Programs
Money Matters
Financial Administration
Some individuals require a more direct intervention. This is often a result of an individual not being able to manage their financial affairs, or the individual is in financial difficulties with debts and collection agents pursuing them. In this situation, it is possible to obtain the assistance of a Financial Administrator through Calgary Alternative Support Services (CASS), Inc.
Many people labeled with mental health challenges require assistance with financial decision making. The amount of assistance required is dependant upon; the nature of the client's support needs, the ability of the client to manage issues regarding their financial affairs and the nature of the property owned by the person. The Financial Administrator ensures that the money maintained on the behalf of the client is expended for the benefit the client. The Financial Administrator is to act as a financial steward by protecting and administering the money of the individual diagnosed with a mental health issue.
The Financial Administrator actively involves the client in the management of the money in ways that have the potential of promoting better fiscal management by the individual. In this way the information from the workshops are paralleled and put into practice.
If the client receives AISH or Alberta Works income support, the appropriate representative must also formally appoint the title of Financial Administrator. The Financial Administrator is then also bound by any restrictions, limitations, authorities and accountabilities established by the formal appointment of the title of Financial Administrator.
The objective is to develop the individual's money management skills to the point that they are able to take on the direct control of their financial affairs again. While there is not a formal timeline for exiting the program, it is anticipated that the majority of the people accessing Financial Administration support, will remain in the program for up to two years.
Where appropriate, the Financial Administrator will facilitate the transfer to the AISH Benefits Administration Program offered by The Alberta Public Trustee's Office