The Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network is committed to working within four overarching principles of practice as identified in Pei, J., Tremblay, M., Poth, C., El Hassar, B., & Ricioppo, S. (2018). Best Practices for Serving Individuals with Complex Needs: Guide and Evaluation Toolkit. PolicyWise for Children & Families in collaboration with the University of Alberta. These include:
Summary of Key Principles
- Consistency Principle: This cornerstone emphasizes the importance of stability in service delivery and communication. By creating a shared understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and fostering consistent relationships, we ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Collaboration Principle: True progress requires teamwork! This principle highlights the integration of policies, complex case management, and seamless coordination among various agencies and service types. It’s all about working together to provide comprehensive support.
- Responsiveness Principle: Accessibility is key! This principle focuses on tailoring services to meet individual needs while balancing support and independence. It encourages programming that nurtures personal growth in a supportive environment, adapting to individuals’ evolving requirements.
- Proactivity Principle: Anticipation is better than reaction! This principle advocates for a proactive approach in service delivery, where we look ahead to fulfill individuals’ needs. It aims to foster empowerment and success, steering clear of strategies that merely avoid problems.
Together, these principles create a robust framework for effective support, ensuring that individuals receive the care and guidance they need to thrive.
Our Society has five goals in providing community-driven services across the lifespan for FASD prevention, assessment and intervention, and support for individuals and caregivers for our vision where communities are supported with a comprehensive and coordinated response to FASD:
Supports & Services:
Our goal is to provide individuals, families, and communities with a seamless continuum of interventions that address their needs at all stages of life, from childhood through adulthood, using a developmental lifespan approach.
Knowledge Sharing & Education:
Our goal is to ensure widespread access to information and resources while developing and delivering evidence-based education and training that empowers the community and professionals to effectively support individuals impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
Our goal is to foster and sustain meaningful partnerships with communities, agencies, and all levels of government, promoting collaboration and coordinated efforts to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Policy & Collaboration:
Our goal is to amplify the voices of individuals, caregivers, families, and communities impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) by driving policy change and fostering collaboration across sectors.
Research & Action:
Our goal is to actively engage in, contribute to, and disseminate high-quality research that informs the development of evidence-based interventions and best practices, enhancing the effectiveness of FASD-related services and policies.
The Network’s operational policies, procedures, and service delivery model are grounded in the guiding principles of Alberta’s FASD Program, as established by the Government of Alberta.
Accountability and Transparency: The FASD Program will be managed in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner, including regular reporting of FASD activities and measurable results to stakeholders.
Culturally Informed Supports: FASD is a population-wide health and social issue that impacts every community. Collaboration with families and communities is essential to developing culturally informed FASD supports that respect diversity.
Diagnosis is a Gateway to Intervention: Individuals with FASD are provided access to diagnosis and services based on their initial assessment, with opportunities for reassessment at key transition points throughout their lives to ensure ongoing, appropriate support.
Evidence Informed Decision-Making and Practice: Decision-making and practice is informed by evidence to ensure consistent and valid adoption of supports and services. FASD supports and services are developed and continuously improved based on research and evaluation.
FASD Informed Workforce: Professionals in every intersecting system in every community are trained to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies, to refer individuals who may have FASD for assessment and diagnosis, and to deliver FASD-informed supports.
Individual and Family Centred: This approach is grounded in the relational and collaborative approach between individuals, families, and service providers, and promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals and families.
Integrated Delivery of FASD Supports Across the Lifespan: FASD is a life-long disability, and individuals with FASD may require access to FASD-informed services across all intersecting systems to support them to reach their full potential at every stage.
Leadership: The Government of Alberta provides the oversight and effective strategic direction to ensure the successful implementation and evolution of the FASD Program.
Non-Stigmatizing: Putting individuals, families, and caregivers first and challenging harmful language, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Prevention: Alberta has adopted the Canadian FASD prevention model that focuses on providing a continuum of care and support for individuals, where all strategies are considered preventive. Individuals are supported to prevent future alcohol-exposed pregnancies, individuals with FASD are supported to reach their full potential, and caregivers are supported to safeguard their well-being.
Strengths-Based: Every individual has unique strengths and capabilities. Fostering capacity supports individuals with FASD to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Trauma Informed: FASD supports and services involve understanding, anticipating and responding to issues, expectations and unique needs that are often present in survivors of trauma. This includes reducing the risk of re-traumatization.