Social Services

Social Services Departments play a critical role in addressing and managing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Their involvement can span various areas, including prevention, diagnosis, child welfare, intervention, support, and advocacy. Appropriate social agency intervention can radically change the outcomes for individuals with FASD.

Rethink: Interdependence versus Independence

Independence is very often unattainable for people with FASD, setting them up for failure and leaving them vulnerable in society. People with FASD need an all-encompassing network of support throughout their lifetime. Services should be delivered in a model of interdependence where the client learns to lean on the network set up for them.

Social Services for Individuals and Families living with FASD may include:

Prevention and Awareness

  1. Public Education Campaigns: Social services departments should engage in public education efforts to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This includes creating and distributing educational materials, running media campaigns, and organizing community outreach programs.

  2. Training for Professionals: Provide training for healthcare providers, educators, and social workers to recognize the signs of FASD and understand its implications. This ensures that professionals who work with children and families are knowledgeable about prevention and early intervention strategies.

Early Identification and Diagnosis

  1. Screening Programs: Implement routine screening programs for pregnant women and new mothers to identify those at risk for alcohol use and provide appropriate support and resources.

  2. Diagnostic Services: Partner with diagnostic service providers to ensure timely and accurate identification of FASD in children. This includes access to multidisciplinary teams comprising medical professionals, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech & language pathologists.

Support and Intervention

  1. Individualized Service Plans: Develop and implement individualized service plans for children, youth and adults diagnosed with FASD. These plans should address the person’s specific needs, including medical care, educational support, and social services, including financial management, and housing.

  2. Family Support Programs: Offer support programs for families affected by FASD. This can include counseling, respite care, and assistance in navigating various services and resources.

  3. Coordination of Care: Ensure coordinated care among different service providers, including healthcare, education, the justice system, and social services. This holistic approach can help address the multifaceted needs of individuals with FASD and their families.

Education and Advocacy

  1. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support individuals with FASD and their families. This can include advocating for funding for research, services, and support programs, as well as promoting legislation that protects the rights and needs of those with FASD.

  2. Community Collaboration: Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to create a supportive network for individuals with FASD. This can include forming task forces or working groups to address local needs and share resources. (Again, think interdependence versus independence).

Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

  1. Data Collection and Research: Collect data on the prevalence and impact of FASD in the community. This information can be used to improve services and develop targeted interventions.

  2. Program Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services designed to support individuals with FASD. Use feedback from families and service providers to make necessary adjustments and improvements.

By adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach, social services departments can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of FASD and supporting affected individuals and their families throughout their lives.

FASD and Child Welfare:

FASD is one of the most critical issues in child welfare practice today given the high vulnerability of children and families where prenatal alcohol exposure is a concern.

  • Responding to FASD requires skills and knowledge about FASD regarding ways to foster strengths, improve lifecourse outcomes, and address areas of concerns such as problematic alcohol and substance use, the developmental and behavioural challenges of living with FASD, and the often-complex psychosocial needs of families.

  • Legacies of historical trauma are often present in families where FASD is present. Child welfare workers are more likely than any other human service professional to encounter FASD, yet much of the workforce has not received training on this topic.

  • When FASD is not recognized, the child’s needs are not effectively met, contributing to cumulative disadvantages that can impact lifecourse outcomes. Early recognition, diagnosis, and intervention offer the best chance for success for children with FASD.

  • Social workers and allied health workers are key professionals in child welfare practice and are well positioned to provide FASD-informed care with training and knowledge of the care needs of children and families.

  • Each province and territory would benefit from adopting a national strategy for effective case management, consultation, and responses to FASD for children, youth, and families. (CanFASD, 2020)

Respite!

“Respite” is one word that instantly gets the attention of caregivers of individuals with FASD. Ensuring positive outcomes for someone with FASD demands being there and “on” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; there is no break. Family members need time to regenerate and recreate in order to be strong in their support. Sometimes it’s an evening out, a weekend away, or simply a few hours to do some chores. Not all families have extended family or someone who understands the intricacies of FASD and can step in to assist. Respite care is a huge issue in this population. Here are a couple of places you can go for help in Nova Scotia!

Respite Support and Navigation Services - Nova Scotia

“RespiteNS.ca is a unique platform designed to facilitate respite opportunities that empower families and individuals to live their best life. It is our goal to facilitate successful respite matches that allow and support individuals to live their lives more fully at home, in community and beyond.” (RespiteNS.ca)

The province is divided into four service districts: Central, Northern, Western Regions, and Cape Breton. Click the button below to link to a Respite Manager in your area.

Behaviour Support Connections - Halifax

Respite Care

Respite care is short-term support for primary caregivers. It can be arranged for a few hours a day, week, or month. Care can be provided at home or in the community depending on your preferences.

Dive Deeper

Learn more about Social Services by exploring additional resources.

References

Badry, D., & Harding, K. (2020, January 31). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Child Welfare. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/FASD-and-Child-Welfare-Final.pdf

Pei, J., Joly, V., Kennedy, K., & Flannigan, K. (2024). Towards Healthy Outcomes: A Framework for Integrated Community Intervention. Canada FASD Research Network in collaboration with the University of Alberta.