Canada's Drug Strategy - Situational Analysis : Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects and the Effects of Other Substance Use During Pregnancy

5. Profile of Activities

The activities that are listed below are not necessarily an exhaustive list within a particular province or territory. (Note: Several other provincial/territorial initiatives have been implemented since December 1999.)

5.1 Prevention

1. British Columbia
   • Pregnancy Outreach Programs (POPs) are based on a comprehensive and integrated services model. The programs are primarily funded by the provincial government and some receive funding from the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP).
   • Sheway is a comprehensive Vancouver based “one-stop shop” for pregnant substance-using women. Partners include the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board, BC Ministry for Children and Families, Vancouver Native Health, and YWCA.
   • Surveillance and information is provided through the BC Reproductive Care Program’s Perinatal Database Registry.
   • FADER, a coalition of seven communities in the northern interior of BC, provides public education sessions, training and outreach to women at risk.
   • Public awareness activities regarding FAS/FAE during National and Provincial Drug Awareness week (e.g., mall displays, poster contests, public forums, local media appearances, and newspaper articles) take place.
   • Community-based public awareness efforts involving local media, including community meetings, workshops for professionals, regional conferences, and local public service announcements (PSA’s) are ongoing.
   • Low-literacy pamphlets and posters are distributed.
   • The Liquor Distribution Branch targets drinking during pregnancy in liquor stores (e.g., posters, pamphlets, and messages on bags).
   • There are community-based action groups working to address FAS/FAE issues on a number of fronts; groups usually have a number of sub-committees (e.g., education/prevention, diagnosis/identification/service needs).
   • There are FAS National Crime Prevention Strategy projects with a broad primary prevention focus based on social/health determinants.
   • The Community Healing and Intervention Program (CHIP) uses the strategies outlined in the Health Promotion Framework as a basis for a comprehensive approach to FAS/FAE among communities of Kinbasket First Nations.
   • First Nations Independent School Association worked with BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society to hold an FAS/FAE calendar contest.
2. Alberta
   • Community capacity building projects within the Child and Family Services Authority Regions have been established.
   • In Alberta, prevention work is interwoven into all components of the provincial strategy in the Alberta partnership. A public awareness campaign is raising awareness on FAS/FAE prevention through television/radio public service announcements, posters, newspaper stories, a newspaper ad campaign, liquor store bags, and liquor vendor window decals. The main messages in the campaign are: “When you are pregnant, no alcohol is best” and “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is 100% preventable”.
   • Alberta has also initiated the “Born Free” campaign through a partnership between the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, the Alberta Restaurant Service Association and the Alberta Liquor Store Association. Under the partnership, participating restaurants provide free non-alcoholic drinks to pregnant customers. Restaurants display signage that carries the same message as the provincial public awareness campaign.
3. Saskatchewan
   • In Saskatchewan, community development initiatives have formed regional FAS/FAE committees.
   • Baby Safe (Prince Albert) is a program for pregnant women who are using alcohol during pregnancy.
   • Saskatchewan has a FAS/FAE public awareness campaign.
4. Manitoba
   • Community FAS/FAE projects focus on the development of prevention and awareness messages as well as increased community associations and linkages.
   • Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre has a Community Outreach Program to provide culturally-based alcohol awareness information.
   • FAS Baby Think it Over dolls have been introduced as part of a broad program to teach youth in schools on the risks of drinking during pregnancy.
   • Rural northern consultations and seminars were undertaken.
5. Ontario
   • The first FAS International Awareness Day was held.
   • The Motherisk Program provides counselling and information through its toll-free Alcohol and Drug Healthline.
6. Quebec
   • The Weimontashi Band Council is providing information related to alcohol use during pregnancy during nurses home visits to pregnant mothers.
   • The Health Regional Authority of the Quebec Region has also developed a partnership project to work with addicted mothers.
   • A public awareness campaign was planned in Centre de Santé Kujiuak during National Prevention Week.
   • SAFERA disseminates information on FAS/FAE.
7. New Brunswick
   • Ministry of Health staff linked with the Motherisk Program of Toronto to distribute a 1-800 number.
8. Nova Scotia
   • Some prenatal courses speak on the importance of not drinking while pregnant.
   • The Mi’Kmaq Native Friendship Centre has plans to promote awareness and education on FAS/FAE in Aboriginal communities. There are plans to develop a Web page and establish a 1-800 line.
9. Prince Edward Island
   • A major project is underway in which physicians will use a prenatal psychosocial health assessment tool, the Alpha, that includes a number of different alcohol and drug questions. The tool was adapted by the University of Toronto.
10. Newfoundland and Labrador
    • CPNP in Innu communities does not specifically address FAS/FAE, but covers issues such as how to have a healthy baby, good nutrition, exercise, looking after yourself, domestic violence and substance misuse.
    • FAS/FAE awareness campaign in the Labrador region targets three different groups: medical practitioners, human service workers, and the general public. The region has adopted the approach that it takes a whole community to raise a child, as well as to support women and families in their attempts to not abuse substances during pregnancy..
11. Yukon
    • FAS/FAE prevention initiatives through Alcohol and Drug Services are focused exclusively on treatment or support services for women who are drinking.
12. Northwest Territories
    • Yellowknife Women’s Centre Family Support Program runs an alternative Prenatal Program for women who are drinking during pregnancy.
13. Nunavut
    • Some public awareness activities have taken place, but there is no specific programming related to FAS/FAE.
    

