FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

March 4, 2013: Engaging Professionals and Students in FASD Awareness and Prevention Conference [Edmonton and live webcast]

Description:
The University of Alberta, in collaboration with Alberta Health and The Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Reseach, is hosting a seminar entitled, Engaging Professionals and Students in FASD Awareness and Prevention. The seminar has been designed to be of interest to professionals and students (in the faculties of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Law and Education) from across Canada.This seminar is CCCEP approved for three hours (3 credits). The course is also pending CACME accreditation approval along with several other professional associations. This program about FASD will provide an understanding of FASD and its effects across the lifespan for those working in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, education, counseling psychology, law, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy. This program will provide participants with the tools required to play an important role in the prevention of FASD and support of individuals with FASD. This multidisciplinary presentation will feature a pediatric neurologist specializing in FASD, a pharmacist/educator and an individual living with the consequences of FASD. Feel free to visit our website for more info or contact information.

Date: March 4, 2013
Time: 6 - 9 p.m. MST
Location: University of Alberta (specifics to be announced)

More Info:
Website: Conference webpage and registration

Note: this conference can be attended in person or viewed via a live webcast.

September 23-25, 2013: First International Conference on Prevention of FASD [Edmonton]

Description:
"This is the first international conference to address the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of FASD. Plenary sessions will promote discussion and reflection on promising and innovative approaches for preventing FASD, such as policies and programs to address alcohol use and the social determinants of health. Sessions will identify barriers to FASD prevention and possible solutions for overcoming these obstacles. The conference will serve as an international knowledge exchange and networking forum for those interested in FASD prevention, bringing together key experts from around the globe."

More Info:
More information is available at the conference website.
Registration will open in early 2013.

September 18-20, 2013: Consensus Development Conference on Legal Issues of FASD [Edmonton]

Description:
"This conference is a three-day juried hearing of evidence and scientific findings that allows for the engagement and collaboration of citizens and decision makers in government and the justice system in addressing a specific set of key questions on legal issues related to FASD."

These questions include:
1. What are the implications of FASD for the legal system?
2. Is there a need for an enhanced effort to identify people with FASD in the legal system, and how should that be done?
3. How can the criminal justice system respond more effectively to those with FASD?

 More Info:
More information is available at the conference website.
Registration will open in early 2013.

October 22-23, 2012: Creating Connections, Building Relationships, Growing Communities - FASD Conference [Edmonton]

Description:
Alberta Human Services will be hosting the annual Alberta FASD Conference October 22-23, 2012 at the Delta Edmonton South Hotel and Conference Centre. The two-day conference will feature several keynote speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, and a community showcase and networking reception. This year’s conference will also feature a special focus on building and strengthening connections, relationships and communities.

This conference will be of interest to: caregivers and families, individuals with FASD, teachers, teacher aides, social workers, nurses, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physicians, alcohol and drug workers, mental health workers, community workers, family support workers, program providers, vocational rehab service providers, elected officials, government ministries, lawyers and policy-makers.

More Info:
Website: fasd-cmc.alberta.ca
Email: Amanda Amyotte
Registration will open in July 2012.

Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society [High River]

Description:
The Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society provides the following:

"Support and services to many families and individuals in the Foothills communities of southern Alberta. Ways that we address the FASD issue include:

• Adult Support
• Individual & Family Support
• “Living Room” Support
• Professional Consultation
• Mom’s/Women’s Groups
• Dad’s/Men’s Groups
• Life Skills Program for youth & young adults"

"Community Response - initiatives, campaigns in the communities that surround Calgary promoting awareness of FASD."

"Professional Response - Workshops, in services, training sessions for any professional whose services would be enhanced by understanding FASD and best practices associated with supporting families and those affected by FASD.

Contact Info:
Website: www.foothillsfas.com
Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society
120 – 6th Avenue SW
High River, AB T1V 1A1
Phone: (403) 652-4776
Fax: (403) 652-1225

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

 

A Training Manual for Trainers: Alcohol and the Fetus

Description:
A training manual on "Alcohol and the Fetus" by Carolyn Hartness.

"This is an advanced training manual for professional and paraprofessional trainers who want to expand their knowledge of the possible effects of alcohol on the fetus. Trainers who use this manual will be able to develop presentations for various types of audiences ... The manual contains modules that discuss seven major topics related to the effects of alcohol on the fetus. Each module includes training content ideas and suggested training materials and other resources..."

Available at:
http://www.seventh-generation.com
(Click on Manual in the navigation bar, and select Manual Summary, Part 1 or Part 2. All in PDF format at no charge)

June 10-11, 2009: Enhancing Professional Supports for Adults Living with FASD Workshop [Calgary]

Description:
The Calgary John Howard Society is hosting a two-day workshop with Liz Lawryk of the OBD Triage Institute Workshop Description: The risk of criminal involvement for individuals diagnosed with FASD is typically higher due to a combination of variables within this disability. This two day course will focus on assisting professionals in designing supports based on the evaluation of the individual's physical, sensory, cognitive and socio-environmental factors. Discussion will include interviewing techniques, assessment of overall functioning abilities and consideration of strength-based patient-specific strategies.

More Info:
Downtown Friendship Centre, Calgary.
Registration closes May 31, 2009.
Workshop notice (PDF)
Registration (PDF)

For further information please contact Marleny Munoz, EFSP Coordinator at 403-536-0546 or [email protected].

Canadian FASD Training Online Database

Description:
The purpose of the Canadian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Training Online Database project is to develop and promote a searchable database that contains the names of individuals and organizations in Canada who design and deliver training related to FASD. The databases is available to service providers who are looking for FASD trainers and training programs that correspond to their individual or organizational training needs.

Hopefully the creation of this database will result in additional supports and resources being created for families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Access Info:
Canadian FASD Training Online Database

FASD Adult Case Management seminars [Alberta / BC]

Description:
Renae Sanford, formerly Richards, teaches FASD Adult Case Management in both BC and Alberta. She was formerly working with the now-defunct Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation. She wrote to say "I am however still very much involved with FASD. I am living in Salmon Arm BC and still teaching FASD Adult Case Management in both BC and Alberta. My e-mail address remains [email protected]. I will be very happy to hear from any persons about FASD."

Contact Info:
Renae can be contacted at [email protected]

FASD Online Courses from SIAST [online]

Description:
The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) is offering an online course on FASD!!!!

The course is a valuable supplement to many Community Services programs ( including Early Childhood Development, Education, Rehabilitation Worker, Youth Care Worker, Educational Assistant, Therapeutic Recreation, Chemical Dependency and Corrections Workers) or to anyone who has an interest in this subject. This course is starting from March 2, 2009 until July 17, 2009.

Access Info:
FASD Online Courses from SIAST

Fighting for a Future [proceedings from a two-day forum]

Description:
In June of 2004, a two day forum was held in Surrey, B.C. which discussed "the urgent need for action to proactively support adolescents and adults with FASD rather than reactively apply ineffective cost measures." The forum brought together "a large, geographically diverse group of birth, foster and adoptive parents, all who are professionally employed in different areas of society, and who have adult children with formally diagnosed FASD," to identify "what they believed to be the most relevant needs and issues facing adolescents and adults with FASD in today’s society."

Fighting for a Future includes the following chapters:

• Executive Summary
• Why is this important?
• What does it all mean?
• What now? Who? Why?
• Process
• Strategic Needs Analysis
  • Homelessnes
  • Finances
  • Health / Mental Health
  • Education / Programming / Employment
  • Legal / Addictions
  • Family Support

If you don't have time to read the entire 80 pages, then at least read the Executive Summary, Broad Recommendations and End Note (pages 8-10). This document was prepared by Jan Lutke, Senior FASD Consultant, and Tina Antrobus, FASD Consultant.

Access Info:
Fighting for a Future -- FASD and the System: adolescents, adults and their families, and the state of affairs

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. 

New Perspectives on Transitions and FASD [report]

Description:
This document, produced by the Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network and the United Way, is intended to "shed light on the transitioning issues with people who are affected by FASD." It researches and summarizes the following:
• the impact of FASD upon the daily lives of young people
• the vulnerabilities faced by young people and the potential consequences of those vulnerabilities
• an examination of models of support and intervention that have been shown to be effective for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and that hold promise of providing protective factors to counteract the vulnerabilities
• identification of “themes” that require further attention and continuing development to ensure that adults with FASD will, in the future, have the supports and resources required to live inclusive, valued lives in communities of their choosing.

Access Info:
New Perspectives on Transitions at the Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network site (PDF format; 3.7 MB).

Journal of FAS International [Articles/Reports]

Description:
The Journal of FAS International - J FAS Int - is "a new peer review journal dedicated to all aspects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and the official journal of the FACE (Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise) Research Network." The journal is web-based.

Access Info:
Journal of FAS International

FASD: What Police Need to Know [brochure]

Description:
This brochure introduces police officers to the topic of FASD, and gives guidelines as to what they should do if they are dealing with an individual suspected of having FASD, as well as common misinterpretations of normal behaviours.

We are seeking to get access to the original pdf file to post it here.

Other Info:
This brochure was produced by Success by Six in conjunction with the Edmonton Police Department.

Community Action Guide: working together for the prevention of FASD [Article]

Description:
This 111-page document is intended to give guidance to communities seeking to plan FASD "initiatives that will be comprehensive, coordinated and holistic in their approach. It is designed as a 'hands-on' resource that can be used as a teaching tool, an information source to heighten public awareness, and a resource in planning community-based prevention initiatives."

