FASD Key Worker Program
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Key Worker service is a parent support program for families with children between the ages of 0 and 19 who have a diagnosis of FASD, are suspected of having FASD, or have a similar Complex Behavioural Disorder.
WHAT IS FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe a range of life long disabilities that may affect people whose mother drank alcohol while they were pregnant.
Some women do not know that alcohol can damage their unborn baby; others may not be able to stop using alcohol. Other women stop drinking when they find out they are pregnant, but some injury may have already happened. There is no safe amount or safe time to use alcohol during pregnancy.
The disabilities cased by FASD are present at birth and can include physical, learning and behavioural difficulties.
INVISIBLE DISABILITY
FASD is often called an invisible disability. The signs and symptoms may go unnoticed. Most people with FASD look the same as everyone else, but they have differences on how their brain works that can make life difficult for them.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Trouble with social skills
- Memory problems
- Impulsiveness
- Acting younger than their age
- Sensory problems (sounds, lights)
- Needs more time to learn things
- Hyperactive
- Trouble with math
HOW DO WE HELP PEOPLE WITH FASD?
Although FASD is a lifelong disability, people with FASD can live healthy and successful lives with appropriate supports and services.
Some examples include:
- Early detection and diagnosis
- Educational supports
- Knowledgeable family
- Knowledgeable professionals
- Vocational training
- Employment programs
- Structured environments
- Supportive accomodations
- Sometimes lifelong care
FASD KEY WORKER SERVICES
The FASD Key Worker can:
- Assist family members, caregivers, educators and service providers to better understand the child's strengths and challenges and identify ways to adapt the child's environment in response to these needs
- Provide information about services and supports (education, social services, financial resources, recreation, transportation, health,e tc.) and how to access them
- Support families through the FASD assessment processes, and assist with implementing recommendations from the assessment
- Provide confidential emotional and practical supports to parents and caregivers
- Support parents as they advocate for their child's needs; attend meetings at schools, medical appointments and other services
- Organize parent to parents supports
- Provide planning and supports to youth as they transition to adulthood
- Provide FASD trainings, awareness and resources
- Confidential consultations (can be by phone) for those who are concerned a child may have been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy
AREAS SERVED
Serving families from Campbell River to Oyster River, Gold River, Tahsis, Sayward, Quadra and Cortes Islands
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (Monday to Friday)
HOW DO I CONNECT WITH THE FASD KEY WORKER?
The FASD Key Worker program has an open referral process including referrals from parents, caregivers, physicians, nurses, preschool, child care staff, schools or other community supports. Families can call directly and referral sources can fill out a referral form (contact information and referral form below).
LEARN MORE ABOUT FASD
Please see our links section for a selection of websites that offer resources, free downloads, videos, etc., to support your continued learning.
Address / Contact Info
Phone Numbers
Hours of Operation
Regular hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Categorization
Forms and Resources
Location Map
Other Programs from This Organization
| This program for children with special needs, aged twelve to eighteen, provides opportunities for local leisure and recreational activities. |
| Early Intervention Therapies and the Infant Development Programs at Dogwood Place are committed to working in partnership with families and recognize the family and supporting environment as the most valuable resource in an individual's life. |
| Through training in job search skills, interview skills, and job-specific skills, Supported Employment works with local employers to assist individuals eligible for our services in obtaining meaningful work within the community. |
| Ironwood Place is a 54 unit senior’s assisted living community. This program provides a range of hospitality services that promote independence, choice and dignity to the seniors who live there, to include two meals a day, recreational activities and housekeeping services. |
| Campbell River |
| Palmer Place is a twenty four unit permanent supportive housing for persons with developmental disabilities, and/or women with children who are in need of affordable housing. |
| This program provides supports and teaching in the areas of daily living, social, communication, pre-vocational, recreation, and leisure and provides opportunities to access their community. |
| This program offers leisure and recreation activities to adults with developmental disabilities who have moved from full time to part time employment or to retirement. |
| This program is responsible for the operation of several staffed residential group homes for adults with developmental disabilities. Each home has unique characteristics but share a caring, supportive environment to help people achieve their optimal level of independence. |
| RIVERCITY INCLUSION provides and advocates for local services to support people of all ages with special needs, their families and caregivers. |
| This program supports adults with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in their own home or apartment. The staff provide assistance in daily living skills to include banking, budgeting/bill paying, grocery shopping, household maintenance, social and leisure, and personal hygiene. |
| This program supports children from birth to twelve years of age, who have a developmental disability to fully participate in inclusive neighbourhood child care programs. |
This program was last updated on: 10 Feb 2023.
