Children with Complex Needs Program

The PEI Children with Complex Needs Program supports children and youth with ongoing health, developmental, behavioural, or mental health needs and the families who care for them.

Families often work with many providers, services and programs while caring for their child. The Children with Complex Needs Program provides support based on each child and family’s unique needs. This support may include connecting families with resources, assisting with planning, and helping with communication and collaboration when many people or services are involved.

Does my child qualify for the program?

To receive services through the Children with Complex Needs Program, children must meet the following criteria:

A child or youth must:

1. be under the age of 18; and
2. have a health condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 3 months; and
3. have at least two of the following:
   1. an ongoing need for prescribed medication and/or supplements;
   2. frequent or ongoing use or need for medical care, mental health services, and/or extra educational supports;
   3. frequent or ongoing use or need for medical therapies, such as physical therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, etc.

How can the Children with Complex Needs Program help?

The Children with Complex Needs Program helps families understand, access, and coordinate services that support their child's health, development, education, and overall well-being.

Support may include:

• providing information and answering questions about services and support;
• helping families understand available options and next steps;
• connecting families with health care, education, community, and social programs;
• helping families identify priorities, goals, and service needs;
• helping bring providers and services together when additional collaboration would benefit the child and family;
• providing support during important transitions, such as receiving a new diagnosis, starting school, changing services, moving to or from PEI, or transitioning to adult services;
• connecting families with resources that may assist with costs related to medications, medical supplies, equipment, or travel.

How can I contact the Children with Complex Needs Program?

Before contacting the program, please review the eligibility criteria above to determine whether your child may qualify. Families may self-refer, or a service provider may complete the referral on their behalf.

You can connect with the program in one of the following ways:

• Phone:  902-218-1253 or toll-free at 1-833-664-3461
• Email:  CWCNnavigator@ihis.org
• Online:  Complete the Referral Form

When leaving a voicemail or sending an email, please include the following information:

• Child’s name
• Phone number
• Caregiver’s name
• A brief description of the child’s condition and the family’s current needs

A team member will respond within 5 business days of receiving your message or referral.