What is Behavioural/Developmental Supports (BDS)?

Behavioural/Developmental Supports address a specific behaviour or developmental goal by promoting the child's abilities and increasing or reinforcing parents' skills and strategies. This support is intended to be short-term (up to 26 weeks/6 months) and is goal/outcome focused. Functional goals should address specific behaviours and/or developmental delays related to the child's impairment/condition that significantly limit the child's participation in daily living activities.

What are the different models of BDS?

FSCD Contracted Agencies

Services may be delivered/supervised by a either a health professional or a non-health professional and may be supported by an aide. Up to 10 hours per week for 26 weeks, including administrative time.

Note: Aide needs to come in with skill set to follow the guidance/supervision of the professionals overseeing the BDS program.

FSCD Contracted Agencies and Private Providers

Professional Consultation: Includes up to 2 professionals (OT, SLP, Psych/Behavioural Interventionist/Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, PT). Up to 1 hour per week of professional time for a total of 26 hours over 26 weeks. Hours are shared between professionals.

Professional Consultation + Aide: Includes up to 2 professionals (OT, SLP, Psych/Behavioural Interventionist/Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, PT) and an aide who work together as a team. Up to 1 hour per week of professional time and up to 9 hours per week of aide time for 26 weeks.

What are the steps to access BDS supports?

  1. Find a service provider (access a contracted agency or hire private providers). If hiring privately, discuss this with your FSCD caseworker. Private team credentials need to be verified by the caseworker – there is a list of clinicians that have been approved and have attended the Private Provider session that the caseworker can check. If new to providing services, the caseworker will need a resume from the clinician to determine education and experience. Families can also check the private providers' creditionals with the clinician college to see if they are in good standing - for example, the Alberta College of Speech Language Pathology.
  2. Schedule an initial goal-setting meeting with the service provider and your FSCD worker.
  3. The Service Provider develops a Service Provider Program Plan (SPPP).
  4. Review the SPPP developed by your service worker, sign it and forward it to your FSCD worker.
  5. Caseworker approves the plan.
  6. Services Commence. The FSCD worker will amend your agreement to add BDS based on information in the SPPP for hours and service dates.

For more information, please refer to the FSCD Policy & Procedure manual.