What is your definition of "children with special needs"?

We define children with special needs as "children who require varying levels of support and interventions in order to be assured their place as fully participating members of their communities. Their needs may be cognitive, physical, sensory, emotional and/or social".

This definition was developed, in 1997,  by a working group of parents and professionals during the restructuring phase of Alberta Children's Services and was adopted by the Calgary Rocky View Child and Family Services Authority and the Board of The Children's Link Society.

Who can use The Children's Link Society's services?

Our services are available to all families of children with special needs from 0 to 18 years of age who live in Calgary and the Area. We also receive inquiries from families who are moving to our region and want to find out about services relevant to their child and family circumstances as well as families moving to other provinces and countries. We will make every effort to provide all the information we can to help families make informed decisions.

Contact with The Children's Link Society is voluntary and open to families, professionals and others seeking information about supports, services, treatments, and programs for children with special needs and their families.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to use our service.

How do I access your service?

Most families and professionals contact us over the phone or by email. You are welcome to visit our resource centre at Suite 245, 720 - 28th Street N.E. Calgary, where you can chat with staff about your needs and browse through our brochures, magazines, books and other resources.

Is there a key service I need to know about?

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) is a Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority program that provides support to families with a child who has a handicapping condition to assist with some of the extraordinary demands resulting from their child's disability. The goal of CSN is to:

• Sustain the child within the family

• Facilitate the child's development growth and participation in community life

• Retain family involvement if a child requires an out-of-home

• Placement

For further information, including eligibility requirements, contact FSCD in the Calgary and Area at (403) 297-6022 (intake).