Follow your Journey - Discovery, Opportunity, Realization

2013 Alberta FASD Conference

REGISTRATION GUIDE

Conference Dates: November 18-19, 2013 Conference Location: The Westin Calgary 320 4th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 2S6 Phone: 403.266.1611 Registration Fee: $200 Please note: The online registration system is only able to accept credit card payments. If you need to pay by cheque, please contact Theresa Bosko at theresa.bosko@gov.ab.ca before attempting to register online. Hotel Accommodation: A room block and special rates have been secured for conference delegates at the Westin Calgary. Please reserve your rooms under the FASD Conference November 2013 block. The conference room rate is $229 per night plus applicable taxes (single or double occupancy). We strongly advise that you book your room as soon as possible, as we anticipate that the room block will fill up quickly. Please either call to book using the Central Reservation Line at 1.888.627.8417 or book online. For more information: For further information or any questions please contact Theresa Bosko at 780.643.9283 or theresa.bosko@gov.ab.ca.

Conference Agenda-at-a-Glance Monday, November 18 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Breakfast (provided) Opening Remarks Concurrent Sessions C Break Concurrent Sessions D Lunch (provided) Keynote Session Alvin Law Closing Remarks Registration and Breakfast (provided) Opening Remarks Keynote Session Ian Brown Break Concurrent Sessions A Lunch (provided) Concurrent Sessions B Break Keynote Session Margaret Trudeau Parent/Caregiver Support Session

To register, please visit: https://reg.conexsys.com/fasdconference13.

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Keynote Speakers
IAN BROWN
Ian Brown is an acclaimed Canadian journalist and author, and recipient of over a dozen national magazine and newspaper awards. He is the author of The Boy in the Moon: A Fathers Search for his Disabled Son, Freewheelin, and Man Overboard, and the editor of What I Meant to Say: The Private Lives of Men. Ian is an experienced speaker on disability-related topics such as genetic testing, societys assumptions about the disabled, and the meanings of disability and success. He is also a passionate explorer of the worth and the meaning of life. The Boy in the Moon is a candid memoir about Ians son Walker, who was diagnosed with Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic mutation. At age fifteen, Walker is mentally and developmentally between one and three years old and will need constant care for the rest of his life. Ians story follows his experiences of raising, loving, and trying to understand his son and the discovery of a profound meaning in that spiritual adventure. For excellence in literary non-fiction, The Boy in the Moon has been awarded three of Canadas most prestigious literary awards: the $25,000 Charles Taylor Prize, the Trillium Book Award, and the $40,000 British Columbia National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction. Ian is a feature writer for The Globe and Mail, and the anchor of TVOs Human Edge and The View from Here, Canadas television documentary series. He also contributes occasionally to NPRs This American Life and is a contributing editor at Explore Magazine. He has also worked as a business writer at Macleans and the Financial Post, and a freelance journalist for other magazines including Saturday Night. Ian earned his B.A. from Trinity College, University of Toronto.

MARAGARET TRUDEAU
In 1971, at age 22, Margaret Trudeau became the youngest First Lady in the world when she married Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. She has led a rich and interesting life by raising five children and traveling the country and the world extensively. Trudeau has authored two books, Beyond Reason and Consequences. In her latest book, Changing My Mind, Margaret discusses with candour and insight the bi-polar condition she has struggled with all her life. She shares her journey of recovery, acceptance and hope with the wish that others suffering will reach out and get the help they need. For all her adult life, Margaret Trudeau has suffered from the debilitating effects of her bipolar condition. Now, after seeking medical treatment that has given her life balance and happiness, she advocates strongly on mental health issues, helping people overcome the stigma of mental illness that often prevents sufferers from getting help. She is working with The Royal Ottawa Hospital to raise funds for their new hospital and raise public awareness of mental health issues. Trudeau now sits on the Executive Advisory Board of the UBC Mental Health Institute. She will further her knowledge of mental health issues and gain new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of some of the most challenging issues in modern medicine.