5.2 Identification

1. British Columbia
   • Infant Development Programs and Child Development Centres are often key points of referrals for identification/assessment of children under three.
   • Child development services exist throughout the province and Sunny Hill has specialist teams that offer diagnosis/assessment services.
   • Recently the Greater Vancouver FAS Asante Centre in Maple Ridge received funding to begin offering diagnostic services and support for families.
   • Mental health services provide outreach through mental health centres and specialized community-based services.
   • Community-based groups (Maple Ridge, Quesnel) have received seed funding to develop a model for comprehensive diagnostic family centre/services.
   • Psychoeducational assessments are available in BC school districts for children with learning problems, including children with FAS/FAE. Districts use designations to obtain funds for extra support services, e.g., teaching assistants.
   • The Surrey pretrial project is underway under the guidance of Dr. James Ogloff, Simon Fraser University.
   • Ministry for Children and Families, Programs Operation, Lower Mainland, will be hiring a project coordinator to train staff in screening and in referral for assessment.
2. Alberta
   • Alberta Health and Wellness is working with the Alberta Medical Association to facilitate the implementation of the clinical practice guidelines and services for specialized, multidisciplinary team-based diagnosis and research on FAS/FAE.
3. Saskatchewan
   • The Kinsmen Children’s Centre at the University Hospital has an FAS/FAE clinic.
   • Two satellite clinics (in North Battleford and La Ronge) were scheduled to start in October, 1999.
4. Manitoba
   • Health Sciences Centre provides diagnostic and assessment services in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg FAS Clinic was approved to expand diagnosis to include children of all ages.
   • Thompson FAS Clinic has a best practice model for FAS/FAE tele-diagnosis outreach in rural and northern Manitoba.
5. Ontario
   • The Motherisk Program has a special clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children for the diagnosis of Alcohol-Related Birth Defects.
6. Newfoundland and Labrador
   • The Department of Education developed three new criteria for the less visible disabilities. Criteria G focuses on autism, FAS/FAE and acquired brain injury. A medical diagnosis of FAS/FAE is still needed in order to access support.
7. Yukon
   • Child Development Centre screens children 0 to 5 years for developmental delays, including those suspected to be affected by FAS/FAE.
8. Northwest Territories
   • The Northwest Territories has two half-time pediatricians who do diagnosis, traveling into all regions and targeting young children.
   

