Alberta

Legislation

Legislation refers to those Acts or bodies or a body of law that codifies how a law operates and is used. Below we have listed a number of acts in Alberta that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Government of Alberta Website

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Act

The FSCD Act is the first of its kind in Canada, providing separate legislation for children with disabilities and their family. The Act was proclaimed in 2004.

Relevant Policies

Policy is how legislation or a law is put into action. Social policies address issues of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the members of a particular society such as health care and education. Below we have listed a number of policies in Alberta that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Policy & Procedures Manual 2004

Case Management Services

In Alberta, parents or caregivers are responsible for choosing the service provider(s) who will work with their child and family. The Family Support for Children with Disabilities Program (FSCD) provided through the Ministry of Human Services is a central point of contact for families of children with disabilities. The FCSD offers information, referrals and funding for family support and child-specific services. Parents or caregivers can either directly hire their own service provider or may be receive services from a specific agency.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities Program (FSCD)

The FSCD is a central point of contact for families of children with disabilities
Offers information and referrals and funding for both family support services and child-focused services
Family support services include counselling, respite, financial support to offset the costs of attending medical appointments of purchasing specific clothing or footwear related to the child's disability
Child-focused services include respite, child care, funding for medications, diet, specialized services such as occupational therapy or speech and language therapy and out-of-home residential care
Call 310-0000 to be connected to a FSCD Office near you

Early Childhood Services (ECS) and Special Needs

Services for children 0-6 years of age
Children with disabilities are eligible for up to 3 years of ECS programming
Provided by Ministry of Education

Parent Link Centre

Provides information and support to parents and caregivers regarding their child's learning and development
Provided through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Special Education Resources

This webpage hosts links to a number of publications for school-aged children and youth with disabilities and their families, such as
Handbooks for Aboriginal Parents of Children with Special Needs
The learning team: A handbook for parents of Children with Special Needs

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Services and Supports

Outlines a number of current services and supports for children and youth with FASD and their families, such as
Parent Child Assistance Program
Wellness, Resiliency and Partnerships Coaching Demonstration Project
Provided by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Autism Follow-Up Clinic

Provides tertiary medical follow-up for children and youth 18 years of age or younger with autism spectrum disorders
Referral is needed from the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Provided through Alberta Health Services

Attention Deficit Disorder Clinic

Provides assessment and psychiatric services to children and youth 18 years of age or younger with ADHD
Referral is needed from a physician
Provided through Alberta Health Services

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Clinic - Foothills Medical Centre

Provides assessment services for individuals with acquired brain injuries
Referral is needed from a physician
Provided through Alberta Health Services

HealthLink Alberta

24-hour, 7 day a week telephone service that provides medical information to callers from registered nurses (1-866-408-5465)

Income Support

The Alberta government offers several financial assistance programs geared to families of children with disabilities.

Alberta Child Health Benefit

Funded by Ministry of Human Services
For families with low-income with children up to age 18 (or age 20 if they are living at home and attending high school until grade 12)

Inclusive Child Care Program

Offers support for child care for children with disabilities
May receive training in child care settings or funding for additional staff
Funded by Ministry of Human Services

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)

Assists with provision of basic medical equipment and supplies for individuals with a chronic illness or disability (e.g. wheelchair, toileting or bathing equipment)

Child Care Subsidy

For low-income families with children 12 years of age or younger accessing licensed child care
Provided by the Alberta Ministry of Human Services

Respite Care Services

In Alberta, parents or caregivers are responsible for choosing the service provider(s) who will work with their child and family. The Family Support for Children with Disabilities Program (FSCD) provided through the Ministry of Human Services is a central point of contact for families of children with disabilities. The FCSD offers information, referrals and funding for family support and child-specific services. Parents or caregivers can either directly hire their own respite service provider or can seek respite services from a designated respite agency. Families can choose to have respite offered in or outside the home.