FSCD – Resolve concerns

Talk to FSCD

There are 3 steps you can take if you have a concern or disagree with a decision the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program makes about your supports:

Step 1. Talk to your FSCD worker

• Ask them why the decision was made.
• Explain why you disagree with the decision.
• Try to reach an agreement that satisfies both you and your worker – if you cannot, take step 2.

Step 2. Talk to your worker’s supervisor

• Tell your worker you would like their supervisor to help resolve your concerns.
• Ask to meet with your worker and their supervisor, or get the supervisor’s name and phone number so you can speak directly with them.
• Discuss your concerns about the decision.
• Try to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone involved – if you cannot, take step 3.

Step 3. Talk to their manager

• Tell the supervisor you would like their manager to help resolve your concerns.
• Ask to meet with them or get their name and phone number from the supervisor.
• Discuss your concerns about the decision with the manager.
• Try to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone – if you cannot, consider one or more of the formal options.

If your concern is not resolved by talking with the FSCD program, you may choose any or all of these options:

• FSCD program decision review
• mediation
• appeal

Make sure to check the time limit to complete each option since the timing for one may affect another.

FSCD program decision review

• You can have the FSCD decision you disagree with reviewed by 2 senior FSCD staff who were not involved in making the decision.
• Submit the Request for Review form within 30 calendar days from the date you were told about the decision in person, by phone, letter or email.
• This review will be completed and you will get the results by letter or email within 25 calendar days of FSCD receiving your form.

Fill out a decision review form and submit it

• Download: open the Request for Review of a FSCD Program Decision form in Adobe Reader, read the instructions, fill it in, save it, then print it. Or, print a copy and fill it in.
• Paper copy: contact a local FSCD office to pick up a form or have it sent to you by mail. When you get it, read the instructions and fill it in.
• Keep a copy for your files.
• Mail, email or bring the form to your local FSCD office.

Mediation

• Mediation is when a person who does not work for the FSCD program helps you and the FSCD program reach a decision that is agreeable to everyone involved.
• You can ask for mediation to happen before or after filing an appeal as long as it happens before the appeal hearing begins.

Fill out a request for mediation form and submit it

• Download: open the Request for Mediation of a PDD or FSCD Decision form in Adobe Reader, read the instructions, fill it in, save it, then print it. Or, print a copy and fill it in.
• Paper copy: contact a local FSCD office to pick up a form or have it sent to you by mail. When you get it, read the instructions and fill it in.
• Keep a copy for your files.
• Mail, email or bring the form to your local FSCD office.

Appeal

An appeal is when you ask an appeal panel to review a decision the FSCD program has made about your child or family’s eligibility for services.

• Make sure to appeal within the 45-day deadline from the date you:
  • got the decision in person, by phone, email or letter
  • were told about your right to appeal
• If you choose mediation before filing an appeal, the 45-day appeal start and end times will be affected.
• Find out more about appealing an FSCD decision.

Contact

FSCD office locations

Alberta Supports

Related

• Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
• Alberta Aids to Daily Living
• Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
• Persons with Developmental Disabilities