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Today, she is the Honorary President of WaterCan, a charitable Canadian non-governmental agency dedicated to helping the poorest communities in developing countries build sustainable water supply and sanitation services. Their mission is to educate and raise public awareness of the essential nature of pure water. Margaret has traveled three times to Africa with WaterCan and is very knowledgeable on water issues and the impending global water crisis. Margaret Trudeau has garnered more publicity than any woman in Canadian history. Throughout, she has kept her sense of humour and spontaneity. She has wonderful stories to tell and a strong, clear message on the importance of finding a balance of mind, body and spirit.

ALVIN LAW
Alvin Law, (CSP, HoF) can be hard to define. It seems obvious when you see him, but when you experience his program, something indescribable takes place. He has no arms, so you think his program must be yet another example of someone overcoming a handicap. But ask Alvin and hed say its that very perception that has been his biggest obstacle. He never had arms so he never overcame anything. But his insights from living through such a dynamic period in history has made him one of the foremost experts on adaptation, change and perspective. This is more than just marketing hype. Alvins story is real and one that is impossible to forget. Alvin was born in 1960 and very quickly became a celebrity. He was one of Canadas first Thalidomide Babies, known for bodies deformed due to the infamous morning sickness drug. Not only was Alvin born without arms, before he was a week old he was left at the hospital by young and terrified parents who were convinced by experts that he would be nothing but a burden, never be independent and if he reached adulthood his quality of life would be negligible. They promised his birth family he would be taken care of. What they meant and didnt say was that he would be institutionalized. Then, Alvins tragic beginning took a profound fork in the road of life. He was adopted by idealistic and incredible foster-parents who simply said, We dont believe that his fate is sealed and proceeded to prove every expert and critic wrong. They taught him to use his feet for hands and with the help of a handful of equally amazing mentors produced one of the most inspiring true stories you will ever witness. Alvin is married to Darlene, who also runs their speaking enterprise, and is father to Vance (born in 85) and other assorted pets. They all live in beautiful Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Concurrent Session Descriptions

Monday, November 18, 2013 CONCURRENT SESSIONS A: 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. A.1. Building Communities.Right where we are! (150 minutes must register in B.1) Cara Milne This workshop will examine ways in which people can really begin to be included in their own communities, and where to start. It will also look how people with FASD can build on genuine roles, rather than only activities. Cara will provide practical and positive first steps in how to support people with FASD to lead inclusive lives. Questions that are covered include: What does it really mean to be included? A look at the difference between segregated, integrated and inclusive experiences. Where is the community? Everywhere! Who do we start to connect to the community? What are valued roles? How can we focus more on roles rather than just activities? A.2 From Pablum to Paparazzi: The Unlikely Journey from Foster Mom to Oprah Carla Krause-Clark Follow the path of an unlikely celebrity, from foster mom to world-renowned speaker. Carlas lessons on compassion, empathy, and the world of special needs parenting are shared in a touching and hilarious presentation. This presentation is a must-see for anyone working in the world of FASD, addictions, or parenting of any kind. A.3. Mentoring a Journey of Growth for both the Client and the Staff Pam van Vugt and Tammi Crowley Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be. -Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool. The Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) and many other models are based in a relationship model of mentorship. This journey has many ups and downs, as any relationship does. Basic tenets of this work are being non-judgmental, meeting people where they are at, mutual trust, respect and supporting clients in where they want their journey to go. Pam, Tammi and two former PCAP clients would like to explore with you the challenges and successes of using mentorship with mothers who are at risk of giving birth to a child affected by FASD. A.4. i. Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Why do some Children get Deferred? Katherine Wyper, Carmen Rasmussen, and Gail Andrew Diagnosing FASD can be challenging for many reasons, including difficulties with obtaining confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, establishing a unique profile of neurobehavioural deficits associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, assessing higher-order cognitive functions in young children, and ruling out issues related to environmental adversities. In a retrospective study of over 280 children assessed at the Glenrose FASD clinic, it was found that more than 30 children were not diagnosed at their first assessment but were deferred for later assessment. Most of these children were diagnosed on the FASD spectrum at their second assessment. This workshop will review the issues complicating the diagnosis of FASD, explore data from deferred children to discuss factors that may have prevented an earlier diagnosis, and discuss changes on neurobehavioural test performance between the two assessment points.

