top of page

Avelora Life

Two adults and a child reviewing illustrated materials together at a table

What Is FSCD in Alberta?

A Practical Guide for Alberta Families

FSCD helps eligible Alberta families access disability-related supports for their child. This practical guide explains the program, the application process, and how approved non-medical respite and community support may fit your family’s plan.

1. What FSCD Is and Who It's For

FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) is an Alberta government program that provides funding and support to families raising a child with a disability. It is intended for children and youth under 18 whose disability significantly affects daily functioning, helping families access supports such as respite care, specialized child care, and other disability-related services. Eligibility and funding levels are assessed individually by a caseworker based on the child's needs and the family's circumstances.

Child and caregiver building with blocks during non-medical FSCD respite support in Alberta
Child and caregiver completing a puzzle during non-medical FSCD respite support in Alberta

2. What FSCD Can Help Fund

Depending on a family's approved plan, FSCD funding can support a range of disability-related needs, including respite care to give parents and caregivers a break, specialized child care, behavioural or developmental support services, and connections to community programs. Avelora Life's non-medical respite and companion care services are one option families may explore alongside their FSCD-funded plan, subject to individual approval and availability.

3. How to Apply for FSCD in Alberta

Families apply through their local FSCD office within Alberta Children's Services. A caseworker meets with the family to understand the child's needs and daily challenges, then works with them to develop an individualized family support plan. Approved plans are reviewed periodically, and funding amounts vary based on the specific supports identified. Families can contact their regional office directly to start the conversation and ask what documentation is needed.

Child and support worker participating in a daily activity through FSCD support in Alberta

Ready for a Practical Next Step?

Avelora Life provides person-centred, non-medical respite and companion care in Alberta communities where availability can be confirmed. This page is for general information only and does not replace direct guidance from your FSCD caseworker. Availability depends on location, schedule, support needs, and the applicable funding arrangement. Avelora Life does not determine FSCD eligibility, approve funding, or guarantee payment.

Book a Free Consultation or call 780-801-8182. Explore our services.

bottom of page
Family guide

What Is FSCD in Alberta? A Practical Guide for Families

If you are raising a child with a disability, the funding system can feel like a second job. This guide keeps it simple.

FSCD helps eligible Alberta families access disability-related supports for their child. This practical guide explains the program, the application process, and how approved non-medical respite and community support may fit your family’s plan.

Book a free consultation →Call 780-801-8182Text us
Free consultationFamily guideFSCD or private payInsured agency
Two adults and a child reviewing illustrated materials together at a table
Free consultationNo obligation. Talk it through first.
Plain languageNo jargon, no pressure.
Program decidesAvelora does not determine eligibility or funding.
Insured agencyAvelora Life carries agency insurance.
Child and caregiver building with blocks during non-medical FSCD respite support in Alberta
What FSCD is and who it is for

FSCD in plain terms

FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) is an Alberta government program that provides funding and support to families raising a child with a disability. It is intended for children and youth under 18 whose disability significantly affects daily functioning.

It helps families access supports such as respite care, specialized child care and other disability-related services. Eligibility and funding levels are assessed individually by a caseworker, based on the child’s needs and the family’s circumstances.

What FSCD can help fund

Supports a family plan can include

Depending on a family’s approved plan, FSCD funding can support a range of disability-related needs.

Specialized child care

Care that is set up around a child’s disability and everyday needs.

Behavioural or developmental support

Services focused on a child’s behaviour, development and skills.

Connections to community programs

Links to programs and activities in the community.

Non-medical respite and companion care

Avelora Life’s non-medical respite is one option families may explore alongside their plan, subject to approval and availability.

A plan built around your child

Each plan is individualized, so what is funded varies from family to family.

