Nova Scotia Child and Youth Care Workers Association Membership

25/08/2026

On behalf of the NSC*CWA, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Phelan.

Jack was a kind, gentle, humble and funny person, with a wonderful sense of humour (albeit sometimes dry- LOL) and a sparkle in his eye that made you smile. He generously shared his time, wisdom and Child and Youth Care expertise with so many, always giving of himself and contributing to our field in ways that will continue to have an impact for years to come.

Jack’s contributions to Child and Youth Care were many- from his writing and speaking at conferences, to the much-anticipated classroom visits where he connected with C*C students preparing to enter the field. Those visits were special. Jack had a way of making students feel seen, while sharing wisdom that stayed with them long after he left the room. On one memorable occasion, he even joined the NSCC crew virtually from his vacation in Arizona. But that was Jack- generous, committed and always willing to make the time. His kindness simply oozed from him.

His legacy will live on through his writing, his teachings, the countless practitioners and students he influenced, and the many relationships he built throughout our C*C community.

And while his contributions to our field are immeasurable, we will also remember Jack for the little things- the jokes, the dry humour, the stories, the laughter, and that unmistakable sparkle in his eye. Those are the things that make a person unforgettable.

We send our love and deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Jack; to his family, his colleagues and friends at MacEwan University (many of whom were like family), our Alberta C*C colleagues, and the many national and international friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.

Jack was a legend in our field, and he will not be forgotten. ❤️

Let’s cultivate our grief through sharing.

If you have a “Jack story”, please share it in the comments. Maybe it’s a favourite memory, a funny Jack moment, something he taught you, or simply a moment that captures who he was to you.

And if you have a photo of Jack from one of the countless conferences, gatherings or C*C moments where he showed up and shared his wisdom (and humour!), please share that too.

Let’s fill this space with stories, laughter, memories and a little bit of Jack’s sparkle. ✨

20/08/2026

Big smiles, great vibes, and plenty of laughs at this afternoon’s NSC*CWA Summer Social & BBQ!

A huge shout-out to our Membership Committee , Leanne Christine, Kelly Shaw & Jake Smith for hosting such a fun afternoon and bringing everyone together! 💚🧡💚🧡

Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a great time! 👏

18/08/2026

On behalf of the NSC*CWA, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Hogan.

Brian generously offered a virtual workshop for our NSC*CWA members this past May called “Staying Well While Doing Good: Powering your own Resilience” and it was very well attended. With 36 years of experience working in the public sector and secure treatment facilities with young people, along with 20 years in senior management developing his expertise in leadership, team development and relational care, Brian brought an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to his work as Director of Relationships at Work.

While his resume was impressive, it was the way Brian brought his knowledge to life that made him so memorable. He married his experience with his personality- sharing stories, bringing warmth and humor, and showing a genuine zest for life. He had an ease and confidence that came from years of experience, while also having a deep passion for making an impact, supporting emerging leaders and connecting with the people around him.

We especially appreciated how Brian modelled a truly relational approach in his workshops. Even within a short 1.5-hour session, he made a point of learning people's names, getting to know participants and creating meaningful connections. He didn't just talk about relational practice- he lived it.

Brian left an impact on all of us who had the opportunity to learn from him, and we are grateful that he shared his time, wisdom, energy and passion with our members and our field.

We will dearly miss Brian and the contribution he made to our International Child and Youth Care community. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him during this difficult time. ❤️

In Memoriam

BRIAN HOGAN

It is with profound sadness that we remember the life and work of Brian Hogan - friend, colleague, mentor, practitioner and leader whose contribution to children, young people, families and the wider human services community spanned his entire adult life.

Brian began his career working with children and families in 1991 as a frontline practitioner in Oberstown Boys School in Ireland. Over the course of nearly four decades in public service, he worked across a range of roles, including Unit Manager, Deputy Director and Director. His career was predominantly within Youth Justice, where he worked in some of the most complex and demanding environments, eventually becoming a highly experienced senior leader.

For all of Brian's qualifications, experience and professional accomplishments, perhaps the most important aspect of his development as a leader and practitioner was his recognition of the importance of having a safe and reflective space in which to think, question, learn and make sense of his experiences. Brian understood that working in complex environments requires more than knowledge and expertise. It requires the capacity to reflect, to remain curious, to understand ourselves and others, and to recognise the impact that our work can have on us.

