Central Alberta

FASD Network News V o l u m e 6 , i s s u e 6

INSIDE THIS

ISSUE

Diagnosis +

Assessment Update

2

Christmas Mocktail

Recipes

3

Triage Training in

Wetaskiwin

4

Flying With Broken

Wings

5

“Through the FASD

Lens” Training

5

Starfish Award

Nominees

6

Starfish Award

Winners 2012

7

International FASD

Awareness Day

8

PCAP Graduation

Ceremony

9

Central Alberta

FASD Network

Updates

10

Service Contact

Information

11-

12

Whatever is Beautiful….

Whatever is Meaningful….

Whatever brings you Happiness…..

May it be yours this Holiday Season and

Throughout the year.

P a g e 2

FASD Websites

Lakeland Centre for FASD

Northern Alberta site with

links to information from

across Canada and around

the world.

www.lakelandfas.com

The FASD Center of

Excellence is a project of

the Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services

www.fascenter.samhsa.gov/

gg/index.cfm The

Canadian FASD Training

Online Database” found at

www.ccsa.ca

The FASD Support Network

of Saskatchewan Inc.

www.skfasdnetwork.ca—

Download FASD Tips for

Parents and Caregivers

Justice Website:

www.fasdjustice.on.ca

FASLink maintains an

extensive website of more

than 100,000 FASD

documents in a searchable

database.

www.faslink.org

FASD CMC Alberta

Information about the FASD

Network initiative and

access to the FASD

Learning Series online.

www.fasd-cmc.alberta.ca/

fasd-service-networks

Several publications on

FASD are available at the

Red Deer Regional

Library + at the Dawe.

Diagnosis & Assessment Update

C e n t r a l A l b e r t a

From the desk of Trina Kennedy…………...

As Christmas approaches I find myself reflecting upon the last year at

the Central Alberta FASD Clinic. What a year it has been! To date we

have assessed 40 individuals since starting in January of 2011. Our

clinic continues to evolve with regard to our practice and assessments.

We as well have a clinical team that I consider to be one of the best in

the province (although one might say I am a bit biased.)

I am proud also to announce that the FASD Network was successful in

our proposal to expand clinic services to the Prairie Central Network

area which covers Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Lloydminster,

Vegreville down to Provost and across to Drayton Valley. The clinic will

assess individuals 18 years and over. The referral and assessment

process will be the same as the Central Alberta Clinic so if anyone

would like to refer someone for an assessment from the Prairie Central

area please contact Trina at 403-309-5648.

I would like to also take this opportunity to thank all of the service

providers that the clinic works with to ensure there is good continuing

support for individuals once they have completed the assessment. It

truly takes a whole village and I feel privileged to be able to work with

so many passionate, dedicated professionals.

The Central Alberta FASD Clinic Team

wishes all of you a Very Merry Christmas and

we look forward to working with you in 2013!

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 6 , i s s u e 6

CHRISTMAS MOCKTAIL RECIPES

After searching across all the lands, we proudly present the following exquisite mocktail

recipes. But wait - what are mocktails? Like for mothers-to-be, straightedge, Mormons,

small children, hostesses who want all their guests to enjoy delightful drinks and anyone

who wants to drink all night and be ready to go happily to work/school the next day! And

let’s not forget the tough new drink & driving laws—BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!!! Mocktails,

like, mock cocktails!

Safe Sex on the Beach Glass: Highball

Mocktail ingredients

1 large (50ml) shot of peach juice

3 large shots of pineapple juice

3 large shots of orange juice

juice of half a lime

dash of coconut milk

How to make this mocktail recipe: Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Stir and strain into

an ice-filled highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge, strawberry and orange twist

Hot Not Toddy Glass: Irish coffee glass

Mocktail ingredients

7 oz hot tea

1 Tbsp honey

1 tsp lemon juice

grated cinnamon

ground cloves

grated nutmeg

lemon wedge for garnish

How to make this mocktail recipe: Pour the honey, lemon and spices into the glass. Top with hot, brewed tea.

Stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Simple Sangria 1.5 litres grape juice

1 litre lemonade or soda

1/2 pineapple (cut bite sized)

1 orange sliced

1 tray ice cubes

How to make this mocktail recipe: Combine all liquids in pitcher, add fruit and

ice cubes. Serve.

ENJOY!!

P a g e 4

C e n t r a l A l b e r t a F A S D N e t w o r k

Participants received certification as Clinical Examiners to use the Triage Instrument and

Tool developed by Liz Lawryk, Founder of the Organic Brain Dysfunction Institute. The tool

is used to interview biological mothers about their pregnancy. It is used both to ascertain

whether or not alcohol was used in a pregnancy and as a prevention tool, educating women

about healthy pregnancy. Trainees spent 2 days learning about the approximate 240 possi-

ble anomalies that can occur due to prenatal exposure to alcohol. Many believe that FASD

is solely an organic brain injury but learn with this training that exposure to alcohol can af-

fect virtually every developing system in pregnancy. The Central Alberta FASD Clinic and

the Prairie Central FASD Clinic both utilize this tool in the initial stages of information gath-

ering when an individual is referred for FASD assessment and diagnosis. For more informa-

tion on training available from the OBD Institute please go to: www.obdtriage.com .

Back Row Left: Tiffany Pye, CSS Vanessa Buckskin, Sik Sika, Shelley Johnson, Samson Healthy Fami-

lies; Carmella Cutknife, Samson Healthy Families; Sherri Di Lallo, Wetaskiwin Hospital; Brenda Hogan,

COSMOS; Wendy Layne, CSS; Treena Lajeunesse, CSS. Front Row Left: Holly Taylor, CSS; Joyce

Ochaka, CSS; Suzanne Aylward, RD Catholic Schools; Caroline Lightning, Samson Healthy Families;

Annette Cutknife, Samson Healthy Families. Front: Liz Lawryk

New Clinical Examiner Team Trained in Respectful Interviewing Skills

of Biological Mothers—Wetaskiwin Nov. 19 & 20, 2012

I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

Diagnosis +

Assessment Update

2

International FASD

Awareness Day

3

Central Alberta

FASD Society Up-

P a g e 5

C e n t r a l A l b e r t a F A S D N e t w o r k

N e w s

TO BE OFFERED AGAIN FEBRUARY 27 & 28, 2013—CALL 403 309-5650

Training Provided to Look at Individuals “Through the FASD Lens”

Staff representing several community services took part in training that was offered through the

Central Alberta FASD Network over a 2 day period to identify characteristics common to individuals

with a FASD. Those present included police officers, probation and parole personnel, mental health

personnel etc. All are in positions where they routinely interview individuals, and often are left

scratching their heads because of the inconsistencies individuals present

during their interview process.

An overview of FASD as a full body disorder was presented on the first day

assisting individuals to understand the physical anomalies that can occur

with the disability that they might recognise with the naked eye. The 2nd

day of training was assisting individuals to “query” inconsistencies of com-

munication, behaviors, physical presentation, memory, ability to give his-

torical information , chronological age vs. actual age etc. The “cluster of

queries”, can indicate that an individual may have an undiagnosed medical condition, such as FASD

or other cognitive impairment. Individuals with significant indicators can then be referred for assess-

ment and diagnosis.

This training was offered as a response to the need for non-clinicians to be able to better understand

how FASD presents so that they are confident in making a referral for further assessment. Many

checklists and screens have been created but these are not generally reliable. Asking in a checklist

for “obstetrical or pregnancy information” of the biological mother can create many liability issues.

Asking an individual for information whom is suspected to have a FASD is usually not satisfactory

given the disabilities characteristics of poor memory and ability to recount history.

