Comox Valley

The Ministry of Children and Family Development funds a range of programs and services for children and youth with special needs and their families. Services and supports are intended to promote children’s healthy development, maximize quality of life, assist families in their role as primary caregivers and support full participation in community life. Funding and services may be available for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Referral: Due to confidentiality limits and the nature of voluntary services, parents (not the GP) must self refer to the Special Needs Social Worker. In order to be eligible for Child and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) services, one must meet the criteria for Autism, Intellectual Disability and/or the At Home Program (visit website for more information). If a family is eligible for the At Home Program they would be eligible for the provincial medical benefits program and/or the respite program (that is based on available funding with long waitlists). CYSN is not intended to fill the gap resulting from complex health needs. Children who have been diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability as per the DSM 5 are eligible for CYSN family support services, however, all services do have waitlists.

Questions? While respecting confidentiality limits, the Special Needs Social Worker welcomes the GP's questions regarding provision of services.