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AND

ii. Post-Clinic Follow-up for Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with FASD Katherine Wyper, Stephanie A. Hayes, Hasu Rajani The Northwest Central Alberta FASD Service Network operates a mobile pediatric FASD clinic that provides clients and their caregivers with assessment and diagnostic services. This work results in recommendations for clients and their caregivers that help them connect to various community supports and services. Following a collaborative approach, the Network and the University of Alberta have undertaken a larger evaluation project. The goals are to explore to what extent the Network: (1) generates recommendations that are meeting the needs of children and adolescents with FASD and their caregivers, and (2) provides follow-up to facilitate the provision of post-clinic support. This presentation will showcase preliminary findings drawn from a review of client files and caregiver interviews. The goal of this research is to provide feedback to the Network, as well as to the FASD diagnostic community at large.

A.5

Children in Care in Alberta with FASD The Processes and Challenges of Determining Prevalence Linda Burnside and Don Fuchs Prevalence refers to the rate of a condition within a population. Estimating the prevalence of FASD is a daunting task, whether one is intent on determining the rate of the condition in the general population or with a specific population known to have a higher risk of FASD. Children in care are at high risk of having FASD due to the frequency that parental substance abuse brings families to the attention of child welfare systems. Understanding the prevalence rate of FASD affecting children in care is critical for child welfare agencies who, as the guardians of these children, must ensure that their care needs are met. This presentation will describe the work of a tri-provincial project examining the prevalence of FASD affecting children in care in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario currently underway. The processes and challenges of measuring prevalence will be discussed, with an emphasis on the findings for children in care in Alberta.

A.6.

Educational Success for Students with FASD Getting it Right Mary Cunningham School success builds the foundation for a socially just and supported future where a student with FASD can proudly fill a meaningful social role as an adult. Currently, school failure/early dropout is common and has been identified as the first sign of a marginalized adulthood for young people with FASD. Obviously, we need to try differently at school, because research is showing that what we are doing now is not generally working well. In this presentation, an experienced educator and FASD caregiver will describe system-wide and personal promising practices which are starting to produce school success for students with FASD. Participants will learn the neurobehavioural reasons for using these research-ready new practices and understand the urgent need to get started on making the crucial system-wide and personal paradigm shifts in educational practices necessary for success. The best resources currently available to implement change and improvement will be reviewed so that participants can get started on making the changes necessary to support these students effectively.

A.7.

Residential treatment for pregnant substance using women Audrey McFarlane, Paula Dewan and Darlene Fader The 2nd Floor Womens Recovery Centre is a new program that serves women who are pregnant, at risk of being pregnant, or post-delivery, and are struggling with substance use. This nine-bed facility offers a unique program that is longer in duration, individually client-driven, and utilizes much of the information learned from the women in the Alberta PCAP programs. This model works on several philosophical theories that will be described in this presentation. The program has been operating for a year and has some very interesting data to share, including client outcomes based on an extensive evaluation, personal journeys; and a social return on investment. This program is filling a large service gap for the province and is having positive results.

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A.8

The Alberta FASD Service Network Evaluation Framework Renewal Initiative Hlne Wirzba The Alberta Government funds 12 regional FASD Service Networks that provide services which fall under four pillars: awareness, assessment and diagnosis, targeted and indicated prevention, and supports. A panel reviewing the mid-term evaluation findings of the Alberta FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan had three recommendations for the service networks: (1) to more clearly define and articulate the scope of programs; (2) to define clear and measurable outcomes for each of the pillars: and, (3) to identify parameters for ongoing evaluation and integration of evaluation results. This presentation will discuss how the Service Network Evaluation Framework Renewal Initiative addressed the recommendations by developing evaluation frameworks with outcomes, indicators, measurement tools and protocols embedded in service delivery plans, and aligning with the overall directions of the Alberta government. Systems were designed to collate the output and outcome measures at regional and provincial levels. This collaborative innovative practice will improve the aggregation of data, and will contribute to building evidence about FASD best practices in Alberta.