For more information about receiving this training, call the Central Alberta FASD Network. This

training will be of interest to professionals including lawyers, judges, probation, parole, policing,

medical staff and those in all human services fields. Limited class size call: 403 309-5650

“FLYING WITH BROKEN WINGS”

Flying With Broken Wings is a group for people with FASD, and those who work

with or care for us. Share….vent….express yourself….ask questions….give

opinions….this is for anything we feel we need to share.

Please respect everyone and their opinions and feelings.

Disrespect and ANY inappropriate or hurtful behavior WILL NOT Be Tolerated.

It’s a roller coaster people…..get bugs in your teeth and ENJOY THE RIDE!

Connect on Facebook by entering the following in the subject line:

FASD (a)”Flying With Broken Wings”

P a g e 6 V o l u m e 6 , i s s u e 6

International FASD Awareness Day 2012

Central Alberta FASD Network Event Held at the HUB on Ross

September 10, 2012

Approximately 80 people attended the HUB on Ross to bring awareness to FASD acknowl-

edging International FASD Awareness Day. Honorable guests included Mayor Morris Flew-

welling who traditionally reads the Proclamation on behalf of the City of Red Deer; Mary Anne

Jablonski, Red Deer North MLA, bringing a message from the Province of Alberta; Ron Cros-

bie, Chair for the Community PDD Board, who spoke passionately about supporting those

with FASD.

A panel of three individuals spoke of how FASD has challenged their lives. The panel speak-

ers were Blair Charters, Richelle Mooney and Louanne Rice. All spoke of the importance of

support in their lives, the challenges they have faced and their positive outlooks on life, de-

spite difficulties.

There was a long list of individuals nominated for the Starfish Award. They were nominated

because each and everyone of them regularly go “above and beyond” in supporting individu-

als with a FASD and creating greater awareness of the disability in the community.

The following is a list of those nominated who received a certificate of recognition.

Rena Parsons (nee Quartly) FASD Support staff from Catholic Social Services

Shauna May—FASD Support staff from Catholic Social Services

Sabrina Ford (nee Chartrand) Support staff from Catholic Social Services

Stephanie Okell from Safe Harbour Society

Blair Charters—Motivational speaker who lives with FASD

Terri + Tim Grills—Foster Parents

Nick from M + M Foods graciously cooked burgers for all who attended and passers by as

well after the event concluded. THANKS M + M!!! So much appreciated!

The HUB on Ross staff Twyla Lapointe was a great host once again! Thanks Twyla!!!

Together WE CAN Make a Difference!!

Annual Central AB STARFISH Award Recipients 2012

Terri, Jessica and Tim Grills

The 2012 Recipients of the Starfish Award

Terri and Tim Grills and their daughter Jessica, recipients of the Starfish Blanket created by Patrick

Hunter. The Grills have been fostering children in Red Deer for over 10 years. Many children who have

lived with the Grills have been prenatally exposed to alcohol, some with very complex medical and behav-

ioral challenges. They have extensive knowledge, understanding and skill when supporting a child who

has a FASD and they do so with commitment, love and humor for every single child in their care whether

fostered, adopted or biological. Terri also trains foster parents on FASD, is involved in delivering the 31

Core Competency Courses required of all foster parents by the Province of Alberta, and is currently en-

rolled at Lethbridge College working on a FASD Certificate as a way to enhance her skills and knowledge.

Terri has sought out the knowledge and information on FASD through courses, workshops and confer-

ences. She has become a significant resource in Red Deer and Central Alberta as she shares her experi-

ence and knowledge with others. She also co-facilitates the Orientation for Caregivers required of indi-

viduals and couples who are applying to become foster parents, kinship parents or adoptive parents. The

Grills commitment to love every child in their care as well as their ongoing advocacy for children with a

FASD have made significant differences in the lives for individuals and the field of FASD. More FASD

Day page 8………………………………….

