Children and youth with support needs – Family support services
Last updated on November 26, 2024Family support services provide supports for families of children and youth with a diagnosis of a developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder or who are eligible for the At Home Program. These services help promote healthy development, maximize quality of life and assist families in their role as primary caregivers.
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Respite services offer families rest and relief, provided through either respite support coordinated through an agency or through funding provided directly to families to purchase the respite services that best meet their needs. Respite funding requests may not be available immediately and families may be prioritized for service.
Families approved to receive direct funded respite can use the standard amount of $4,135.56 per year in a flexible manner. Flexible options include household supports, caregiving supports, programs or program support for children or youth.
Support services include a range of programs intended to support parents to care for their child or youth with special needs in the home.
Some examples of the types of supports available are:
- Access to a child and youth care worker
- Behaviour supports
- Parenting skills training and support groups
- Counselling
- Household management services
- Life skills activities or programs for children and youth
The objectives of the family support programs are to:
- Help promote children's healthy development
- Maximize quality of life
- Assist families in their role as primary caregivers
Eligibility for the program requires the child to be under the age of 19, a resident of BC and be one of the following:
- Eligible for autism funding programs
- Eligible for the At Home Program
- Diagnosed with a developmental disability