FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

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.

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.

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

 

Bissell Centre [Edmonton]

Description:
"Through community development, advocacy and intensive supports, Bissell Centre’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services enhance the community’s capacity to understand and prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and support the well-being of individuals and families affected by FASD."

Specific Services

1. "Parent Child Advocacy:
   Parent Child Advocacy provides long-term support to women wanting a healthy pregnancy and child.
2. Adult Advocacy:
   Adult Advocacy provides one-on-one long-term support to adults who are affected by FASD
3. 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."
   Standard topics include FASD 101, Employment and FASD, FASD and Housing, and FASD and Education.

Contact Info:
Bissell Centre
10527 - 96 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 2H5
Tel. 780-423-2285
Fax 780-429-7908

Manager: Paul Pringle [email protected] extension 132

Community Education: Alaina Thursby, [email protected]  extension 157

Website: bissellcentre.org

Video 1
Video 2

 

William Watson Lodge (Kananaskis County, Alberta)

Description:

"Kananaskis Country has earned a reputation of ensuring equal access to this beautiful mountain environment by people of all abilities.
 
Nestled within the scenic mountains of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (Kananaskis Country, Alberta), the William Watson Lodge provides year-round accommodation for Albertans with disabilities as well as senior citizens of Alberta who are 65 years and older. Overlooking the beautiful Lower Kananaskis Lake, the facility is composed of a main lodge for day use, twenty-two accessible cabins, six vehicle campsites, and six walk-in tenting sites.
 
William Watson Lodge primarily serves people that may not be able to utilize the more traditional types of services found in mountainous environments. Not only does "The Lodge" provide accessible accommodation, but it also plays an integral role in the development of barrier-free outdoor facilities throughout all of Kananaskis Country. Reservations may be made up to four months in advance for persons with disabilities residing in the province of Alberta. Forms to determine eligibility may be obtained from William Watson Lodge."

William Watson Lodge is open and enjoyed year-round.

Contact Info:
For more on bookings, fees, and general information call (403) 591-7227, or fax (403) 591-7372.

William Watson Lodge
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
P.O. Box 130
Kananaskis Village, Alberta
T0L 2H0

http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/facilities_wwlodge.asp

Brochure (PDF): http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/pdfs/2007_WWL_Brochure.pdf

Dream Catcher Nature-Assisted Therapy Association [Edmonton and area]

Description:
Furry Foundations:
This new program is specifically designed for persons with special needs or other life challenges.

This program is focused on building foundations, developing skills and helping people discover their abilities and potential. Dreamcatcher's Intervention Specialist works in collaboration with parents, teachers and specialized teams to meet the needs and goals of the individual. The program takes place outdoors in a natural, relaxed yet challenging environment. Skilled Professionals work one to one with the participants and specially chosen animal partners. The participants are actively engaged and learn through immediate experience. Each individual session is specially tailored to suit the participant’s specific therapeutic needs. (info via submitted comment)

Youth Retreat during Spring Break 2010 for youth ages 10 to 14 with FASD. The retreat will focus on social skill building and will be lead by a Behavior Management Specialist.
Retreat Dates: March 29th to April 1st 2010
Times: Day time only retreat: from 9:00am until 3:00pm
Registration Deadline: MARCH 22nd 2010
For more information or to register, please contact Dani Dahlseide at [email protected] or 780-922-1047

Dreamcatcher’s Youth Retreat is a therapeutic retreat for youth struggling with anger and behavior management issues and who could benefit from an increase in self-esteem and confidence. It is an opportunity for youth to learn to express themselves in healthier ways and to understand their impact on others through interactions with animals and nature. Ages 13 – 16.
dates tba

Kids ‘n Kritters Day Camps are specifically designed for persons with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and brain injury. Children will be matched in camps with similar children. Ages 5 – 10.
dates tba

Contact Info:
Dreamcatcher Association
53044 RR #213, Ardrossan, AB T8G 2C4
Eileen   (780) 922-1047
Fax   (780) 922-4217
Website: www.dreamcatcherassociation.com

More Info:
"Dreamcatcher Association is located in Ardrossan, Alberta (just 30 minutes East of Edmonton) on a 40-acre beautifully treed and trailed ranch. It is a nature and animal-assisted therapy program that is helping children, youth and adults to heal and reach their full potential through nature's serenity and rescued animals' unconditional love.

To date, we have successfully helped people with brain injury; emotional issues; behavioral concerns; mental health diagnoses; youth at risk; addictions; past trauma issues; dual and multiple diagnoses; developmental delays; physical impairments; family-oriented concerns; past sexual abuse and much more.

Our programs are completely individualized to fit the needs of those involved and range from individualized and group therapy sessions involving animals and nature to vocational training focused on farm and ranch work, bush craft, gardening and animal care. Our programs are designed and implemented by a clinical therapist and behavior management specialist who consistently involves the person in needs' family members, school personnel and community agencies in all aspects of programming and treatment planning. Involving the person's support system better ensures the success of his/her therapeutic experience. The most important aspect of our programming is carried out by our co-counsellors who consist of rabbits, chickens, horses, llamas, dogs and cats. Many of our helpers have been rescued and have an uncanny ability to provide exactly what each person needs exactly when they need it. It is this aspect of our therapeutic program that sets aside from any traditional model of helping.

Dreamcatcher has been especially effective in helping those who have extremely difficult or negative behavior and have not been able to find help anywhere else. It strives to provide services to aggressive and violent youth in an attempt to break the cycle of abuse by involving them with animals at a young age. It has also been a refuge for people who have had past negative therapy experiences and who vow to never try to get help again. Dreamcatcher's completely natural setting and friendly rescued animals provide excellent motivation for people to safely engage in a rewarding and therapeutically effective experience. Dreamcatcher provides hope for those who are convinced that there is no hope." (from their website)

"Healing Hearts with Hooves is Dreamcatcher’s main program out on the ranch. It is an Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program focused on Dreamcatcher’s expertise in treatment and counselling. The program takes place outdoors in a natural, relaxed but challenging environment. Dreamcatcher offers individual as well as group sessions and each session is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individuals involved. Dreamcatcher’s non-traditional counselling methods gently but actively engage individuals so that they may find healing, hope, balance, and growth through the experiences with our specially chosen animal partners." (via submitted comment)

Help for Siblings of Children Affected by FASD [articles]

Description:
SAMSA (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has two booklets available to help siblings of children affected by FASD:

What Do I Do? Helping Your Kids Understand Their Sibling's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
"This booklet provides guidance on understanding sibling relationships when an FASD is involved. It answers questions you might have and suggests ways to help your children cope with their sibling's disorder. A list of resources is also provided if you need further information or support." 16 pages.

My Sibling Has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Can I Catch it?
Your sibling has a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or an FASD. It can be hard to understand and scary to think about. This booklet can help answer some questions you may have. It tells you about FASD and helps you explore your feelings. It also shares ways to get help." 20 pages.

Access Info:
These two booklets are available for free online in PDF format:
What Do I Do? Helping Your Kids Understand Their Sibling's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
My Sibling Has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Can I Catch it?

Canadian/International: SAMSA says, "We are not able to accommodate international orders placed through the online shopping cart. Please call 800-729-6686 or email your request to [email protected]." 

Americans can order free paper copies from SAMSA via their site

Eager to Learn: Online classes for people who care for children [online]

Description:
"Eager-to-Learn classes are multi-week, indepth, learning experiences which students participate in weekly live chat sessions, respond to engaging messages board questions and write a weekly e-mail reflection. Instructors provide ongoing feedback to the students on the message board while students communicate with each other in an ongoing dialog."

Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD is of particular interest to us:
"Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) In this course you will examine Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; a set of physical, behavioral and cognitive disorders seen in people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. These disorders, including Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, affect 1 in 100 children born in our country but are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This course will explore this sometimes invisible but often devastating set of disorders and will provide strategies to increase success in the home, classroom and community! Instructor: Kari Fletcher is the adoptive parent of 2 children with FASD and she is a trainer with the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. CDA Content Area: 8 Core Competency Area: IV"

Access Info:
Website: http://www.eagertolearn.org/index.html

Check the Main Class Listings page for future dates: http://www.eagertolearn.org/classes.cfm
November 4, 2008 Class page: http://www.eagertolearn.org/ETLregister2/ClassDetails.cfm?CrsSchedID=470

Note that registration for a course closes seven days prior to the start date!

Other Info:
"Eager-to-Learn is an innovative, community based, e-learning program of the Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network.
Our courses are designed to provide quality, accessible, educational opportunities for people who care for children.... Our thriving community of trained professionals offers classes covering a wide range of topics which focus on children from birth to age 12."

Picture This: Life as a Parent of Children with FASD [online / video]

Description:
Healthy Generations Family Support Program is very pleased to present and share with you a pod cast/short film developed by a group of mothers of children with FASD from Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

Through these photos and stories, the parents have defined for themselves and others, what is worth remembering and what needs to change. the parents include biological parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents. The video is about 20 minutes long.

Access Info:
Watch Picture This below.

For further information please contact Judy Kay at (807) 737-1447 x 224 or email [email protected].
To order this video on DVD, use this downloadable order form (Word document).

Picture This is also available online at the National Film Board of Canada.
Note: the little box beside the volume control on the video window permits you to make the video 'full screen'.

See more on CitizenShift

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

McDaniel Youth Program [Edmonton]

Description:
"The McDaniel Youth Program will serve adolescents who have been diagnosed, or are suspected of being affected, with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The purpose of this program is to assist youth in their transition to adulthood. A community worker will work one-on-one with youth to support them in accessing the necessary life skills and assistance needed for a successful transition to adulthood.

Catholic Social Services would like to invite you to be a part of developing the future of this program. We are seeking input from individuals parenting youth affected by FASD. We value your knowledge and experience and would greatly appreciate your input and assistance." (from flyer)

Note that this program is currently under development. Contact Colleen for more information:

Contact Info:
Colleen Hook
Catholic Social Services
Tel. 477-1999 ext. 235
[email protected]

Strategies Parents Find Helpful in Raising Their Children Living with FASD [booklet]

Description:
This 32-page booklet in PDF format provides numerous strategies "that parents have identified as helpful in raising their children living with FASD." The booklet is divided by age categories, ranging from Infants and Toddlers all the way to Young Adults and Adults. It was created by Czaee Rajwani, a nursing student at University of Toronto, as part of her placement at the FASD Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital.

Strategies Parents Find Helpful in Raising Their Children Living with FASD (PDF Format, 266 KB)

Note: this booklet is posted here as we are not aware of it being available elsewhere on the web. We have also seen an email from Dr. Stade at the FASD Clinic, saying "please distribute to whoever you want". If anyone with legal rights over the booklet objects to its posting at this site, please use the "Comments" feature to notify us. Be sure to include contact information so that we can follow up on your concern.

McMan FASD Services [Edmonton / Northern Alberta]

Description:
McMan Youth, Family & Community Services runs numerous programs which serve those affected by FASD in Edmonton and Northern Alberta communities.

These include the following:
* supported independent living program for youth ages 16-20 (Edmonton)
* caring and professional family support (Edmonton and 4 outlying communities)
* family supports for children with disabilities ages 2-18, including developmental supports, respite and community supports (Fort McMurray)
* group care program for youth ages 8-18 who are unable to live with their family or with a foster family (Edmonton and Fort McMurray)
* Shared Living program provides 24-hour care and services within a community-based home (Edmonton and Edson)
* Independent Living with Supports program for adults with disabilities (Edmonton and Edson)

Contact Info:
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association -Southwest Region
11016-127 St., Edmonton, Alberta  T5M 0T2
Tel. 403 482-4461     Fax: 403 409-9419
There are various workers depending on the program and the centre; see the webpage below for names and contact information.

Note also that if you are looking for a place for your child to live and you receive FSCD funding for this child, your FSCD worker can assist you in finding the right placement.

Website: McMan's Edmonton and Northern Alberta Region page

Other Info:
Please check McMan's webpage for the most current information about their programs. McMan also provides services in other regions of Alberta.

FASD MAPS (Mentoring, Advocacy, Partnership & Support) [Calgary]

Description:

FASD MAPS is a partnership of four Calgary-region agencies, with the goals of:

• To build on the strengths and abilities of individuals affected by FASD.
• To increase access to relevant FASD support and resources.
• To increase individual, family and community awareness of the issues related to the impact of FASD.
• To increase recreational and social connections for young people affected by FASD
• To increase family strategies and supports for managing FASD." (from the brochure)

Specific services include:
Mentoring (FASD info, strategies, coaching, etc.)
Advocacy (advocacy with schools, gov't, justice system, assisting with funding applications, etc.)
Partnership (education and consultation to other service providers, collaboration with probation and child welfare providers)
Support (emotional support, crisis intervention, transportation, FASD awareness groups, etc.)

For more information, read the FASD MAPS brochure (PDF format).

Contact Info:
For referrals or inquiries please call 403 263-3447.

Talking with Parents about Raising Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders [book]

Description:
"In writing this book their wish is that the thoughts, ideas and Strategies presented here will be helpful to parents and caregivers of children with FASD. The information is done with underlying knowledge that these suggestions could be helpful to both Children diagnosed with FASD as well as many other children who are not diagnosed with FASD."

Written by E. Froehlich, M.Ed. and A Bournonniere, M.Ed. (Child Guidance Clinic, 2005, 72 pages).

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).

Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network

Description:
The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network (CFAN) is "a committee comprised of a group of key stakeholders. The committee was developed after a need arose to address the social issue of FASD in the Calgary Region."

At a practical level, CFAN has some prevention initiatives, presents conferences and seminars, has the Calgary Resource Directory, etc.

Website: Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network website
Calgary Resource Directory (as of 2005)

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.

FAS Parent Mentoring Program [East Central Alberta]

Description:

'Provides support and parent mentoring to parents and caregivers of FAS children in Region 5 through toll-free phone support line, workshops, parent mentor groups and personal contact.' (from child.gov.ab.ca website)

Contact Info:

Regional FASD Contact: David Wilson 780 385-7076

Website: Getting Help: Region 5

FASD Outreach Services [Central Alberta]

Description:

'McMan’s F.A.S.D. Outreach Program provides education, information, support, resources, mentoring services, coaching and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children who have (or are suspected to have) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The F.A.S.D. Outreach Program provides services to caregivers of children living with FASD. Clients may be self referred or referred by Resources for Children with Disabilities, a community source or by a child protection worker.' (from McMan's website)

Contact Info:

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association - Central Region
5028-49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta  T4G 1M1
Tel:  403 227-5580    Fax: 403 227-5541

Program Manager: Bart Haddow # 403-227-8129

Website: McMan - Central Alberta page

Other Info:

Note that the webpage does not offer more information about this program.

FASD Outreach Program [Southwest Alberta]

Description:

'McMan’s F.A.S.D. Outreach Program provides education, information, support, resources, mentoring services, coaching and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children who have (or are suspected to have) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).'

Contact Info:

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association -Southwest Region
203, 517 - 4th Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta  T1J 0N4
Tel. 403 328-2488     Fax: 403 328-2645
Outreach Worker: Laura Elliot 403-328-2488

Website: McMan's Southwest Region page

Other Info:

Note that the webpage gives additional information about what McMan offers in the Southwest, but no more info about the FASD program.

Rehoboth Christian Ministries [Alberta]

Description:

'Rehoboth offers services to "developmentally disabled" adults and children....'  These services include:

* residential services ('24-hour residential supports in both urban and rural communities'),

* vocational services ('providing flexible and realistic working environments in which clients may discover and develop their individual interests and aptitudes'),

* respite options (in-home support or with a host family),

* outreach services ('in-home services to adult individuals residing in the community in an effort to ensure continued growth and development for the individual')

* summer camps for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Contact Info:

Rehoboth has offices in Stony Plain (780) 963-4044, Calgary (403) 250-7333, Coaldale (403) 345-5199, Three Hills (403) 443-2239 and Grande Prairie (780) 532-5611.

Full addresses and fax numbers are available on their contact page: Rehoboth Contact Us by Region

Website: Rehoboth Christian Ministries

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

Family Support for Children with Disabilities [Alberta]

Description:
"Family support services are available to families caring for a child with a diagnosed disability or to families who are awaiting confirmation of their child's diagnosis. These services are primarily based on the needs as identified by the family.

In addition to information, referral and advocacy supports, family support services also include assistance with counselling, extraordinary clothing and footwear costs, travel costs for medical appointments, meals while traveling to medical appointments, accommodation costs associated with attending medical appointments and respite services.

Child-focused services are provided when a child has a confirmed diagnosis and assessment information to specify their individual needs. Child-focused services provide a range of respite services, aide supports, child care supports, health-related supports, specialized services for children with severe disabilities and out-of-home living arrangements."

Contact Info:
Family Support for Children with Disabilities
#500 ING Building
10130 -103 St. NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3N6
Tel. 780 427-4354
Provincial program: 780 427-2551 (toll-free 310-0000)
Child Disability Resource Link: province-wide # 1-866-346-4661 (weekdays 8 - 8, Saturdays 8 - 4)
Family Support for Children with Disabilities - website

Other Info:
This is a wonderful service of the Alberta Government.  Thanks for helping us care for the ones we love!

Coaching Families [Edmonton & area]

Description:

A "pilot project to help families who have children with FASD.

Goals of this project are to: build on family strengths, ensure the children are in a safe and stable environment, increase understanding and knowledge of FASD among families, caregivers and other community supporters, and provide families with strategies and tools to decrease the risk of secondary disabilities (e.g. financial or legal difficulties)."

Contact Information:

Coaching Families (a service of Catholic Social Services)

#200 - 9137 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3T2

Tel 780 477-1999 ext. 100    Fax  780 477-2499

www.catholicsocialservices.ab.ca

Other Info:

Referrals are accepted from the community. Child must be under 18 years of age.  No fee for this service. Donations to annual fundraising campaign gratefully accepted.

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.

Mothers with Attitude [Articles]

Description:

'This is a place for parents to share the background and recommendations they've written up for their children's teachers -- so that other parents can use them as a model for their own missives, or just so they know that somebody is actually reading the darn things.'

For the heading Fetal Alcohol Effects, the five items are "Behavior Management Plan", "Handling [Child]'s Behavior, Helping [Child] Behave, Introduction to [Child], "Introduction to 'The Nurtured Heart Approach'". Other headings include Language and Learning Disabilities, and Adoption.  A lot of what is said in these articles is likely to be useful to parents and caregivers as well.

A second set of headings on the same page is 'a place for parents to share their experiences and insights with other parents.'

Website: Mothers with Attitude

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

Parenting Children Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Guide for Daily Living [Article]

Description:

This is an 82 page PDF document created by the British Columbia Ministry for Children and Families. Main headings in the table of contents include Definitions and Facts, Common Manifestations, Structure, Supervision, Simplicity, Steps and Context, Parenting Suggestions, Guidelines for Daily Living, Special Considerations for Infants, Special Considerations for Adolescents, etc.

Access Info:
Daily Guide for Living (pdf on our site, due to its original location at the Gov't of British Columbia being deleted).

Contact Info:To receive paper copies of this article (Ministry of Children and Families version), please contact:
Warehouse Services
724 Vanalman Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4
Tel 250 952-4563 Fax 250 952-4559
Refer to document number MCF 089

Wasah'gam (Full Circle) Consulting [Edmonton & area]

Description:
Regrettably, this program is no longer functioning.

