Family Support For Children with Disabilities (FSCD)


Family support for children with disabilities (FsCD)

 

Please refer to the Human Services Alberta website and links provided for full details about the FSCD program and to apply online.

The FSCD program works with eligible families providing funding for supports and services based on each child and family’s unique needs. Parents of children with disabilities many times need help and supports to raise their children. FSCD provides funding for family and child specific supports and services to help them gain the skill set necessary to reach their potential at home and to fully participate in community life.

 

ELIGIBILITY and Application process

For a family to be eligible for FSCD:

  • The child with a disability must be under age 18
  • The person applying for the program must be the child’s parent or have legal guardianship of the child
  • The child must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • The child and the parent or guardian must reside in Alberta
  • Medical documentation must be provided confirming that the child has a disability or is awaiting a diagnosis.

The FSCD program requires a letter or report from a health care professional. Either a letter of diagnosis or a letter stating that the child is in the process of diagnosis. This can be written by a doctor, psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech language pathologist.

Apply for FSCD online.

 

after the application is submitted

  • A centralized Disability Application Processing (DAP) Unit will determine your family’s eligibility to the program, and if eligible, will forward your application to your nearest FSCD office.
  • After about 4 to 6 months, a Disability Services Worker will contact you, and may offer a Family Support Services (FSS) Agreement before you complete an assessment of needs. This agreement could be for up to 3 years, and would include respite and counselling hours, medical appointment supports (parking, mileage), as well as up to $400 for clothing and footwear to assist with extraordinary disability related costs.
  • If your family requires Child Focused Supports, such as Specialized Services, Aide Supports or Work Related Child Care, you should request the Disability Services Worker to place you on a wait list to get a designated caseworker for your family.
  • After several months, you will be assigned a caseworker, and they will set up a meeting with you to complete an Assessment of Needs.
  • Based on this assessment, an addendum to your agreement might be issued to include supports such as Work Related Child Care or Community Aide Supports. Keep in mind that there are additional approval processes for Specialized Services and Developmental/Behavioural Aide Supports, and once approved they will be added to your FSCD agreement.
MORE INFORMATION ON FSCD
WEBSITE: https://www.alberta.ca/fscd
Phone: (403) 297-7971

Autism Society Alberta has some helpful toolkits about applying for FSCD, how to hire staff with an FSCD contract and more!