Jennifer Charlesworth, British Columbia’s independent children’s representative spoke out strongly in December calling for increased funding for children with special needs in the province.

Dirk Meisner, in a report for The Canadian Press picked up by several news agencies, noted that whilst Ms Charlesworth supports the current B.C. government’s decision to reverse a plan to phase out individual funding for autism, “there are many families in B.C. with children who have special needs or support needs who receive no funding and no support under the current system” who need assistance.

Ms Charlesworth noted that there are a large number of children in the provide with fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome and other neurocognitive development needs who are currently receiving little or no support from the province.

The roll-out of service hubs throughout the province to provide coordinated services for children with special needs, originally planned to include 40 centres, was put on pause in December, 2022, to allow time for evaluation of the pilot projects that are proceeding in Kelowna, Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers.

B.C. Premier David Eby stated that a decision had been reached, after meetings with parents, caregivers, Indigenous groups, child rights organizations and experts, that individualized funding would be retained for children with autism.

The B.C. government issued a Summary of Engagement and Research Findings at the beginning of December that included a number of issues identified through the consultation process with families of children and youth with support needs (CYSN). A summary of key points from the findings indicates:

·      While the complement of services is generally right, 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

While Jennifer Charlesworth supports the B.C. government’s decision to retain individual funding for children with autism, she noted that the provincial government needs to provide equitable resources to help all children with special needs. Speaking on behalf of the provincial government, Premier Eby stated that they will work with families and care groups to ensure children receive needed support.