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Support Needs for Families

Last updated on January 10, 2024

It can be overwhelming coping with a child or teen who has a disability or developmental delay.

As primary caregivers, parents or guardians who have children or teens with support needs sometimes require extra support to maximize the quality of life for their child and family.

Here are a few examples:

  • Social and life skills training for children and teens
  • Behavioural and other professional support services for children and teens
  • Respite, counselling, support groups and homemaker services to assist families

Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) staff are available to discuss whether these services might be available to you and provide other useful information or support.

Other government and community programs or services are available to support individual circumstances and needs. For example, families may qualify for support if they have children or teens with:

School-Aged Therapy

Occupational and physiotherapy services are available to help children and teens be independent and reach educational goals while at school.

 

If you're worried that your child isn't reaching certain milestones in their development, they may need a boost or some extra help. The earlier you get advice and support, the better.

The Provincial Assessment Centre (PAC) provides mental-health services for referred individuals 14 years or older with a developmental disability and a mental illness or behaviour issue. PAC is a part of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC).

Families with a child who has been designated as support needs may be eligible for an additional child care allowance of up to $150 per month.