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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Support

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD Outreach) Support - Central Region


Includes support with:

  • Banking
  • Budgeting
  • Grocery shopping
  • Problem solving
  • Crisis intervention

Supports are provided to connect adults to community agencies such as:

  • AISH
  • Income Support
  • PDD
  • Housing Programs
  • FASD Assessment
  • Employment Programs

Am I eligible?

Outreach supports are provided to adults (18 and over) living with or suspected with FASD in order to develop life skills.

Where is the Service Provided?

Red Deer, Wetaskiwin and Wainwright area.

How much will it cost me?

There is no cost for access to this program. 

Funding is provided by the FASD Networks in the relevant region.

Children and Family Support

This program includes:

Direct support is provided, including community outreach to the child, and advocacy/information sharing to assist children and their families affected by FASD.

Education and training is provided for the families:

  • Monthly Parent Support Group
  • Monthly Education Morning

Supports are provided to connect families to community agencies:

  • FSCD (Respite)
  • Family School Wellness
  • Psychiatrists
  • FASD Assessment

Where is the Service Provided?

  • Red Deer, Innisfail, Lacombe, Bentley, Sylvan Lake, Alix
  • Wetaskiwin and area
  • Wainwright and area

How much will it cost me?

There is no cost for access to this program. 

Funding is provided though Children and Family Services (Red Deer and Wetaskiwin) and through the Network for Wainwright.

FASD Support

FASD - First Steps - Edmonton Region

The First Steps Program was initiated to help women who are at risk of giving birth to a child with FASD. First Steps is a 3 year relationship-based mentorship program.

Am I Eligible?

First Steps is for women who are pregnant, or up to six months postpartum, who have used alcohol or drugs during this, or a previous pregnancy, and:

  • Wish to make a change in their lives
  • Lack an effective connection to other community services
  • May have a child suspected of having FASD

What services are provided?

By providing long-term support to mothers including mentoring and advocating, the Mentor will help the client to:

  • Identify personal goals and develop strategies for positive growth
  • Address income, housing, and food needs
  • Access alcohol or alcohol/drug treatment
  • Balance income, finances, budgeting
  • Access health care and immunizations

How do I access this program?

Call the First Steps Program Intake Worker at 780-405-9336.

Where is this service provided?

Catholic Social Services
11405 163 St NW, 
Edmonton, AB  T5M 3Y3
780-471-1122

Service is provided in the community, with home visits and transportation support as needed (e.g., doctor’s appointments and addiction counselling appointments).

Program Outcomes

  • To reduce the number of births that have pre-natal exposure to alcohol and/or drugs
  • There will be a reduction in the number of children requiring protective services
  • There will be an increase in the establishment of healthy, positive relationships for the individuals we serve
  • To increase the ability of individuals to advocate for themselves and their families in order to meet their needs
  • To increase community knowledge of FASD prevention

How Much Will It Cost Me?

There is no cost for access to this program. 

Funding for this program was initially provided by the McDaniel Family Foundation. Funding is now provided by the Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network.

Testimonials

Lisa’s Story – as told by her First Steps Mentor

Lisa phoned me early one morning, barely able to contain her excitement. Lisa had some news she wanted to share, and she was anxious to talk with me. Lisa shared that she was pregnant and she knew she could tell me this without worry of my judgement or criticism. Even though this was not Lisa’s first pregnancy, in some ways she said it felt like it was. The circumstances were not ideal, but she felt safe and ready to embrace the joys and challenges this time.

When Lisa came in to the First Steps Program 2 years earlier, her life was very different. Lisa was 8 months pregnant, she was homeless, had no money, and had been using both drugs and alcohol throughout her pregnancy. Lisa was grieving after her mother was murdered through domestic violence, and had reached out to no one. In fact, Lisa had not been to see any health care providers during her entire pregnancy.

During her journey with First Steps Lisa was supported through the delivery of her little girl and was helped to get stable funding, housing and addictions support. Lisa was able to create a safe home for her daughter and was successful in working with Children’s Services to maintain custody of her daughter.

Lisa told me she was ready to do everything she could to have a healthy pregnancy this time. Lisa wanted to book a prenatal doctor’s appointment and to get connected to Health For Two, as soon as possible. Lisa also made arrangements with her outreach addictions worker to be sure she could stay on track, and she and her boyfriend were asking about counselling supports to strengthen their relationship. Lisa was full of hope for her future and for her children.

FASD - Step by Step - Edmonton Region

The Step by Step Program was created to address the needs and issues facing mothers and fathers, who are suspected of or have been diagnosed with FASD, and parenting children (with or without FASD). The Program supports parents with basic living/parenting skills and expands their supports. This is a 3 year one-on-on mentorship program.

Am I eligible?

If you are parenting and have been diagnosed with FASD or suspect you may have been pre-natally exposed to alcohol, you may be eligible for assistance from a Step by Step mentor

How do I access this program?

Call the Step by Step Program Central Intake Staff at (780)  975-4896.

Where is this service provided?

