Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a priority for the Government of Alberta. Government support falls into several broad categories:

• Programs and services designed to enhance awareness and understanding about FASD;
• Programs and services designed to support individuals and families affected by FASD;
• Primary prevention programs designed to educate women not to drink when pregnant;
• Partnership initiatives such as the Alberta FASD Cross-Ministry Committee and the Canada Northwest FASD Partnership; and
• General health and human services programs that provide support to a wide range of individuals with disabilities and needs, including those affected by FASD.

The Financial Commitment by Alberta Children and Youth Services to FASD

The mandate of Alberta Children and Youth Services is to promote the safety, well-being and development of Alberta's children and youth. The Ministry's focus has been in supporting programs and services designed to prevent FASD, and in serving children affected by FASD.

The Alberta government invested an additional $4 million in 2007-08 to improve the lives of Albertans affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The new funding was used to establish seven Alberta FASD Service Networks, responsible for providing Albertans affected by FASD with access to:

• Targeted prevention programs, based on a mentorship and outreach model, for women and families most at-risk of having children affected by FASD.
• FASD diagnostic and assessment services by a multidisciplinary team.
• Advocacy and support, across the lifespan, for those affected by FASD and their caregivers.

FASD Funding for the Regional Authorities (CFSAs)

$2.4 million dollars of the budgeted $5.33 million in funds allocated by Alberta Children and Youth Services for FASD are flowed directly to the Child and Family Services Authorities (CFSAs), to support programs and services delivered at the regional level. Direct funding to the regions enables each CFSA to identify and address unique regional needs. Many of the CFSAs are successful in integrating planning and service delivery of programs associated with Early Childhood Development, Home Visitation and FASD initiatives. Each CFSA is dedicated to consolidation of partnership arrangements between service providers within the region, particularly for children ages 0-6 years. For more information about services provided within the different CFSAs, click here.

FASD Demonstration Projects

Alberta Children and Youth Services invested aproximately $1.84 million in 2005-06 in demonstration projects throughout the province that a recent independent evaluation concluded were emerging best practices. The funding for demonstration projects is in addition to the funding provided directly to the Child and Family Services Authorities. Click here to see profiles of the demonstration projects.

Tools to Help Educate and Inform about FASD

Alberta Children and Youth Services develops print and multi-media material aimed at educating and informing the public about the prevention of FASD. This material continues to be available to human and health services professionals, the public, and other interested parties free of charge from Alberta Children and Youth Services.

To view and order educational and promotional materials, click here.

Partnership and Collaborative Issues

Alberta Children and Youth Services co-chairs the Alberta FASD Cross-Ministry Committee and participates in other initiatives that reflect a cross-ministry, multi-jurisdictional approach to the prevention of FASD and support of individuals/families affected by FASD. Alberta Children and Youth Services has sponsored meetings, workshops and conferences along with other collaborative cross-ministry ventures.