5.3 Intervention

1. British Columbia
   • Building Blocks is an early intervention strategy funded by the provincial government.
   • The FAS/E Support Network of BC provides a Warm Help Line with phone support for the public and professionals.
   • Special Needs Adoptive Parents (SNAP) provides support groups throughout the province (e.g., Victoria, Lake Cowichan, etc.).
   • Other support groups for foster, adoptive parents and partners are provided by some of the community coalitions and services (e.g., FAS/E Support Network of BC, Crabtree Corner, Tri Cities FAS/FAE teams).
   • Tri-Cities FAS/FAE Team is an activity group for teens.
   • Greater Vancouver FAS Society and the FAS/E Support Network of BC provide consultation to families on a range of FAS/FAE topics.
   • Crabtree Corner has a First Nations mentoring program where a representative from the birth moms’ support group shadows the FAS/FAE coordinator in an on-the-job training placement for six months.
   • FOCUS Employment Program is a training program for young adults with FAS/FAE offered at the College of New Caledonia. A six-month pilot pre-employment project for youth with FAS/FAE was delivered in Mission and within the Kinbasket First Nations Communities.
   • Special needs preschool/daycare programs such as Building Blocks in Nanaimo and the Britannia Community Centre Preschool Program work with FAS/FAE children.
   • White Crow Village is a privately owned summer camp for families and children with FAS/FAE at François Lake.
   • The Infant Development Program provides developmental support, assessment and intervention for children 0 to 3.
   • Diversion planning and alternative sentencing for youth affected by FAS/FAE who are becoming involved with the justice system is beginning.
   • Multiple services are offered by the Kindale Association residential treatment program for youth who are involved with the justice system; there is specific programming for youth with FAS/FAE.
   • CHIP works with public schools and First Nations Independent Schools to assist teachers in using effective classroom strategies for those affected by FAS/FAE; CHIP also has a youth worker who works with affected youth. CHIP has established a woman’s craft co-op as an economic venture and produced a manual, “Story of CHIP”.
   • Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre FAS/FAE program offers individual family consultation, counselling, parent support groups, and educational workshops for professionals and public schools.
   • The Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Native Foster Parent Program, operated by Vancouver Native Health Society, offers support to Aboriginal foster parents caring for infants experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
   • The Federation of Invisible Disabilities has been formed with regional representation. FAS/FAE is a key invisible disability within the Federation’s mandate. The Federation advocates for needed services and provides a support network. The Federation is developing a parent handbook to aid parents in understanding and advocating for services for their children with invisible disabilities.
   • The M2W2 is a program for gays and lesbians in the Fraser Valley within the Ford Mountain Institution that provides services to sexual offenders. It is not focused on FAS/FAE specifically, but there are currently several inmates affected by FAS/FAE. There is a volunteer program component with complete wrap-around services for the inmates. When they leave the prison, a volunteer family assists them.
     
2. Alberta
   • Replica STOP FAS programs (called Parent Child Assistance Programs) are being initiated in Edmonton, and Lethbridge and surrounding areas.
3. Saskatchewan
   • Although not FAS/FAE-specific, there are a number of Aboriginal Headstart projects on-and off-reserve that provide intervention and support for pre-school children and their families.
4. Manitoba
   • Pre-school Art Therapy Project in Portage la Prairie includes art therapy classes for pre-school children with FAS/FAE and peer support for their mothers. Goals are to strengthen school readiness skills and identify practices that are effective in working with children.
   • STOP FAS is modelled after the Seattle Birth to Three Program. Norway House and the Aboriginal and Wellness Centre both have a STOP FAS program.
   • FAS/FAE outreach program in Winnipeg provides community-based behavioural and developmental consultation, intervention, support and education to FAS/FAE children 0 to 6 and their caregivers. The program staff also provide consultation to rural caregivers.
   • Addictions Foundation of Manitoba’s 20-bed Residential Youth Unit opened in Winnipeg, September, 1999. Employees have received training related to FAS/FAE prevention and working with youth affected by FAS/FAE.
5. Ontario
   • Breaking the Cycle (BTC) is a community-based early identification and intervention program that is coordinated through a partnership model involving Mothercraft, the Jean Tweed Centre, Motherisk Program, Children’s Aid, and Toronto Public Health.
   • Clinics for women with alcohol and other substance problems are offered across the province.
   • Equaywuk (translation: the woman’s group) in Sioux Lookout runs a Family FAS Support Project. The project serves the whole community, including off-reserve Aboriginal people, working with and advocating for families living with FAS/FAE.
     
