Resources

Transfer of Children's Services

The Vancouver Island Region of the Ministry of Children and Family Development is committed to building an integrated system of services that will best support Children and Youth with Special Needs and their families.

On October 31, 2009, services for children were transferred from Community Living BC to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). In support of these services, the Vancouver Island Region of MCFD is committed to providing accessible supports and services – from birth to adulthood – for Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) and their families.

Specifically, the Vancouver Island Region is committed to the following:

  • Children and youth and their families will be provided a single point of contact at MCFD.
  • Families requesting CYSN services will be able to access those services without the involvement of the ministry’s child protection or investigative process.
  • Person-centred planning will be preserved, with a focus on effective planning for the transition to adulthood.

Community Engagement

In the fall of 2008, the Vancouver Island Region mailed approximately 2,900 letters inviting parents, youth, caregivers, advocates and service providers to a series of community meetings. At the 28 meetings in 10 communities around the region, more than 150 participants shared their views on the transfer of services to MCFD and how to best structure the delivery of CYSN services. The community consultation summary captures the knowledge and experience that has been extremely helpful in planning the transition of services for Children and Youth with Special Needs, their families and the many members of our local communities who provide supports and services to them. A planning process was established in the spring 2009 and the transfer of services occurred in the fall. The Vancouver Island Region is continuing to take steps to inform parents, service providers, agency staff and others about the delivery of services and regional staff will continue to work collaboratively with community members and our partners in health, education and social services to improve CYSN services in our region.

Contacts

For more information about the Vancouver Island Region’s CYSN services, please contact:

Sarah Bower
Manager, Children and Youth with Special Needs
250 952-4707