FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

Local Service Networks [across Alberta]

Description:
12 FASD Service Networks are a key initiative of the FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan to provide:

• community based coordinated assessment and diagnosis,
• targeted and indicated prevention, and
• support services for people affected by FASD and their caregivers.

Access Info:
For a map of Alberta indicating the twelve service regions, and links (on left side) to their respective pages, click local service networks.

FASD Learning Series - Video Presentations and Archive [online]

Description:
For several years, the Child and Youth Services ministry of the Government of Alberta has presented the FASD Learning Series. This series "offers free education opportunities tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and family members/caregivers affected by FASD, support service providers, healthcare providers, educators, legal and justice services, and professionals in the research and evaluation field."

Access Information:
The current list of topics for 2016-2017.

The main video search page allows you to browse through a list of 97 videos, or to search by keyword. Note that this search page covers FASD videos from 2016 and earlier. 

Topics Include:
Becoming a Successful Adult Learner
Diagnosis of FASD in the Adolescent Years
Creating a Brain-Friendly Life
Friendship? Dating? Sex? Relationships in the Complex FASD World
Building the Brain Boxes
Opening the Brain Boxes
Safety Issues: FASD and Sexuality
Employability Strategies for Persons with FASD
Enhancing Employability for Persons with FASD
The Ongoing Face of Grief and Loss and the Theory Behind It
Living with FASD - As a Person, As a Parent
Financial Literacy for Individuals with FASD
Winning the Battle with FASD: A Family Success Story
Environmental Modifications
Myles Himmelreich
Parental Expectations with an Adult Child Impacted by FASD

 

Million Dollar Babies - CBC Documentary [Online]

Description:
They're called million dollar babies, and one is born every day in Alberta. They are babies with brain injuries caused by the alcohol their mothers drank during pregnancy — brain injuries that can cost a fortune to deal with over a lifetime.

For one week, CBC Radio's James Hees takes a look at the cost of raising a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and what is being done to address the problem.

Online Access:
http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/features/fasd/

Notes:
Produced by CBC Edmonton in March of 2009.
The series can be listed to online, but you require an audio player that uses the .RAM format.

National Database of FASD and Substance Use During Pregnancy [online]

Description:
"This is a database of Canadian resources that have been authored, produced or published in Canada or that have Canadian content but have been published outside of Canada and are currently available to be ordered or purchased from the organization responsible. The subject areas from which documents are selected include prevention, intervention and identification of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other perinatal substance exposures, such as illicit drugs and solvents. Resources related to prenatal exposure to tobacco are not included.

For the purposes of this database a resource has been identified very broadly and includes print and non-print materials. You will see a list of the 'Resource types' when you search the database." (from website)

The search page allows you to specify any of the following: Title, Author, Subject 1, Subject 2, Resource Type (for example, book, manual, DVD, poster), Province, Language, Intended Audience (for example, Families, Individuals with FASD, Health Professionals, Pregnant Women), or user keywords.

Access Info:
National Database of FASD (and substance abuse) During Pregnancy Resources

Base de données nationale sur des ressources ayant trait à l'ETCAF et à la consommation d'alcool et de drogues pendant la grossesse

A Training Manual for Trainers: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Fetal Alcohol Related Conditions [Manual]

Description:
"This is an advanced training manual for professional and paraprofessional trainers who want to expand their knowledge of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol related conditions. Trainers who use this manual will be able to develop presentations for various types of audiences, i.e., parents, teachers, social service professionals, medical and treatment providers, as well as community groups. The manual contains modules that discuss seven major topics related to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol related conditions. Each module includes training content ideas and suggested training materials such as overheads, handouts and other resources related to the theme of the module." (from website)

Access Info:
A Training Manual for Trainers: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Fetal Alcohol Related Conditions (PDF Format, 165KB / 16 pgs.)
16 page summary

According to the summary document (released 1998), the full manual is available for purchase from the Seattle King County Department of Public Health. However, this is no longer true in 2011. We are researching to determine if there is another source for this document. 

