Goals
1. Increase Commitment and Support for Action on FASD
To secure commitment from the full range of stakeholders to take action to prevent FASD . This includes coordinating their efforts and contributions to shape a strong, comprehensive system of inter-related, complementary services and supports. All action begins with public support.
Strategies include…
- Identifying leaders and champions in all sectors and at all levels
- Developing approaches for monitoring and coordinating effort, activity and funding…
- Establishing mechanisms for forging and supporting partnerships among existing service and support providers and funders , and make our organization known to all agencies dealing with FASD.
- Identifying gaps in support, service and funding and developing mechanisms for attracting new partners to fill gaps
- Increasing awareness of FASD among professionals across the array of sectors that work with people, families and communities affected by FASD. Efforts will address the needs of professionals and frontline workers in health, religion, justice, policing, corrections, education and child and family services.
- Building the evidence base and establishing mechanisms for knowledge exchange across sectors and communities – ensuring that research and evaluation results are available and accessible to inform future planning and action.
2. Increase Public and Professional Awareness and Understanding of FASD and the Impact of Alcohol Use During Pregnancy.
To build awareness and knowledge among women, families and the general population about FASD and its life-long impact on individuals, families and communities – key building blocks of prevention. Ensuring that up-to-date information is readily accessible- information that is age and gender appropriate, and that encompasses the complex factors that contribute to alcohol use during pregnancy – is vital to effective prevention. Equally important is improving the understanding among the myriad professionals in health, education, justice, law enforcement, corrections, child welfare and social services of how this multi-faceted disability affects individuals and families.
Strategies include…
- Developing and disseminating clear, easy-to-understand information about the impact of FASD on individuals, families, communities and society for use by community organizations, individuals, families and caregivers
- Developing and disseminating clear and current information about FASD for professionals in all sectors (including health, education, justice, law enforcement, corrections, child welfare and social services) positioned to help prevent FASD in a non-judgmental and sensitive manner.
- Promoting an understanding of and compassion for people affected by FASD and their families, as well as respect for their rights.
3. Expand the Knowledge Base and Facilitate Information Exchange
To increase knowledge and understanding of the life conditions that influence health and well being of those with FASD, of the root causes of alcohol use during pregnancy, of what works and does not work to support women to reduce or stop drinking, and of the permanent impact of prenatal exposure to alcohol on children. The body of research needs to include best practices, new research and monitoring and evaluation of progress towards achieving national FASD goals. As results are collected, mechanisms need to be developed to ensure their effective dissemination to and use by organizations and individuals in the field.
Strategies include…
- Learning more about the impact of FASD on the individual and family, throughout the lifespan
- Expanding the knowledge base to inform activities in prevention, treatment, support and protection of people with FASD