6. Quebec
   • In Montreal, an “Intervention Initiative on behalf of Addicted Mothers and their Young Children” has been developed by the Research Group on Childhood Psychosocial Maladjustment (le Groupe de recherche sur l’inadaptation psychosociale chez l’enfant – GRIP) in partnership with the Research Team on the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (L’équipe de recherche sur la prévention et le traitement des toxicomanies), the Centre for Psycho-education of Quebec (Centre psycho-éducation du Québec), local health services (CLSC) for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district, local health services for Olivier-Guimont and the Louis H. Lafontaine Hospital.
     
     
7. Yukon
   • The Child Development Centre is available for all communities in the Yukon.
   • Parent Support Group for parents with FAS/FAE-affected children is also available. The Group receives support from the Child Development Centre and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society of the Yukon.
   • Healthy Families’ Program (HFP) is modelled on the Seattle Birth to Three Program supported through the Yukon Government, Family and Child Services Branch, as well as one of Yukon’s First Nations Bands – the Kwantlin Dun Band. There is also a pilot HFP project in Carcross (a small community just outside of Whitehorse).
   • Traditional Parenting Program is offered through Skookum Jim Friendship Centre.
   • The Yukon Government Family and Children’s Services supports the following:
     • An adult leisure buddy program for adults with FAS/FAE.
     • Respite care for caregivers with FAS/FAE.
     • A parent support group for foster parents with children with FAS/FAE.
   • The Parent Social Support Program, run by the Yukon Association for Community Living, works directly with parents, often initiating contact via telephone.
   • Correctional Service of Canada has a project looking at the issue of youth with FAS/FAE who are sexual offenders.
   • Yukon Association for Community Living is developing the "Opportunity for Independence for Adults with FAS" project. The goal is to provide safe and stable housing for people with FAS/FAE.
8. Northwest Territories
   • The Rehabilitation Team establishes a plan for interventions. Services are arranged through a local Community Health Centre.
   • Aboriginal Headstart Program funds projects.
   • Pediatric Rehabilitation Team includes a pediatrician, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
   • Living and Learning with FAS Project offered through the Association for Community Living for ages 0 to 6 is used as a resource and for training related to FAS/FAE.
   • FAS Children and their Families Project promotes the health, social and intellectual development of children with FAS/FAE. The project also develops audio-visual materials and other resources to promote the prevention of FAS/FAE and support for families dealing with FAS/FAE across the Northwest Territories.
   • The Yellowknife Catholic School Board supports a Toy Lending Library and the Four Plus Program in the community. The Toy Lending Library supports family literacy as well. The Four Plus Program is an early intervention program through the Council of Disabled People that provides a trained aide to assist children with disabilities, including FAS/FAE-affected children.
   • The Learning Centre is a private special needs school for children from kindergarten to grade 9.
   • The YWCA program for young male adults affected by FAS/FAE includes a supportive housing group home. The YWCA also has a transitional housing program for young women, which includes FAS/FAE-affected young women.
     
