RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Families come in many forms — adoptive, pre‑adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. This page provides parenting tools, community programs, advocacy supports, education policies, and professional directories to help you navigate your journey.
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🔽 LEARNINGS & PARENTING RESOURCES
Explore guides and educational tools to strengthen caregiving and adoption awareness.
🔽 ADVOCACY & HELPFUL LINKS
Connect with national and provincial advocacy organizations and networks.
🔽 SUPPORTS & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Find programs and networks that provide direct support to families.
🤝 FAMILY NAVIGATION & SUPPORT SERVICES
Best Buddies Canada – Friendship and inclusion programs in schools.
Big Brothers Big Sisters NB – Mentorship and recreation for children ages 6–16.
👉 bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
👉 Local chapters: Saint John, Moncton, FrederictonInclusion NB – Family navigation, inclusive education, and recreation supports.
Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) – Provincial funding for aides, equipment, and therapeutic recreation.
🏅 SPORTS & ACTIVITY PROGRAMS
Special Olympics New Brunswick – Year‑round sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Opal Family Services (Fredericton) – Inclusive programs such as Camp Wonder and Counsellor‑in‑Training, plus respite supports.
Jumpstart (Canadian Tire) – Funding that enables children with disabilities to join sports and recreation programs.
Parasport NB – Para ice hockey, sailing, skiing, athletics, swimming, and more.
Para NB – Sport & Recreation (Ability NB) – Try‑it events, equipment lending, and community para sport.
Athletics NB – Para Athletics – Inclusive track and field opportunities.
Skate Your Way (Hockey NB) – Neurodiverse hockey program across NB.
Able Sail (Shediac Bay Yacht Club) – Adaptive sailing programs.
CADS NB (Adaptive Skiing) – Ski and snowboard programs with sit‑skis and trained instructors.
Easter Seals NB – Abilities Program & Camp Rotary – Accessible summer camp and year‑round recreation.
👉 easterseals.nb.ca/abilities-program
👉 camprotary.caYMCA/YWCA NB (Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John) – Inclusive camps, afterschool, and outdoor programs.
👉 YMCA of Fredericton – Offers aquatics, childcare, camps, youth programs, and inclusive recreation.
👉 YMCA of Greater Moncton – Fitness, recreation, childcare, and camps (including the new North End YMCA).
👉 YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick (Saint John region) – Inclusive programs, childcare, and outdoor camps like Camp Glenburn.YWCA in New Brunswick
👉YWCA Moncton – Provides youth programs, housing, advocacy, and community services.
🔽 EDUCATION POLICIES & RIGHTS
A list of the most important laws, policies, and frameworks that affect students with disabilities, special needs, and inclusion in NB schools.
Core Legislation
Education Act (New Brunswick)
The foundational legislation governing all public education in the province
Inclusive Education Policies
Policy 322 – Inclusive Education
Defines inclusive education in NB and requires schools to provide accommodations, supports, and equitable participation for students with disabilities and diverse needs.Definition of Inclusive Education (NB)
Clarifies NB’s official definition and expectations for inclusive practices in schools.
Provides insight into implementation, challenges, and progress across the province.
Accessibility & School Environment
Policy 410 – Accessibility of Schools for the Physically Disabled
Ensures school buildings and facilities are physically accessible for students with mobility-related disabilities.Policy 703 – Positive Learning and Working Environment
Sets standards for safe, inclusive, and respectful school environments, including anti-harassment and anti-discrimination requirements.Positive Behaviour Intervention Support Guide (K–12)
Guidance for supporting behaviour through positive, proactive strategies — relevant for students needing behavioural or emotional support.
Student Support Frameworks
Learning Disabilities K-12: Building Strength and Independence
A province-wide framework describing supports, accommodations, and approaches for students with learning disabilities.Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) Framework
A multi-agency model that coordinates education, health, social services, and youth justice for children with complex needs.Delicate Relationship Guidelines and Standards (PDF)
Guidelines that help protect continuity between students with disabilities and the educational assistants who support them.
Human Rights & Accommodation
NB HRC – Guideline on Accommodating Students with a Disability (K-12)
Outlines the legal duty of schools under the Human Rights Act to provide reasonable accommodations for students with physical or mental disabilities; explains what accommodations might look like, when they’re required, and the limits (e.g. undue hardship).
Additional DEI & Inclusion Resources
NB EECD Diversity – Equity – Inclusion (DEI) Resources
Resources, supports, anti-bullying information, neurodiversity content, and human-rights-related guidance.
Full Provincial Directories (for Parents Who Want More)
Complete NB K-12 Policy Directory
All current NB policies (Student Support, Educational Services, Facilities, Safety, Transportation, etc.).
All official publications, guides, reports, and frameworks.
🔽 PUBLICATIONS
Explore research and publications that inform adoption practice.
(Published in partnership with the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, and NBAF in Canada.)
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