Message from Cindy Xavier, CVCDA Executive Director…
Looking back to my last Executive update, it is interesting that I am once again writing this excerpt just as I am heading into our session of BC Association of Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI) meetings. And this time, I will be joining the BCACDI Board of 
Directors. I am excited to represent the children and families of the Comox Valley as member of the BCACDI Board. Joining me for the May meeting was our Board Chair, Diane Daigle and former CVCDA Executive Director, Joanne Schroeder.
The discussions this spring continue to centre around the Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) Framework and the four Family Connection Centres pilot sites. We will be learning the most recent take a ways from the pilot sites, some of them good, some of them not. Either way, the CVCDA is moving forward with a commitment to bring our community partners and families together, to listen, understand and advocate to the best of our ability. We are stronger together and in a time where we can provide valuable recommendations to build a framework that makes sense and works well for the children and families in each of our communities.
On May 11, 2023, I attended the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia where I was introduced to the house by our Courtenay-Comox MLA, the Honourable Ronna-Rae Leonard. Ronna-Rae graciously took the time to give me a short tour of the Library and her office, sharing some interesting history about the Parliament Buildings. We ended the visit with a selfie!
Myself and our counterparts have been having meetings with our MLA’s over the last few months to discuss the concerns and make recommendations for change around procurement process of the Family Connections Centres and individualized funding. While things are on pause at Legislature, we are busy working behind the scenes for the well-being of our agencies and communities. In the next few months, Joanne will be joining our CYSN Task Team to assist as we make plans for community engagement and consultation in the Comox Valley. Our goal will be to provide recommendations on the transformation that will meet the needs specific to our region.
Recently, Pat Mirenda submitted a report which highlights the questions yet to be answered as the future of the Children and Youth with Special Needs Transformational Framework and Family Connections Centres are under review.
Key Components of Effective Service Delivery for Children and Youth with Support Needs and Their Families: A Research Review and Analysis by Pat Mirenda, Ph.D was submitted to the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth.
View & Download Report as PDF: