Children's Special Services
Raising a child can be very rewarding. It can also be challenging. All families face challenges at one time or another. Families raising a child with a disability have some unique challenges.
Children’s Special Services can assist families who have children with developmental or physical disabilities with some of the out of ordinary demands they have. With supports, families are better able to care for their children with disabilities in the community, where children grow and thrive.
It’s a family centred approach
We believe parents and family members are the most important people in a child’s life. We also believe parents know best the needs of their family and child with disabilities.
Who is eligible?
Families residing in Manitoba, who have a child under the age of 18 and living with them, are eligible if the child has one or more of the following conditions:
- a developmental disability;
- at risk of developmental delay;
- autism spectrum disorder;
- a physical disability; or
- lifelong complex medical needs which result in a dependency on medical technology.
Confirmation of the disability is required.
What supports are available?
Service Coordination: A Children’s Special Services worker is assigned to each eligible family. The worker discusses with the family their needs, goals and priorities. He or she informs families about the supports that may be available through Children’s Special Services. The worker can also tell families about other helpful services offered by health and social service agencies, childcare services, schools, voluntary organizations and more.
The worker can also assist the family arrange for the services they need.
A Children’s Special Services worker will remain involved with the family as long as the child is eligible, until the child turns 18 years or the family no longer needs the service. Respite: Families can get short-term help that gives them a break from providing care (“respite”). Respite may be arranged and paid for by Children’s Special Services. Alternatively, the family may hire a respite worker and pay the respite worker with funds provided by Children’s Special Services.
Early Childhood Intervention for Pre-School Children
Child development workers can help parents or caregivers identify the child’s strengths and goals. Together they find ways to assist the child learn new skills and reach his or her full potential. Early childhood intervention may be provided in the child’s home or childcare setting.
Behavioural Assessment and Therapy
Behaviour specialists, who are experienced in working with children with special needs, can provide an assessment of the child’s behaviour. Together with the child’s family, the behaviour specialist develops a plan that addresses the child’s needs.
Children’s Special Services can also refer children to the Children’s Therapy Initiative - Central Region, which will assist families in developing a plan to access audiology services, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy.
Transportation
Assistance may be available for families who need financial support to cover the extraordinary costs of transportation to and from medical appointments and specialized services for their child with disabilities. This is mainly for families in rural and northern Manitoba.
Supplies and Equipment
Children’s Special Services may cover the cost of certain supplies and equipment that are necessary because of a child’s disability.
Home Modifications
Funds may be available for making modifications to the family home. The modifications must be directly related to the child’s disability. Examples are ramps, railings, lifts, and widened doorframes.
Are there limits to these services?
We recognize that the circumstances of each family are different and assess the needs of each family individually.
The amount of service a family receives will depend on the eligibility for service, assessed need, and the resources available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on these services in the Central Manitoba, contact the Manitoba Family Services and
Housing regional office:
25 Tupper Street North
Portage la Prairie, MB
R1N 3K1
Phone: 239-3092
Fax: 239-3148
Visit the Children’s Special Services webpage on the Province of Manitoba website: