Children’s disABILITY Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I think my child may have a disability or developmental delay, who should I contact?
Visit your family doctor or your child’s doctor and explain your concerns. Children develop in the same basic ways, but some develop more slowly than others. Some children may need additional support to help them develop. If your child needs support, your doctor may make a referral to a clinic for further information and assessment.
You can also find information on the assessment and diagnosis of young children on the Information for Manitobans with Disabilities website.
My child has been diagnosed with a disability. How do I connect with the Children's disABILITY Services (CDS) Program?
Some families are referred to CDS by medical professionals such as the clinician who assessed the child with a disability or their family doctor, schools or child care facilities. You may apply directly to the program by submitting the Referral and Intake Application form along with your child’s diagnostic assessment information to the Family Support Services or regional office for your community.
If you have questions about applying for CDS including if a referral has already been made for your child, contact the Family Support Services office at 204-945-8311.
Are there limits to the services and supports from CDS ?
The level of service and support provided to your family will depend on your particular circumstances and the needs of your child. If the circumstances of your family change, services could also change. Your worker will be available to discuss the needs of your family and the availability of services and supports.
For more information on Children's disABILITY Services, please contact the regional office for your community.
Is there a Children’s disABILITY Services program pamphlet available?
Yes. Please click on the PDF file link to the Children’s disABILITY Services pamphlet.
Where can I find more information on services for people with disabilities in Manitoba?
The Information for Manitobans with Disabilities website is a helpful resource for parents and caregivers to find information on supports and services for children and adults with disabilities. This website is organized into user-friendly fact sheets that focus on a range of disability-related topics.
What is the Protecting and Supporting Children (Information Sharing) Act? How does it help Children’s disABILITY Services plan and provide services for my child?
Enacted in 2017, The Protecting and Supporting Children (Information Sharing) Act (PSCISA) allows service providers and government departments to collect, use and share personal information about supported children and their parents or legal guardians without their consent, when it is in the best interest of the child and necessary to plan and provide services or benefits for the supported child. Children enrolled with Children’s disABILITY Services are “supported children” under the PSCISA.
Children’s disABILITY Services and the Department of Families will continue to maintain confidentiality over personal and personal health information, in accordance with The Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act and The Personal Health Information Act.
For more information on The Protecting and Supporting Children (Information Sharing) Act, visit the following links:
I have more questions about Children’s disABILITY Services. Who should I contact?
Please contact the regional office for your community or the Family Support Services office at 204-945-8311
To request documents in alternate formats, please contact the Department of Families Accessibility Coordinator:
Department of Families
Accessibility Coordinator
205 - 114 Garry Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4V4
Phone: 204-945-3744
Email: fswebunit@gov.mb.ca