Monday, November 18, 2013 CONCURRENT SESSIONS B: 1:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. B.1. B.2. Building Communities.Right where we are! (150 minutes must register in A.1) Cara Milne **Two-part session - Please see description under A.1. PLEA Community Services: What can we do better? More of? Different? Sara Dewar and Paul Gordon PLEA Community Services is a CARF-accredited, non-profit agency with over 30 years experience in delivering tailored and community based services to children, youth, adults and families. This presentation will introduce audiences to PLEA Community Services, specifically U-Turn and the Youth Justice Programs. The on-going question of what we can do Better, More of and Different to provide the best services and support to our clients and caregivers is at the center of our practice. An overview of our services from referral to intake, specific supports, struggles and success stories will be included. Youth who receive services from PLEA programs have significant challenges including but not limited to addiction, mental health, anxiety, attachment and very often FASD. All of our staff and caregivers approach experiences through an FASD lens and make the necessary accommodations. B.3. External Brains on Four Paws: reaching FASD-affected individuals through fur-covered intelligence and healing Donnie Kanter Winokur Individuals experiencing FASD often benefit from having an External Brain to help navigate a complicated world. This session offers an evidenced-based intervention using an FASD assistance dog as an External Brain. Participants will explore a case study of one familys success in obtaining the first certified FASD Assistance dog in the world in 2008. The ultimate role of the assistance dog affords the individual more independence and autonomy while improved self-esteem results from the unconditional companionship and access to participation in the greater community. Session attendees can expect to: Think outside the box to use this unique evidence-based intervention for individuals affected by FASD. Understand how behavioural assistance dogs help people affected with an FASD become as independent as possible and to make them a productive part of a community. Educate others about the work of assistance dogs and how this raises the understanding of FASD.

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B.4.

Strategies for Professionals: Supporting families and individuals living with FASD Sarah Nordin and Leslie Allen The FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan works closely to support families in deconstructing confusing behaviour, navigating multiple systems, advocating for services and developing a thorough understanding of FASD. From these experiences we, as professionals, have learned many lessons. This session is designed to support and guide professionals who, as part of their career, come into contact with individuals living with FASD. The Networks Family Support Program works hard to invent, tailor and alter strategies to meet the unique needs of each individual and family. Professionals will have the opportunity to learn about the Networks Family Support Program, review an extensive poster series containing over 45 strategies and to ask questions about how they can use these strategies in their day-to-day practices.

B.5.

Action on FASD in Alberta - The Prevention Conversation: A Shared Responsibility Hazel Mitchell, Nancy Poole, Denise Milne and Jacqueline Pei The FASD Prevention Conversation: A Shared Responsibility focuses on preventing drinking during pregnancy or before a woman knows she is pregnant. This presentation will discuss the Prevention Conversation, a project that will both educate women and their partners about prenatal alcohol use, as well as support primary care providers to engage in non-judgmental, empathetic conversations about alcohol use. Each of the 12 FASD Service Networks in Alberta will have a Prevention Facilitator for one year to facilitate the Prevention Conversation in their local areas. The Facilitator will implement tools and resources developed through this project, and the overall project is being overseen by the Alberta FASD Awareness and Prevention Council. The developmental evaluation of this project will support sustainability and identify ongoing opportunities to continue the prevention messaging. This approach embeds a formative approach to evaluation in which information gained can be used to develop and enhance service delivery. This type of evaluation has not been done in other work about the prevention of FASD.

B.6.

Edmonton PKIC (Pediatrics for Kids in Care) a Novel Approach to Medical Care Tami Masterson PKIC provides specialized, comprehensive, and consistent medical care to socially vulnerable children. They follow the child while they are involved with the Child and Family Services Authority through to their return to their family of origin. PKIC focuses on the health of the entire family and understands that the health of the childs family affects the health and well being of the child. Their goal is to help the family address many of the social determinants that are closely linked to lifelong health. Many of the parents and children that PKIC cares for have alcohol related brain injuries and complex early childhood trauma. In utero alcohol and trauma exposure can devastate a developing brain. PKIC attempts to understand the abilities and challenges of the individuals we work with. PKICs success is rooted in the trusting and long term relationships we build with the families they serve.

B.7.