Talk to us about respite →Call 780-801-8182
How to apply

How to apply for FSCD in Alberta

Contact your local FSCD officeFamilies apply through their local FSCD office within Alberta Children’s Services.
Meet with a caseworkerA caseworker meets with the family to understand the child’s needs and daily challenges.
Develop a family support planThe caseworker works with you to develop an individualized family support plan.
Plans are reviewedApproved plans are reviewed periodically, and funding varies with the supports identified.
Child and caregiver completing a puzzle during non-medical FSCD respite support in Alberta
Before you call

Helpful questions for your caseworker

Not every family knows what to ask. These can help.

What documentation do I need?

Contact your regional office directly to start the conversation and ask what documentation is needed.

What could our plan cover?

Ask what supports could be included for your child, and how decisions are made.

Getting started

Three simple steps

You can talk to us at any stage: before, during or after your application.

1

Talk to your FSCD office

Start the conversation and ask what documentation is needed.

2

Book a free consultation with us

Tell us about your child, your routines and what you would like support to look like.

3

We confirm the fit

Service fit, location, schedule, staffing and your funding or private arrangement are talked through.

Book my free consultation →Text 825-523-0098
Important

What this guide is, and is not

We would rather be clear about it.

General information only

This page does not replace direct guidance from your FSCD caseworker. Always confirm details with the program.

Avelora does not decide

Avelora Life does not determine FSCD eligibility, approve funding or guarantee payment. Availability depends on location, schedule, support needs and the applicable funding arrangement.

Avelora Life provides non-medical support. In an emergency, call 911.
Funding

Using FSCD with Avelora Life

Avelora Life is authorized for direct billing under FSCD in South Calgary and Northern Alberta, subject to applicable program requirements, approved services, and individual funding agreements. Private arrangements can also be discussed.

FSCDDirect billing (South Calgary and Northern Alberta)Private pay
Avelora Life does not decide eligibility, approve funding or guarantee payment. Avelora Life is authorized for FSCD and PDD direct billing in South Calgary and Northern Alberta, subject to applicable program requirements, approved services, and individual funding agreements. See how funding works.
Across Alberta

FSCD respite across Alberta

We confirm availability for your community, hours and staffing before you rely on it.

Respite for children in EdmontonOur home base on Jasper AvenueRespite for children in CalgaryPlanned around your part of the cityRespite for children in Sherwood ParkEast of Edmonton, Strathcona CountyRespite for children in AirdrieJust north of CalgaryRespite for children in Red DeerCentral Alberta, between the two big citiesRespite for children in LethbridgeSouthern AlbertaAll Alberta locationsFind your city or community
Keep reading

Related support and guides

FSCD respite and child supportOur service for children and youth.Private pay vs funded supportHow the options compare.Funding overviewHow support can be paid for.
Why families trust us

What you can count on

A real conversation first

Avelora Life was founded by Katrin Gregorio. Your first call is about your child and your family, not a sales pitch.

Our working standards

Information is shared only with consent, and services stay within a clear non-medical scope.

Questions

Questions about FSCD in Alberta

Who is FSCD for?

FSCD is intended for children and youth under 18 whose disability significantly affects daily functioning. Eligibility is assessed individually by a caseworker.

How do I apply?

Families apply through their local FSCD office within Alberta Children’s Services. A caseworker meets with the family and develops an individualized support plan.

Does Avelora Life decide FSCD eligibility?

No. Avelora does not determine FSCD eligibility, approve funding or guarantee payment.

Can we use private pay if we are waiting?

Private arrangements may be discussed when funded support is unavailable or does not cover the requested service.

How soon can support start?

We cannot promise a date before we talk. Start dates depend on location, schedule, staffing and funding, and we will be straightforward about what is possible.

Start here

Let’s talk about your family’s next step

Tell us about your child and where you are in the process. We will take it from there.

Book a free consultation →
Call 780-801-8182Text 825-523-0098info@aveloralife.ca
Based in Edmonton at 10060 Jasper Ave, Unit 2020, Tower 1, T5J 3R8. Non-medical support only. In an emergency, call 911.
CallBook free consultation