This study, Building Circles of Support, an Education Series About Children and Adolescents with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Preliminary Program Evaluation, explores the impact of an educational program designed for caregivers and supporters of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The Building Circles of Support (BCS) series, an eight-week program developed in Manitoba, provides families and service providers with knowledge, strategies, and opportunities to connect.
The research investigates whether participation in the series influences caregivers’ understanding of FASD and child behavior, as well as their confidence in their caregiving role. It also gathers participants’ perspectives on program content and delivery. By combining pre- and post-series surveys, the evaluation offers early insights into the program’s value, highlighting promising trends in improved caregiver competence and the importance of accessible, community-based education for those supporting children and youth with FASD.
Reflection for Alberta FASD Networks and Service Providers
The Building Circles of Support (BCS) evaluation highlights the importance of education-based programs for families raising children with FASD or prenatal alcohol exposure. Caregivers who participated reported gaining knowledge, strategies, and a stronger sense of competence, all of which can ease stress and improve family stability.
For Alberta’s FASD Networks, this study reinforces the value of offering accessible, community-based supports, especially while families wait for assessments or navigate ongoing challenges. Internationally, it shows that caregiver education is a cornerstone of effective FASD service delivery.
The key takeaway is simple: when caregivers are given practical tools, strengths-based knowledge, and a supportive community, they are better equipped to help children thrive. Programs like BCS remind us that building circles of support is not only possible, but essential.
As a caregiver with much FASD education (I’m aware we’re always learning ) but it is our clinicians and community helpers that also need real ongoing intentional education with the latest research. Caregivers are coming across too many care barriers because their community helpers only received a broad outlook on FASD ( if any education on FASD at all ) this is holding all of us from receiving appropriate care for ourselves and loved ones on the spectrum.