During 1996, the department of Alberta Family and Social Services underwent some organizational changes. All the funding mechanisms (i.e. Individualized Funding, Contract Management, Individual Contract Funds) are now under the umbrella of "Community Inclusion Supports."

Individualized Funding has gone through a variety of incarnations but remains the primary funding source for most support situations in which OPTIONS is involved. This funding, obtained through Alberta Family & Social Services, Supports for Persons with Disabilities; originally appeared approximately 10 years ago developed from a "loophole" in the Social Allowance system. With the restructuring of the Community Inclusion Supports Program, Individualized Funding has been removed from the Social Allowance System. This has been of significant benefit to many individuals with disabilities as their AISH benefits remain unaffected. (Previously, AISH benefits were cut back if a person was receiving I.F.)

I.F. (Individualized Funding) involves a complex process. Individuals may or may not be receiving AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped). All possible "contract spaces" (ie contract funded group homes or other residential placements, contract funded day programs or alternatives) must be unobtainable by the individual. Applications are usually made with the assistance of a broker who works in conjunction with the Client Services Coordinator(s) from Alberta Family & Social Services. Individualized Funding is reviewed regularly and persons receiving such funds must continue to look for contract funded spaces. I.F. is technically viewed as a "last resort" method of funding.

Contract Funding, through Alberta Family & Social Services, is also utilized by OPTIONS in providing supports to children and adolescents in three homes. The contracts are negotiated on an annual basis and the parents/guardians are active participants in the contract itself.