Recommendation 1: Rapidly develop and roll out a plain-language communication strategy for MCFD, modelled on the family-engaged model used by Community Living BC during the initial months of the pandemic.

Recommendation 2: Extend for one year (Fall 2021) all pandemic-related benefits and processes for CYSN families.

Recommendation 3: Create a roundtable or special working table that brings together designated representatives of CYSN family networks, advocacy groups, community service providers and funding ministries for regular and routine check-ins and brainstorming on emerging needs, barriers to services and access to supports. The work of B.C.’s Social Services Sector Roundtable during the pandemic provides a model. This body must include Indigenous organizations and communities to prioritize the wellness of Indigenous children in B.C.

Recommendation 4: Declare CYSN families “essential workers” for the purposes of allowing them to access critically important services during pandemic lockdowns.

Recommendation 5: Work with and fund community organizations that serve CYSN families to develop activity plans for children losing school-based and development-centre-based services.

Recommendation 6: Review virtual service provision of child development services to CYSN families during the first wave of the pandemic to identify promising practices and weak points needing improvement.

Recommendation 7: Streamline emergency benefit and approval processes for all CYSN funding streams, with an objective of reducing families’ paperwork and confirming that all approval processes are viable even during the mass disruption of a pandemic.

Recommendation 8: Collaborate with community public health officials and health authorities to explore whether “bubbles” can be created for in-home services such as Nursing Support Services and respite to enable families as well as service providers to limit their exposure to others during a pandemic.