INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK SESSIONS HEALTH CANADA FAS/FAE INITIATIVE
ANNOUNCED IN THE FEBRUARY 1999 BUDGET
WORKBOOK
WHAT'S INSIDE
Objectives....................................................................3
Background...................................................................4
Expected Outcomes of the Health Canada Strategic Framework on FAS/FAE.................5
Implications and Consideration.....................................................6
Purpose of the Information and Feedback Session......................................7
Program Elements of the FAS/FAE Initiative...........................................8
Guiding Principles..............................................................10
Goals and Objectives...........................................................12
Key Activities ................................................................13
Questionnaire.................................................................15
OBJECTIVES
- Firstly, to share with you and give everybody here an update on what Health
Canada is doing to address FAS/FAE.
- Secondly, to hear from you and get an update on your work plan, priorities,
needs and gaps regarding FAS/FAE.
- Thirdly, to increase collaboration with provinces, territories, national
organizations and Aboriginal organizations, both on and off reserve.
- Lastly, the information gathered here today will be one mechanism that will
assist us in creating a national profile of FAS/FAE gaps and priorities across
Canada and will contribute to the development of a collaborative National
Action Plan on FAS/FAE.
In the 1999 Budget, the Government of Canada increased funding to expand the
reach and number of community-based projects under the Canada Prenatal Nutrition
Program. In addition, as part of this initiative:
- current prevention efforts that address Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and
Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), will be enhanced.
FAS/FAE is a wholly preventable lifelong condition and a leading cause of preventable
birth defects in children. The rate of FAS is estimated at one to three per
1,000 live births, indicating that each year more than 350 children are born
with FAS. Initial studies suggest that the rates of FAS in some Aboriginal communities
may be significantly higher. FAS is a national health concern for individuals
and society, constituting a life-long disability requiring ongoing support.
Funding of $11 million over three years was allocated to eInance activities
related to FAS and FAE. These new investments will support prevention, public
education, capacity building, coordination of FAS/FAE activities, develop practical
tools for CPNP and related community-based programs and establish a strategic
project fund administered by the Population Health Fund.
The FAS/FAE component is a joint initiative through a partnership between Health
Promotion and Programs Branch, Health Protection Branch and Medical Services
Branch, with a management and accountability framework that outlines roles and
responsibilities of the three Branches. This approach provides flexibility to
meet emerging needs, capitalize on opportunities and support cooperative ventures.
This presentation will describe the activities taking place within the Health
Promotion and Programs Branch.
The FAS/FAE Component has introduced six areas of focus in the overall framework:
- Public awareness, education and prevention
- Coordination and collaboration
- FAS training and community capacity building
- Early identification and diagnosis
- Integration of services; and a
- Strategic project fund to support further development and capacity building.
EXPECTED OUTCOME OF THE HEALTH CANADA STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK ON FAS/FAE
Through this initiative, it is anticipated that communities and society-at-large
will have an increased awareness and recognize the importance of addressing
FAS/FAE, research will be initiated in key areas, surveillance and monitoring
will be eInanced, and resources/practical tools to community-based programs
will be provided.
The FAS/FAE Component will focus on a coordinated approach to addressing the
issue. With your help, it will build on the recent valuable and significant
accomplishments in this area, including work undertaken by provinces/territories,
First Nations, Inuit and other Aboriginal organizations, national, local, parent
and community groups.
One of the key elements of the FAS/FAE initiative will be to eInance coordination
and collaboration across the country and to share the expertise and resources
developed.
IMPLICATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
FAS/FAE has been a priority in a number of provinces, territories and First
Nations, Inuit and other Aboriginal communities and significant resources have
been allocated in the development of overall program frameworks, strengthening
community capacity, development of resources and providing training and education
opportunities. Acknowledgement of the level of expertise and available resources
are key elements in the development of a collaborative national action plan.
At the same time, there are some provinces/territories and communities where
their has not been the same level of activity (Ontario, Québec and some Atlantic
provinces). This will need to be recognized in the overall development of the
coordinated approach.
INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK/DEVELOPMENT PROCESS:
The work in the first year will focus on consultation with stakeholders (provinces/territories,
other federal departments, professional associations and non-governmental organizations)
and with First Nations, Inuit and other Aboriginal organizations with respect
to identification of needs and priorities for action; development of a coordinated
approach and an evaluation framework and incremental program development. The
second year will focus on the full implementation of the coordinated approach.
Along with the objectives that I mentioned earlier, it is anticipated that
the information and feedback process will also:
- develop an ongoing mechanism for information sharing,
- develop linkages with professional groups and regulatory bodies, and other
organization to ensure up-to-date information is shared,
- identify areas for possible F/P/T collaboration on issues relating to FAS/FAE
Out of these information and feedback sessions we candevelop a detailed synthesis
report of the information shared today and also provide you with information
that was shared at other meetings.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS OF THE FAS/FAE COMPONENT:
A) Public Awareness/Education/Prevention:
A proposed multi-year campaign will endeavour to focus on FAS/FAE within a
context that recognizes the entire spectrum of health-related issues - a "wellness"
campaign.
