CYSN Engagement Updates
Last updated: November 2, 2023
Engagement Portal
The Province has launched an engagement portal to collect feedback as part of its overall work to design an effective system of services for children and youth with support needs. In addition to the engagements occurring in communities across BC, this portal provides another avenue for people to share perspectives.
The online portal provides an accessible way to connect people with opportunities to provide input and recommendations to help shape the services they need.
The portal outlines engagement opportunities underway throughout the province and invites families, service providers, advocates, professionals, those with lived experience, First Nations and Indigenous Peoples to contribute their plan and vision for the future. These ideas will be shared on govTogetherBC, so everyone who is interested in shaping the model has the benefit of hearing the voices and recommendations of others.
Please visit it here: engage.gov.bc.ca/children-youth-support-needs
Symposium Speaker Series
A symposium speaker series will take place from November to December 2023. The virtual series is a part of the larger province-wide engagement to inform a new effective system of CYSN services.
The series explores topics, such as the needs of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders and medical complexity, mental health needs of children and youth with support needs, an effective system of services, individualized funding approaches, and more. Participants will be able to share ideas, connect with professionals and learn more about evolving concepts that impact CYSN service delivery.
All British Columbians are welcome to register and participate or listen in to the speaker series.
Pilot Communities
Starting in 2023 in four pilot communities in B.C., a new children and youth with support needs (CYSN) service approach will be available. This service pilot includes services delivered through family connections centres, Disability Services and Provincial Services.
The four pilots will be evaluated during this process as the Province proceeds with engagement over 2023 and 2024.
Minister's Advisory Council for Children and Youth with Support Needs
Meetings of the Minister’s Advisory Council for Children and Youth with Support Needs will continue through the duration of this period of deeper engagement.
Learn more about this advisory council and past engagement findings:
