FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

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.

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]

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]

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

FAS Consultant [Alberta]

Description:
"Consults with communities and families and promotes awareness through workshops and discussion of solutions in response to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; supports and creates parent support groups to build a network for families to access.  Marilyn has presented at many conferences and workshops across the country.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
FAS Consultant
Ms. Marilyn Frye
Box 3533, Wainwright, Alberta T9W 1T5
Tel. 780 842-2802  Fax  780 842-5987

Other Info:
Along with being an educator in the area of FASD, Ms. Frye is also the parent of a son with FASD.  Workshops presented for a sliding fee scale.

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]

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)

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.