Making a Difference through Reflection and Traditional Values Action on FASD and Wellness in a First Nation Community Pauline Yellowfly, Vanessa Buckskin, Michelle Weaselhead-Strangling Wolf and Telly Hunt Using a Community of Practice approach, the focus of the work on the Siksika First Nation community has been in supporting families with children in care or foster care. These families are generally living with FASD or at risk of having another child with FASD and receive intensive supports, outreach and programming based on traditional values and beliefs. As a support to the families, reflection and education of the community about the awareness and prevention of FASD is critical to the well-being of all mothers and their partners in the First Nation community, as well as ongoing community development and capacity building to make this a strong and more enriched and healthy environment for all members. The presentation will offer a review of the learnings and findings, and offer a focus on FASD in a First Nation community. This presentation will be of interest to policy, program, and the many disciplines wanting to learn about the needs of First Nation communities and the importance of traditional values, beliefs and reflects in practice and programming.

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B.8

One Familys Journey Sarah Clark This presentation shares one familys journey. Parenting becomes exponentially difficult when you arent sure how to appropriately parent your FASD child. Sarah will share her experiences, perspectives and difficulties in a candid and open forum as a mother with a child living with FASD. Her family perspective will provide attendees with a fresh and honest story that can serve as comfort and/or information for others touched by FASD.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 CONCURRENT SESSIONS C: 9:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. C.1. i. Overview of Mental Health in FASD Taking a Biopsychosocial Perspective Sukhpreet Tamana and Jacqueline Pei Research on individuals with FASD has documented the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on mental health outcomes. Individuals with FASD and PAE show a higher prevalence of mental health disorders compared with those in the general population, which likely reflects an interaction effect between biological, psychological, and social risk factors. In particular, PAE appears to be a biological risk factor that increases vulnerability to environmental and psychological stressors, thereby leading to increased prevalence of mental health issues. This session will focus on mental health in FASD; research on mental health disorders in FASD; and risk and protective factors for the emergence of mental health issues, with particular consideration for the implications for treatment approaches. Challenges faced in mental health service delivery for individuals with FASD will also be discussed, and future research questions explored. AND ii. The Impact of a Mentoring Program from Adolescents with FASD on Adverse Life Outcomes Rianne Spanns FASD causes adverse life outcomes which become a greater problem in adolescence such as: expulsions, confinement, alcohol/drug problems, inappropriate sexual behaviours, social difficulties, as well as mental health problems. Previous research has suggested that having a nurturing family or role model can decrease the impact of the adverse life outcomes. However, no research has been done to see if a mentoring program would have the same effects on the adverse life outcomes for youth with FASD. This current study is examining the influences of a mentoring program on adolescents with FASD through a program at Catholic Social Services. Adverse life outcomes will be measured for the youth (ages 14 to 19) at three times during the three-year mentoring program: at intake, at midpoint and after three years. This study could provide more information on the impact of a mentoring program for adolescents with FASD. C.2. FASD and Guardianship: A Collaborative Approach Alison Perry and Kelly Lekien Two Public Guardian Representatives from the Calgary Region will provide a brief overview of what the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) does and the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act. A number of represented adults within the Calgary Region who have a formal diagnosis of FASD, along with a description of the role the OPG has played with these individuals will be discussed. Two specific case studies will be presented with a focus on how there has been a multi-systems approach required to best support these individuals. The presenters will identify areas of strengths and weaknesses encountered and how the most suitable outcome is an ongoing work in progress with an emphasis on the need for all professionals and caregivers involved to have a collaborative relationship. C.3. Getting Daddy on Board: How to engage the male partners of women in FASD-prevention programs Richard Amaral In his experience in coordinating PCAP-modeled services to women and their children, Richard has learned that women are more likely to achieve their treatment goals if they feel supported by their male partners. Literature

