COVID-19 Communication from John Stinson,
Assistant Deputy Minister Program Policy and Improvement, Community and Social
Services for FSCD Families March 2020
Hello FSCD Families,
The ministry of Community and
Social Services (CSS) is reaching out to you because we know the COVID-19
pandemic situation is an extremely challenging time for all Albertans and we
know every family in Alberta is facing unforeseen pressures related to
accessing community services such as day care and recreation, purchasing
household necessities, and remaining connected to family and friends.
Regardless of who you are or where you live, COVID-19 is affecting all Albertans
practically, financially and emotionally. CSS knows that the current situation
can be particularly hard on families who rely on our programs and services for
support, and we want you to know we are committed to maintaining CSS programs
and services during the COVID-19 pandemic, within the context of our current
reality.
Please note we are in daily
discussions with Inclusion Alberta and the Alberta Council for Disability
Services to monitor the impact the COVID-19 situation is having on Albertans
with disabilities and their families. We are also speaking regularly with the
Chair of the Provincial Parents Advisory Council (PPAC). These conversations
are informing the management of our disability programs during this pandemic
crisis.
Please be assured that during
the COVID-19 pandemic, CSS staff will continue to administer FSCD agreements as
per usual practice; including the renewal of existing agreements. We encourage
you to remain in regular phone and on-line contact with your FSCD worker to
address any concerns you may have (in-person meetings are paused until further
notice as per public health social distancing directives). As always, and on a
case-by-case basis, there is room for flexibility within existing FSCD
agreements to make adjustments to help meet your needs during the COVID-19
crisis. FSCD staff will work with you and be as flexible as possible. For
example, during the COVID-19 pandemic you can utilize community aide hours
within your agreement to support respite. Additionally, as there are no
‘typical school day/hours’ at this time with schools closed, you can utilize
your existing FSCD agreement funding for respite and other FSCD services during
the day. Please connect with your FSCD worker regarding how to make this happen
and to discuss other ways to meet your current needs within your existing
agreement.
We are tracking the
administrative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic so please record the things you
are doing within your agreement that are specific to COVID-19, and remember to
inform your FSCD worker about each one. Our staff will continue to support your
family as best we can during this challenging time.
In closing, please know we
recognize the current COVID-19 pandemic situation may affect the availability
of services you typically access through your FSCD agreement. For example,
because of public health protective measures, it will be increasingly difficult
to access some of the services that support your child and your family. If your
FSCD agreement has lower expenditures in certain service areas that are only
due to the COVID-19 situation, this will not impact decisions regarding your
child’s FSCD support needs in future FSCD agreements.
John Stinson, Assistant Deputy Minister Program Policy and Improvement, Community and Social Services