Network News V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1

Starfish Thrower

Story

2

2015 SARFISH

AWARD

NOMINATION FORM

3

BOWDEN

INSTITUTION

CORRECTIONS

PROJECT UPDATE

4- 5

IDPD—INCLUSIVE

ALBERTA

5

IMPORTANT DATES

FASD WEBSITES

6

FASD FAMILY/

CAREGIVER SUP-

PORT GROUP

7

OUTCOME STAR

CLINIC UPDATE

8 + 9

NETWORK FUNDED

SERVICES

10—

11

TRAUMA AS

MEDICINE

12

NEW PCAP

AGENCIES

13

FLYING WITH

BROKEN WINGS

14

PREMIERS COUNCIL

ON THE STATUS OF

PERSONS WITH

DISABILITIES

15

International FASD

Awareness Day

2015 ALL ARE WELCOMED TO

Join Us On September 9, 2015 at

The HUB on Ross St.,

8:30—12:30

FASD Food Lunch

DID YOU KNOW???

FUNDING: THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT’S FASD 10 YEAR

STRATEGIC PLAN HAS RECEIVED ANNUAL FUNDING OF $16.5

MILLION SINCE 2008/09, SUPPORTING 12 FASD SERVICE NETWORKS

AND MINISTRY-SPECIFIC FASD INITIATIVES. PREVENTING FASD IN

10 NEWBORNS A YEAR PAYS FOR THE TOTAL CURRENT ANNUAL

AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE FASD SERVICE NETWORKS!

P A G E 2

N E T W O R K N E W S

Central Alberta FASD Network

STARFISH Award 2015

The Starfish award will be presented to an

individual who has made significant

contributions to the FASD Community.

The Starfish Thrower Story

I awoke early, as I often did, just before sunrise to walk by the ocean's edge and greet

the new day. As I moved through the misty dawn, I focused on a faint, faraway move-

ment. I saw a boy, bending and reaching and waving his arms – dancing on the beach,

no doubt in celebration of the perfect day soon to begin.

“As I approached, I sadly realized that he was not dancing, but rather bending to sift

through the debris left by the night's tide, stopping now and then to pick up a starfish

and then standing, to heave it back into the sea. I asked the boy the purpose of the ef-

fort. "The tide has washed the starfish onto the beach and they cannot return to the sea

by themselves," he replied. ‘When the sun rises, they will die, unless I throw them back

to the sea.’

“I looked at the vast expanse of beach, stretching in both directions. Starfish littered the

shore in numbers beyond calculation. The hopelessness of the boy's plan became clear

to me and I pointed out, ‘But there are more starfish on this beach than you can ever

save before the sun is up. Surely you cannot expect to make a difference.’

He paused briefly to consider my words, bent to pick up a starfish and threw it as far as

possible. Turning to me he simply said,

"I made a difference to that one.”

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1

2015 STARFISH

AWARD NOMINATION FORM Criteria for Nomination:

Individuals nominated to receive the STARFISH Award will have made significant

contributions related to FASD.

Nominations will be accepted for individuals who reside in the Central Alberta FASD Network

Region.

Nominations must be received by August 30, 2015.

Please complete the following and submit it to: STARFISH Committee, Central Alberta FASD Net-

work, E-mail: fasdnetwork@shawbiz.ca or mail: Central Alberta FASD Network #5 3608– 50 Ave.,

Red Deer, AB ,T4N 3Y6

Nominee Information:

Nominee Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Nominee Address: __________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________ E-Mail Address:__________________________________

Please write a paragraph limited to 150 words describing why your nominee should be considered to re-

ceive the Annual Central Alberta Central Alberta STARFISH AWARD. (use back of page if necessary)

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Nominator Name & Address__________________________________________________________

Phone Number:___________________E-Mail Address:___________________________________

Relationship to Nominee:____________________________________________________________

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in

our community to support someone with FASD or created

better awareness of FASD in their workplace, agency or

community?

We would like to honor and recognize these individuals on:

Sept 9, 2015, FASD International Awareness Day.

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1

UPDATE ON THE CENTRAL ALBERTA FASD

NETWORK PARTNERSHIP WITH CSC BOWDEN

INSTITUTION. ________________________________________________________________________

The corrections pilot project has seen significant success over the last year. A number of indi-

viduals completed FASD assessments during their incarceration. Five of these individuals have

been discharged to communities throughout Alberta with relevant supports in place. The rela-

tionship between the Network and federal corrections have grown considerably.

Between March of 2014 and 2015, twelve incarcerated individuals completed an FASD assess-

ment while at the Bowden Institution. Through the coordination efforts of the Corrections As-

sistant, the Network’s diagnostic team entered the institution and completed the assessment

process. Feedback from Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) staff noted that the assessment

process was smooth and effective. With FASD report recommendations, coupled with guidance

from the Network, CSC staff were able to better work with the individuals and prepare them

for release to the community.

