British Columbia introduces a revamped funding system for children and youth with disabilities, including autism. The initiative aims to deliver fairer, more accessible, and better-coordinated services.
Jodie Wickens, Minister for Children and Family Development, announces $475 million in new funding over three years. Additionally, $298 million from existing autism funding redirects to support the changes. These updates provide direct financial aid and community-based services to thousands more children across the province.
Response to Past Criticism
The government faced significant backlash from parents over a 2021 funding revision attempt, leading to a pause. Wickens acknowledges, “It was clear that we missed the mark, and we needed to pause and engage to get it right.” The province listened to families demanding more funding and flexibility before proceeding.
“There are thousands of children and families who feel that they have been left behind by the current system,” Wickens states. Families of children with Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and others now receive direct support for the first time.
Key Features of the New System
The model introduces a complex-needs disability benefit based on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone. This benefit ranges from $6,500 to $17,000 annually and targets up to 15,000 children with prolonged disabilities, complex developmental needs, or significant daily challenges.
A separate, income-tested disability supplement offers up to $6,000 per year per child, paid monthly. It supports an estimated 33,000 children in lower- and middle-income households, phasing out at around $200,000 after-tax income for a one-child family. Overall, the system reaches about 48,000 children, expanding from the previous 30,000.
Potential Funding Adjustments and Community Supports
No child loses access to supports, though up to 5,000 may receive reduced direct funding. These children gain priority for community-based services, backed by $80 million in expansions.
Wickens explains, “For some children who have low needs—such as slight social skills deficits or neurodivergent clinical counselling—these will direct into community-based services.” Medical expertise guides these shifts, ensuring caregivers confirm adequate support. Community services, including behavioural and mental health aids, increase by 40 percent over three years.
Phased Implementation
The rollout adopts a phased approach. Some families transition to the new disability benefit on April 1, while the current autism funding continues until next year. The first supplement payments begin in July 2027.
Previously, autism funding provided direct services regardless of need or income. Other diagnoses accessed community therapies up to age six or medical supplies for high-needs cases. The new benefits replace these programs.
Optimism from Children’s Advocate
<p Jennifer Charlesworth, British Columbia's Representative for Children and Youth, expresses hope. Families report exhaustion from navigating the system, not from their children. "I'm optimistic that with this investment and the streamlining of service access for so many more children and youth, the precious energy and time spent by families can redirect to loving, nurturing, and enjoying their young ones," Charlesworth states.
