Launched in September 2023, Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) is a voluntary, community-based program coordinated by Family and Community Services, the RCMP and Enforcement Services, and additional community partners. This program supports youth and adults with ongoing RCMP involvement in their lives, who are also experiencing complex needs including mental health and behavioral challenges. Program participants are referred to SOS directly by the RCMP and Enforcement Services.  

In Strathcona County, the RCMP and Emergency Services are often dispatched to non-criminal calls involving mental health concerns. The Supportive Outreach Services program aims to reduce the number of mental health related, non-criminal calls by working with participants to better meet their social and mental health needs.   

Based on the unique needs of each individual, the SOS team develops a support plan. Support plans include strategies like reconnecting individuals to existing services, providing mental health counselling and navigation services, collaborating with community partners to support case management, and providing wrap-around services to address holistic needs and skill development.

Individuals who need support but have not been referred to the SOS program by the RCMP or Enforcement Services can access other Family and Community resources including walk-in mental health counselling, by calling 780-464-4044.