Out of the twelve assessed inmates, five were released into Alberta communities. All inmates

received discharge support from the Corrections Assistant. Many of the inmates were connect-

ed with services like; Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, Persons with Develop-

mental Disabilities (PDD) and numerous non-governmental agencies. It was identified by the

Network early on in the project that this type of release support was necessary. Typically, most

inmates are being discharged with minimal supports in place. With the Network’s support, in-

mates were connected with the services prior to discharge, thus ensuring effective transition

from prison to the community. Three of the five have maintained their freedom and have bro-

ken recidivism patterns. Two inmates breached parole conditions and have been sent back to

prison.

The Corrections Assistant works onsite at the Bowden Institution two days per week. This has

been seen as essential in the development of an effective working relationship with CSC.

Through relationship development with the staff, the Corrections Assistant has integrated well

into the CSC team.

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 7

INCLUDE YOURSELF IN CREATING AN INCLUSIVE ALBERTA

FOR ALL ALBERTANS!!!

What does an Inclusive Alberta Look Like to You????

December 3, 2015 at THE HUB on Ross, the Premier’s Council

on the Status of Persons with Disabilities will celebrate those

in our community who positively contribute to the inclusion of

all persons.

REMOVING BARRIERS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

IS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO.

DO YOU KNOW A BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION, OR PERSON

THAT SUPPORTS INCLUSION?

WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE THEM! Email us at:

barrierfree@outlook.com

Higher levels of security clearance were granted, giving the Network more autonomy within

the institution. The Corrections Assistant is now able to facilitate the entry of community part-

ners (like PDD) into the institution and effectively provide “warm transfers” and “wrap around

supports” for the individual’s release.

Overall, the project’s success is attributed to the dedication of all Network and Correctional

staff. The project is now gaining national and international attention. CSC regional manage-

ment is taking note of the project’s success as well as some countries across the world like

Australia. The Network is developing best practice methods and bridging service gaps. The

Network is providing a high level of support to individuals living with FASD within Canada’s

correctional system and are contributing to safer Alberta communities.

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 1 1 ,

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.g

ov/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

} www.centralfasd.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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR -

IMPORTANT DATES!!!

August 5 + 6 - Harm Reduction Strategies for at risk

women and those with FASD. This is designed for workers in the Parent Child

Assistance Program, CPNP, CAP-C, Addictions workers, Outreach work-

ers……..All who work with at risk, marginalized women will benefit from this

training.

September 9, 2015—International FASD Awareness Day. Join us at the

HUB on Ross to commemorate this day of awareness and understanding of

FASD. We will start at 8:30 so attendees can network prior to starting at 9:00.

Mayor Veer will give the Proclamation for the City of Red Deer at 9:09. FASD

Food Lunch will be served on the Ross Street patio. All are welcomed to attend!

September 9, Alberta Prime Time—airing on CBC2 will be a panel on FASD.

Panel members include Central Alberta FASD Network Executive Director Betty

Lou Benson, Pediatrician Dr. Gail Andrew from the Glenrose Hospital and Janice

Penner, Senior Lead with the GoA FASD Unit. Time TBA…..

September 18, Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations

will be publicly announced.

October 20 + 21, the Central Alberta FASD Network will be sponsoring Liz

Lawryk from the Organic Brain Dysfunction Institute to offer 2 days of training:

“Looking Through the FASD Lens” is designed to assist practitioners in all hu-

man service fields, especially corrections. The training consists of assisting

those attending to understand what FASD might look like “physically” for adults

and what “characteristics” individuals may profile. The intent is to have practi-

tioners identify “queries” that are inconsistent with normal development that

when “clustered” together indicate a need for further medical evaluation.

FETAL ALCOHOL

SPECTRUM DISORDER

(FASD)

PARENT (CAREGIVER)SUPPORT GROUP

F… Faith A...Ability S...Strength D…Determination

WHO: Open to parents/caregivers of individuals living with FASD

Let’s help support each other!

Please join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at

Catholic Social Services

WHEN:

1st Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 pm (Supper will be served)

3rd Wednesday 9:30 – 11:30 am (Snacks will be served)

WHERE:

Catholic Social Services, 5104 48th Ave Red Deer

WHY: Connect with others in similar situations

Share experiences

Learn more about FASD, strategies & supports

CONTACT

Either— Shauna May or Kelsey Land at- (403) 347-8844 -

PRIOR TO THE DATE TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE

OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

P A G E 8

Clinic Update

What is Outcome Star? The Central Alberta FASD Network learned about the Outcome

Star and researched it’s potential for use in assisting individuals to identify important

goals tor themselves in conjunction with recommendations made after he/she has complet-

ed the FASD Assessment and Diagnosis. We were the 5th agency in Canada to train our

teams to use the “Star”. The Outcome Star gives both qualitative and quantitative data

and is a consumer driven tool. We have attached the Outcome Star tool to our Clinic pro-

cess intending to demonstrate that when we focus on what is important for the person, ra-

ther than what is important to the caregiver, potential for personal success is increased.

