Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs

Children’s Special Services

FAQs | Children’s Special Services pamphlet

The Children's Special Services program provides services and supports to families who may need assistance with some of the extraordinary demands of caring for a child with disabilities.  With supports, families are better able to care for their children at home within their communities, where children grow and thrive.

Once a child is deemed eligible for the program, a Family Services Worker is assigned to the family and works in partnership with them to assess the needs of the child and their family in order to develop a Service Plan.
The Service Plan may include one or more of the following:

• Respite (including nursing respite)
• Child Development (for Pre-school Children)
• Therapy
• Behavioural Services
• Applied Behavioural Analysis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Summer Gap Programming
• After School Care for Adolescents
• Supplies and Equipment
• Home/Vehicle Modifications
• Transportation to and from Medical Appointments

To be eligible, a child must be 17 years of age or younger, living with his or her birth, extended or adoptive families in Manitoba and present with one of the following:

• a mental disability
• a developmental delay
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• A lifelong, physical disability that results in significant limitations in mobility
• A high probability of developmental delay due to a pre-existing condition, significant prematurity with medical and/or biological factors, or a parent who has a mental disability.  

Each child and family’s circumstances are unique.  The amount of service provided to eligible families is dependent upon the assessed needs of the child and family, and the resources available to deliver the service.

To speak with someone about the Children’s Special Services program, please click on either Winnipeg Service Locations or Rural and Northern Service Locations to find the contact information for the Family Services and Housing regional office in your area.

For more information about how to determine whether your child may be eligible for the Children’s Special Services program, see Connecting with Children's Special Services: Frequently Asked Questions.

• Winnipeg Service Location
• Rural and Northern Service Location