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from the field of addictions, child development, and family therapy supports this. Yet, many program managers and frontline workers feel ill equipped to work with men. In this presentation, Richard will teach frontline workers and program managers the whys and hows of working with men for the prevention of FASD in families. Participants will learn: (a) four of the most common barriers and obstacles men face in trying to be better fathers and partners; (b) how women can motivate men to support them in their treatment goals: and, (c) how programs can be more father-friendly and inclusive in their services. Participants will leave the presentation with evidence-based strategies for increasing father-engagement in the prevention of FASD. C.4. Cross-Ministry Approach on FASD: Making a Difference for Individuals with FASD and their Caregivers Denise Milne, Shelley Birchard and Janice Penner In 2003, the Government of Alberta launched a cross-ministry initiative to develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to FASD, understanding that it directly or indirectly impacts every Albertan. The FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan (2007 to 2017) led to the development of the FASD Service Network model. Now in its sixth year, this system-wide model of prevention and service delivery has made Alberta an international leader in the field. Under the direction of Albertas FASD Cross-Ministry Committee (FASD-CMC), these Networks have successfully developed and implemented a client-focused, results-based model enabling individuals with FASD, and their caregivers, to access information and services through a single door. The Year 5 Evaluation of the FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan has established baseline performance measures against outcomes and targets, providing a sound foundation for subsequent evaluations. The presentation will focus on the shifts in policy as they relate to the findings of the Year 5 Evaluation and the work of the FASD-CMC. C.5. Getting Outdoors: Successful Urban and Wilderness Experiences for Youth with FASD Dorothy Schwab and Sara Harrison The Manitoba FASD Center and Manitoba FASD Family Network have partnered with Momenta: experience, grow, discover to meet the increasing need for appropriate recreational and camping experiences for youth with FASD. The American Institute for Research showed that students who were exposed to outdoor education programs over the period of several months, displayed enhanced cooperation and conflict resolution skills, increased self-esteem, increased problem solving skills and an increased motivation to learn. Unfortunately, youth with FASD are often misunderstood and often have difficulty integrating into regular recreational and camp experiences offered in the community, thus missing out on a very valuable learning and socialization opportunities. This presentation will present a successful urban and wilderness-based recreational model that is offered throughout the year for youth with FASD. Preliminary findings have indicated that these youth are experiencing success in many areas and are developing friendships, within an environment that incorporates best practices in working with individuals with FASD. C.6. Community Based Participatory Research: Working in Partnership with First Nation Communities (150 minutes must register in D.6) Jennilee Louis, Mike Saddleback, Melissa Daniels, Caitlin Sinclair and Lola Baydala In recognition of the high rates of FASD and substance use in their own communities, members of the four Maskwacis First Nation communities have worked in partnership with the University of Alberta over the past three years to culturally adapt and implement an evidence-based drug and alcohol abuse prevention program in Maskwacis schools. This project has taken a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, building strong and trusting partnerships between community and academic researchers. The overarching goal of our research partnership is to create healthy First Nation communities. Working toward this goal not only involves conventional, school-based substance abuse prevention, but also involves a focus on community development, language, culture, and identity.

