Services for children and youth with support needs
Last updated on February 10, 2026Learn about the services available to help children and youth with support needs.
On this page
Improvements are coming!
Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) is changing to a simpler system with more support for families.
Overview
B.C. is expanding and strengthening services for children and youth with support needs – and making it faster and easier for families to access supports tailored to their needs.
Over the next three years, families will see:
- Expanded access to more free community-based services
- More access to clinical therapies, behaviour and mental supports, and programs for kids 6-18
- Easier to navigate financial supports and services, with less stress and paperwork
- Better coordination between health and education programs with more services closer to home and school
This means new families will be able to access services earlier – without waiting years for a specific diagnosis. Families currently receiving support will have more options and flexibility. They will be contacted by a ministry worker to receive step-by-step support as the new benefits and services are introduced.
Growth and development milestones can help parents know what to expect and determine if your child is on track.
If you’re worried your child isn’t reaching certain milestones in their development, they may need a boost or some extra help.
Talk to your doctor or visit a Public Health Unit for an assessment. Getting advice and connected to support early can help prevent or reduce some delays, especially in young children.
How to access
Supports and services are available to help children and youth with specific and complex support needs.
Improvements are coming! We're making it faster and easier to access supports and connect to services closer to home. For 2026, families should use current pathways to access services. They will receive step-by-step support as the new programs are introduced.
How to access
Community-based service providers work with families, schools, health authorities, and other organizations to coordinate and deliver care to children with support needs – so families don’t have to navigate the system on their own.
Most services are free or are covered under the support programs for eligible families.
Improvements are coming! We’re expanding access to more free services, so more families can get help faster and closer to home – without waiting years for a specific diagnosis. Learn about the expanded services coming soon.
Current services
- Behavioural therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech language therapy
Expanded services coming soon
- More pediatric therapies (Spring 2026)
- Behaviour and mental health supports (Summer 2027)
- Navigation and family supports (Winter 2027)
- Programs for kids 6-18 (Spring 2028)
How to access
Parents and guardians of children with support needs may need extra help to maximize their family’s quality of life.
Respite and family support services include a range of programs to help parents care for their child in the home.
Services include
- Caregiving support
- Household management services
- Access to a child and youth care worker
- Behaviour supports
- Counselling
- Parenting skills training and support groups
- Social and life-skills training for children and youth
Improvements are coming! Respite and family support services continue, but families will have more flexibility when the new Disability Benefit is introduced.
How to access
- For 2026, families should use current family support pathways to access services.
- Contact your local CYSN office to find out what services may be available, depending on your circumstances.
Starting school and entering adulthood are major transitions for kids and teens with support needs.
These life changes are smoother when the child, family, service providers, and the school all work together.
Guidance is available to help plan the transition.
How to access
The School-Aged Therapy program provides therapy and rehabilitation services at school for children who have, or may be at risk for, a developmental delay or disability.
These therapies help children meet their educational goals and help them function better at home, school, and community.
Services include
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
Improvements are coming! We’re working with our health and education partners to deliver even more services to kids at school to make things easier for families. Access to other school supports, inclusive education funding and processes in schools remain unchanged.
How to access
Contact information
Contact a local Children and Youth with Support Needs office to find out what supports are available and talk about eligibility requirements.
1-844-442-2800
mcf.childrenyouthsupportneeds@gov.bc.ca
https://gov.bc.ca/CYSNoffices