Funding a GPS tracker in Alberta
In Alberta, the main program for families of children with disabilities is Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Its published supports do not include safety devices, but it is where a child's wandering risk can be raised and planned for. This page explains what FSCD offers, how to apply and what to ask. It is general information, not advice.
Last updated 7 October 2026. Written by StepSafe, which sells a GPS tracker for children who wander, so read the product parts with that in mind.
Read this first
This is general information, not legal or medical advice. We are not benefits advisors and we have no relationship with any program named here. No product of ours is covered, approved or endorsed by any of them, and we cannot tell you whether your child qualifies.
Programs change. Treat this page as a list of questions to ask, confirm everything with the agency before you spend money, and keep your receipts.
Last checked: 7 October 2026. That is the date we last read the official pages linked below.
Programs in Alberta to ask about
None of the official pages we read names GPS trackers for children who wander, and Alberta's published list of FSCD supports does not include equipment of that kind. FSCD is still the right place to raise the risk.
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Government of Alberta, through Disability Services
FSCD supports can include help coordinating services, respite, counselling, child care supports, aides who provide personal care, community, behavioural or developmental support, and help with some costs for medications, prescribed diets, ambulance or medical supplies.[1]
If you need more than the basic Family Support Services, a caseworker completes an assessment of needs and builds an Individualized Family Support Plan with you. The services agreed go into an FSCD agreement that can last up to 3 years.[1]
Alberta says FSCD does not provide equipment covered through Alberta Aids to Daily Living, does not meet emergency or crisis needs, and does not provide financial benefits.[1]
Safety devices: Its published list of supports does not include safety devices. Ask your caseworker how your child's plan can address the wandering risk.
Worth knowing
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) funds basic medical equipment and supplies for Albertans with long-term disabilities, chronic illness or terminal illness, through set benefit areas with approved product lists.[4],[5] None of the benefit areas we read, such as pediatric equipment, communication devices and walking aids, is for locating devices, so we have not listed it as a route.
Who qualifies, in general terms
The child must be under 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and live in Alberta, and the person applying must be the child's guardian.[2]
Medical documentation must confirm the child has a disability or is awaiting a diagnosis. The diagnosis must be a chronic developmental, physical, sensory, mental or neurological condition or impairment.[2]
Only the agency can decide whether your child is eligible. These are the general rules as published, not a test you can apply yourself.
How to apply, step by step
- Apply for FSCD online. If you need help, or cannot apply online, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.[3]
- Include proof of your child's citizenship or immigration status, medical documentation (name and date of birth, diagnosis, date of diagnosis and who made it), and proof of guardianship if it applies.[3]
- A Disability Services worker reviews the application and contacts you.[3] If your child is eligible, you may be offered an agreement for Family Support Services before a full assessment.[2]
- If you need more, ask for an assessment of needs and an Individualized Family Support Plan, and describe the wandering and what makes it dangerous for your child.[1]
What to ask your caseworker or coordinator
Questions to take to the meeting
- Can my child's wandering risk be written into the Individualized Family Support Plan, and which supports could address it?
- Is there another Alberta program that considers safety equipment for a child who wanders?
- What documentation do you need from my child's doctor or therapist about the wandering?
- Do you need quotes, a product description, or a specific vendor?
- Does the program pay for an ongoing service plan, or only for the device?
- If it is not approved, can I have the decision in writing, and how do I appeal?
For a sample request letter and a note on how wandering is recorded in a medical file, see what to say when you ask.
Programs change
Program rules, eligibility and application steps are updated regularly. We last read these pages on 7 October 2026. Before you rely on anything here, confirm it with the agency or your coordinator. If you find something out of date, email support@stepsafekids.com and we will fix it.
Other provinces
- OntarioPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- British ColumbiaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- QuebecPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- ManitobaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- SaskatchewanPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- Nova ScotiaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
Not listed? Read the Canada overview for the federal tax measures that apply in every province and territory.
What we make
StepSafe makes a clip-on cellular GPS tracker for children who wander. StepSafe ships in early 2027. Nothing on this page means any program will pay for it.
See the shop, or start with our free safety toolkit, which works whatever device you choose.