P a g e 8 V o l u m e 6 , i s s u e 6

PROCLAMATION

International FASD Awareness

Day September 9, 2012

WHEREAS: children are our most important resource and it is our

responsibility to care for, nurture and protect them; and

WHEREAS: statistics indicate that individuals with Fetal Alcohol

Syndrome Disorder in Canada and industrial nations throughout the

world, face the risk of mental retardation or learning disabilities,

early school drop-out, homelessness, addictiveness, trouble with the

law and mental illness; and

WHEREAS: to reduce the incidence of FASD, it is essential that women in pregnancy are provided with support and

information; and

WHEREAS: parents, professionals, individuals living with FASD and other people around the world will observe the

second International FASD Awareness Day on Sept. 9, 2012, with a Minute of Reflection at 9:09 a.m.

NOW THEREFORE: I, Morris Flewwelling, Mayor of the City of Red Deer, on behalf of Red Deer City Council and

the people of our great city, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2012 as "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day@ in

the City of Red Deer. I encourage everyone to act with compassion

and understanding towards those individuals whose lives were affected

by alcohol before they were born.

Mayor Morris Flewwelling giving the 2012 FASD

Proclamation for the City of Red Deer

Mary Anne Jablonski Red Deer North MLA—

Guest Speaker on behalf of the Government of Alberta

Blair Charters, Guest speaker and Starfish

Award Nominee

P a g e 9

The Black Knight Inn was the venue for a special Graduation Ceremony honouring six of

eleven graduates of the McMan PCAP, On Track Program. This class represented the

very first Red Deer On Track Graduates of the three year self development program.

These graduates were successful in the completion of a number of goals set for them-

selves during the course of three years. All of these young women battled extreme

personal challenges such as drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, family

violence, custody battles and unemployment . Throughout their three year journey they

were supported by their On Track Mentors. At the ceremony, each of the Graduates

were given a memory box, a bouquet of flowers, and a special note of encouragement

from their Mentors. It was a lovely evening enjoyed by the Graduates, their guests,

McMan Mentors, Management and Board Members as well as Betty Lou Benson, who

represented the funder, Central Alberta FASD Network Society.

WAY TO GO GALS!!!!!!!

PCAP Graduation Ceremony November 5, 2012

Top: Mentors: - Vera Genge, Nathalie Bernier, Ellen Cuthand; Middle: Grads - Linda Murrell,

Jillian Bradshaw, Jo-ann Amond, Joannie Smith, PCAP Supervisor: Janet Annable;

Bottom: Grads—Norma Gustafson, Valerie Morris

P a g e 1 0

Success has

a different

meaning for

every person

Be kind

whenever

possible.

It is always

possible.

Dalai Lama

Central Alberta FASD Network Society

Updates…...

C e n t r a l A l b e r t a F A S D N e t w o r k

JOIN US FOR THE QUARTERLY COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MEETING SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 22 FROM 1-3 PM AT

THE CATZ TRAINING ROOM! The Central Alberta FASD Network invites both funded and non-funded community

partners who support individuals suspected or diagnosed with FASD to join together

every 3 months to network and discuss the following three questions:

What services do you currently provide?

What services or support do your clients need or will they need that are

currently not available?

What services or supports are you currently offering that are meeting outcomes

for your clients? (what should we be doing more of?)

The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that all human service agencies have the

opportunity to keep the Network informed of the gaps that need to be filled in order

for the people we support to be successful members of our community. This is also

an opportunity to meet those who are providing supports from our community and

region. CALL Betty Lou at 403 309-5650 for more information.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, and

Coordinators, Merry Christmas! We are

excited to announce that Dave Wielinga

has decided to join us. Dave is a won-

derful compliment to the board bringing

a depth of knowledge on FASD and a

clear understanding of the challenges

that family members cope with. He is

soon to retire from Bowden Institution

where he has been a Program Manager.

