A former resident of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children says they are another step closer to starting the healing process.

The Nova Scotia government says the terms of reference for a public inquiry into the alleged abuse at the home should be finalized in a few weeks.

Tony Smith, a former resident of the orphanage in Halifax, says the inquiry will give former residents the chance to tell their stories.

People who used to live in the home allege that they were subjected to physical, psychological and sexual abuse over several decades.