Family Circles Program
"Teaching Circles: Three circles meet every week.  Each Circle is supported by Traditionalists.  The Circles are a way to promote peer support and to promote growth and healing.  Individual and family counselling is also a part of this program.

The Women's Circle is available to Aboriginal women at risk of having an FASD child. The primary goal of this circle is to increase knowledge of the cause and impact of FASD with the aim of preventing FASD. Women of child bearing ages (teens to midlife) are eligible for this circle.

The Parents' Circle offers support to those parents and caregivers raising an FASD affected child.  A formal FASD diagnosis for the child is not required for referral.  This circle is available to Aboriginal parents or caregivers or non-Aboriginal parents or caregivers raising an Aboriginal child.

The Walking Together Parents' Circle is available to Aboriginal adults affected by FASD who are themselves parenting." (from their brochure)

Contact Info:
Wasah'gam (Full Circle) Consulting Corp.
#210, 15132 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton Alberta T5P 3Y3
Tel. 780 out of service

Other Info:
The program is free to anyone living in Region 6 (Edmonton & area).

First Steps (FAS) Program [Edmonton]

Description:

'The First Steps Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) program offers mentorship for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth and have used drugs or alcohol during the pregnancy.' (from CSS website)

'First Steps (FAS) Program ... provides intensive home visiting, support and advocacy to women at risk of having a child with FASD with the explicit aim of building self-advocacy skills and positive mutual support networks and to identify service barriers through working with families.' (from Edmonton and Area CFS website)

Contact Info:

Catholic Social Services
8815 - 99 Street, Edmonton AB T6E 3V3
Tel. 780 432-1137   Fax  780 439-3154

Website:  First Steps (FAS) Program page

Other Info:

Webpage does not offer additional information.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Support Program [Wetaskiwin & Drayton Valley]

Description:

Provides direct support, community outreach, advocacy and information sharing to assist children and families affected by FASD in the Wetaskiwin and Drayton Valley area.

Contact Info:

Catholic Social Services - Wetaskiwin Office
5206 51 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0V4
Tel. 780 352-5535   Fax: 780 352-3190

Website: FASD Support Program page

Other Info:

Webpage does not provide additional information.

Let's Talk FASD: Parent Driven Strategies in Caring for Children with FASD [Article]

Description:

A very practical and user-friendly 63-page document for parents and caregivers, incorporating best practices (routine and consistency, getting a diagnosis, etc.), sections on interacting in the community, information sheets which you can use to educate the public and professionals (one for children 12 and under, one for a child 13 or older to give out him/herself), and a "Resource Toolbox" for each of the best practice topics.

Each section includes discussion of the topic, a "From one parent to another" section with tips from parents, and a "Parents say" section with quotes from parents.  From VON Canada www.von.ca

Let's Talk FASD (English version)

Parlons de l'ETCAF (édition française)

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).

Transitions [St. Albert & district]

Description:

'Transitions Rehabilitation Association of St. Albert and District is a not-for-profit community organization located in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. We were established in 1978 by parents and other interested citizens who wanted services and supports for their children with disabilities in their own community.'  (from their website)

Services include:

Early Intervention (birth - 3 1/2 years)
Family Services (including In Home Care, Out of Home Care, Work Related Care, Support Aide, and Family Counseling)
Residential and Outreach Services (including supports to enable individuals to live in their own homes)
Day Options Services

Contact Info:
Transitions
#202, 22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Alberta, Alberta, T8N 1B4
Tel.  780 458-7371   Fax 780 460-7078
Website:  www.transitions-ab.org

Robin Hood Association for the Handicapped [Strathcona County & Leduc County]

Description:

'The Robin Hood Association for the Handicapped is a non-profit society that provides services to people with disabilities.

Services include:
Early Intervention Program for ages birth - 3 1/2 years.  Provides home-based programming, playgroups, support networks, and consultation to families. Referrals to the program can be made by families and/or guardians or with consent through a variety of professional resources such as doctors, public health nurses, or hospitals. Service area includes Strathcona County, including Sherwood Park, and Leduc County, including Beaumont, New Sarepta, Thorsby, Calmar and Leduc.

