Apply for a Child Abuse Register search
The Child Abuse Register contains the names of people that the provincial court or family court has found to have caused harm to a child. You can apply for a Child Abuse Register search to confirm that your name isn’t in the register.
Apply for a Child Abuse Register search to confirm that your name isn’t in the register.
The Child Abuse Register keeps a record of the names of people that the provincial court or family court has found (during a court process in Nova Scotia) to have caused harm to a child.
The Department of Opportunities and Social Development uses the Child Abuse Register to screen prospective foster parents, adoptive parents, and employees or volunteers who work with children. Child safety and family preservation workers also use the register to help determine if a child needs protective services.
Search confirmation email
If your name isn’t found in the Child Abuse Register, you receive a search confirmation email that you can share with any agency, organization or employer. The search confirmation email lets employers and organizations access your search confirmation online using your submission number and date of birth. The search confirmation confirms that the name provided isn’t in the register. It also confirms the date the register search was completed.
The search confirmation is only current as of the date the register search was completed. You can only access the search confirmation online for 90 days from the date the register search was completed.
Eligibility
You can apply for a Child Abuse Register check if you have contact with children 18 or younger for your job or volunteer work. You can only apply for a check for your own name.
How to apply
- Apply online.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Submit your completed application and supporting documents.
How long it takes
It should take 3 to 4 days to get a search confirmation email. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply.
Before you start
Make sure you have government-issued identification (like a health card, driver’s licence, Secure Certificate of Indian Status or passport).
Apply online
When you apply online you need to upload any supporting documents in PDF, JPG or PNG format.