This initiative will focus on practical tools to increase public awareness
and education, with emphasis on reducing alcohol use during pregnancy. The prevention
activities will use a holistic approach and will develop culturally appropriate
resources and promotional materials.
B) Coordination:
As I mentioned, one of the key elements of the initiative will be to eInance
coordination and collaboration across the country and to share the expertise
and resources developed. The Health Canada FAS Management Committee provides
leadership and coordination through consultation and other processes and strategic
direction for FAS/FAE initiatives within the department. The Committee is a
joint initiative, through a partnership among Health Promotion and Programs
Branch, Health Protection Branch, Medical Services Branch and Policy and Consultation
Branch and Regional Offices (Health Promotion and Programs Branch and Medical
Services Branch).
C) FAS Training/Capacity Development
Identify and develop optimal approaches to best support staff workers in community-based
programs (Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, Community Action Program for Children,
Aboriginal Head Start, Brighter Futures and the National Native Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Program) to work with FAS/FAE children and parents on a daily and
ongoing basis.
D) Early identification/diagnosis:
Support for the development of innovative, cost-effective approaches (e.g.
telemedicine and diagnostic centres) for the accurate early identification /diagnosis
of FAS/FAE at the earliest possible stage of development.
E) Integration of services:
This program component is part of an overall prenatal health program and will
be strongly linked with other community-based initiatives and national programs.
Support for pilot projects using a comprehensive approach for prevention, identification
and management (i.e., clinical practice guidelines, support for individuals
and families) of FAS/FAE in diverse communities and model programs using multi-disciplinary
and multi-sectoral approaches for care providers and communities to help these
children and their families.
F) Strategic Project Fund:
This will be administered through grants and contributions and would focus
on strengthening community capacity. The program elements of prevention, early
identification, integration of services and research would be supported using
this mechanism.
Guiding Principles for the FAS/FAE Initiative
Health Canada endeavours to work in collaboration within a population health/health
promotion context with partners and stakeholders to:
- Develop strategies to address and reduce inequities in the broad determinants
of health that underlie or influence substance use during pregnancy and FAS/FAE.
- Promote accountability by monitoring and evaluating the implementation of
the FAS/FAE strategic framework.
It is however, the combination of these important guiding principles outlined
below, that will provide the necessary components for sustainability of the
FAS/FAE component in the future.
Integrated Approach: An integrated approach to children,
youth, women and families is emphasized, reflecting a holistic understanding
of mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial aspects of development
and the environments that influence healthy outcomes.
Respect, Value and Recognition of Diversity: Respect,
value as well as recognition of diversity across and within communities for
all children, youth, women and families will be encouraged in order to achieve
a non-judgmental and non-blaming approach. Activities will be developed and/or
adapted, acknowledging the unique needs of different population groups, especially
Aboriginal groups.
Intersectoral Focus: Recognizing the broader determinants
of health and using a population health approach, the focus will be on intersectoral
collaboration, both at the governmental and community levels.
Evidence based approaches: Strong linkages between
research and programs will be fostered, with information dissemination on best
practices and evidenced-based approaches provided to support community-level
programming.
Innovation and Creativity: Innovation and creativity
will be encouraged, both in the management of the program and through the activities
and initiatives supported by the program.
Partnership and Collaboration: An ongoing emphasis
will be placed on working in partnership with other Divisions, Branches, federal
departments, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal, First Nations
and Inuit organizations, non-governmental organizations, professional associations
and the private sector. Opportunities for collaboration, both within federal
government and with other external partners, will be incorporated as a priority/initial
step in the development of the program This component is intended to build on
experiences, create linkages and provide opportunities for further capacity
development and promotion of best practices.
Focus on Accountability and Evaluation: An emphasis
will be placed on efficiency, effectiveness and quality as key elements of the
overall approach, on both the day-to-day operations, and the ongoing monitoring
and evaluation of the activities and programming.
Building Community Capacity: Emphasis will be placed
on fostering better linkages and integration of services, as well as developing
capacity at the individual, family and community levels while recognizing the
importance of prevention and early intervention. Priority will be given to identifying
communities, their best practices, and strategies for reaching children, youth,
women and families most at risk Priority will also be given to building community
capacity in order to strengthen and sustain programs, and foster integration
and accountability.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR HEALTH CANADA'S STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK ON FETAL
ALCOHOL SYNDROME/FETAL ALCOHOL EFFECTS
GOAL ONE: TO PREVENT FAS/FAE (PRIMARY PREVENTION)
Objectives:
- To reduce the use of alcohol and other substances during pregnancy;
- To promote and eInance mechanisms for identifying individuals, families
and communities at risk of having a child with FAS/FAE;
- To promote and eInance mechanisms for supporting individuals, families and
communities at risk of having a child with FAS or FAE;
- To increase public awareness of the effect of alcohol and other substance
use during pregnancy.
GOAL TWO: TO REDUCE THE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH EFFECTS OF FAS/FAE (SECONDARY PREVENTION)
Objectives:
- To increase awareness and provide support for persons and family members
living with FAS/FAE (e.g., access to diagnosis, care and treatment, medical,
educational, social and vocational services, as well as caregiver support).
- To develop mechanisms for monitoring the incidence, prevalence and impact
of FAS/FAE and substance use during pregnancy across Canada and in different
population groups.
- To increase the capacity of relevant systems (e.g., education, justice,
corrections, health, social services, voluntary and non-profit sectors) and
people within those systems for improved identification, intervention, treatment,
and support.
KEY ACTIVITIES
THE FOLLOWING OUTLINES THE PROPOSED PLAN OF KEY ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAS/FAE COMPONENT IN YEAR ONE:
Public Awareness
- A telephone survey, of approximately 1200-1500 people, to measure Canadian's
awareness levels, attitudes and knowledge levels related to drinking while
pregnant was conducted. Plans are in underway to supplement the telephone
survey with focus groups for at risk populations. Results from the market
research initiative will guide the development and focus group testing of
public education resources.
- Over the next three years, a public education and awareness campaign will
be developed and implemented based on quantitative and qualitative research
with targeted audiences. Evaluation of the marketing campaign will be done
in year three to identify adjustments needed.
Professional Education and Training
- A national survey of health professional's knowledge and behaviours with respect to alcohol, pregnancy and FAS/FAE.
- The data analysis of this survey will guide the development and implementation
of appropriate education, training and other supports in year two and three
and complement the Inter-Professional Faculty Training Plan on Substance Use
already underway through Canada's Drug Strategy Division.
- MSB and HPPB will also review, identify and develop optimal approaches
on how to best support staff workers that are assisting individuals and families
affected by FAS/FAEon a day to day basis in community-based programs
(i.e. CPNP, CAPC, AHS, NNADAP). This will build on a project already underway
to identify best practices in CPNP, CAPC and AHS projects and will complement
an initiative to develop on-line training and consultation for community based
programs in partnership with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Breaking
the Cycle project, Toronto.
Strategic Project Fund
- HPPB and MSB will design and implement a Strategic Project Fund that will
be administered by the Population Health Fund.
- The Strategic Project Fund will focus on evidence-based models/best practices
and integrated sustainable approaches in prevention, education, early identification
and diagnosis, integration of services, capacity development and research.
There will be a particular focus on innovative and culturally appropriate
initiatives.
- In June 1999 the Minister announced funding, in partnership with the Crime
Prevention Centre, of the FAS/E Support Network of British Columbia to develop
a training manual on FAS/FAE. Phase one of this project will focus on strengthening
working partnerships and more clearly define the needs for training on FAS/FAE
in communities across Canada.
Surveillance
- The Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System, under LCDC, is including questions
on alcohol use and prevalence in a national survey on women's knowledge, perspectives,
experiences and practices during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
QUESTIONS:
-
- IS FAS/FAE A PRIORITY FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
_____VERY HIGH PRIORITY
______SOMEWHAT A PRIORITY
_____NOT A PRIORITY AT ALL
- WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEW AND EMERGING ISSUES THAT HAVE ARISEN WITH RESPECT
TO FAS/FAE IN YOUR PROVINCE WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS?
- PLEASE LIST THE TOP 3-5 PRIORITIES WITHIN THOSE EMERGING ISSUES THAT
HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION (E.G. PUBLIC AWARENESS, SUPPORT
FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING, SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY-CAPACITY BUILDING ETC).
- NAME SOME OF THE KEY ACTIVITIES YOUR PROVINCE/TERRITORY AND/OR ORGANIZATION
IS CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN OR PLANNING, SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO FAS/FAE. (NOTE:
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY ANSWERED THIS QUESTION IN A PREVIOUS HEALTH CANADA QUESTIONNAIRE,
PLEASE PROCEED TO NEXT QUESTION )
- SHORT-TERM (PRESENTLY AND WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS)
- LONG-TERM (IN 12-36MONTHS)
- WHAT ROLE CAN HEALTH CANADA AND/OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PLAY TO HELP
BUILD ON THOSE ACTIVITIES REPORTED ABOVE? (E.G. POLICY, COORDINATION, PARTNERSHIP,
SOCIAL MARKETING, DISSEMINATION, RESEARCH, FINANCIAL ETC)
- WHAT OTHER AREAS SHOULD BE INVOLVED? (E.G. OTHER JURISDICTIONS, PROVINCES,
SOCIAL SERVICES, NGO'S, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ETC)
- HOW IN THE PAST, WITHIN FAS/FAE OR OTHER ISSUES, HAS YOUR
ORGANIZATION BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN FORMING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN SECTORS, FEDERAL/PROVINCIAL
LEVELS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS?
- FURTHER QUESTIONS , SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK ARE WELCOME. THANK YOU.
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