Family Support Services: This Program offers short-term relief and support to families of children with special needs, services are provided in Strathcona County, including Sherwood Park and the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Qualified support workers provide a wide variety of relief services, including:

in-home relief

aid assistance with community outings

aid assistance in daycares and recreational programs

teen support through social evenings and friendships

specialized daytime summer recreation program

specialized daytime Christmas break camp

host families

parent network support group

Adaptive equipment lending library

Specialized recreation-based day camp located within Sherwood Park, in July and August.

Home Visitation

The Robin Hood Adult Day Program currently serves over 200 individuals.  Programs are based at the Robin Hood Learning Centre located at 141 Broadway Boulevard, Sherwood Park as well as a location in Fort Saskatchewan.  The Adult Day Program offers support and training for adults with disabilities in the following areas:
Employment Preparation and Placement
Community Access and Alternatives to Work'   (all descriptions from their website)

Residential Homes, Supported Independent Living, Support Homes, Overnight Respite, etc.

Contact Info:
Robin Hood Association for the Handicapped
141 Broadway Boulevard, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2A4
Tel.  780 467-7140   Fax 780 449-2028
Email: [email protected]
Website:  www.robinhoodassoc.com

Other Info:
More information on these services is listed on their website.

YWCA Family Services for Children [Edmonton]

Description:

'The YWCA Edmonton Family Services provides a range of respite and support services for children with disabilities.'

'YWCA Family Services for Children with Disabilities is funded through several bodies. A YWCA program coordinator will submit a staffing budget to these funding bodies to provide required supports to the family.'

Contact Info:
YWCA of Edmonton
100, 10350 - 124 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 3V9
Tel. 780 423-9922   Fax 780 425-7467
Email: [email protected]
Website: YWCA Family Services for Children page

AdaptAbilities [Edmonton]

Description:

Parental Relief:
'AdaptAbilities provides a variety of unique relief services to families who have children with special needs. We match the educational interests of our Relief Care Specialists with the needs and interests of the family and child. Programs offered include the following: respite care, before and after school care, host family, emergency relief and a Hearts in Action summer camp. Our main objectives in the programs we offer are to provide opportunities for your child to participate in stimulating recreational activities within your community, and to focus on your child’s abilities while targeting essential life skills.'  (from edmonton.ca Leisure Opportunities for Persons with Special Needs)

Before and After School Care:
'Our Before and After School Program Centre provides care for children over the age of 12 who can no longer access day care support. Programs provide opportunities to engage in a positive social atmosphere with peers and participate in recreational and leisure activities.'

Contact Info:

AdaptAbilities
11226 - 75 Avenue, Edmonton Alberta T6G 0H3
Tel. 780 431-8446 Fax 780 463-8189
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.adaptabilities.ca

FASD Outreach Project [Red Deer]

Description:

• 'Community outreach project to provide services and supports for families and individuals affected by FASD from a life-span approach that they will need to live in and be a valued member of their community.
• For adults this includes a peer support program, respite program for caregivers, life-skills training, direct personal assistance services and supports, as well as more indirect advocacy/troubleshooting/liaison services to expand circles of support for adults affected by FAS and ease some of the pressure on their families
• For children and youth, services and supports include service linkages/advocacy, ensuring children and youth have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate community activities, and development of enhancing coping strategies for parents/caregivers
• Provide FASD awareness training and be an integral part of the case conferences with the region's assessment and diagnostic team and their Community Assessment Model.' (from child.gov.ab)

Contact Info:

Friends of Children with Special Needs
Kathy Parsons, Executive Director
5017 - 50th Ave., Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 1Y2
Tel. 403 340-3885
Email: [email protected]

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

Parent Talk [Edmonton]

Description:

'Parent Talk provides parents  with support, skill development and the resources needed to deal effectively with issues and conflicts that arise in their families.  It is a facilitator-guided, self-help, peer support program....  In Edmonton, the Adoptive & Foster Parents of Children & Youth with FASD support group is available for parents dealing with a child with FASD.'  (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

Parent Talk
Ms. Shauna Murray, Youth and Family Services Worker
16030 - 104 Ave NW, Edmonton Alberta T5P 0S3
Tel. 780 481-1294 Fax 780 484-4292
Email: [email protected]

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]

FAS/FAE and Related Birth Disorders Support Group [Lethbridge]

Description:
This group provides telephone support to parents of children affected by prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol and provides advice and suggestions on starting a support group.

