Multi Agency School Support Team (MASST)
Multi Agency School Support Team (MASST)
We believe that becoming involved as early as possible with children and families through the supports of social workers, mental health professionals and police officers will reduce the likelihood of children entering systems such as youth justice into their teen years.
What is MASST?
MASST is an early support program for children aged five - 12 that promotes healthy social development, connection and community belonging. By providing supportive relationships and skill-building opportunities, the program helps children build the confidence and foundations needed to make positive choices now and in the future.
We bring together families, school, mental health clinicians, social workers, and police officers to provide early on support to children showing signs of social, emotional or behavioral concerns.
MASST is a free and voluntary program.
MASST works with the child and their families to:
- Set individual goals for the child to work towards with the support of their MASST team
- Assist the family to increase overall resiliency
- Strengthen your child’s relationship with classmates and teachers
- Build on your child’s strengths so they can thrive at school, home and in the community
- Develop a strong supportive relationship with your child’s school
- Share ideas on parenting aimed at creating safe, healthy and a peaceful home environment
Who is eligible for MASST?
Children that are referred to the MASST program typically are:
- Kids aged five – 12 living in Calgary
- Showing concerning or behaviours at school or home
- Isolated or influenced by unhealthy relationships with peers or siblings
- Lacking connections to their school or community
- Not involved in positive afterschool activities.
How to refer a child to MASST:
Referrals to MASST come through the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District.
If you think your child might benefit from this program, we encourage you to speak with your child’s school to find out more information.
We encourage school staff to speak with your area specialists for referrals or more information on MASST.
MASST impact stories:
We are grateful for the support of The Calgary Police Youth Foundation who provides funding to our MASST program clients so we can collaboratively make a meaningful difference in the lives of kids such as Emily and Easton. Learn more about their stories below:
Questions?
Reach out to us by:
- Email: masst@calgarypolice.ca
- Phone: 403-428-5808
- Call 311 and ask to speak to our MASST team
MASST is partnership program with The City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service and Recovery Alberta.
MASST is grateful for the support of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation.
Frequently asked questions:
Who can participate in the MASST Program?
MASST is for children ages five – 12 showing signs of social, emotional or behavioral concerns that could potentially lead to involvement in the justice system.
This can look like:
- Seeking recognition from negative behaviours
- Showing patterns of negative behaviours at school or in community
- Having little to no connections to community
- Having a family member previously or currently involved in the justice system.
Not sure if your child is a fit for the program? Please feel free to reach out to our team at masst@calgarypolice.ca or call 403-428-5808.
How long can my child/student stay in the MASST program?
MASST participants can stay involved in the program for up to two years, however, participants can stay involved in the program based on progress towards their individual goals.
We are able to provide resources and recommendations for children that have passed the age of 12.
As a caretaker, what will I be expected to do if my child is in the MASST program?
As a caretaker we ask that caretakers:
- Play a role in supporting your child on setting goals
- Be available for regular communication about your child’s progress
How do I refer a child/student to the MASST Program?
Referrals to MASST come through the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District. If you’re a caretaker, please speak to your school staff about referring your child to the program.
How often will the MASST team visit my child/student?
MASST meets with your child / student each week for about an hour. Meeting regularly with children and youth allows us to develop a positive relationship, build trust with your child and ensure they receive regular support.
What kind of activities will my child/student be involved in as part of the MASST Program?
We include your child in a variety of activities to help build their life skills, social skills and confidence.
This can look like:
- Registering them in various camps throughout the year including summer break
- Connections to low or no cost City-based organized activities
- Connections to community-based activities (recreational, cultural etc.)
What roles do the social workers, police officers and mental health clinicians play?
Social worker:
Assess situations, develops a plan, identifies resources and solutions and advocate for clients' rights and well-being.
Police officer:
Provides support, guidance and mentorship to help foster safety and positive outcomes.
Mental health clinician:
- Provide direct mental health support to clients and their caregivers.
- Assist MASST teams with cases involving mental health and overall wellness.
- Support clients and families in navigating and understanding the mental health system in Calgary.
Is my child/student in some type of trouble if they are part of the MASST Program?
No, your child is not in trouble by being part of this program. This program is meant to help mentor and support your child so that they can make healthier, safer and more positive choices. We believe that providing early on support can make a huge difference in a child’s life and help prevent them from getting involved in the justice system.
How will mine or my child's personal information be used?
Personal information is kept in accordance with Privacy of Protection Act and kept only for the purposes of carrying out this program. No personal information is obtained or shared outside of our program partners without parent or the youth’s consent. Personal information is used for:
- Creating the right case plan for our children, youth and their families
- Assessing needs and setting goals
- Measuring progress and success
- Assessing suitability of child/youth referrals to our programs
- Improving our service
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