Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Saskatchewan. Dept. of Community Resources
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
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.