Children and Family Development
Summary
- Thousands more families will qualify for direct funding support to help meet the needs of children, youth across a wider range of disabilities
- Province is investing $475 million to significantly increase financial supports, expand access to more free community services
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Thousands more families of children and youth with disabilities will have access to direct funding for support services and more service providers in their communities.
After two years of engagement and careful consultation with families, service providers and experts, government is making an investment of $475 million over three years to create a new benefit and supplement program and invest in expansion of support services in B.C. communities. A new B.C. Children and Youth Disability Benefit program and B.C. Children and Youth Disability Supplement will be phased in, replacing the existing autism funding program to reach more children across a broader group of diagnosis and needs.
“From extensive engagement with families with lived experience and leaders in the sector, we heard clearly there are too many children with diverse needs who are not well served by the current system,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development. “This investment is about significantly expanding both financial supports and services for children and youth with a range of disabilities, through a new approach that is fair and that provides the greatest support to the most vulnerable.”
This investment will strengthen supports for families who need it most, expand mental health, early intervention and community-based services, and give families greater flexibility to use funding in ways that best support their child’s needs.
Focus on families who need it most
Government is acting on what parents have stated they need, with changes designed to better support families and help children flourish.
Many families with children with disabilities will now have access to direct funding for the first time. These new supports will give parents greater flexibility to access services that best meet their child’s unique needs, are culturally safe and support the well-being of the whole family.
Over the course of 2026 and 2027, a new B.C. Children and Youth Disability Benefit will launch to provide families of children with significant disabilities with $6,500 or $17,000 per year based on their individual needs. Under the current system, many families that include children living with a significant disability do not receive financial support. This new benefit is designed to support families of children with significant needs across all diagnoses.
Starting July 2027, a new income-tested B.C. Children and Youth Disability Supplement will also become available to families with any child under age 18 who is eligible for the federal Disability Tax Credit. The supplement will provide up to $6,000 per year (based on the level of family net income), which families can use to pay for therapies, supports and services they believe are most helpful. The new supplement is designed to support families with middle and low incomes.
“Down syndrome B.C. has long advocated for timely, meaningful supports for children with Down syndrome,” said Tamara Taggart, parent advocate and volunteer president, Down syndrome B.C. “Expanded funding is welcome and long overdue, and it has the potential to make a real difference for children and families across the province.”
There will be a transition period before the autism funding program terminates on March 31, 2027. Families receiving this funding will be supported through the transition. Some families will be eligible for both the new benefit and supplement, as long as they continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Improving the system
Another key improvement in the system is the expansion of community-based services throughout the province, so families can get the support they need closer to home. An additional $80-million investment during the next three years will grow these community-based services by more than 40%. This will significantly expand the suite of services offered, such as clinical therapies, behavioural and mental-health supports, navigation and programming throughout the province.
“As an advocate for autistic children and youth, I welcome these investments and the expanded individualized funding for additional disability groups,” said Jennifer Newby, parent advocate and member of the Parents and Professionals Plan working group. “After years of meaningful consultation and a difficult wait, I see thoughtful, targeted investment in those with the most complex needs - finally choosing a 'pay now or pay later' path. This new approach will make a real difference in the lives of families.”
Other improvements will make it easier for families to navigate and connect with the services they need, helping improve a system that is better aligned with health and education programs. For example, government will explore ways to make life easier for families, bringing services to where kids are, rather than the other way around. That includes providing services on school grounds, at child care centres, and at community and recreational facilities, saving parents time and stress from commuting and co-ordinating appointments.
“For far too long there have been significant inequities in disability services and supports in B.C. and too many children and youth have been left behind,” said Jennifer Charlesworth, representative for children and youth. “I am hopeful that this timely and vital investment will make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of many more young people with disabilities and their families. In our advocacy and oversight role, we’ll be watching implementation closely and continuing to advocate for the well-being of young people.”
The changes are part of government’s commitment to fundamentally rethinking the support of children and families through improved co-ordination of programs, accountability and family support. Through the Child and Youth Well-being Action Plan, government will align services across ministries and agencies, creating a renewed model of child well-being that focuses on prevention, so children and families can receive support earlier, before a crisis occurs, and reach their potential.
Quick Facts:
- According to ministry data, an estimated 107,000 children and youth in B.C. have support needs, not including those with milder needs such as learning disabilities.
- According to the First Call BC 2024 BC Child Poverty Report Card, children with disabilities experience substantially higher poverty rates than the general population.
- According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, high-quality early-childhood intervention and family supports generate a $4 to $9 return on investment for every $1 invested, driven by reductions in emergency health use, crisis housing, justice involvement and income assistance.
Learn More:
- To find out more about child and youth supports, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/ChildYouthSupports
- Toll-free helpline for families: 1-844-442-2800
- Email helpline for families: MCF.ChildrenYouthSupportNeeds@gov.bc.ca
- Read the First Call BC 2024 BC Child Poverty Report Card here: https://firstcallbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/First_Call_Report_Card_2024_Final-Dec9.pdf
Two backgrounders follow.
