What’s changing:
- Effective September 29, 2025: Law enforcement and professionals (e.g., social workers, doctors, judges, teachers, police, therapists/counsellors) may submit a written referral using the CFS professional referral form available on Alberta.ca.
- Phone option remains: Professionals can still call the provincial intake line at 1-800-638-0715.
- Review timeline: All referrals will be reviewed within 24 hours or the next business day.
- Feedback: A short survey is available for professionals who submit a referral, or you can email CFS.Inquiriesprofessionalreferral@gov.ab.ca.
- Transition period: This is a phased change. By Spring 2026, the professional referral form will be the only method for submitting written referrals.
Important: This update does not change mandatory reporting obligations. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent concerns, you may also call 1-800-638-0715.
What you need to consider:
- Share with staff who make referrals (program supervisors, frontline teams, clinicians, etc.).
- Update internal procedures and training materials to include the professional referral form on Alberta.ca and note the Spring 2026 change.
- Encourage completion of the survey to help CFS improve implementation.
- Keep the intake line handy: 1-800-638-0715.