Information for Families Regarding CYSN Changes
Families across British Columbia are hearing about upcoming changes to how children and youth with support needs will access funding and services.
We are sharing confirmed information here to help families stay informed. This page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available.
Our focus remains on supporting children and families while changes are implemented gradually over time.
What Is Known at This Time
Current Autism Funding continues until March 31, 2027.
Implementation of changes will occur in phases, with families contacted individually as transition planning occurs.
Families may continue to use individualized funding for eligible supports, including behavioural consultation and intervention, in accordance with current program guidelines.
Community-based supports will also remain available as part of the broader system during the transition period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Autism Funding ending immediately?
No. Current Autism Funding continues until March 31, 2027.
Do families need to take action now?
Based on the timelines shared by CYSN, families may wish to consider submitting their information by August 31, 2026, to align with the anticipated information-gathering period over the summer and the eligibility review process occurring throughout the summer and fall.
Will services continue?
Families may continue to use individualized funding for eligible supports according to current program guidelines. Community-based supports will also remain available during the transition period.
What areas may be considered when determining eligibility?
The Ministry has indicated that eligibility may be based on a child's overall functional support needs rather than diagnosis alone. As part of the review, information describing communication, daily living and adaptive skills, cognitive functioning, safety and supervision needs, behavioural complexity, emotional regulation and mental health, medical complexity, and long-term support needs may all be considered.
Documentation that clearly explains how these areas affect your child's day-to-day functioning and the level of support they require can help provide a comprehensive picture of their needs.
When will eligibility decisions be made?
The Ministry has indicated that information gathering is expected to continue through Summer 2026, with submitted documentation being reviewed during Summer and Fall 2026. Eligibility determinations are anticipated to be made during Fall and Winter 2026–2027, with notifications provided to families on an ongoing basis as reviews are completed. As with any large provincial initiative, these timelines may change, but they offer families a general sense of when to expect the review process to occur.
What documentation should I submit?
Submit any documentation that helps describe your child’s support needs and daily functioning. This may include autism or diagnostic assessments, psychology or psychoeducational reports, pediatrician or specialist reports, speech-language and occupational therapy assessments, Behaviour Consultant or BCBA reports, mental health assessments, school reports, IEPs, behaviour or safety plans, medical letters, and other professional reports.
Behaviour Consultant and ABA reports can be particularly helpful when they describe your child’s communication, adaptive skills, emotional regulation, safety needs, level of supervision required, and overall support needs across home, school, and community settings.
Do I need a new autism assessment if my report is old or I can’t find it?
No. Families are encouraged to submit the reports and assessments they already have, even if they are several years old. Older assessments can still be valuable because they confirm diagnostic history.
If you cannot locate your child’s autism assessment, you can still participate in the review by submitting any documentation you have available. Current reports that describe your child’s present functioning and support needs may also help provide a more complete picture.
Will families need new documentation?
Families may be able to use documentation they already have, though specific requirements have not yet been confirmed.
What if my child does not match the example profiles in the guide?
Example profiles are intended to illustrate how the system may work and cannot capture each child’s unique needs. Individual circumstances will be considered.
How will families know when changes affect them?
Families will be contacted directly by the Ministry when their transition is planned.
How FCPG Is Supporting Families
We continue to:
Provide individualized services and supports tailored to each child’s needs and goals
Maintain continuity of care while the system transitions over time
Focus on meaningful outcomes that support communication, independence, and participation in daily life
Support families with practical guidance, coaching, and responsive problem-solving
Carefully review new information and share confirmed updates with families
Support thoughtful planning based on each child’s priorities and long-term needs
Work collaboratively with families to address questions and next steps
If questions arise about your child’s situation, your clinical team is available to discuss them with you.
Updates
We will update this page as new confirmed information becomes available.
Families may also wish to refer to official Ministry communications for additional details.
General Guidance for Families and Overview of the Children and Youth Disability Benefit
Families are encouraged to submit documentation that provides a clear picture of their child’s current support needs across home, school, and community settings. This may include diagnostic assessments, school reports, behaviour reports, therapy reports, medical letters, safety plans, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and any other documents that describe how their child functions day-to-day and the level of support they require.
For additional information and resources, visit the CYSN application webpage. The website provides access to both the online submission form and a printable paper application.
To find the printable application, visit the FAQ section and follow:
Getting Help → How do I submit information?
Our Commitment
For more than 25 years, Family Centred Practices Group has supported children and families across evolving systems. Our commitment remains to provide thoughtful, individualized support with professionalism, care, and continuity throughout this transition.
Other Information
What is the DTC (Disability Tax Credit)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a federal tax credit that may help reduce the amount of income tax paid by individuals with a severe and prolonged disability, or by a supporting family member. Eligibility is based on how the disability affects day-to-day functioning and must be certified by a qualified medical practitioner. If approved, the DTC may also provide access to other programs and benefits, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). More information, including how to apply, is available through the Canada Revenue Agency. CYSN DTC Information
What to expect after application
After your application is submitted, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will review the information provided and notify you of their decision. If your application is approved, you may be eligible to claim the Disability Tax Credit and access other related benefits and programs. If your application is not approved, you may have options to request a review, provide additional information, or reapply, depending on your circumstances.
Other potential supports
If approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may also become eligible for additional financial supports and benefits. These may include opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which can provide access to government grants and bonds, as well as programs such as the Child Disability Benefit, the BC Family Benefit disability supplement, the Canada Workers Benefit disability supplement, and other disability-related tax credits or refunds. Eligibility for these programs varies, and families are encouraged to review the specific requirements for each benefit.
Another wonderful support in place is the Access 2 pass. The Access 2 pass is a Canadian program that allows people of all ages with permanent disabilities to bring a support person with them for free or at a steep discount to participating venues. The cardholder pays regular admission, while their support person's ticket is covered.