Services and supports

Families who are eligible for the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program may receive:

• information about government programs and services, community supports and local resources
• help coordinating and getting supports and services
• help with clothing or footwear that relates to your child’s disability
• counselling
• help with some of the costs to take your child to medical appointments such as parking, mileage, meals, accommodation and sibling care
• respite services in or outside your home to give you a temporary break
• help from aides who provide personal care, community, behavioural or developmental support
• temporary living arrangements for your child away from home
• help with some costs for medications, prescribed diets, ambulance or medical supplies
• specialized services for children with severe disabilities
• the same FSCD worker assigned to a family with more than one eligible child
• help planning your child’s transition during key changes or life events such as when they:
  • are first diagnosed or the disability is identified
  • return home from the hospital
  • start an early intervention program
  • start a new school program
  • approach age 16 and plan for adulthood

Needs assessment

If your child is eligible for the FSCD program, an FSCD worker will meet with you after you apply to discuss:

• your child’s specific needs
• the impact your child’s disability has on your family
• community programs or other supports including family or friends, that may be helpful
• other professionals the worker may speak with to understand your child’s needs

Individualized Family Support Plan

After the needs assessment, your FSCD worker will work with you to create an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP). It is based on a shared understanding of:

• your child and family’s strengths, needs and priorities
• the short and long-term goals for your child’s development and participation at home, school and in the community
• the strategies, supports and services, individual responsibilities and timelines to meet the goals

FSCD agreement

You will get an FSCD agreement once you and your worker agree on services. This usually takes about 20 working days from the time you and your worker create your IFSP. The FSCD agreement outlines the services the FSCD program will provide to help you meet the goals. It is a legal document that can last up to 3 years.

Regular reviews

Your FSCD worker is available throughout the year to discuss changing or ongoing needs. At least once a year, you and your worker will connect for a regular review to:

• determine your child’s ongoing eligibility for the FSCD program
• discuss your child and family’s situation and needs
• update your IFSP
• set up a new FSCD agreement for the services in your updated plan