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The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Key Worker service is a parent support program for families with children between the ages of 0 and 19 who have a diagnosis of FASD, are suspected of having FASD, or have a similar Complex Behavioural Disorder.
WHAT IS FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe a range of life long disabilities that may affect people whose mother drank alcohol while they were pregnant.
Some women do not know that alcohol can damage their unborn baby; others may not be able to stop using alcohol. Other women stop drinking when they find out they are pregnant, but some injury may have already happened. There is no safe amount or safe time to use alcohol during pregnancy.
The disabilities caused by FASD are present at birth and can include physical, learning and behavioural difficulties.
INVISIBLE DISABILITY
FASD is often called an invisible disability. The signs and symptoms may go unnoticed. Most people with FASD look the same as everyone else, but they have differences on how their brain works that can make life difficult for them.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Trouble with social skills
- Memory problems
- Impulsiveness
- Acting younger than their age
- Sensory problems (sounds, lights)
- Needs more time to learn things
- Hyperactive
- Trouble with math
HOW DO WE HELP PEOPLE WITH FASD?
Although FASD is a lifelong disability, people with FASD can live healthy and successful lives with appropriate supports and services.
Some examples include:
- Early detection and diagnosis
- Educational supports
- Knowledgable family
- Knowledgeable professionals
- Vocational training
- Employment programs
- Structured environments
- Supportive accomodations
- Sometimes lifelong care
FASD KEY WORKER SERVICES
The FASD Key Worker can:
- Assist family members, caregivers, educatiors and service providers to better understand the child's strengths and challenges and indentify ways to adapt the child's environment in reponse to these needs
- Provide information about services and supports (education, social services, financial resources, recreation, transportation, health, etc.) and how to access them
- Support families through the FASD assessment processes and assist with implementing recommendations from the assessment
- Provide confidential emotional and practical supports to parents and caregivers
- Support parents as they advocate for their child's needs; attend meetings at schools, medical appointments and other services
- Organize parent to parent supports
- Provide planning and supports to youth as they transition to adulthood
- Provide FASD training, awareness and resources
- Confidential consultations (can be by phone) for those who are concerned a child may have been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy
AREAS SERVED
Serving families from Campbell River to Oyster River, Gold River, Tahsis, Sayward, Quadra and Cortes Islands
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (Monday to Friday)
HOW DO I CONNECT WITH THE FASD KEY WORKER?
The FASD Key Worker program has an open referral process including referrals from parents, caregivers, physicians, nurses, preschool, child care staff, schools or other community supports. Families can call directly and referral sources can fill out a referral form (contact information and referral form below).
LEARN MORE ABOUT FASD
Please see our links section for a selection of websites that offer resources, free downloads, videos, etc., to support your continued learning.
Any questions? Contact:
FASD Key Worker
Sheila Catherwood
Dogwood Place Child & Youth Development Centre
Rivercity Inclusion
Phone: 250-286-0955 ext 224
Fax: 250-287-2676
Email: sheila.catherwood@rivercityinclusion.ca
Forms
Parent Handbook FASD Key Worker Supports
We would like to acknowledge the financial support that we receive from our funding partners. Thank you for your ongoing support,
RIVERCITY INCLUSION acknowledges and thanks the many people, businesses, and organizations who assist us with our various programs.