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This interactive workshop will be presented by community and academic staff who will: Demonstrate the principles of CBPR. Describe advantages/challenges of using a CBPR approach to address health disparities and substance use prevention. Identify the components of a Wise Practices approach to health research and community development, including narrative, deep listening, and problem-based learning. C.7. Sharing Brings Success FASD, Then and Now Brian Himmelreich Brian is a biological father to Laurica and Keri, has seven grandchildren, and was a foster father for 24 years. Brian and his wife have worked with 72 children with special needs, mostly foster children. Of these children, they adopted Amanda (Hydrocephalic), Kyle (Down syndrome), Crystal (Microcephalic), Kathleen (FASD), Myles (FASD), Joel (Down syndrome), Nikki (Mytonic dystrophy), Josie (severe FASD/ADHD), Mykyl (FASD) and Robin (immunity issues). Brians brother Kerry and sister Merrillee also had Down syndrome. Brian will talk about the individual struggles of his children with FASD, as well as their family failures and successes, the past and present, awareness and prevention, and FASD advocacy. Brian speaks from the viewpoint of a parent who has been involved with FASD for 36 years. Tuesday, November 19, 2013 CONCURRENT SESSIONS D: 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. D.1. Prime Time Danna Ormstrup The Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society began a new program called Prime Time in early 2013. Using resiliency as its theme, the program has encompassed a variety of service options including PATH (person-centred planning), Figure Me Out (Life Books), Better Safe than Sorry (young adult skills program) and What Would you DO? (video modeling). Designed to decrease risk and build resiliency for youth and young adults, this program has given participants and staff amazing insights into what it is like to strive for potential in unique and creative ways. In this workshop, the Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society will share the learnings involved in the making of this program and will help workshop participants be inspired to think creatively about programmingwith a difference. D.2. Advanced Case Consultation for Children and Youth with FASD in Care: Leading from Within, Alberta Human Services - Insights and Learning Dorothy Badry, Donna Debolt and Darci Kotkas The implementation of advanced case consultations as a means of training casework supervisors, caseworkers, foster care supervisors and regional management is an innovative course offered by Alberta Human Services in 2013. Each of the ministrys Child and Family Services Authorities has engaged in specific training that is accredited by the ministry, as well as the Alberta College of Social Workers. Formal case consultations on complex cases of children and youth in care with a FASD include the caseworker as primary presenter, community partners, educational system representative, caregivers and regional representatives. This approach involves a learning circle, is structured in such a way to provide immediate learning and offers collective wisdom in advanced case management. This presentation will highlight the process, benefits of training and will offer encouraging research evaluation results. D.3. HUMOUR: The impact on relationship, brain activity and emotional well-being Paul Pringle Strength-based relationships are an essential component of change, healing and often a key factor to transformation. This presentation is about the dynamics of humour and the value to the therapeutic relationship. Laughter binds people together, triggering positive feelings and fostering emotional connections. Humour and laughter

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not only impact in positive ways the physical body, but emotional and social well-being while also providing strength to overcome challenges and stress. The intent of this presentation is to bring a perspective and insight into the power of incorporating laughter and humour into frontline work, whether as a paid staff, parent/caregiver or support person. The therapeutic benefits to laughter will leave positive impressions with not only ourselves as care providers but also to the individuals that we serve. Paul incorporates his professional experience to demonstrate how humour can put a different perspective on events. This can also assist in the process of change or help find solutions from a new mind set. The presentation is experiential and informative. Paul presents Laughing Yoga, an activity that replicable and effective. D.4. Social Media and the Caregiver Jeff Noble Caregivers of people with FASD are often isolated and unable to access appropriate and applicable support services. Many FASD caregivers and families report that no one around them really gets FASD and they are left to deal and manage on their own. When caregivers find his online community, Jeff often hears this feedback: I dont feel so alone anymore Im so glad I found this community I wish I could have found you sooner Social media can help to decrease the isolation experienced by FASD caregivers. This presentation will teach caregivers and frontline staff alike how to use social media for the purposes of training, learning, educating and as a support network. Social media is a cost effective approach to increasing engagement and support for FASD caregivers. D.5. The Changing Face of FASD Liz Lawryk The last 20 years have revealed a great deal of information about the complexities of living with a diagnosis within FASD. This workshop will review what we have learned from diagnostics, research, families, and most importantly, youth and adults living with FASD. We now know that a diagnosis within FASD likely affects much more than the brain alone, which changes everything. This workshop will discuss how elements of the whole body disorder may negatively impact outcomes of psycho-educational testing and learning but more importantly, what can be done about it. Identification of physical issues that are directly linked to undesirable behaviours is the impetus to develop new and creative strategies. The workshop will offer interactive strategies for behaviours for all ages of individuals including aggression, challenges in academics and employment, and prevention and intervention of addictions. D.6. D.7. Community Based Participatory Research: Working in Partnership with First Nation Communities (150 minutes must register in C.6) Jennilee Louis, Mike Saddleback, Melissa Daniels, Caitlin Sinclair and Lola Baydala **Two-part session - Please see description under C.6. Integrating FASD into Childrens Mental Health: System challenges and solutions Gayla Grinde, Kealey Dube, Jean Anderson, and Wanda Polzin At times the chasm between the worlds of FASD and mental health looks like the Grand Canyon despite overwhelming evidence of the co-dependence of the conditions. This presentation will examine the effort to introduce, sustain and grow a program designed to serve young people with FASD in a childrens mental health organization.

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