4th Edition Newsletter Metis Settlements FASD Network

ME T I S S E T T L EMENT S F ASD NE TWORK NEWS L E T T ER : TH I RD ED I T I ON

A message from Anita Anderson, Metis Settlements Provincial Northwest Peace FASD updates The NWR FASD Society Mackenzie Network updates The CANFASD Survey Information Understanding FASD and sexual behaviour Opportunities online Service Network Coordinator WHAT YOU W I L L F I ND I N THE 4 TH ED I T I ON OF OUR NEWS L E T T ER

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#FASD is the leading developmental disability in Canada, impacting more people than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined.

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Message from Anita the Network Coordinator

Tansi,

I hope this update finds you well. First off, I just want to acknowledge that we have been living in difficult times – since the COVID 19 pandemic came about. We have all since been learning about the pandemic and the serious effects it has had on Albertans. This past year has been challenging for people around the globe. I hope that you and your loved ones, are staying safe during this time and, are continuing to follow the Alberta Health Services and Community Prevention measures so that, together, we can defeat this virus. As the Covid 19 situation continues to evolve, our priority remains focused on the well being of individuals and caregivers affected by FASD. Accordingly, the communities as well as the contracted agencies have continued to do their best to keep this virus at bay and limit the effects. Currently, the Metis Settlements FASD Provincial Service Network serves 115 individuals within the Metis Settlements of Alberta. With each individual served, it is the presenting issues that determine the services provided. The Network continues to advocate and assist our clients in numerous ways. We have seen a significant increase in needs for Mental Health Services since the pandemic started. We continue to offer and have shifted services, due to the pandemic, in all three service pillars (1. Assessment/Diagnostics 2. Prevention (PCAP) 3. Supports for Individuals and Caregivers impacted by FASD). Please feel free to contact me anytime for questions, concerns or feedback. I welcome the opportunity to hear back from you all so that, together, we can all contribute to the quality of FASD services in the Metis Settlements of Alberta. I can be reached at (780) 822 4078 or [email protected]

With Respect, Anita Anderson,

Metis Settlements Provincial Service Network Coordinator

www.metissettlementsfasd.ca

Northwest FASD Society** (City of Grande Prairie) Peavine East Prairie Gift Lake

Thinking of all of you as we approach a brighter and stronger 2021!

We are now engaged in an active Partnership with Peavine, Gift Lake and East Prairie Metis Settlements, providing a FASD Mentor and Diagnostic Services in these areas. At this time, we would like to offer our thanks to the three FASD mentors and their Supervisors for continuing to support clients during this critical time. They make a difference in supporting individuals and Families in receiving services. For those who may not be aware, the Northwest Peace FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society) has been providing FASD services within the Northwest region since 2008. In April of 2019, we began a partnership with Metis Settlements General Council as part of the Provincial FASD Strategy to deliver Specialized FASD Services within the Tri- Settlements.

For services on the Peavine Metis Settlement please contact the on-settlement mentor Valerie Donison. [email protected] Ph: 780-523-4488

For services on the Gift Lake Metis Settlement please contact the on-settlement mentor Marge Cunningham. [email protected] Ph: 780-536-6504

For services on the East Prairie Metis Settlement please contact the on-settlement mentor Murielle L’Hirondelle. [email protected] Ph: 780-523-5410

Our services in Northwest Alberta (High Prairie, Grande Prairie, Peace River, Grande Cache and the Metis Settlements and surrounding areas) include: Prevention: Parent Child Family Assistance program is a non-judgmental program for women who are at risk of having a child with FASD or have recently had a child who may have been exposed to substances. Mentors work with women to assist with medical appointments, addictions treatment services, housing, finances, and other services that will assist the women to become healthy. Intervention: Post diagnostic outreach services are provided to children or adults after they have received an FASD diagnosis. Outreach support may include explaining the diagnosis to the child’s school and helping them to develop programming; assisting the family to develop best practices at home to support the child; assisting with transition planning for youth to adulthood; and assisting adults to meet the recommendations by the clinical team. Please contact our Community Advocate Role: Michelle if you would like to know about appropriate services in your [email protected] Ph: 780-533-5442

www.metissettlementsfasd.ca

To keep up to date with the happenings at NW PEACE FASD and for information related to supporting families , you can find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nwfasdnetwork/ or on our website https://nwfasdnetwork.com FASD Mentors, within the communities can also contact our Operations and Administration Coordinator Gail Andrews to further support them with their role and upcoming trainings. [email protected] Ph: (780)-533-5463. If you wish to speak to someone regarding our program and services, please call (780) 533-5461 or email at [email protected] Prevention/ Awareness: Training to health and social service providers about how to talk with women about alcohol and pregnancy is provided on the Settlements in groups and 1:1. Training: many training events on the best practices in supporting individuals with FASD are offered throughout the year. Training for Parents and Caregivers in learning more about FASD. Training can also be requested by any group for free within the Northwest area. Please contact Leanne to set up a group or individual learning session. [email protected] Ph: 780-533-5462 Diagnosis: NWPFASD staff assist families and Settlement service providers with making referrals and understanding the FASD diagnostic process. The NW FASD has been running a mobile diagnostic Clinic since 2013. Our diagnostic and intervention team consists of a centralized coordinator and local professionals in the areas of Speech-Language, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Addictions, and others. We provide multi-disciplinary assessments for youth and adults who are suspected of prenatal alcohol exposure. Our diagnostic and intervention teams also provide referrals and recommendations for follow-up supports and after care. Please contact Jen Dupperon- Trydal our Diagnostic Coordinator for information on the Diagnostic process. [email protected] Ph: 780-533-5444

We are here for support if you need anything from us. We would like to continue to stay connected!

Warm Regards, Gwen Vekved Executive Director [email protected] Northwest Peace FASD Society

www.metissettlementsfasd.ca

We have had great support from the Metis Settlements with our FASD Diagnostic Clinics. We continue to be successful in bringing Metis individuals through our diagnostic clinics with the help of our mentors. Meetings between mentors and our staff have helped highlight some of the unique needs and supports available. Other successful partnerships include our Prevention Conversation Facilitator and FASD Mentors to offer presentations in schools and provide caregiver support groups over zoom. Keep an eye out of our caregiver support groups happening this spring.

NW Peace FASD Network Team

Executive Director: Gwen Vekved With direction and guidance from the Leadership Team, the FASD Network Coordinator assists with the development, enhancement, and coordination of the FASD Network. If you have any questions about services offered by the NW Peace FASD Network, or how your agency can apply to receive funding from the Network contact the Network Coordinator. Phone: 780-533-5460 or Email: [email protected] FASD Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator: Jen Duperron-Trydal The Clinical Coordinator position leads the multi-disciplinary team in meeting the standards required in FASD Assessment and Diagnostic Services. The mobile clinic travels around the entire NW region with clinics being held in Peace River, Grande Prairie, Grande Cache and High Prairie. If you have questions about the Diagnostic process or would like to make a referral

to the clinic please contact the clinic coordinator. Phone: 780-533-5444 or Email: [email protected]

FASD Program Support: Kim Sillito Kim is the general contact for the Network. If you have questions about upcoming FASD trainings and workshops, please contact Kim to be invited to our FASD website/blog. She assists with supporting the funded community agencies with contract reporting and with the Provincial Government >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

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