What are we doing? The Central Alberta FASD Diagnostic Clinic is half-way through the Outcomes StarTM

Demonstration Project. The Outcomes StarTM is a tool used to generate conversation about where an individual feels

they are at, at the current moment in time. The tool looks at 10 different life areas and individuals rate each area on

a scale of 1-10 based on how happy or content they are with their current situation (1 – ‘It is not working’ and 10 –

‘It is right for me’). Individuals are encouraged to consider ‘are things the way I like them?’ and then identify

‘why?’, or ‘why not?’, and ‘how could things be better?’. Goals are then created to allow post-clinic supports and

services to work with the individual and not for them.

How are we doing it? The Demonstration Project involves trained staff meeting with individuals 3 times dur-

ing the assessment process. The first Outcomes StarTM is completed before the assessment process is finished to

establish a ‘baseline’ and identify goals. As part of post-clinic follow-up, staff complete the Outcomes StarTM again

at 6 and 12 months. When the Outcomes StarTM is repeated, individuals are encouraged to reflect not only on the

current situation, but on why they believe their situation has improved or become worse. This serves as a ‘check-in’

regarding clinic recommendations as well as identifies whether the patient’s goals are being reached. Support can

then be provided to get goals back on track. The current project includes individuals living independently in the

community, with family, in group homes, and inmates at the Bowden Institution.

Staff are currently wrapping up the 6 month post-clinic Outcomes StarTM. Of the original 36 individuals, 11 have

completed the Outcomes StarTM review. Various barriers exist as to why the Outcome Star cannot be repeated;

patients move away or are unable to contact, are transferred to new facilities, or are currently involved in crisis.

What have we found? When the Outcomes StarTM scores increased at the 6 month review, various feedback

was given. Reliable transportation now provides more options for recreation, employment, and social opportunities.

Secure income has provided a sense of security and appropriate housing a feeling of safety. Recent connection to an

Outreach Worker has led to individuals feeling more supported. Being involved in a school program that is interest-

ing and more suited to their needs allows individuals to feel competent. Individuals also report feeling that people

understand them better increasing their confidence in communicating. Relationships with family have improved

with individuals setting boundaries with negative people and spending more one-on-one time with their children.

When asked to reflect about their situation, individuals described many reasons as to why their scores were lower at

6 months. Some were ineligible or denied a service such as AISH, housing supports, and mental health supports.

Other reasons included recent addictions relapse, recent loss of a close support person, and difficulty communi-

cating with others about current needs/wants. Many individuals described a sense of powerlessness – wanting to

improve their situation, but feeling unable to do so due to lack of funds, supports, or time.

P A G E 9

N E T W O R K N E W S

Central Alberta FASD Network’s NEW Website is now online!

Check out: www.centralfasd.org

AND

LIKE us ON Facebook!!!

FACEBOOK!!!!!

Please join us on FACEBOOK! For FASD information,

strategies, links, etc, etc.

Clinic update continued……

Any Surprises? One of the most interesting findings so far involved scores decreasing when the individual appeared to be de-

scribing a current life situation much better than the initial one. For example, one individual rated themselves lower in the Being

Safe category although through discussion it was obvious their situation had improved. When asked why, the individual stated

“because now I know what safe is.” This was due to a greater understanding of what life could be. Another individual scored lower

in the How You Spend Your Time category 6 months after assessment. This individual responded: “Now I realize sitting around all

day isn’t okay”. A lower score did not always mean the situation had worsened.

It was also apparent that the individual felt more comfortable with the staff member when completing the 6 month review. More

details were generally provided about an individual’s situation. In some cases, this resulted in a lower score reported by the individ-

ual. For example, drug/alcohol use may not be revealed at the initial conversation but once a relationship was formed, more open

responses were provided.

We found that individuals were actively engaged in the Outcomes StarTM and enjoyed participating. Questions were asked that may

not be regularly asked by support persons unless a concern arises, due to time constraints or crisis management: Do you feel safe at

home? Do you have thoughts of suicide? Do you have any health concerns? Do you have people in your life that you trust? Do you

require any assistance with laundry or cooking? The information gathered was then shared with all supports involved in order to

best support the individual.

