Kootenay Child & Youth Special Needs (CYSN) Family Services Program

Provides specialized services for families of children and youth with special needs including those diagnosed on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities, with FASD, with complex developmental behavioural conditions, complex medical conditions or other special needs requiring at-home services.

Services include in-home assessment, education, support and skill building, as well as coordination of services with other providers.

The focus is to help the child and family:

• Maintain or strengthen the family's integrity, independence and quality of life 
• Reduce and replace challenging behaviours 
• Improve functioning in the home, school, social and community settings
• Develop and utilize natural and community supports 

Services include:

• Comprehensive assessment, strategy implementation and evaluation Individual and family counselling
• Parent support and education 
• School-based liaison 
• Emotional, social and interpersonal skill development 
• Observation and feedback 
• Support with increasing community involvement 

Services are provided on an outreach basis, across all environments in the family home, school and other community settings

Referral Process: Families seeking services are screened for eligibility by MCFD-CYSN social workers in Nelson or Trail, who may then refer families that may benefit from the program services