MCFD Announces Major Changes to CYSN Funding

Important information for parents and caregivers of children with support needs:  

On February 10, 2026, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) announced an overhaul of the service model for Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN), along with a budget of $475 million over the next 3 years. This means major changes to benefits for autistic children, but also an expanded model of support for all disabled children.   

Watch the announcement. 

This is a historic announcement. All children with support needs have a right to have those needs met, regardless of diagnosis. We celebrate today with many disability groups that have advocated tirelessly for decades to be included in this funding model. 

We also recognize that this announcement may come with many questions, mixed feelings, and uncertainty. Many people rely on the current supports, and this upheaval may feel overwhelming. We want to reassure our community that AutismBC is actively engaged with the ministry now, and that we stand on our values of equity, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed frameworks, and lived experience.

As we navigate these changes together, AutismBC is here for our community.   

New Benefit, Supplement, and Community-Based Services Commitment  

Here is a simplified breakdown of the new services:

The BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit  

• Direct funding for families of children and youth with high, ongoing support needs. 

• Qualification is based on support needs, not on income. 

• The base level is $6,500/year. 

• The higher level is $17,000/year. 

• Some children will qualify based on diagnosis alone. 

• Others will qualify based on a functional assessment. 

The BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement 

• A monthly supplement for middle and low-income families. 

• Qualification is based on household income and eligibility for the Federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC).  

• Recipients of the DTC are automatically applied for this supplement.  

• Maximum benefit is $6,000/year, paid monthly. 

• Benefit decreases as income increases. 

Expansion of Community-Based Services 

• Expanded services to help children at home, at school, and in community. 

• Services will include more free or low-cost, local supports. 

• Aims to reduce travel time and wait periods. 

• Includes:  

• • Behavioural and mental health supports  

• • Service navigation support  

• • Children and youth programming 

• • Pediatric therapies 

• Services will be delivered through community agencies, such as child development centres. 

Transition from Autism Funding Unit, School Aged Extended Therapies, and At-Home Program 

The above benefits will replace The Autism Funding Unit (AFU), School Aged Extended Therapies (SAET), and At Home Program (AHP). Support and guidance through transitions and applications will be available from CYSN workers, the Autism Funding team, and Autism Information Services (AIS).  

Below is some information about the transitions.

At Home Program to The BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit 

• Children accessing AHP will be the first to transition to the new benefit. 

• Health and medical supports will stay the same. 

• Access to medical supplies and equipment will not change. 

• Families will be contacted beginning April 2026. 

Autism Funding to The BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit 

• Children accessing AFU will be the second group to transition to the new benefit. 

• New families will continue to be enrolled in AFU until March 1, 2027. 

• Families will be transitioned to the new benefit between March 2026 and March 2027. 

• AFU will accept invoices through March 31, 2027. 

• The transition is expected to be complete in April 2027. 

Timeline of Expansion of Community Based Services 

• Spring 2026: expansion of early intervention therapies. 

• Summer 2027: continued expanded behaviour and mental health supports. 

• Winter 2027: expanded navigation and family support. 

• Spring 2028: expanded programming for children and teens. 

Further Information 

More information is available in this Guide for Current Service Recipients. 

MCFD is also holding public information sessions at the following times through the Teams app or by phone. No registration required: 

• Wednesday, February 11 at 12pm 

• Thursday, February 12 at 7pm 
  • Tonight’s Parent Information Townhall has been cancelled to honour the Day of Mourning following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.

• Friday, February 13 at 9am 

We recognize that this is a difficult disruption for many families. If you have questions, concerns, or need support understanding how this may impact your family, please reach out to us via our contact page. 

We encourage our community to write to your representatives with concerns. If you are comfortable, we welcome you to cc’ AutismBC ([email protected]) on your emails so we can hold legislature accountable together.  

The Ministry of Children and Family Development may be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 1-844-442-2800. 

You can identify your Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) along with their contact information here: https://www.leg.bc.ca/members.