If you would like more information regarding the Outcomes StarTM Demonstration Project, please refer to our website:

www.centralfasd.org.

P A G E 1 0 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1

PREVENTION—TARGETED prevention for those most at-risk of giving birth to a

child with FASD.

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 re-

quire the history of prenatal alcohol exposure.

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

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

FASD SERVICES CONTRACT PARTNERS IN CENTRAL ALBERTA

There is no “Safe”

amount of alcohol use

during Pregnancy.

Central PCAP—Red Deer and area:

Red Deer Native Friendship Society

Family Services of Central Alberta

South Central PCAP

Accredited Supports to Community

West Central PCAP

Mountain Rose Women’s Emergency Shelter

403 340-0020

403 343-6400

403 556-4110

403 845-5339

FASD Outreach— Catholic Social Services Red Deer

+ Area

403 347-8844

FASD Outreach— Olds-Sundre + Area—McMan

Youth Family and Community Services

403 556-7877

FASD Outreach— Rocky Mountain House + Area—

McMan Youth Family and Community Services

403 845-6306

FASD Outreach-Drumheller, Hanna, Three Hills, 3

C’s—South Central FASD Committee

403 854-5852

Central Alberta FASD SERVICE CONTACT NUMBERS

CENTRAL ALBERTA FASD

NETWORK—403 342-7499

Executive Director, Betty Lou Benson

Clinic—Diagnostic Services Coordinator, Trina Kennedy

Clinic Assistant, Vicki Gassor

Corrections FASD Assistant, Garett Hingst

FASD Prevention Conversation Facilitator,:

Jacy Morissette, 403 391-0956

P A G E 1 2

N E W S L E T T E R T I T L E

P A G E 1 3

“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”

New PCAP Parent Child Assistance Program

Agencies In the Central Alberta FASD Network

Region!!

The Central Alberta FASD Network disbursed a “Request for Proposals” in

January of 2015. We were encouraged by the number of agencies who re-

sponded and submitted proposals.

Services for PCAP were previously provided by McMan “On Track” PCAP.

While we appreciated the dedication and support provided to the women in

the PCAP program, the society’s policies of re-tendering programs each 3

years mandated the RFP be sent out at the community level.

We are however excited about the new look of PCAP being offered by 4 differ-

ent agencies within our region. They are:

Red Deer + Area: PCAP Central—Family Services of Central Alberta

Contact: 403 343-6400

Red Deer + Area: Red Deer Native Friendship Society—1.0 FTE.

Contact: 403 340-0020

South Central: Accredited Supports to Community (Service to Hanna,

Drum, 3 Hills, Trochu, 3 C’s.

West Central: Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter (Service to Rocky, West

country, Sunchild) Contact: 403 845-5339

Role of Council

Created under the Premier's Council

on the Status of Persons with

Disabilities Act, it is an advisory

agency accountable to the Premier through the Minister of Human Services. It is responsible for providing advice regarding equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to reach their full potential and to engage in the life of the Province.

Council acts strategically, thinks broadly and is prepared to advise the government on issues and matters that impact persons with disabilities in Alberta.

Council is interested in hearing from the community on topics of interest or importance to persons with disabilities.

Appointments

Watch for an upcoming announcement listing the names of newly appointed Council members.

Recruitment

Recruitment to fill existing and projected vacancies will commence early in the fall of 2014.

Please check the website for information on the recruitment pro-cess and position descriptions.

April 2014

.

Council Member: Ms. Betty Lou Benson

Betty Lou Benson of Sylvan Lake has 26 years of experience working in BC and Alberta in human services through various supervisory, management, and coordination roles. She has an educational background in Human Services, Managing Social Service and Non-Profit Organizations and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), as well as policy governance.

Betty Lou has experience in managing facilities, support services for people with disabilities and working with Aboriginal communities. She is currently the Coordinator for the Central Alberta FASD Network. Betty Lou brings representation from Central Alberta and FASD expertise to the Council.

Biographies for all Council Members are on the Council’s website listed above.

Email for Ms. Benson:

blbenson.pcspd@gmail.com

Legislation Renewal

Amendments to the legislation were proclaimed in December 2013. The new amendments provide that Council may: Advise government on the

alignment between policies and strategies affecting persons with disabilities and the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Provide input into the development

of government departments’ business plans with respect to impacts on persons with disabilities;

Advise government on the develop-

ment, review and implementation of policies, pro-grams and initiatives;

Work to identify opportunities that

support sustainability of services through innovation; and

Support the relationship between government and community service providers.

Council Office

1110 HSBC Building 10055-106 St. Edmonton, AB T5J 1G3 Tel: 780-422-1095 (Outside Edmonton, first dial 310-0000)

Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/PremiersCouncil