Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

To provide an effective service to children, youth and their families, it is becoming increasingly recognized that the co-ordination of a variety of services from various agencies is required.

This model uses a team approach to develop and monitor a plan. The team is composed of representatives from all agencies who are providing services to the individual and is managed by the individual student, a parent, or one of the other team members. Among other advantages, this approach provides for sustained continuity of service for an individual with complex needs should team membership change.

Documents from a student's file should be disclosed to members of the integrated case management team on a 'need to know' basis that is consistent with freedom of information and protection of privacy legislation. Procedures should be put in place to protect the security and confidentiality of the case management files.

Once a case manager or key worker has been identified, the team should gather and pool information as soon as possible to generate a complete picture of the case circumstances and identify strengths and problems. This information will provide material on which to build an integrated case plan. (Note: provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act govern the exchange of information).

Where the child or youth moves to a new location, the case manager or key worker should assist the individual or family to make contacts in the new community. School districts are encouraged to transfer student information to the new location in a timely manner. Evaluation of the process allows the team to analyze the success of the plan and identify issues and barriers that may be useful in future planning.

Integrated Case Management Publications provides more detail on the development and implementation of an integrated case management approach.

A copy of the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Integrated Case Management User's Guide is currently (June, 2005) available for review.

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