by clients about their applications for assistance.

Child welfare programs and services assisted disadvantaged children and families. Child protection services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes. Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. Placements for these children included
foster homes and children's institutions. Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were administered through ward and non-ward agreements, and through programs such as the AIM (Adopt Indian and Métis) program. Services to unmarried mothers included financial assistance, health care, maternity home care, counselling and training. Cases of juvenile offenders were administered in accordance with the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act.

Corrections programs, including adult probation and parole services, were provided through the provincial correctional institutions and from the various regional offices. Geriatric services and programs were provided to the aged and infirm at two geriatric centres and a nursing home. Emergency welfare services were available for response and relief after natural and man-made disasters.

The Operations Division ceased existence on May 12, 1972 when the Department of Welfare was discontinued. The operation of the department's programs and services was continued under the Social Services Division of the Department of Social Services.

The Child Welfare Branch of the Department of Welfare was established in 1965 to provide programs and services that assisted children and families at risk. Its programs and services included: child protection; adoption; foster care; and assistance for unmarried parents. Programs and services were administered under The Child Welfare Act, and were provided through a network of regional offices throughout the province. The director of the Child Welfare Branch was O.H. Driedger.

Child protection services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes. Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were administered through ward and non-ward agreements. In 1967, the Adoption of Indian and Métis (AIM) program was established to increase efforts in the adoption of First Nations and Métis children. Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. Placements for these children included foster homes and children's institutions. Institutions operated by the branch included: Dales House and Kilburn Hall, temporary residences for children; and the Saskatchewan Boys' School, a temporary residence for delinquent boys. The branch also provided subsidies to private societies, religious groups and service clubs which provided residences for the temporary care of children. Services to unmarried mothers included financial assistance, and support in establishing paternity of the children in order to secure financial assistance from the fathers.

As a result of departmental reorganization in 1968, the planning and administration of child welfare programs became the responsibility of the department's Programs Division, while the delivery of child welfare client services became the responsibility of the Operations Division.

The Department of Welfare was established on May 1, 1965 and repealed The Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Act (S.S. 1949, c. 10). It provided for the department, its staff, departmental organization, powers and duties, and other miscellaneous provisions necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the department. At its establishment, the department was organized into eight branches: Staff Services; Public Assistance; Child Welfare; Housing and Special-care Homes; Corrections; Rehabilitation; Regional Services; and Emergency Welfare, along with the Bureau on Alcoholism. Programs and services were offered through a network of eleven regions in the province.

The Staff Services Branch provided administrative services for the department, including accounting, records management, procurement, legal services, human resources, research and planning.

The Public Assistance Branch provided programs to residents of the province who demonstrated financial need. Programs included social aid, aid to dependent families, old age assistance, disabled and blind persons' allowances, and deserted wives and children's assistance.

The protection and care of children in need was provided by the Child Welfare Branch. Programs offered included protection services, support to unmarried mothers, adoption services, foster care and institutional care for children not suitable for foster care.

The Housing and Special-care Homes Branch offered programs and residence for aged, needy and blind persons, as well as residence for low-income families throughout Saskatchewan.

The Corrections Branch administered correctional services to offenders through its three correctional centres, as well as rehabilitation, parole and probation services.

Vocational rehabilitation programs and services were offered to the province's disabled by the Rehabilitation Branch. The branch also administered academic and vocational training programs to Métis groups in the province.

The Regional Services Branch administered a network of ten regions that delivered public assistance, child welfare, vocational rehabilitation, corrections and geriatric programs and services throughout the province. Regional offices were located at Regina, Weyburn, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Fort Qu'Appelle, Yorkton, Melfort, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Meadow Lake.

The Emergency Welfare Services Branch oversaw programs and services that provided response and relief after natural and man-made disasters. The branch also made available mobile disaster assistance to other provinces and to the United States.

The Bureau on Alcoholism administered programs that offered education and treatment to persons afflicted with alcoholism. The Bureau also conducted research into alcoholism and its treatment. Responsibility for the Bureau was transferred to the Department of Public Health in November 1965.

In 1968, a major reorganization of the department took place, aimed at further decentralizing authority and responsibility of the department's programs and services. The department's internal administration was organized into five branches: Administration; Personnel; Staff Training; Information and Public Relations; and Research and Statistics. An Operations Division was established to deliver services offered by the department to residents of the province. The previous network of regional offices was maintained, with each lead by a regional director. As well, the province's correctional, child care, rehabilitation and geriatric centres were organized under the division. The Program Division was responsible for the assessment and modification of programs offered by the department. It consisted of a director and eight consultants specializing in program areas of the department.

The Department of Welfare was discontinued on May 12, 1972 with the establishment of the Department of Social Services.

The Child Welfare Branch of the Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was established in 1954 to provide programs and services that assisted children and families at risk. Its programs and services included: child protection; adoption; foster care; the education of blind children (until 1955); and assistance for unmarried parents. Programs and services were administered under The Child Welfare Act and The Education of Blind and Deaf Children's Act, and were provided through a network of regional offices throughout the province. The Director of the Child Welfare Branch was V.M. Parr.

Child protection services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes. Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were administered through ward and non-ward agreements. Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. Placements for these children included foster homes and children's institutions. Institutions operated by the branch included: Embury House, a permanent residence for emotionally disturbed children (closed in October 1964); Dales House, a temporary residence for children; and the Saskatchewan Boys' School (opened in 1959), a temporary residence for delinquent boys. The education of the province's blind children took place in Ontario at the Brantford School for the Blind. The branch coordinated the placement of students and assumed the cost of their education. Responsibility for the education of blind students was transferred to the Department of Education in April, 1955. Services to unmarried mothers included financial assistance, and support in establishing paternity of the children in order to secure financial assistance from the fathers.

In addition to services offered by department staff, the Children's Aid Society of Saskatoon provided child protection services and supervision of juvenile delinquents in that city. As well, it operated Kilburn Hall, a receiving home that offered temporary care for children of all ages. The Children's Aid Society of Saskatoon ceased operations in 1959, at which time the branch assumed all services provided by the Society.

The Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was discontinued on April 30, 1965 with the establishment of the Department of Welfare. Responsibility for child welfare programs and services was assumed by the Child Welfare Branch of the new department.

The Public Welfare Branch of the Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was established in 1951 by an amalgamation of the department's Child Welfare Branch and Public Assistance Branch. The new branch was comprised of three divisions: Child Welfare; Public Assistance; and Regional Services. Directors of the divisions were M.E. Battel, A.W. Shivon and R.S. Johnston, respectively.

The Child Welfare Division was responsible for the administration of The Child Welfare Act and The Education of Blind and Deaf Children Act. Programs provided by the division were child protection, support to unmarried mothers, the education of blind students, adoption services, foster care and institutional care for children not suitable for foster care. The division also worked in cooperation with the Children's Aid Societies of Saskatoon and Moose Jaw for the provision of child protection and foster care programs and services.

The Public Assistance Division was responsible for the administration of: The Old Age Assistance Act; The Blind Persons' Allowance Act; The Social Aid Act; The Deserted Wives' and Children's Maintenance Act, 1950; and The Mothers' Allowance Regulations. Programs provided by the division were social aid, aid to dependent families, old age assistance, disabled and blind persons' allowances, assistance to those under long-term hospital care, and deserted wives and children's assistance.

The Regional Services Division provided child welfare and public assistance services through a network of regional offices throughout the province. Regional offices were located at Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Yorkton. Regional sub-offices were located at Weyburn (for the Regina region), Melfort (Prince Albert region) and Swift Current (Moose Jaw region).

As a result of departmental reorganization in 1954, the Child Welfare, Public Assistance and Regional Services divisions became distinct branches within the department's organizational structure, and the Public Welfare Branch ceased existence. All of the former divisions' responsibilities were transferred to the respective new branches.

The Child Welfare Branch of the Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was established in 1949 to provide programs and services that assisted disadvantaged children and families. Its programs and services included: child protection; adoption; foster care; the education of blind children; and assistance for unmarried parents. Services and programs were administered under The Child Welfare Act and The Education of Blind and Deaf Children's Act, and were provided through a network of regional offices throughout the province. The Director of the Child Welfare Branch was V.M. Parr.

