Family Support Services

Children with permanent hearing loss (PHL) are referred to a Family Support Worker through their regional Infant Hearing Program Lead Agency.

Family Support Workers provide emotional support, information, and practical guidance to help families understand their child’s hearing loss and navigate available services.

Their role is to support families, helping them make sense of information, explore language development options, and access services and resources in ways that reflect each family’s values, priorities, and circumstances.

Family Support may include:

• One‑to‑one support and counselling for families following identification
• Support in understanding information shared by other IHP professionals
• Guidance in exploring language development options and next steps
• Connections to services, community programs, and peer supports
• Assistance identifying and accessing funding or financial resources
• Support with planning transitions, such as starting services, childcare, or school