Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Tragic But Preventable


that support is required on a long-term basis for both children and adults affected by FAS.

There are many exciting initiatives related to FAS across Canada, and one other program deserving mention is the Motherisk helpline at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Motherisk (1-877-327-4636) provides free, confidential support to individuals who may be using drugs or alcohol during their pregnancy.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a significant issue for society, and often has devastating consequences for the affected individual and their families. Abstinence from drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is the key to prevention. Research is required that identifies and monitors this population. Standards for training in FAS should be established at a provincial level and should only be carried out by qualified individuals.

For those individuals who are already living with FAS, it is recommended that we continue to advocate for a model of service delivery that involves accurate diagnosis, long-term intervention, adequate funding, realistic expectations, caregiver support and a life-span approach.

(Dorothy Badry, MSW, is a university instructor in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary, Alberta(e-mail: badry@ucalgary.ca). Donna Debolt, BSB, is a Provincial FAS Specialist, Alberta Family and social services. She can be reached at (403) 381-5673.)

RESOURCES:

2000 PRAIRIE CONFERENCE ON FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME May 11-13, 2000 Winnipeg, Manitoba Phone: (204) 945-2266 E-mail: childrenfirst@cys.gov.mb.ca

ALBERTA PARTNERSHIP ON FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME www.gov.ab.ca/aadac/FAS-Web/partnership_on_fas.html

FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER www.azstarnet.com/~tjk/fashome.htm

CANADIAN CENTRE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE www.ccsa.ca

THE ALCOHOL RELATED BIRTH INJURY (FAS/FAE) RESOURCE SITE www.arbi.org

FIRST STEP Mary Berude, Catholic Social Services Phone: (780) 422-353 Edmonton, Alberta

LIZ LAWRYK Clinical Social Worker Phone: (403)949-3991 Calgary, Alberta

MOTHERISK 1-877-327-4636 In Toronto: (416) 813-6780

The copyright of the article Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Tragic But Preventable in Special Needs Issues is owned by Keenan Wellar. Permission to republish Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Tragic But Preventable in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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