Funding a GPS tracker in Manitoba
In Manitoba, Children's disABILITY Services (CDS) supports families raising a child with developmental or physical disabilities. It can fund some supplies and equipment at a basic level, and its behavioural specialists work with families on challenging behaviours. This page explains what CDS 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 Manitoba to ask about
None of the official pages we read names GPS trackers for children who wander. What they do describe are kinds of support, such as equipment, safety and respite, that a request can be framed around. Those are the words to use when you ask.
Children's disABILITY Services (CDS)
Manitoba Department of Families
CDS supports families who are raising a child with developmental and physical disabilities, to meet some of the additional needs they may have.[1]
Its services include case workers, respite, referral for therapy through the Children's Therapy Network of Manitoba, child development services for children under 6, autism outreach, and applied behaviour analysis programming through St.Amant for children diagnosed with autism. Behavioural specialists may assess a child's challenging behaviours and develop a plan with the family.[2]
The amount of service a family receives depends on eligibility, assessed need and the program resources available.[2]
Safety devices: May cover safety or assistive technology; ask your coordinator. We did not find an official page that names GPS trackers for wandering.
CDS supplies and equipment
Children's disABILITY Services, through the Disability and Health Supports Unit
CDS may provide funding for certain supplies, equipment and home or van modifications "at a basic level", through the Disability and Health Supports Unit.[2]
The unit reviews requests submitted by health professionals on behalf of program participants, based on a diagnosed medical need.[3]
Safety devices: May cover safety or assistive technology; ask your coordinator. We did not find an official page that names GPS trackers for wandering.
Who qualifies, in general terms
Children under 18 who live in Manitoba with their birth, adoptive or extended families are eligible if a medical diagnosis confirms an intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, a lifelong physical disability with significant functional limitation in mobility, or a high probability of developmental delay due to a pre-existing condition.[1]
Since 4 February 2025, children and families living in First Nations communities (on reserve) can also access CDS. For children aged 5 and under, CDS now accepts autism diagnoses made by community pediatricians.[1]
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
- Some families are referred by doctors, schools or child care. You can also apply directly: send the Referral and Intake Application form, with a diagnostic assessment or medical report, to the CDS office for your region.[1]
- Include written confirmation of your child's diagnosis; it must be with every application.[1]
- If you have questions about eligibility or how to apply, CDS can be reached at 204-945-8311 or cds@gov.mb.ca.[1]
- If your child is eligible, a CDS worker will talk with you about your needs, goals and care concerns.[1] Describe the wandering, and ask about a behavioural specialist and about equipment.
- For equipment, a health professional submits the request to the Disability and Health Supports Unit.[3]
What to ask your caseworker or coordinator
Questions to take to the meeting
- Could a behavioural specialist help us plan for my child's wandering?
- What does supplies and equipment "at a basic level" include, and could a locating device be requested?
- 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 →
- AlbertaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- QuebecPrograms, 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.