Approximately twenty thousand families receive some support from FSCD, but thousands are now finding FSCD inadequate and unresponsive. Families wait years after applying, only to be offered supports that fall short of what they need. Accessing the full range of FSCD’s supports requires on average, waiting an additional one year more during which persistent advocacy may be needed.
It has been three years since the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) released how many families who are eligible for FSCD and have requested supports are waiting without support. Throughout this time, Inclusion Alberta has requested updated information to better understand wait times, eligibility decisions and support approval. In the absence of updated data from government, Inclusion Alberta launched a survey to hear the experiences of the growing number of families receiving or waiting for FSCD supports. 746 families from 81 of Alberta’s 87 provincial electoral districts completed the survey in October and November 2024. This report presents findings from the survey and calls upon the government to take immediate action to ensure FSCD fulfills its purpose for those it was intended to support.