Catholic Social Services
11405 163 St NW, 
Edmonton, AB  T5M 3Y3
780-471-1122

Service is provided in the community, with home visits and transportation support as needed (e.g., doctor’s appointments and addiction counselling appointments).

program OUTCOMES

  • Learn basic life skills
  • Address housing and safety issues
  • Access health care services
  • Access and integrate parenting information
  • Connect with other community supports
  • Connect with and explore employment and educational options
  • Break the cycle of isolation, assisting the parents to expand their support network
  • Provide families with strategies and tools to decrease the risk of secondary disabilities (e.g., financial or legal difficulties)

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?

There is no cost for access to this program. 

Funding for this Program was initially provided by the McDaniel Family Foundation. Funding is now provided by the Edmonton & Area Fetal Alcohol Network Society.

Testimonials

Debra has been involved with the Step by Step Program for 2 years and has been going through a difficult time. She was having a high risk pregnancy as she had health issues and was parenting 5 children. Debra’s oldest child has mental health issues and was turning 18 years old. Debra was under a lot of stress as her daughter was on expensive medication that she could not afford and the child was having negative behaviors. Her child would no longer be on her health care plan with the Assured Income for the severely handicapped once she turned 18 years old.

The Step by Step Program Mentor helped Debra by assisting her with transitioning her oldest daughter into adulthood. This was done by assisting Debra in applying for financial help and finding appropriated respite care for her daughter. As a result of this added support , she was able to obtain medication and financial help for her child.

The respite care was started before the delivery of her 6 child, therefore giving her time to recover from labor. Debra was more relieved and was able to enjoy her time at home knowing that she didn’t have to worry about these obstacles anymore.

FASD - Coaching Families Program - Edmonton

Coaching Families helps families learn about and respond to the needs of their children (up to the age of 21) who are affected by or are strongly suspected of being affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Am I eligible?

This program is available to parents, step-parents, grandparents, foster or adoptive parents, or any adult responsible for a child or children who have been exposed to alcohol pre-natally.
It is designed to work with families for 6-18 months.

How do I access this Program?

Call the Coaching Families Central Intake Staff at (780) 975-4896.

Where is this service provided?

Catholic Social Services
11405 163 St NW, 
Edmonton, AB  T5M 3Y3
780-471-1122

This service is usually provided in the community with mentors visiting clients in their homes.

How much will it cost me?

There is no cost for access to this program. 

program Outcomes

  • Families with children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will be able to more effectively address the child's needs. 
  • Families with children with FASD will be connected to supports in the community.
  • This program also works in the community to raise awareness about FASD.

Testimonials

“The mentor was very informative, down to earth, non-judgmental, and quite understanding of life with FASD children. I found her easily approachable, friendly, knowledgeable, yet willing to listen to differences within situations.”

“Just talking helped immensely. The mentor’s visits were the highlight of my day. She responded to our needs with resources and strategies which helped me see other perspectives. She provided a listening ear and a springboard for ideas I was able to come up with myself.”

“My mentor gave me information I didn’t have on FASD. She came into the school with me, attended very intimidating meetings with me to help advocate for my girls.”

“I learned to look at my daughter from a different point of view. I learned a lot about FASD through both workers who worked with our family. They were supportive yet truthful, and asked tough questions to help us move forward.

 

 

FASD - McDaniel Youth Program - Edmonton

Provides mentorship supports to youth aged 14 to 21 years who are affected by FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) to help them access community supports and make a successful transition into adulthood. Mentors work with youth for a period of up to 3 years.

Am I eligible?

Youth between the ages of 14 to 21 who have been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can access this Ministry.

How do I access this Program?

Contact the Program Intake Worker at 780-717-4092

Where is this service provided?

Catholic Social Services
11405 163 St NW, 
Edmonton, AB  T5M 3Y3
780-471-1122

Services are provided in the community. Staff may assist with transportation for the youth to attend appointments.

How much will it cost me?

There is no cost for access to this program. 

Initially funded by the McDaniel Family Foundation, this program is now funded by the Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network and the Sign of Hope fundraising campaign.

 

Program Outcomes

The McDaniel Youth Program aims to provide mentorship, support and advocacy for youth and young adults affected by FASD as they transition into adulthood. Community Outreach Workers provide both one-to-one and group based mentorship to enhance and encourage the development of necessary life skills through engaging, client-driven and relationship-based practice. Working in collaboration with the youth and their other supports, Community Outreach Workers assist in identifying goals and the strategies to achieve them, as well as identifying and connecting youth with life-long community resources that can continue to assist them once they have transitioned from the program.

Testimonials

The Program “has made a difference in my life because I am now ready to move out on my own and be more prepared for the adult world.”

“When I was in a bad situation, my mentor has always been there for me.”

The Program “has helped me understand that it ok to be who I am.”

The Program “has helped me out and realize that I can do anything!”

How do I access these Programs?

  • Edmonton (780) 471-1122
  • Wetaskiwin (780) 352-5535
  • Wainwright (780) 842-6899

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