We are equally saddened that Debbie

Oostindie has resigned due to conflict-

ing work commitments. The current

Board of Directors is:

Joanne Marcotte: Chair

Donna Bishop—Vice Chair

Alyse Hogan—Secretary

Lynn Gillis—Member at Large

Jackie Norman—Member at Large

Dagmar Hargreaves—Member at Large

Dave Wielinga—Member at Large

Early in November, Network staff and

the chair of our board attended meet-

ings in Edmonton with Cross Ministry

Committee and other Human Service

Ministry staff. We felt encouraged by

Brenda Lee Doyle, Assistant Deputy Min-

ister, who spoke of the direction the

ministry is taking with FASD being a pri-

ority. She expressed that delegates

from local government departments will

be looking for opportunities to become

involved in all Alberta communities. We

look forward to engaging with many

more staff from the respective Human

Services departments early in the New

Year. She recognises that FASD is a dis-

ability that leaves no system untouched

and that collaboration on many levels is

necessary. We look forward to a posi-

tive, productive 2013!

P a g e 1 1 V o l u m e 6 , i s s u e 6

PREVENTION—TARGETED prevention for those most at-risk of giving birth to a child with FASD.

“On Track” Parent Child Assistance Program

The Goals:

To help mothers build and maintain healthy, independent family lives

To assure that children are in safe and stable homes

To prevent future births of alcohol and drug exposed children.

The Approach:

Trained and supervised Parent Advocates provide home visitation and intervention for 3 years.

Parent Advocates Assist in:

Setting goals

Obtaining alcohol/drug treatment

Solving housing, domestic violence, child custody problems

Resolving system service barriers and more…….

FASD ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS for Ages 15—through Adulthood

Assessment-Diagnostic services include medical, cognitive, behaviour, communication, adaptive functioning assess-

ments completed by a “multidisciplinary team” that meets the Canadian Clinical Guidelines for diagnosis. Referrals

require the history of prenatal alcohol exposure.

If you are interested in requesting an assessment for yourself or on someone’s behalf, contact the Diagnostic Coordina-

tor. All the options will be explored and necessary paperwork can begin. In order for the FASD Network to cover the

costs of an assessment, certain criteria needs to be met.

Supports and Services for Individuals, Families and Caregivers

Ongoing FASD skill building FASD knowledge and informational opportunities for agencies and their staff.

OUTREACH workers in the region provide the following:

Advocacy

Community links to service

Family and individual support for children and adults impacted by FASD

Basic life and community living skills

Information

Services for adults denied PDD support due to I.Q.

Assistance in developing strategies that will be successful in the home and other environments such as school or the

workplace

Strategies to reduce secondary disabilities such as trouble with the law, alcohol and drug problems, mental

health problems, inappropriate sexual behavior etc.

Disruptive school experience

Referral for FASD Assessment and Diagnosis

FASD SERVICES AVAILABLE IN CENTRAL ALBERTA

There is no “Safe”

amount of alcohol use

during Pregnancy.

On Track Parent Child Assistance

Program

Janet: 403 340-0579

Central Alberta FASD Cl inic Trina: 403 309-5648

FASD Outreach—Red Deer + Area Dari lyn: 403 347 -8844

FASD Outreach—Olds-Sundre + Area Mel: 403 556-7877

FASD Outreach—Rocky Mountain

House + Area

: 403 845-6306

FASD Outreach-Drumheller, Hanna,

Three Hil ls, 3 C’s

Lori : 403 854-5852

Regional Network

Coordinator

Betty Lou Benson

403 309-5650

Central Alberta FASD SERVICE CONTACT NUMBERS

FASD Education Morning—Do You Want To Learn More About FASD?

The FASD Network and Catholic Social Services

JOIN US! 9:30 am—NOON on the LAST Tuesday of Every Month!

Where: Catholic Social Services 5104—48 Avenue, Red Deer

Call: Shauna at 403 347-8844 or Betty Lou at 403 309-5650

All are Welcome!!

January 29 FASD 101:

Diagnosis and

Support of FASD

April 30 Cognitive Interventions

for Individuals with

FASD

February 26 Unique Needs of

Students with

FASD

May 28 Teacher and Parent

Relationships

March 26 Diagnosis of FASD

in the Adolescent

Years

June 25 Winning the Battle with

FASD: A Family

Success Story!