     

5.4 Community Supports

1. British Columbia
   • A provincial FAS/FAE prevention coordinator, whose key responsibilities include providing support for and coordinating the Provincial Consultation Group and its activities, also provides technical assistance to communities, acts as a central referral and information source regarding FAS/FAE, and supports community-based FAS/FAE training sessions. A compendium of FAS/FAE activities and the “Who’s Asking?” report are also available.
   • A provincial early intervention coordinator’s key responsibilities include providing education and consultation to health and social service providers who work with pregnant women using substances.
   • Provincial guidelines for the care of substance-using women and their infants (November, 1999), in collaboration with the provincial working group, are currently being developed as a training and best practices manual on pregnancy and substance use.
   • A provincial medical consultant is currently working on a design and implementation of curriculum on FAS/FAE with the UBC School of Medicine.
   • A provincial FAS/FAE consultation group, with representatives from agencies, government ministries (i.e., Health, Education and Children and Families, Attorney General, and Women’s Equality), professionals, family members with affected children, and community-based task force/coalitions, work to address FAS/FAE.
   • The Ministry for Children and Families has drafted a framework for prevention and support, and established an inter-ministry committee. The Ministry is also working in partnership with Health Canada as part of the Joint Management Committee for CPNP and CAPC.
   • Attorney General (Liquor Development Branch, Server Intervention Training) has a component on alcohol and pregnancy.
   • Education sessions on diagnosis were held at the BC Pediatric Association Annual General meeting in 1998, in partnership with Sunny Hill Hospital and UBC.
   • Sunny Hill Hospital outreach teams train local physicians/psychologists to diagnose FAS/FAE in some regions.
   • A three-hour FAS/FAE module in Foster Parent Orientation Curriculum has been developed.
   • The Justice Institute of BC offers a course on FAS/FAE within the substance abuse certificate program. The Institute also provides an orientation to FAS/FAE for child protection workers and probation officers.
   • A series of summer university credit courses on FAS/FAE are offered throughout BC (e.g., Burns Lake, Port Hardy, Williams Lake).
   • The first phase of the FAS/E Support Network of BC’s National Project on FAS/FAE started in July, 1999, with a series of community roundtables across the country networking with key players in each province.
   • The FAS/E Support Network of BC conducts day-long to week-long training sessions, including follow-up days upon request.
   • UBC Continuing Education in Health Sciences in partnership with Sunny Hill Hospital has organized a bi-annual provincial conference on FAS/FAE/NAS .
   • Many school districts receive training on FAS/FAE, classroom management, and communication skills. A number of school districts have offered special regional conferences on FAS/FAE.
   • Some of the school-based prevention workers and many of the community coalitions present information on FAS/FAE in junior and senior high schools. They also provide education sessions for teachers.
   • The First Nations Education Steering Committee developed a booklet on FAS/FAE for teachers. Annual conferences take place in which FAS/FAE workshops are offered.
   • Some informal organizations provide information on a range of topics on FAS/FAE/NAS. They have also formed the FAS/FAE/NAS Information Service Providers Committee and track requests for information as well as distribute a yearly report called “Who’s Asking?”
   • The University of BC (in consultation with the FAS/FAE medical advisor) has developed a module on FAS/FAE and related information that is integrated throughout the medical and dental students’ programs.
   • The Early Childhood Educators program offered at colleges has integrated FAS/FAE (particularly professional intervention skills and strategies) into its curriculum.
   • At the college level, Special Education Assistant Programs have integrated FAS/FAE into their curriculum, targeting teaching assistants, childcare and social workers (e.g., Malaspina, Douglas College, Selkirk [Castlegar], Northern Lights[Chetwynd], Langara, Capilano and Kwantlen colleges).
   • The Sal’i’Shan Institute in BC offers core training on FAS/FAE information and interventions for First Nations, community health representatives and addictions workers in the community.
   • Respite training program – a college certificate course – focuses on families who have children with FAS/FAE.
     
2. Alberta
   • There are two FAS/FAE provincial specialists who provide ongoing training, education and consultation support throughout the province – a provincial project manager and a monitoring and evaluation consultant.
   • The Alberta Partnership on FAS is an alliance of partners with the goal of developing, promoting, and coordinating a comprehensive, culturally sensitive provincial plan for prevention, intervention, and care and support of FAS/FAE-affected individuals.
   • The FAS/FAE initiatives are funded by the Children’s Services Ministry. Contributions are provided through other partnering provincial ministries and community organizations.
   • The Alberta Partnership on FAS has developed a Provincial FAS/FAE Strategic Plan, involving a broad cross-section of ministries and community organizations.
   • The Children’s Services Ministry is also developing a comprehensive professional education FAS/FAE framework. It will be very broad and will include health, social services, justice, teachers, etc. It is to be released in the fall of 2000.
   • An FAS/FAE conference was held in Lethbridge.
   • Alberta hosted an FAS/FAE conference as part of the Prairie Northern FAS Partnership.
   • The Ministry of Learning is developing an in-service teaching package for teachers to manage children with FAS/FAE in classrooms.
   • Through a partnership between the Alberta Medical Association and Alberta Health and Wellness, FAS/FAE training is being delivered to medical professionals.
     
     
3. Saskatchewan
   • The FAS Coordinating Committee was formed in 1993.
   • Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps:
     • Includes an FAS/FAE Program which supports the coordination of FAS/FAE provincial initiatives, and supports community development with First Nations committees.
     • FAS/FAE kits from the Institute and low-literacy materials.
   • Saskatchewan Adoptive Parents Association is addressing FAS.
   • Provincial Network for Early Intervention is supporting (0 to 6 years) interventions.
   • Training by satellite for social workers in partnership with Ministry of Social Services and the Institute is available.
   • Workshops for educators and other community workers are being held in partnership with the Prevention Institute and the Ministry of Education.
   • Teleconference training of youth correctional workers throughout the province is available.
   • Presentation to provincial judges on FAS/FAE has taken place.
     
4. Manitoba
   • Child and Youth Secretariat is responsible for eight provincial ministries.
   • Department of Justice Task Force on FAS/FAE is examining justice issues.
   • Fetal Alcohol Association (for parents) includes:
     
     • Training (families as primary caregivers)
     • Advocacy
     • By Families For Families – series of five books
       
   • Coalition of Alcohol and Pregnancy is a Winnipeg-based group previously called Committee on Alcohol and Pregnancy.
   • Canadian Inhalant Conference was held.
   • There is a FAS/FAE consultant within the Winnipeg School Division.
   • Child and Youth Secretariat FAS Strategic Plan has been drafted; research and evaluation are key pieces.
   • Ongoing inter-agency discussions on FAS/FAE are being held.
   • Special Review of Education included a discussion of FAS/FAE.
   • Committee on Tele-Diagnostic Work (with Health Sciences Centre) is addressing rural issues.
   • “Reclaiming Our Voice: A Gathering of Mothers” sponsored by the West Region Child and Families Services with Seven Tribal Councils was held.
   • Manitoba Medical Association and College of Physicians and Surgeons developed a CD Rom for all physicians as well as a day-long workshop on FAS/FAE diagnosis.
   • There are plans to develop a multidisciplinary FAS/FAE curriculum, related to addictions process, identification, intervention and prevention.
   • Respite Worker Certificate Course is a partnership project between Red River Community College, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and the Association for Community Living.
   • There is interdisciplinary and interfaculty education at the University of Manitoba.
   • Workshop on Prevention and Early Interventions Key Influences Process is scheduled for Spring 2000.
     
5. Ontario
   • Parent Support Groups include parent support or community action groups across Ontario.
   • The Canadian Mothercraft Society in Toronto manages the Breaking the Cycle Initiative with several other community partners.
   • Workshop on FAS/FAE was held at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa (1998).
     
6. Quebec
   • SAFERA is a newly formed francophone parent association established to provide information and public education on FAS/FAE.
   • Abitibi-Temiscaming area has invited American experts on FAS/FAE to conduct information sessions on FAS/FAE.
   • Sessions held in Kujiuak with health professionals, daycare and Aboriginal Headstart staff, focusing on FAS/FAE information and awareness.
     
7. Nova Scotia
   • National train-the-trainer Aboriginal-led and focus workshop sponsored by the Mi’Kmaq Native Friendship Centre and Health Canada.
     
8. Prince Edward Island
   • The Reproductive Care Program is a joint partnership with the Department of Health and the Medical Association and looks at FAS/FAE across PEI.
     
9. Newfoundland and Labrador
   • The Newfoundland and Labrador Public Health Association is preparing a position statement on FAS/FAE.
   • The Labrador Health Commission addiction health worker provides counselling, training and information sessions on FAS/FAE prevention.
   • FAS/FAE workshops in Happy Valley, Goose Bay, and in Innu communities were held.
   • A teleconference on awareness of FAS/FAE during the Drug Awareness Week was supported by the Public Health Association.
   • A half-day workshop was sponsored by the provincial addiction services. People from addiction services throughout the province identified FAS/FAE as a priority and called for a provincial action plan.
     
10. Yukon
    • Developed a comprehensive needs assessment and strategic framework within Family and Children’s Services.
    • Alcohol and Drugs Services has trained nurses, doctors and CHRs on brief screening tools.
    • Yukon communities have received orientation on FAS.
    • FASSY has scheduled FAS/FAE education workshops throughout the Yukon.
    • The Department of Education provided training to teachers. Teachers are also represented on the FAS/FAE Committee.
      
11. Northwest Territories
    • The Yellowknife Association for Community Living Family Support Project is supported through Health Canada, Brighter Futures.
    • The FAS Community Team is organized through the FAS Support Project.
    • There is a FAS Prevention Committee and an Inter-agency Committee.
    • The Status of Women Council released its report entitled “Keeping Women and Communities Strong: Women, Substance Abuse and FAS/E.”
    • A FAS/FAE Working Group, with representatives of Coalition members, Health Boards and the Territorial Department of Health and Social Services, has developed a proposal for a gender-specific treatment program for women and their children.
    • A comprehensive needs assessment was carried out and a strategic plan was developed. A second report called the “NWT Needs Assessment” was produced in collaboration with women from the community. The Coalition for New Futures for Northern Women (1997) emerged from the first report.
    • FAS Project staff have organized a number of awareness workshops throughout the NWT.
    • During National Addictions Awareness Week, a focus was on FAS/FAE.
    • Inuvik Region has had community meetings and awareness activities. FAS/FAE mothers’ support group was formed.
    • Fort Simpson Region has had awareness workshops.
      
12. Nunavut
    • Pauktuutit (located in Ottawa) provides support to Inuit and Innu families throughout the north.
    • Pauktuutit hosted an FAS/FAE workshop for addiction workers, day care staff who are taking care of disabled kids.
      
      
    

5.5 Research

1. British Columbia
   • In 1996, a Delphi Survey was conducted which determined provincial health promotion/prevention priorities for action. A second Delphi survey was completed in early 2000 to revisit these priorities and determine priorities for the Provincial Prevention and Early Intervention Coordinators’ work plans.
   • University of Victoria, School of Social Work, researchers Deborah Rutman, et al. have undertaken a study exploring policy alternatives and community-based responses for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal substance-using women, which includes an analysis of legal discourse and print media depiction around pregnancy and substance abuse.
   • A research project entitled “Adults Living with FAS/FAS: Building Communities, Strengthening Supports”, co-sponsored by the FAS/E Support Network of BC and the School of Social Work, University of Victoria was aimed to provide adults with FAS/FAE and their support people with opportunities to voice their experiences, and to identify the kinds of day-to-day living supports that they use and need.
   • A two-year participatory action research project through Healthiest Babies in Prince George has been completed. The key premise of this research, entitled Creating Solutions: Women Preventing FAS, was to develop a model for community policy response to FAS/FAE in Prince George. The researchers will be mentoring two other communities, Burns Lake and Smithers.
   • A study of the incidence of FAS/FAE in the youth correctional system entitled Forensic Youth Assessment Study has been completed.
   • Policy research on barriers to alcohol and drug treatment for pregnant and parenting women was completed by Nancy Poole and Barbara Isaac.
   • Program and outcome evaluation research with the Sheway Program in Vancouver was completed. The study offers insights into a harm reduction approach when working with women who are pregnant and using substances. The results have been published by the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health.
   • The University of BC continues to undertake basic science animal studies regarding the effects of alcohol use on the developing fetus.
   • A study of socio-economic correlates and FAS/FAE has been conducted by Dr. Marie Hay and Jeannette Turpin.
   • A pilot project will incorporate screening for FAS/FAE into the mental health screening at the pretrial centres in the lower mainland.
   • A follow-up study of those who had participated in pre-natal screening in 1991 for alcohol use is being conducted by the UBC Health Promotion Unit.
   • A longitudinal study was completed in 2000 of children prenatally exposed to varying amounts of alcohol and tobacco, and from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
     