The major sections are Introduction, Understanding FASD, Understanding Alcohol and Other Drug Use, A Role for Professionals, Taking Action in Your Community, and Helpful Listings and Resources.

Community Action Guide at the B.C. Ministry of Children and Families website.  Published October 1998.

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 of Services [Edmonton]

Description:

'Special help is given to parents raising children affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD). The program aims to reduce the occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) in the community. Women at a high risk of having an affected child can get the support they need to make positive lifestyle changes. Awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy is a major component of the program with staff making presentations and being available at community events. In a recent development, Bissell Centre now offers support to adults suffering from FASD to help them maintain a positive lifestyle and prevent the development of secondary disabilities.'

Parent Child Advocacy
Parent Child Advocacy provides long-term support to women wanting a healthy pregnancy and child.

Adult Advocacy
Adult Advocacy provides one-on-one long-term support to adults who are affected by FASD.

Community Education
Community Educators present to small and large groups on the issues of FASD. Each presentation is tailored to the business, school or organization’s audience and to the group’s requests.  All presentations are free of charge.  

Contact Info:

Bissell Centre - Making a difference in Edmonton's inner city

Alaina Thursby  [email protected]

Tel. 780 423-2285 ext. 157

Website: Bissell Centre - Services page

Note: this program was formerly called Well Community, Well Families.

Webcasts from International Conference on FASD: Research, Policy and Practice Around the World [Victoria, B.C.]

Description:
This conference took place in Victoria, B.C. from March 8-10, 2007.

Web-Casting of Plenary Sessions from The 2nd international Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder:

Seven sessions are available for viewing online:

• Why so uncomfortable? Resolving the Stigma Associated with Women and Alcohol
• National Prevention Panel
• FASD: From Discovery to Prevention in Washington State
• MRI, MRS, fMRI, Psychological and Psychiatric Outcomes of Children with FASD
• The Dr. Geoffrey Robinson Memorial Lecture: Persistent Developmental Consequences. FASD Long-term Follow-up Study into Adulthood (Germany)
• Research Symposia
• The Western and Northern Canadian Approach to Diagnostic, Intervention and Prevention Research
• Biomarkers and Effect Modifiers of FASD: Findings from Detroit and Capetown

Click here to view conference sessions online

Contact Info:
Visit Conference Listing Page at UBC for more information as it becomes available.

A Message to Police Officers about FASD [Brochure]

Description:
"Developed for police officers, this pamphlet on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a sample of materials being developed for a policy and community training initative. With information on the physical and mental defects caused by alcohol use during pregnancy, this pamphlet outlines:
- key terminology;
- ways to identify those who may be affected by FASD; and
-ideas for working more effectively with FASD individuals in emergency situations." (from website)

This professionally produced 2-sided pamphlet includes discussion of "What is FASD", "We may see him/her as... when really he/she is experiencing...", and "What should you do?"

FASD: A Message to Police Officers about FASD  page at the sharedlearnings.org website

Other Info:
Created by The Pas Family Resource Centre Inc. and RCMP "D" Division Jan 2003.

Presentations by Margaret Galipeau [Edmonton and area]

Description:

Margaret Galipeau, a registered physiotherapist, offers workshops and presentations on various topics related FASD.  She is available to speak to groups by invitation. Topics include the following:

"The Invisible Disability: Sensory Integration Dysfunction"
"The 4 A's: Asleep, Awake, Alert, Attending"
"'I Can't Do It, It's Just Too Hard' Developmental Coordination Disorder"

Contact Info:
Galipeau Physiotherapy Inc.
#310, 200 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2C5
Tel. 780 417-3202  Fax  780 416-0120

FASD: Strategies not Solutions [Article]

Description:

'This Booklet is designed for caregivers and professionals who, in their everyday lives, encounter children and youth affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Readers should be aware that this Booklet provides strategies and suggestions for people who already have a base understanding of FASD.' (from the foreword)

Section headings include Environment, Sensory Dysfunction, Effective Discipline, Impulse Control, Calming Techniques, Age Specific Strategies, Self-Care, Recreation, Self-Harming, and more.

FASD: Strategies not Solutions pdf file

Other Info:

This superb 60-page document was produced by the Region 6 FASD Child and Youth Sub-Committee.  Hard copy versions of this booklet might be available from Children and Youth Services [ (Gov't of Alberta).

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Learning Module For Health and Social Service Workers [article]

Description:

'The purpose of the learning module is:

• To increase awareness of FASD and develop the skills needed in FASD prevention, early identification, intervention, and management.
• To support the integration of FASD prevention, early identification, intervention and management into existing health and social service programming.' (from region6fasd.ca website)

Section headings are: Information on FASD, Rationale for Addressing FASD as an Important Health and Social Issue, Raising Awareness of FASD, FASD and Pregnancy: Prevention Strategies, Children with FASD: Early Intervention Strategies, Adolescents and Adults with FASD: Management Strategies, and Regional Activities.