Community Resource Directory for Capital Region 6 [Edmonton]

Description:
This FASD Community Resource Directory, last updated May 2005, may be of interest because of some of the broader services and agencies listed. In particular, these include FASD Committees, Neuro-Development Assessment clinics, Addiction Services, Early Intervention, Health for Two, and Educational Supports.
Most of the FASD programs listed therein are also on this website.

Access Info:
FASD Community Resource Directory online at the www.region6.fasd.ca website (PDF format).

FASD Diagnostic and Intervention Services from Renfrew [Calgary]

Description:
"Renfrew Educational Services provides assistance to children and families whose lifes have been affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). A variety of services are available for children in the age range of birth to eighteen." (from brochure).

Services include:
- FASD Diagnostic, Consultation and Intervention Clinic: "provides assessments to assist in both diagnosis and intervention efforts"
- Stepping Out on Saturdays (SOS) Respite Program: "a full day camp which offers children [with FASD] fun opportunities to make friends as well as to learn important social, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills and strategies. It also provides much needed respite for caregivers in a safe setting. Open to children aged three to ten..."
- FASD Early Intervention / Consultation Program: "An early interventionist/consultant works with children (birth to ten years) and their families providing information, in-home early intervention, strategies, family support and assistance in accessing resources."
- Specialist Services for Children with FASD: Preschool In-Home Early Intervention, Social/Adaptive Functioning Skills Groups, Behavioural Consultation, and Parent Workshops are additional services offered.  See their website for more information on these specialized programs which all include direct and/or consultative support from a multi-disciplinary team.
- Parent Support Group / Preschool Social Skills Program: "The parent support group provides parents of young children (birth to age 12) with an opportunity to gain more information about FASD and current promising practices and to network, problem-solve, and relax with other parents.  A preschool social skills group runs concurrently with the parent group."

Contact Info:
Renfrew Educational Services
2050 - 21st Street NE, Calgary  AB T2E 6S5
Tel. 403 291-5038   Fax. 403 291-2499
Contact the FASD Intake Worker at extension 1615.

Website:  Renfrew Educational Services
Email: [email protected]

Other Info:
Printable brochures on these services are available -- Click here for the FASD Services page and then look in the left side margin of the page which opens.

Region 6 FASD [Edmonton and area]

Description:

"The Region 6 FASD Steering Committee... is made up of members from many different service organizations and government departments."

The "partnership focuses on:

• Public awareness
• Education and training
• Prevention programs for women in childbearing years, including pregnant women
• Assessment, diagnosis, management and supports for children
• Assessment, diagnosis, management and supports for adults "

Contact Info:
Region 6 FASD provides extensive information on its website about programs offered by its partners, resource directories, housing directories, and a calendar of events and seminars. The site also has information about FASD and adults, children/youth and prevention:
(website no longer functioning)

Other Info:
Region 6 (also known as the Capital Region) includes Edmonton, St. Albert, Mornville, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Devon, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain as well as many other smaller communities.

Lakeland Centre for FASD [Lakeland Region]

Description:

"The Centre coordinates and undertakes activities to increase awareness of and prevent FASD.  Multi-disciplinary, mobile diagnostic teams provide diagnosis, assessment, and intervention for children and adults throughout the region.  Training is available about FASD, best practices for professionals and paraprofessionals.  The Mothers to be Mentorship provides intensive mentoring and support to high risk pregnant women, assisting them to achieve and maintain sobriety in order to prevent an FASD birth.

List of Services:

* Coordination of FASD Diagnostic/Assessment Teams for Children

* Coordination of FASD Diagnostic/Assessment Teams for Adults

* Family Supports

* Cold Lake Mothers-to-be Mentorship Program

* Bonnyville Alcohol/Drug Awareness Project

* FASD Education & Training

* The Lakeland Center for FASD Summer Camp

"It is our focus to provide a fun and safe environment where children with FASD can be themselves." The Lakeland Centre for FASD hosts 6, week long camps between July and August. The camp will be held at Camp Cooinda on Ethel Lake just outside of Cold Lake, Alberta.

Eligibility • Diagnosis of FASD, ages 8-17, can be from anywhere in Canada
Camp fees are $500.00 per child, though families may consider seeking assistance through Family Support for Children with Disabilities or their local services clubs (i.e. Lions Club). The centre can assist with this.
For more information, including camp applications visit our services page

* Resource Development

* Information Clearinghouse

Contact Info:
Lakeland FASD Centre
Box 479, Cold Lake, Alberta T9M 1P1
Tel. 780 594-9905  Fax 780 594-9907
Website:  Lakeland FASD Centre

Glenrose Rehabilitation [Edmonton and area]

Description:

Among many other fine services, the 'Glenrose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinical Services provides multidisciplinary assessment and diagnosis for children and families affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The team links with community partners who provide intervention and support services. The team also serves as a resource to the community and families regarding FASD. In addition, the Service provides training for other professionals in the assessment and diagnosis of FASD, utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach.'

Contact Info:

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

10230 - 111 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5G 0B7

Tel. 780 735-7999, ext 2328

Website: Glenrose FASD Clinical Services

Other Info:

Referrals must be made by a Physician to the Glenrose Paediatric Admissions Coordinator, who redirects as appropriate. Eligibility criteria apply.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Brain Impairment Rehabilitation Program [Edmonton and area]

Description:

'Bosco Homes’ Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Brain Impairment (FASD/BI) Rehabilitation Program incorporates best practices in delivering a range of services in the following areas:

FASD/BI Screening FASD/BI Assessment Team Environmental adaptation Cognitive rehabilitation Occupational therapy Neurodevelopmental interventions Transition support services Community FASD/BI education and training' (from Bosco's website)

Contact Info:

Bosco Homes, Edmonton and area, Alberta

Tel. 780 440-0708 ext 221 for reception.  Fax 780 440-0760

Website: BoscoHomes.ca FASD Page

Other Info:

Bosco Homes also provides a variety of other services (Group Care, Foster Care, Educational Services) which may or may not apply to a person with FASD.

Awakenings Program [Gleichen]

Description:

'The objective of the Awakenings program is to develop responses to address the FASD needs in Gleichen, Alberta. The program will focus on prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of FASD and to promote health and well being of the Siksika community, these strategies include:

• Continued service delivery of comprehensive prevention, and care and support programs for high risk women and their partners;
• On-going support for families with FASD children and adults diagnosed with FASD children;
• Development of a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team to provide screening, assessment, and diagnosis for Siksika Nation;
• Development of a Siksika Model of Care for communities and families/children/adults; and
• On-going FAS training for all service providers/professionals within the Siksika community.'  (from child.gov.ab)

Contact Info:

Siksika Mental Health
Tyler White, Siksika Mental Health Director
P.O. Box # 1130,  Siksika Nation, Alberta  T0J 3W0
Tel.  403 734-3852   Fax 403 734-3490

Dr. Kieran D. O'Malley [Calgary]

Description:
'Dr. O"Malley has a special interst in FASD and psychiatric disorders of children and adolescents... he offers psychiatric consultation to patients previously diagnosed with FASD and has a community psychiatric consultation practice in Calgary dealing with FASD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder patients.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
Dr. K.D. O'Malley
#200, 2003 - 14 St. NW, Calgary Alberta T2M 3N4
Tel. 403 289-0388   Fax 403 255-4406

Pediatric Consultants [Red Deer]

Description:
The consultants provide investigations, assessment and treatment for children from birth to 18 years of age with FAS and a variety of developmental disabilities.  A referral from a physician is required.

Contact Info:
Pediatric Consultants Associated
#182, 5201 - 43 St., Red Deer, Alberta  T4N 1C7
Tel.  403 343-6404  Fax 403 343-6215

Lawryk Consulting [Bragg Creek / Calgary]

Description:

Lawryk Consulting offers OBD (Organic Brain Dysfunction) Triage Assessments (medical prescreening) for children, youth & adults as well as OBD Diagnostic Interpretation of Abilities Sessions.  These sessions give a defined, detailed explanation of the idnividual's specific disability as a direct result of prenatal alcohol exposure and identification of the cognitive deficits that often translate into behaviors.  ... prevention strategies and intervention techniques are designed in order to focus on strengths and create success in all areas of the life course....  Ms. Lawyrk... has been qualified as an expert (FASD) in Alberta family, youth and adult courts and also presents workshops in specialized areas of interest. (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