Contact Info:
Pat: 403 327-1147
Mary: 403 381-4640
Jackie: 403 327-7420

The Children's Center [Fort McMurray]

Description:

'Provides FASD prevention, awareness and education activities to schools, community organizations and agencies in the municipality of Wood-Buffalo.  Facilitates a support group for parents and families of children with FASD.

Contact Info:
The Children's Center
Ms. Ruby Canning, FASD Facilitator
Lower Level, Biggs Building
100 - 9913 Biggs Avenue, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 1S2
Tel.  780 743-3309   Fax 780 743-1995
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

Kids Kottage [Edmonton and area]

Description:

'At Kids Kottage we know that REST is a powerful agent that helps parents be the best they can be! Those who parent children affected by FASD are in particular need of rest and time for self-care activities. Kids Kottage in partnership with Elves Special Needs Society, powered by major donor McDaniel Family Foundation as well as Minerva Foundation, will begin delivering an FASD respite program on October 3, 2005. The Alberta Centre For Child, Family and Community Research have joined the team in a big way to research the positive impact of respite for families who are parenting children affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol.' (from Fall 2005 newsletter)

Kids Kottage offers two services of interest to families affected by FASD:

1. Emergency Respite Care: This is for crisis situations, and is able to take children overnight.  A diagnosis of FASD is not required.  Call Intake at 780 944-2888 if you need this service.
2. Ongoing Respite: This group program is run in conjunction with Elves Special Needs Society, and is intended to give respite to the parents.  Children under the age of 8 can attend either Saturday mornings or Tuesday and Thursday evenings (8 hours total either way) on an ongoing basis throughout the school year.  There is no cost, but a diagnosis of FASD is required.  To apply, call Kids Kottage at the number below or Elves Special Needs Society.

Contact Info:

Kids Kottage

10107 - 134 Avenue, Edmonton Alberta T5E 1J2

Tel 780 944-2888  Fax. 780 473-5873

Email:  [email protected]

Website: Kids Kottage website

FASD Support Groups [Devon, High Level, Three Hills]

Devon:
Family and Community Support Services in Leduc County has an FASD Support Group in Devon for parents with FASD children.  The group runs for 8 sessions.
      Leduc County Family and Community Support Services
     Suite 101, 1101 - 5th St., Nisku, Alberta T9E 2X3
     Tel. 780 955-3555 or Toll-Free 1-800-379-9052  Fax 780 955-4765
     Town of Devon: FASD group page

High Level:
High Level Special Needs Parents' Support Group started in 2005 specifically as an FASD group, but is now broader based.
      Sonya and George Schmidt
      Tel. 780 926-3936

Three Hills:
South Central FASD Committee offers a support group for parents/caregivers of children with FASD.
      Lori Loran
      Tel. 403 854-5814 or 403 854-5852

Note: support groups run by agencies which also provide other FASD-related services, are generally listed with that agency's listing.  Click on the Support Groups category on the left-side category menu, to see the entire list.

List of Some Professionals and Agencies [Alberta]

Description:

This is a listing of various professionals and agencies across Alberta, who work in the area of FASD.  The list gives the name of the town or city, the name of the agency or person, and email addresses in most cases.  Unfortunately, it does not usually specify the kind of service provided.  Nonetheless, the list may prove helpful to someone living in a smaller centre.

FASD Friends webpage

Other Info:

Some of these items from the above-listed webpage are posted elsewhere on our site, with more detail.