He was particularly committed to supporting those who worked with vulnerable children and young people, including staff in residential care and across the wider human services. His training and professional development work focused on some of the realities faced by practitioners every day: managing risk, engaging with people whose behaviour could be challenging, building positive and lasting relationships, developing confidence within teams and, ultimately, creating better outcomes for the people they served.

As part of the C*C-Net family, Brian will be remembered as a regular and influential contributor at the annual Unity Conference in Dublin. His legacy will live on in the people he supported, the practitioners he developed, the leaders he challenged and encouraged, and in the children, young people and families who benefited from the work of those he influenced.

May he rest in peace.

John Digney and Martin Stabrey
on behalf of C*C-Net

29/07/2026

Happening this evening!!

This evening at 5pm the Red Road staff will be coming to teach us how to make lusknikn! Open for all Millbrook youth ages 12-18!

15/07/2026

🌞 NSC*CWA Summer Social 🌞

Join us on Thursday August 20 at the Dartmouth Commons from 12-3 for an afternoon of connection, laughter, and summer fun!

Bring your beautiful selves (and community spirit, obvi!!), family, a lawn chair, and your favourite field games.

We'll take care of the snacks!!

We can't wait to spend time with our members, their families, and friends. Everyone is welcome, so help us spread the word and invite someone to join the fun!

📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xtdQsu9RFKHDmGJd9

06/07/2026

Today, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Frank Delano - a remarkable mentor, advocate, educator, and friend whose influence on the Child and Youth Care profession will be felt for many years to come.

Frank's impact on our field is immeasurable. A friend to so many, he brought an unmistakable zest for life into every room he entered. He was deeply passionate about his training and mentorship, always committed to strengthening the practice of Child and Youth Care through learning, reflection, and genuine connection.

Frank also had a deep love for travel and adventure. Nova Scotia held a special place in his heart, and we were fortunate to welcome him to our beautiful province on several occasions. Most recently, he travelled to Newfoundland for the World Conference, where he reconnected with old friends, shared his wisdom by facilitating a workshop, and embraced the opportunity to experience the province's breathtaking landscapes. It was a fitting reflection of the way Frank lived- always learning, always connecting, and always finding joy in the journey.

He appreciated good food, fine wine, and the simple joy of gathering with colleagues and friends. Above all else, Frank loved people. He was endlessly curious about their stories, generous in sharing his own, and had a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel seen and valued.

Frank will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the countless practitioners, students, and communities he inspired throughout his career. The mark he leaves on the Child and Youth Care field will be felt for years to come.

On behalf of the NSC*CWA, we honor Frank's extraordinary contributions and extend our heartfelt thoughts to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him. May we continue to carry forward the compassion, connection, and commitment that he so generously shared with our profession.

Remembering Our Friend Frank Delano (Frankie D)

Our C*C-Net family are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Frank Delano, affectionately known to many of his friends as Frankie D.

His sudden departure leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who knew him, but also deep gratitude for the kindness, generosity, and friendship he so freely shared with all who knew him.

Frank understood the importance of connection, sharing, friendship, investing in something greater than oneself - and of course in living 'la dolce vita'. Through his generosity and support of C*C-Net, he helped strengthen a global community committed to improving the lives of children, young people, families, and those who care for them. His contribution was more than a gift — it was an expression in the belief in people and in the possibility of creating a better world for people everywhere.

We will remember Frank not only for what he gave, but for who he was — a warm-hearted friend whose kindness touched so many lives. His legacy will continue through the many connections and opportunities he helped make possible.

With love and affection, we honour his life and celebrate his everlasting impact.

Thanks, Frankie D. You will be so missed.

---

See page 14 of the July 2026 edition of C*C-Online (no. 329) for a fuller tribute to Frank: "La Dolce Vita: A Life Fully Lived
Remembering Our Dear Friend, Frank Delano"

www.cyc-net.org/cyc-online

03/07/2026

So proud to have our Board President, Joanne Fraser, represent us at the World Conference in St. John’s Newfoundland!!!

Provincial Representatives of the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Care Associations at the 2026 World C*C Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland.