Are you missing out on crucial updates that could impact your child’s future? The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is actively working to improve supports and services for children and youth with special needs, and your voice matters. But here’s where it gets interesting: while many families are eager to participate, not everyone knows how to get involved—or even that these opportunities exist. This is your chance to stay informed and make a difference.
Engagement and Information Sessions: Your Gateway to Change
Last updated on February 12, 2026, this page is your one-stop resource for participating in current and upcoming engagement and information sessions. Whether you’re a parent, service provider, or community member, these sessions are designed to listen to your experiences, share updates, and shape the future of support services. And this is the part most people miss: even if you can’t attend live, you can still contribute by providing feedback or catching up on past engagements.
What’s on This Page?
- Overview: Learn why MCFD is committed to engaging with families and communities to enhance services for children and youth with support needs.
- Upcoming Information Sessions: Discover how you can join virtual sessions to learn about recent improvements. Controversial question: Are virtual sessions truly inclusive, or do they leave some families behind?
- Active Engagements: While there are no public engagements underway at this time, your feedback is always welcome. Email the ministry at mcf.childrenyouthsupportneeds@gov.bc.ca.
- Past Engagements: Explore how previous engagements, like the 2023-2025 CYSN Community Engagement and 2019 User-Experience Research, have shaped current services. Thought-provoking point: Did these engagements truly capture the diverse needs of all families, especially Indigenous communities?
- Get Updates: Subscribe to receive notifications when new sessions or engagements are added.
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions: Mark Your Calendar
These sessions are your opportunity to learn about improvements to supports and services for children and youth with special needs. Join online via Microsoft Teams or by phone. Here’s how:
Session 1: Wednesday, February 11 (Noon to 1pm PST)
- Join online: Microsoft Teams Link
- Meeting ID: 240 035 551 699 69
- Passcode: dg7Vm72e
- Call in: Dial 778-401-6289, Phone Conference ID: 819 611 366#
- Toll-free audio: 1-888-600-3289
Session 2: Thursday, February 12 (6 to 7pm PST)
Tonight’s session has been cancelled to honour the Day of Mourning following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. Check back for rescheduling details.
Session 3: Friday, February 13 (9 to 10am PST)
- Join online: Microsoft Teams Link
- Meeting ID: 282 807 817 203 42
- Passcode: 47fP6Qt3
- Call in: Dial 778-401-6289, Phone Conference ID: 157 143 436#
- Toll-free audio: 1-888-600-3289
Past Engagements: Lessons Learned
- 2023-2025 CYSN Community Engagement: Extensive public engagement informed changes to services and supports. Learn more.
- 2019 User-Experience Research: Two firms identified opportunities to improve access, quality, and coordination of services. Read the findings.
- Reciprocal Consulting focused on Indigenous families’ experiences with MCFD’s system. Visit their website.
- KPMG gathered insights from diverse families to understand the current state of services. Explore KPMG.
- 2019 CYSN Service Framework: Engagement sessions with partners refined the draft framework. Details here.
Stay in the Loop
Subscribe to receive updates whenever new engagements or sessions are added. Simply enter your email address below.
Final Thought: What’s your take? Are these engagement efforts truly inclusive, or is there more work to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
