BC’s Ministry of Children and Family Development has just announced an end to the Autism Funding Programs and school-age extended therapy benefits, effective 2025. See media release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021CFD0067-002047
There are very few details of what will replace the program; the lack of specifics is likely to cause parents significant anxiety. However, there is time to develop a community response to this initiative – the first step is to see whether MCFD has a detailed plan that can be analyzed. ACT will work with our community partners across disabilities, including the Representative for Children and Youth, to prepare detailed questions for Minister Mitzi Dean.
We are especially concerned to determine if the new initiative will be grounded on evidence-based practice. We are also concerned about whether there will be guaranteed levels of service, and the funding to support adequate interventions for all children with support needs. A very important consideration is whether there will be parent choice in service providers.
If you are the caregiver of a child with support needs and have questions or concerns that you would like to share with ACT, please fill in the form linked below. We will be compiling this information and posting it on a special page on ACT’s website.
Share your input
https://forms.office.com/r/k69mifvea5
Update: MCFD has posted the recording of the press conference with Minister Mitzi Dean regarding this announcement. View the full conference here.
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