Child protection services addressed reports of child abuse or neglect in homes. Adoption services provided counselling and facilitated planning for the placement of children relinquished for adoption. Adoptions were administered through ward and non-ward agreements. Foster care was provided in situations of temporary or permanent removal of children from their families. Placements for these children included foster homes and children's institutions. Institutions operated by the branch included: a children's home at Green Lake; a babies' nursery in Regina; receiving homes in North Battleford and Regina; and a girls' hostel in Regina. The education of the province's blind children took place in Ontario at the Brantford School for the Blind. The branch coordinated the placement of students and assumed the cost of their education as no appropriate services were offered in Saskatchewan. Services to unmarried mothers included financial assistance, and support in establishing paternity of the children in order to secure financial assistance from the fathers.

In addition to services offered by department staff, Children's Aid Societies in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon provided child protection services and supervision of juvenile delinquents in those cities. As well, the Children's Aid Society of Saskatoon operated Kilburn Hall, a receiving home that offered temporary care for children of all ages.

As a result of departmental reorganization in 1951, the Child Welfare Branch was amalgamated with the department's Public Assistance Branch to form the Public Welfare Branch. All of the former branch's responsibilities were transferred to the new branch.

The Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was established on April 1, 1949 upon the amalgamation of the Department of Social Welfare and the Department of Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. At its establishment, the department was organized into the following branches and divisions: Child Welfare Branch; Corrections Branch; Old Age Pensions Branch; Social Aid Branch; Veterans' Rehabilitation Branch; Welfare Services Division; Administration Division; Home for the Infirm; and Regina Nursing Home.

The Child Welfare Branch provided programs and services that assisted disadvantaged children and families, and included protection, adoption, foster care, the education of blind children, and assistance for unmarried parents.

The Corrections Branch managed and operated the province's jails. As well, it provided programs and services aimed at the rehabilitation of offenders. Other responsibilities of the branch included the Industrial School for Boys (renamed the Saskatchewan Boys' School in 1950) along with parole and probation programs.

The Old Age Pensions Branch administered pensions to the aged and blind, and recovered pensions from the estates of deceased pensioners. The Social Aid Branch administered resources to persons needing financial assistance or rehabilitation. Services offered included social assistance, mothers' allowances, and vocational training for the disabled and minority groups. In the 1950-51 fiscal year, the Old Age Pensions Branch and the Social Aid Branch amalgamated to become the Public Assistance Branch.

The Veterans' Rehabilitation Branch was responsible for the settlement of veterans on Crown lands, for the annual inspection of lands settled by veterans and for the administration of the land clearance project in the Carrot River area.

The Welfare Services Division (by 1951, Branch) was comprised of field staff to deliver the services offered by the department from regional offices and inspection districts throughout the province.

The Administration Division was responsible for the financial and administrative functions of the department, such as accounting, institutional purchasing, personnel, and transportation and housing services for staff.

Institutions managed and operated by the department included the Home for the Infirm at Wolseley and the Regina Nursing Home, both of which provided residence and care to the aged and infirm.

In 1951, the department underwent reorganization which resulted in the establishment of a Research and Planning Branch, Housing and Nursing Homes Branch, Rehabilitation Branch, Public Welfare Branch, and Civil Defence Branch.

The Research and Planning Branch was created to act as a research agency that collected and analyzed research on the operations of the department's various programs. It also provided facilities to the department's branches for research projects.

The Housing and Nursing Homes Branch incorporated all programs, services and institutions offering residence and care to the aged and infirm. It also administered programs related to the National Housing Act, in particular the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The Rehabilitation Branch was established to administer programs that assisted the disabled and minority groups in the province. Programs included vocational training and Métis farm labour projects.

The Public Welfare Branch was an amalgamation of the former Public Assistance, Child Welfare and Welfare Services Branches and provided programs and services offered by the former branches.

The Civil Defence Branch provided emergency response and assistance to natural and man-made disasters. In addition to disaster planning, it also offered training programs in disaster response and civil defence. The Civil Defence Branch was discontinued in April 1961 when its responsibilities were transferred to the newly-established Saskatchewan Emergency Measures which reported to Executive Council. Responsibility for emergency measures and planning was transferred back to the department in November 1962 and the Emergency Welfare Services Branch was established.

The Bureau on Alcoholism was created in November 1953. It administered programs that offered education and treatment to persons afflicted with alcoholism. The Bureau also conducted research into alcoholism and its treatment.

The Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was discontinued on April 30, 1965 with the establishment of the Department of Welfare.