The Maples is a tertiary or specialist service; parents or caregivers cannot directly refer their youth. All youth admitted to Maples' programs must be referred by regional Child and Youth Mental Health offices. This includes youth who may be in a hospital at the time of referral. The Maples does not have capacity for emergency or acute psychiatric care. These cases should be directed to your local hospital.

With the aid of your Case Manager, the referral package must be fully completed and forwarded to the Maples to begin the process of admission. Note that there is typically a wait list for services. The Maples will advise your Case Manager of the waitlist status for each program or service.

Prior to referring the referral to the Maples, the Child and Youth Mental Health office will need to confirm that the following criteria has been met:

• youth is between the ages of 12 and 17 years;
• youth has a Case Manager;
• youth does not have a developmental disability (under 70 full-scale IQ);
• youth has not been charged with or convicted of a sexual offence;
• other local resources have been fully explored;
• youth has somewhere to live after completing their stay at the Maples;
• family or alternate care givers are willing to collaborate with the Maples during the youth's care and treatment; and
• a medical/psychiatric assessment and recommendation for treatment is completed for referrals to Crossroads or Dala programs.