About the Team

The NWP CARE Team (Concern, Assessment, Response, and Engagement) is a multidisciplinary group of professionals. Their primary goal is to identify, support, and intervene with students who are exhibiting distressing, disruptive, or concerning behaviours before they escalate into a crisis.

Trail system running beside grande prairie campus in the fall Trail system running beside grande prairie campus in the fall

CARE Team

Key Functions

The CARE Team has several core functions, including:

  • Early Intervention: They provide proactive support for individuals struggling with mental health, personal trauma, or basic needs (e.g., housing or food insecurity).
  • Tracking "Red Flags": They centralize reports from faculty, staff, and students to detect patterns and behaviour trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Threat Assessment: They evaluate potential risks to community safety and determine the safest, most effective response mechanisms.
  • Resource Connection: They connect individuals to relevant internal and external resources to ensure continuity of care and support academic success.
Sunshine pouring through the large windows along the courtyard at Grande Prairie Campus in the morning Sunshine pouring through the large windows along the courtyard at Grande Prairie Campus in the morning

CARE Team

Core Team Members

While team sizes and names vary by institution, the NWP CARE Team is represented by the following core members:

However, the Team also includes ad hoc members who are involved on a case-by-case basis, including representatives from:

When to Submit a Referral

Submit a referral to the CARE Team using the form below if you notice any concerning behaviour, such as:

  • Sudden, drastic changes in academic performance, hygiene, or attendance.
  • Statements indicating hopelessness, self-harm, or suicidal ideation.
  • Highly disruptive behaviour or aggressive outbursts.
  • Unusual or bizarre behaviour that disrupts the learning or work environment.
MYTH A referral means punishment.
FACT A referral is a request for review, not a determined finding. Most referrals lead to support, such as outreach, resources, or monitoring, not discipline.
MYTH Only dangerous people are referred.
FACT Teams address many concerns, including stress, academic struggles, isolation, grief, changes in behaviour, and more. Early support can prevent problems from getting worse.
MYTH The team will force someone into counselling or treatment.
FACT Most situations involve voluntary support and problem-solving. Emergency situations are rare and handled only when safety is at risk.
MYTH Referrals are anonymous and secret, OR everyone will find out.
FACT Information is shared based on policy, legal requirements, and safety needs, not broadcast across campus. We explain who may know and why.
MYTH One unusual comment or unpopular opinion will label someone as a threat.
FACT We look at patterns and context, not just one comment. Assessment includes behaviour, intent, capability, stressors, protective factors, and more.
MYTH Nothing happens after a referral.
FACT Teams take action confidentially. We may not be able to share details, but your concern is heard, reviewed, and addressed appropriately.
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The CARE Team works to support student safety and behaviour concerns. Referrals are for early intervention, NOT EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

You can report a particular behaviour or interaction, or a concern for an individual's well-being. Unless there is a compelling reason not to, it is best practice to inform the person to whom you are submitting the referral.

Referral Information

Where would you like to refer your concerns to?
Referral To:

Student's Information

Does the student live on campus?

Your Information

What is your relationship to the student?

Nature of Your Concern

Please check all that apply. We consider worrisome behaviour to include significant changes in behaviour, vague threats, and violent content in classwork.
concerns

Event Information

If you can't recall the exact date, please provide a time frame.
If you don't recall the exact time, please provide an estimate.

Involved Parties

Your Action

Please indicate what steps have been taken to address your concerns before making this referral:
actions

Protection of Privacy – The personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of the Post-Secondary Learning Act (s.65) and the Protection of Privacy Act (ss4(a) and (c)). It will only be used for the purpose of identifying and connecting with students who may be struggling and in need of extra support and referring them to the CARE Team at NWP. Questions concerning the collection, use and disposal of this information should be directed to:

Privacy Office, Email: @email

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Get in Touch

Chair, CARE Team, Student Life

Email: @email