Multi-Disciplinary Support Team (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Alberta

City/ Region:

Taber

Description of Initiative:

The Multi-Disciplinary Support Team (MDST) is an association of education, counselling and service professionals who convene quarterly (or more often for urgent matters) to correlate activities. Originally, the goal was to encourage the opening of the Alberta Health Services Mental Health and Addictions Services office. This goal was achieved, and it is now part of MDST. The team is also responsive to individuals in crisis, with information sharing and collaboration to strategize on solutions.

The MDST is a committee of professionals who work together to assist individuals and families who are requesting help to deal with the negative effects arising from the use/abuse of illegal street drugs. The purpose of the team is to discuss specific client situations, and develop a treatment plan/recommendations for that individual or family. Membership includes family services, the Horizon School Division, the women’s shelter, Alberta Health Services (AHS, which includes social workers, mental health and addictions services), probation and police. It originated within the Taber Community Action and Prevention Society, as a subcommittee of the Taber Community Against Drugs, both of which still exist today.

The committee sits quarterly or can be assembled to deal with urgent cases. Their original task was to encourage the opening of the AHS Mental Health and Addictions Services office (AADAC) which was successful, as it is now part of the MDST. The agendas now include domestic violence as well as a focus on individuals. The MDST is made aware of all domestic violence issues that involve police (an obligation under provincial guidelines). A tracking system is needed as there is no paperwork generated due to the sensitive nature of the work. Interventions are conducted as determined by an action plan set by the group.

Initiative Key Objectives:

We make every effort to ensure that there is a coordinated community effort in dealing with individuals in crisis and to prevent those crises from affecting family and community.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

The police representative is the Operations Commander, as this is very much a hands-on approach.

Key Contact:

Graham Abela
gabela@taber.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

  • other government departments/agencies
  • School District

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

The Taber Police Service is involved in both consultative and direct roles.

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

Since 2002.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

This initiative was undertaken in order to establish a multidisciplinary approach to providing services for persons in crisis.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

There are no costs associated with this team.

Method of Implementation:

The Taber Police Service took a lead role in organizing the initiative; it was phased in as different agencies joined at different times.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

We are pleased with the results to date, as the team approach eliminates any one agency having to take sole responsibility for solving a seemingly impossible situation. Evidence of success is anecdotal.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

No

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

N/A

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

  • internal
  • reporting progress at meetings

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

No

Summary of the Outcomes:

N/A

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

Further Details:

N/A

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

N/A

Record Entry Date:

2013-08-01

Date modified: