MCFD contracted with two firms to lead research into user-experience for families and communities, with enhanced focus on Indigenous families’ user-experience. The Ministry information sheet states, “Over 1500 individuals, from a broad range of families and service providers, shared their experiences with CYSN services through community workshops and research surveys. Phone interviews were also conducted with rural and remote participants and providers, as well as subject matter specialists.” These were considered along with a variety of reports and academic research literature.

Users commented that “finding and accessing CYSN services can be overwhelming and confusing for families and service providers” and “families living in remote communities have less access to information about services and greater distances to travel for service.” These issues are particularly significant as “timeliness and consistency of service is critical to early intervention.”

Families noted that they “find wait times long to gain the diagnosis needed to access CYSN services”, “varying methods of determining eligibility across CYSN programs makes it challenging for families to navigate”, eligibility requirements are often poorly communicated to families and are difficult to understand”, and “each program has a separate intake process making it inefficient”.

Comments on equity note “families and service providers describe that children in care have greater access to CYSN services compared to children with their families”, that there is a need for trauma-informed practices to support equity, that low-income, Indigenous and English Language Learning (ELL) families, along with those living in remote areas, have difficulty attaining services, and that support needs for children with FTSD are not being met.

A lack of culturally appropriate services was identified, with service satisfaction rating lower by ELL and Indigenous communities. “Many Indigenous families prefer to not access services because of racism and a lack of trust and fear of MCFD Services.” Recommendations were made to incorporate Elder Involvement in CYSN programs and services to improve cultural supports and “place emphasis on the importance of Elders and grandparents having a role in raising children”.

Families reported that they are burdened by the amount and tedious nature of paperwork to access services and that case coordination and one-stop, hub infrastructure is desired, along with culturally responsive and trauma-informed services.

The report’s summary of key findings is that:

·      The complement of services is generally right, but more is needed

·      The current system favours families with resources to find and access CYSN services

·      Culturally responsive and trauma-informed services are needed

·      Family support, including case coordination, is desired

·      Families regard a one-stop, hub infrastructure as ideal

Next steps include:

·      Draft Framework Consultation: Fall 2019

·      Implementation Planning: Winter 2019

·      Public Release of Service Framework: March 2020

·      Begin Phased Implementation: Spring 2020

 Questions about the service framework can be directed to MCF.ChildrenYouthSpecialNeeds@gov.bc.ca

The Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth held a public consultation on children and youth with neuro-diverse special needs between April 15 and June 7, 2019. The committee will release its report this autumn.