Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)

Offered by Alberta Children and Family Services

Alberta’s main family-support program for children under 18 with disabilities, including children on the autism spectrum.

<p><strong>Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)</strong> is Alberta’s main provincial family-support program for families raising children with disabilities, including children on the autism spectrum. The program works with eligible families to plan and coordinate supports that help a child’s development, participation at home and in the community, and some extraordinary disability-related costs.</p>

<h3>Who it is for</h3> <p>FSCD is for families with a child under 18 who lives in Alberta, is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and has medical documentation confirming a disability or that a diagnosis is in progress. The child’s guardian applies for the program.</p>

<h3>What it may help with</h3> <ul> <li>Information about government, community, and local disability supports.</li> <li>Coordination and planning with a Disability Services worker.</li> <li>Respite services in or outside the home.</li> <li>Counselling, child-care supports, and some disability-related clothing or footwear costs.</li> <li>Some costs related to medical appointments, such as parking, mileage, meals, accommodation, or sibling care.</li> <li>Aides who provide personal care, community, behavioural, or developmental support.</li> <li>Specialized services for children with severe disabilities, where eligibility criteria are met.</li> <li>Transition planning during key changes, including diagnosis, school changes, and planning for adulthood.</li> </ul>

<h3>Important limits</h3> <p>FSCD does not replace school supports, emergency or crisis services, equipment covered by Alberta Aids to Daily Living, individual therapy, or direct financial benefits. Supports are individualized and are usually set out in an FSCD agreement after eligibility and needs are reviewed.</p>

<h3>How to apply</h3> <p>Families can review the official Alberta.ca FSCD pages, use My Alberta Supports, or contact Alberta Supports / an FSCD office to discuss eligibility and the application process.</p>

<p><em>This listing is for general navigation only. Program rules, eligibility, and services can change. Families should confirm details directly with Alberta.ca or an FSCD office.</em></p>

Eligibility

Child must be under 18, live in Alberta, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have medical documentation confirming a disability or that diagnosis is in progress.

How to apply

Review the official Alberta.ca FSCD pages, use My Alberta Supports, or contact Alberta Supports / an FSCD office to discuss eligibility and apply.

At a glance

Source and verification

Last source check: July 5, 2026

Check the current program details at the cited source. Eligibility, funding, availability, fees, and application steps can change.

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