Complex Case Team

All forms need to be completed and submitted to your school division lead

Complex Case Process

Referral Form

Consent Form

*New referrals must be submitted at least one week prior to scheduled meeting 

What can I expect from a referral to the Complex Case team?

A referral opens a collaborative, multidisciplinary review of the child or youth’s needs and possible supports. The team’s role is consultative, members share their expertise and develop recommendations. It is important to note that each ministry or agency is still required to act within their mandate. Due to the level of need and resource constraints, the team may not be able to offer immediate solutions in every case.

Consultative meetings happen once a month, the individual referring to the complex case team will work closely with the SWCSS representative to coordinate the presentation of a new file. A referral can be submitted at any time but the timing of the presentation of the case will be dependent on the preset meeting schedule.

Who sits on the Complex Case team?

The core members of the Complex Case team are senior administrative staff with decision making authority. We currently have representation from Alberta Children and Family Services, Alberta Community and Social Services (Disabilities), Alberta Education (via school jurisdictions), and Recovery Alberta Addiction and Mental Health. Other agencies may join as ad-hoc members when appropriate. SWCSS provides a facilitator for the complex case team who coordinates referrals and provides follow up care (school division dependent).

What are the changes with the Complex Case team for the 2025/26 school year?

The team is shifting from a last-resort approach to a preventative, consultative, low-barrier model to enable earlier collaboration. School teams will be given the opportunity to share details of a complex student and their situation to receive initial recommendations. If ongoing consultation is required, the team will request further coordination to support continued review and follow up.

We also have a valuable opportunity to partner with the COPE team for the 2025/26 school year. This will allow complex students an opportunity to receive a medical perspective on their situation. We hope we are able to bring this model of care to Southwest Alberta in the coming years.

What do I need for my referral package?

Please complete the referral form and include available supporting documentation such as: assessments or diagnostic reports, current behaviour support plans, medication lists, and parenting

or guardianship orders (if applicable). Obtain family consent and include a signed consent form with the referral. Identify a school-based lead who will serve as the primary contact. Their responsibilities will include presenting the case at the consult, attending all meetings regarding the student, and supporting the family with implementing recommendations. Submit completed referrals electronically to your division lead.

What is COPE?

Community Outreach of Pediatrics and Psychiatry in Education, or COPE, was established in 1997. Working directly with schools, families, and students, COPE provides pediatric and psychiatric consultations regarding developmental, behavioural, and/or mental health concerns identified by schools about their students. COPE provides an assessment to identify the issues impacting the student. The COPE physicians generate management recommendations for the teachers/schools, parents, and family physicians for students referred to COPE. The student is then connected with the resource to assist with those needs. Their team consists of physicians, family liaisons, and family therapists.

What does the Complex Case and COPE partnership look like?

The complex case team will have the opportunity to consult with the COPE team three times over the next school year. The COPE team will be able to provide additional recommendations from a medical perspective. There is also the possibility of an in-person assessment with a COPE pediatrician in Calgary, this will be determined by both the Complex Case and COPE team after an initial consultation is completed.

Eligibility:

● File has received complex case consultation and requires a medical perspective

● Child/youth has an Alberta Health care number and has a family doctor (or is willing to work with the team to obtain one)

● No pediatrician is currently involved or they are willing to collaborate with the COPE pediatrician