Lawyrk Consulting
Ms. Liz Lawryk
P.O. Box 1289, Bragg Creek, Alberta T0L 0K0
Tel. 780 949-3991 Fax 403 949-4051
Email: [email protected]

Northwest Regional FASD Society [High Level]

Description:
The goals of this society are:
To coordinate with the Health Region to provide services within the region.
To increase awareness, knowledge and resources for families and individuals with FASD across the lifespan.
To collaborate with and support schools, communities and agencies with the resource to support children and families living with FASD.
To remove the stigma and break down barriers surrounding FASD.
To have no more births with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Their services include programs such as family coaching, youth coaching and youth mentoring, educational sessions, a lending library via the High Level Municipal Library, providing connections to local community resources, etc.

Contact Info:
Northwest Regional Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society
Box 3668, High Level, AB T0H 1Z0
Tel: 780-926-3375   Fax: 780-926-2373

Website: Northwest Regional FASD Society website

Misericordia Child Health Clinic [Edmonton]

Description:

'Through referral from a family physician, the Centre will perform neurodevelopmental assessments for children for an FAS diagnosis.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

Misericordia Child Health Clinic
16940 - 87 Ave NW, Edmonton Alberta T5R 4H5
Tel. 780 930-5613 Fax 780 930-5794

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic [Calgary]

Description:

'The FASD Diagnostic Clinic provides a multidisciplinary team assessment and diagnosis for children, infancy to 18 years, who have confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure.... The clinic will make recommendations and facilitate the child's access to appropriate community-based intervention programs.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

FASD Diagnostic Clinic
Ms. Shirley Wormsbecker, Coordinator
Alberta Children's Hospital
1820 Richmond Road SW, Calgary, Alberta T2T 5C7
Tel. 403 943-7231 Fax 403 943-7214
Email: [email protected]

FASS - Fetal Alcohol Support Society [Grande Prairie]

Description:

'The objectives of FASS are to promote and facilitate education, prevention, intervention, diagnosis and/or assessment, care and supports from birth to death of persons affected by Fetal Alcohol; to promote and facilitate support groups for caregivers and those persons who may be affected....' (from CCSA)

Fetal Alcohol Support Society sponsors a parent/caregiver support group on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 7:30 PM, at the ASLS Boardroom, Schubert Building (above Vito's), on 100 St. No fees or childcare but older children welcome. **Phone or email in advance, as meetings are held upstairs in a locked building.**  Main contact : Thelma Vincent - 780-814-7624 or [email protected]  Secondary contacts: Lorraine Carrier - 780-532-3726; Sharon/John - 780-539-5651.

Contact Info:

FASS
Thelma Vincent, President
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Tel. 780 814-7624
Email: [email protected]

D-V Massey & Associates [Edmonton]

Description:

'Dr. V. Massey is a chartered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist.  She has extensive experience in the assessment of children, adolescents, and adults... She also conducts training workshops and professional symposia on FAS and other alcohol-related disorders for provincial and federal government agencies and departments, professional organizations, and other interested groups.' (from CCSA)

Dr. Don Massey is also a chartered clinical psychologist and educator with a broad educational and employment background... and has also received specialized training in neuropsychological assessment.  (from their website)

Contact Info:
Dr. Valerie J. Massey, Associate
(or) Dr. Don Massey
316, Kingsway Garden Mall,  109 Street and Princess Elizabeth Ave, Edmonton Alberta T5G 3A6
Tel. 780 471-1860   Toll-Free in Alberta 1-866-271-1860   Fax  780 479-1880
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dvmassey.com

DBA Works for FASD Support [Cochrane]

Description:

'DBA Works provides experienced, qualified support for foster, biological, adoptive and kinship families caring for diagnosed fetal alcohol-affected members.  Personalized and individualized services include in-home consultations for diagnostic interpretations, behavioural strategies and available resources for family members/caregivers.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
DBA Works for FASD Support
Linda Simser, Consultant
Site 13, Box 27, R.R. #2, Cochrane, Alberta  T4C 1A2
Tel.  403 510-0125   Fax  403 932-6178
Email:  [email protected]

Children's Health Clinic [Calgary]

Description:
'Drs. Govender, Schroter and Wainer are able to diagnose and assess Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and related conditions and make recommendations and referrals as necessary for children from birth to age 18.  A referral from a family physician is required.'  (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
Children's Health Clinic
#530 Marlborough Mall Professional Building
433 Marlborough Way NE, Calgary Alberta  T2A 5H5
Tel.  403 543-4090  Fax 780 543-4093
Email: [email protected]

Canadian FASD Diagnostic and Training Centre [Red Water]

Description:
'Provides assessment and diagnosis for children and adults with FASD at the Centre and through a mobile specialized unit.  Offers educational and team training.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
Canadian FASD Diagnostic and Training Centre Ltd.
Box 381, Redwater, Alberta  T0A 2W0
Tel.  780 942-2819  Fax  780 942-2835

Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.fasdcanada.com

Other Info:

A physician's referral is not required -- simply call or write the Centre directly.

FASD Program [Grimshaw]

Description:
This program 'offers diagnostic services (0-18), a resource library, referrals, provides information and presentations as well as support.  The program consists of a regional committee, the Peace River FASD Committee and a children's diagnostic team, the FASD Diagnostic and Intervention Team.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
Accredited Supportive Living Society (ASLS) - FASD Program
Ms. Julie Langlois, FASD Program Coordinator
Box 680, 5012 - 54 Ave, Grimshaw, Alberta T0H 1W0
Tel.   780 332-4183   Fax 780 332-1553
Email: [email protected]

Enviros - FASD Community Support Program [Calgary & area]

Description:

'We are funded through Calgary and Area Child & Family Services which enables us to work with families who have status with Children's Services ranging from foster families, adoptive families receiving post adoption supports through Children's Services, biological families with either a Family Enhancement Agreement or another form of involvement. It also now includes families involved with FSCD (Family Supports for Children with Disabilities).

The service we provide is very caregiver orientated and can include intensive behavioural strategy support, education around the disability, assessment and diagnosis, support within the school, advocating, accessing resources including respite, recreational programming, day programming, etc. We typically work with a family for approximately 6 months meeting regularly (between 1/week- 2x/month). The child/ youth needs to have a diagnosis under the FSAD spectrum and a cognitive assessment that is not older than 4 years old to be eligible to receive services.

Liz Lawryk is the Chief Medical Examiner of the OBD (Organic Brain Dysfunction) Triage Institute is our consultant to the program and provides a patient specific Diagnostic Interpretation of Abilities Sessions to all of the families and professionals involved if they are interested.

This program does not tie into the wilderness component of Enviros but we do incorporate a lot of Experiential Learning when working with the families and developing strategies.' (information provided by C. Burnett from Enviros)

Contact Info:

Enviros Wilderness School Association

13, 2115 - 27th Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7E4

Tel. 403 219-3499   Fax 403 219-3466

FASD Support Program Supervisor:  Carlie Burnett

Website: Enviros - FASD Support page

Central Alberta FAS Outreach Program [Red Deer & area]

Description:

'Family Support: Emotional and functional support to child/adult and family; linking child/family to services; providing resources and assisting with strategies to cope with challenges faced as a result of a diagnosis of FASD; assisting in obtaining assessment/diagnosis; provides children and families with an opportunity to stabilize in their home/community.' (from child.gov.ab.ca website).

Contact Info:

Sue Castensen: 403 340-3885.

Website: Getting Help: Region 4

Diagnostic and Assessment Team [Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche, St. Paul]

Description:

'This is a multi-disciplinary team that holds mobile diagnostic and assessment clinics two times per month. Two children and their families are seen on each clinic day. Authority Services staff participate as part of the diagnostic team.'  (from the child.gov.ab.ca website)

Contact Info:

Audrey McFarland: 780 594-9053