For the purpose of this Initiative, Adults with Complex Service Needs are defined as, individuals who are 18 or older and have a developmental/intellectual disability. They are eligible for services from the PDD program, as well as those services from other ministries which are available to all Albertans. These adults pose a significant risk, and/or are destructive, to themselves, others or property. They require intensive services and have, or have had a history of one or more of the following diagnoses or life experiences:

• Mental health disorder
• Terminations from other social support services
• Specialized treatment for psychiatric and/or behavioural issues
• Multi-system involvement (example Corrections, Health, Human Services etc.)
• Incarceration(s) or criminal justice involvement
• Chronic substance abuse/dependency problems

More Information

• Behavioural Supports Alberta, University of Alberta
• Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) – Alberta Human Services, Disability Services

Community Support Teams (CST) specialize in helping individuals with a dual diagnosis (intellectual/developmental disability and mental health concern/illness) and complex service needs. Each team is uniquely constructed according to resource availability and regional need and may include clinicians such as mental health therapist, psychologist, nurse, occupational therapist, behaviour therapist, social worker, therapy assistant or others.

• North Zone CONNECT Team - connectcst@ahs.ca
• Edmonton Zone COAST Team - coast@ahs.ca
• Central Zone COMPASS Team - hs.cendscompassteam@gov.ab.ca or 403-755-6176
• Calgary Zone, Calgary Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Team – ddmh@albertahealthservices.ca
• South Zone CAST Team – denea.parker@gov.ab.ca

• Guides and Publications, Canadian Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH)
• Umbrella Newsletter, Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS)
• The International Journal for Direct Support Professionals, Vita Community Living Services

eLearning

• Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM)
• Support Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illness 
  ​This 1.5-2 hour eLearning was created with community team members in mind. The module will help inform practical and useful basics of mental health focused support for those working alongside of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Completion of this learning prepares direct service team members learn:
  • About the value and Summarize the essence of support, focusing on a community support worker role
  • About unmet needs
  • To identify symptoms of some common mental health disorders
  • The importance of applying: Observation, Response, Documentation and Teamwork to the essence of support work
  • Ideas about steps you can take when proposing and supporting a visit to a health professional
  • About some factors that can affect health status
  • About your role, as a community support worker, in assisting a person with their health and wellness needs.
• Trauma Training Initiative

Resources

• Training, Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS)
• Indigenous Health
• Indigenous Health Videos
• Mental Health Training Framework, Community Mental Health Action Plan
• About NADSP, National Association for Direct Service Professionals (NADSR)
• National Association for Dual Diagnosis (NADD)