     
2. Alberta
   • A survey of physicians regarding selected knowledge, attitudinal and behavioural indicators on FAS/FAE took place.
   • The Alberta Partnership on FAS is evaluating the partnership and the progress made to date.
   • The Alberta Partnership on FAS supports three pilot projects for high-risk populations that are intended to examine best practice approaches and models for preventing FAS/FAE.
   • A proposal to establish FAS/FAE incidence in a representative Alberta community has been developed by Alberta Health and Wellness.
     
     
3. Saskatchewan
   • A study looked at psychological functioning in adults with FAS/FAE, comparing them to adults with maternal PKU syndrome.
   • A research study is underway involving adolescents with FAS/FAE.
4. Manitoba
   • Survey of Needs (joint partnership with CAP and provincial government) took place.
   • Manitoba study on pregnant and substance-addicted women is a joint venture between the provincial government and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
5. Ontario
   • The Motherisk Program conducts research into binge drinking and child outcomes, diagnostic criteria for FAS/FAE, new meconium test for in utero alcohol exposure, and the role of acetaldehyde in teratogenicity.
6. Quebec
   • The Experience of Maternity Among Women Addicts, a research study initiated by the Standing Committee on the Fight Against Addiction, an advisory body attached to the Ministry of Health took place.
7. Newfoundland and Labrador
   • 1996 and 1998 student drug use surveys in co-operation with the Atlantic Provinces took place.
   • Statistics on prevalence of FAS/FAE in Newfoundland and Labrador are being compiled.
     
8. Yukon
   • The Bureau of Statistics is carrying out a project to determine the incidence of FAS/FAE.
     
   

5.6 Policy

1. British Columbia
   • Over 50 municipalities have introduced bylaws requiring warning signs to be posted in establishments selling alcohol.
   • BC Coalition for Warning Labels on Alcohol Containers lobbies federal and provincial governments to place warning labels on all alcoholic beverages sold in Canada.
   • Resolutions regarding the need for public education and warning labels was forwarded by the Union of BC Municipalities to appropriate Ministries.
   • Resolutions regarding FAS/FAE have been adopted by a number of professional associations.
   • Community FAS/FAE policy development project in Prince George identified key “standards” or “policy directions” that the community of Prince George supports.
   • Provincial policy of priority addiction treatment for pregnant substance-using women is in place in all addiction services.
   • Development of discharge guidelines for high-risk women and FAS/FAE/NAS children (Ministry of Health, Ministry for Children and Families, Children and Women’s Hospital).
   • Extensive lobbying/advocacy, undertaken by a number of community teams, is highlighted in the policy document, “FAS: Collective Action for Collective Solutions”.
     
     
2. Alberta
   • Priority access to alcohol and other drug treatment facilities for women is in place in all government-funded addiction agencies.
   • A strategic policy review will be conducted across service sectors for children, adolescents and adults affected by FAS/FAE, and their families.
     
     
3. Saskatchewan
   • Health districts responsible for addictions services are giving pregnant women priority in treatment facilities.
     
     
4. Yukon
   • Alcohol and Drug Services is reviewing its policy on services to pregnant women who are drinking.