New Brunswick

Relevant Legislation

Legislation refers to those Acts or bodies or a body of law that codifies how a law operates and is used. Below we have listed a number of acts in New Brunswick that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Government of New Brunswick Website

Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons Act

Relevant Policies: 

Policy is how legislation or a law is put into action. Social policies address issues of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the members of a particular society such as health care and education. Below we have listed a number of policies in New Brunswick that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Report of the New Brunswick Disability Framework Working Group (2002)

Be Ready for Success: A 10 Year Early Childhood Strategy for New Brunswick, June 2008

Case Management Services

In New Brunswick, supports and services for individuals and children with disabilities and their families are provided by the Department of Social Development.

Access and Assessment

  • Serves as the central point of entry for all services and supports offered by the Department of Social Development

Community Based Services for Children with Special Needs (CBSCSN)

  • These services are offered to children and youth under the age of 19 with a formal diagnosis of a physical or intellectual disability, medically complex condition or behavioural/emotional difficulty. They must be currently receiving services.
  • The child must have needs that are above and beyond the services currently available
  • Parents and caregivers must be actively involved in the service plan and be able to contribute financially to the service plan
  • Visit the webpage to learn more about the program: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.10195.html
  • Contact the Access and Assessment unit nearest you to access services

Disability Support Program

Services for Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Offered through the Department of Social Development, Education and Early Childhood Development
  • After receiving a diagnosis of ASD, families must send their "Confirmation of Diagnosis" form (completed by the physician or psychologist) to the Department of Social Development who then refers them to an authorized agency in their area that provides a comprehensive range of services including an individualized intervention plan
  • All preschool children with a diagnosis of ASD receive fully funded services
  • Visit the webpage to learn more about the program: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.13836.html

3 ½ Year Old Clinic

  • At age 3 ½, children are invited to visit one of these public health clinics to receive various health and development assessments (e.g. vision, hearing, speech, nutrition, growth, dental health etc.)

Income Support

In addition to federal income support initiatives, the Manitoba government offers a financial assistance program geared to low-income, working families.

Manitoba Child Benefit

  • Funded by Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs
  • Provides financial assistance for low-income, working families with children up to age 18
  • Visit the website to review eligibility criteria

Respite Care Services

In Manitoba, respite services are provided through Children's DisABILITY Services at no cost. Parents or caregivers can directly hire their own respite service provider (self-managed respite care) or can seek respite services from a designated respite agency (direct service). Families can choose to have respite offered in or outside the home. The level of support offered is based on family need and the availability of appropriate supports.

Visit Children's DisABILITY Services (formerly Children's Special Services) for more information.

It is important to consider that due to high demand, some respite services may have a waitlist. Therefore it may be helpful to call in advance to inquire about wait times and have your name placed on the waiting list if need be.