A new Union of BC Indian Chiefs resolution is calling for the province to scrap their family connection centres plan for children with disabilities, in favour of a co-developed strategy.
Last year, the province announced a plan to end individualized autism and other child disability support programs to establish centralized family connection centres.
But, the Union, along with a slew of industry experts, say the model is flawed, incomplete, and does not reflect evidence of best practice.
They say that the move to group programs and away from individualized ones is not evidence-based, and that the new model will present new barriers to access, especially for Indigenous children.
According to the resolution, inadequate funding and diagnosis expansion will also lead to longer wait times, and missed intervention opportunities.
In addition, they say the plan was developed without meaningful or adequate engagement with Indigenous peoples, families, or service providers.
They are calling for the province to co-develop an approach to transforming services for youth and children with disabilities, and to maintain existing services until one is worked out.
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