Online Learning Module created by Edmonton and area Capital Health.

FASD National Link [list server]

Description:

'FASD National Link was created as part of the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada (VON) FASD Project. The project was funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada from April 2002 until March 2006. The list serv is a place to share information and connect with other persons working in the field of FASD across Canada.' (from von.ca site)

FASD National Link information and subscription page

Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation [Medicine Hat]

Description:
The Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation is no longer functional. It previously provided training and workshop services to Aboriginal communities, professional services, and front line workers with a focus on Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and alternative healing and wellness.

Contact Info:
We received the following email in February 2009:
"My name is Renae Sanford, formerly Richards. I no longer live in Medicine Hat and Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation is no longer operational. I am however still very much involved with FASD. I am living in Salmon Arm BC and still teaching FASD Adult Case Management in both BC and Alberta. My e-mail address remains [email protected]. I will be very happy to hear from any persons about FASD. I apologize for disappearing.
Renae"

OBD (Organic Brain Dysfunction) Triage Institute [Calgary]

Description:

The OBD Triage Institute provides training & certification to clinical professionals in the use of the OBD Triage Assessment Model: A Screening Instrument for Use in the Evaluation of Teratogenic Effects on Embryonic Development. (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

OBD Triage Institute
P.O. Box 1289, Bragg Creek, Alberta T0L 0K0
Tel. 403 949-3991 Fax 780 949-4051
Email: [email protected]
Website: OBD Triage Institute

FAS-T: A National Training Program [Alberta/Canada]

Description:

'FAS-T provides a variety of training programs to meet the needs of agencies and organizations - from 2 hour seminars to 3 day intensive participant-oriented training.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

Ms. Dianna Souveny, Training Coordinator
Dynamic Networks Psychological Services
79 Hill Cres., Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6G3
Tel. 403 343-8876 Fax 403 343-8675
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

Central Alberta Interagency FASD Committee [Red Deer]

Description:
'The committee meets in order to maximize the use of available resources to ensure greater effectiveness of services for FASD through the increased collaboration of professionals.' (from CCSA).

Contact Info:
Central Alberta Interagency FASD Committee
Ms. Victoria G. Peetso, Chair
5017 - 50 Street, 2nd Floor,  Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1Y2
Tel.  403 340-3885  Fax 403 352-0099

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.

Frontline FASD Meetings [Edmonton & area]

Description:

Frontline FASD Meetings are held in Edmonton and provide the opportunity to:

* gather information about FASD

* learn about FASD related resources

* talk to other service providers and develop and pursue multi-disciplinary approaches to FASD prevention and intervention.

An email newsletter is also available giving information about events and services.

Contact Info:

Lisa Rogozinsky at 780 477-1999 ext. 234  or [email protected]

Website: Region 6 FASD website

Other Info:

These meetings usually happen monthly, and are mostly intended for those working in the field of FASD.  They are a good source of information and networking.

How to Establish and Run FASD Support Groups [Presentation]

Description:

This is a powerpoint presentation created by Kim Trotchie, presented as part of the Metis Nation of Alberta FASD Project.

PowerPoint on Establishing and Running Support Groups (on child.gov.ab.ca)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Hopeful Challenge for Children, Families and Communities [Article]

Description:

This formal report to Health Canada includes the following subjects:

• Introduction
• Review of Literature, Resources and Best Practices
• Health Promotion and Prevention: Effective Practices and Models
• Evaluation Approach
• Baseline Data (with a focus on Fort McMurray Children's Centre and the Lethbridge Native Women's Transition Home)
• Development of Pilot Projects
• Evaluation Findings
• Conclusions and Recommendations

Available in HTML version or PDF version on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Fetal Alcohol Exposure: Time to Know, Time to Act [Article]

Description:

This 15-page paper was presented by Mary (Vandenbrink) Berube, an FAS/E Specialist with Alberta Ministry of Children's Services, to Ontario's Provincial Conference in 2003.  Subtitled 'Teamwork, Case Management', it may be of particular interest to service providers as well as families especially because of its chart of "Guidelines to Intervention with Families", and extensive sections on an unaffected adult caring for affected children and on an affected adult caring for unaffected children.

Time to Know, Time to Act (PDF)

FASD Toolkit for Aboriginal Families [Article]

Description:

This is a 40-page document prepared by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.  'It uses a medicine wheel to help frontline community workers explore issues, and find and apply appropriate tools and supports to address FASD at the community level.'

FASD Toolkit for Aboriginal Families (PDF)