Learn more about the qualifications of the FSCD application process and our corresponding respite care service options you can access (once your funding has been approved) below. Have your child approved for the right level of care, whether respite or long-term residential care.
Edmonton’s Leading Disability Service Organization
Are you covered or seeking aid under the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program? We help mothers and guardians get the care their child needs to thrive.
Ongoing wait times for FSCD-approved funds can seem discouraging. Entrust’s team will strive to place your child within 2-8 weeks.
If you’re already approved under the FSCD program, our team will advise what coverage you have, services facilitated under it, and what to expect from our care programs.
Accredited by Alberta Council of Disability Services for providing supportive, personalized care to children on the spectrum.
Respite Services
Short-Term/24-Hour Respite
- 2-3 day stay
- Individualized support with creative activities
- Ideal for 24-hour respite
- Competitive respite rates
Longer Stay Respite Care
- 5-10 day stays
- Residential care homes in and around Edmonton
- Ideal for parents seeking temporary care while away from home
At Centre Community Living
- After-school clubs
- Weekend activities
- Camps
- Short-term respite
- Social bonding and involvement
Long-Term Residential Living Services
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Group Homes for Youth
● Thorough consultation
● Individuals under 17
● End-to-end schooling and living support
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Group Homes for Adults
● Thorough consultation
● Individuals over 17
● End-to-end schooling and living support
If you’re not approved under the FSCD program, our team will advise whether you qualify for the program, and what type of support to expect once approved.
Who Qualifies for FSCD
Understanding your eligibility
Child must be under 18
Permanent resident/citizen
Reside in Alberta
Diagnosis must show primary need for behavioral care from developmental disability
Disability affecting physical, sensory, mental or neurological condition
Applicant must be child’s legal guardian
What FSCD Covers for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Parents or guardians having children with developmental disabilities can receive funds to avail the following services.
What our Individualized Support Plan Covers
At the core of our approach is the belief that everyone has the right to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, tailored to their unique requirements.
For individuals with developmental disabilities, we help you secure everything from medical care to daily living care.
Our initial behavioral consultation serves as the foundation for crafting a personalized Wellness Support Plan™.
Each Wellness Support Plan™ is Customized to the Individual Client.
- Essential personal information
- Observed behavior patterns
- Known stressors and triggers
- Behavior redirection techniques
- Details of daily routines
- Review ongoing eligibility for the FSCD program
- Update your support plan
- Renew your FSCD agreement for services included in new support plan
Once your FSCD contract is approved, we build a customized support plan which may cover services outlined below.
Up to 20 hours annually of individual and family counseling
Up to $400 annually for clothing and footwear related to the child's disability
Reimbursement for travel to medical or rehabilitation appointments, including parking, meals, and hotel accommodation if needed.
Costs associated with caring for the siblings of the child during medical appointments or hospitalizations.
Services may be provided for medical appointments outside Alberta if funded by the Minister of Health.
Up to 240 hours annually for temporary respite care for the guardian.
Varied levels of respite care based on the child's needs, including short-term hourly care and extended 24-hour care
Up to 12 hours monthly for routine house cleaning and laundry
Covering additional child care costs related to the child's disability, including care for children under 13 and those over 13
Up to 144 hours annually for assistance in community programs and activities
Assistance for behavior management, development goals, and achieving measurable improvements
Costs related to dental and orthodontic treatment, prescription drugs, special dietary needs, and emergency ambulance transportation
Care for children with severe disabilities, including integrated and coordinated services, and consultation services for guardians
Costs associated with care in a residence other than the guardian's home and transportation related to this care
What FSCD Contracts Don't Cover
To support your family and child with the right care, we dedicate our disability support workers towards core tasks approved under the FSCD regulation.
However, the following care services are not covered for which you may consider enlisting the help of other health professionals.
FSCD Does Not Cover:
- Child’s educational needs
- Crisis/emergency situations
- Equipment covered by Alberta Aids to Daily Living
- Supports from other disability programs
- Individual therapy
- Financial benefits
Book a Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) contract in Alberta is a legal agreement that outlines the services and supports provided to families with children who have disabilities. It is designed to help families access specialized services and tailor support to their individual needs. FSCD contracts are valid for up to 3 years from the date of issue.
The approval process for FSCD can vary, but typically it takes around 2-6 months. This time frame depends on the completeness of the application, required assessments, and the responsiveness of various involved parties.
FSCD contracts are usually subject to periodic reviews and renewals, often on an annual basis. The renewal process considers the ongoing needs and progress of the child, and adjustments to services and supports may be made accordingly.
If you disagree with a decision made by your FSCD caseworker, you have the right to appeal. This process typically involves submitting a written decision review form within 30 days of receiving your decision. You could choose to request a mediation from a non-FSCD party, or have an appeal panel review the decision.