Summer CYSN Service Provision Update

British Columbia’s Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is soliciting feedback on Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) service delivery in this province after considerable concerns with the proposed Family Connection Centres (FCC) model. On Nov.25, 2022, implementation of the FCC proposed CYSN framework was paused and a new framework has not emerged. Dr. Pat Mirenda was commissioned by the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) to provide the report Key Components of Effective Service Delivery for Children and Youth with Support Needs and Their Families: A Research Review and Analysis, delivered February 2023 to MCFD which highlighted the shortcomings of the FCC model.

MCFD’s lack of consultation with key groups in the sector regarding potential solutions to deficiencies in the current system and to the proposed elimination of individualized funding for children with ASD were emphasized . The RCY believes that B .C .’s improved CYSN service delivery system must be truly co-designed with Indigenous leadership, families, advocates and community partners. In November 2023, the RCY issued the report Still Left Out: Children and youth with disabilities in B.C. that outlined the urgent need to improve the CYSN service provision framework. As part of its commitment to engage in meaningful dialogue with multiple audiences on the future of children and youth with support needs (CYSN) services in BC, in June 2024, MCFD solicited feedback on CYSN services through an online engagement portal. MCFD asked parents, professionals, service providers and community members to comment on a plan submitted by the BC Association for Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI) proposing a transformation of service delivery in BC for children and youth with support needs and their families.

BCACDI’s paper BC’S CYSN Service Delivery Transformation outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the current system as well as proposing solutions. You can read the BCACDI report at https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/ sites/858/2024/05/BCACDI-Position-Paper-April-2024.pdf and a short summary follows. Strengths of the current system include a network of non-profit organizations that are accredited by an external regulator provide service. These organizations deliver family-centered service with a multi-disciplinary team-based approach. Access is currently needs-based and dedicated staff are conversant in complex needs and services. The help offered is evidence and best practice informed. Weaknesses of the current CYSN system include unacceptable wait times, insufficient labour to accommodate demand for service, difficulty navigating services and finding providers, unclear scale of need for CYSN and therefore the amount of funding is also unclear. Lastly the prevalence of mental health challenges in CYSN is causing additional complexity.

BCACDI Proposed Solutions:

1. Provide funding for the existing infra structure of CBNP (Community Based Not for Profit) organizations to meet the needs.

2. Provide a consistent suite of services available in each community and accessibility from 0-22 years.

3. Service must be accountable to families, those served, the funding source and citizens of BC.

4. Community specific procurement is recommended: not broad-based like other government procurement for non-people based services. Frequent procurement disrupts families by yanking them around to one provider and then another.

5. Individual Funding adapted to a hybrid service delivery with autism.

6. Implement a robust HR strategy for hiring in the CBNP sector with standardized wages in public and private sectors.