West Region Child and Family Services FASD Prevention and Intervention Program

1. West Region Child and Family ServicesFASD Prevention and Intervention Program Rolling River First Nations Manitoba

2. West Region Child and Family Services • Keeseekowenin First Nations • Waywayseecappo First Nations • Gambler First Nations • Ebb and Flow First Nations • Rolling River First Nations • Crane River First Nations • Skownan First Nations • Pine Creek First Nations • Valley River First Nations

3. West Region Child and Family ServicesAssets of the Agency • Family Resource Centre in most communities • Community worker in each community • Block Funding formula • Most staff are aboriginal many community members • Most staff have BSW, some working on MSW • Support from Leadership • Commitment to creative practice among staff

4. West Region Child and Family Services Goals of the FASD Program • Reduction of children born with FASD • Reduction of children coming into care • Increase the capacity of families and caregivers caring for children with FASD • Increase supports for children with FASD in the school and community • Increased support to children with FASD in and out of care • Reduction of unplanned moves for children with FASD

5. The Gift of the Child with FASDTraditional teachings tell us that children with FASD are a special gift from the creator Each child comes into a family with their own special role in the family and the community. Children may be brought into the world to take on leadership roles. They may be entrusted with the responsibility to nurture and support others. They may be placed on Turtle Island to help the community struggle with imbalances due to addictions, poverty and difficult life circumstances. Our role, as caring community members, is to find, understand, and recognize the gifts in all of our children.

6. West Region CFS-FASD Program Support to Families -Family Centred Diagnostic Program (Diagnosis) -Parent Advocacy (Training) -Community Based Support Building a Healthy Community -Workshops (Training) -Reclaiming our Voices (Prevention) -Women’s Lodge (Prevention) • West North Physical Mental Parents Community • South East Social Emotional Professionals The child Supports to Children -Case planning support (Support to Families) -Referrals for diagnosis (Diagnosis) -Long term planning (Support to Families) Supports to Professionals -Consulting (Training) -Specialized Programming -Partnerships with community programs

7. West Region Child and Family Services FASD Training • Training to Staff, Foster parents, Community schools • Specialized Training to kids in school • Disability Awareness Programs • Baby Think it Over Program • Teen groups • Positive Parenting Programs • Lifeskills Programming

8. West Region Child and Family Services FASD Diagnosis • Family Centred Diagnostic Program • Involvement of birth mother/family • Involvement of siblings/sibling groups • Connection between Reclaiming Our Voices and Diagnosis • Non ‘Labeling’ approach

9. West Region Child and Family Services Support to Families • Increase in Respite/ co-parenting options for parents • Advocacy for Families • Case Planning support for workers • Advocacy in School

10. Reclaiming Our Voices: was developed in 1999 to support First Nations women who have been affected by addictions and may have children with FASD • Recognition of rates of violence and victimization of First Nations women • First Nations women have an important place in First Nations Communities. However, their role is often challenged by a history of addictions which have been used to overcome the grief of past and present abuse and victimization. • The incidence of FASD and addictions will be reduced when women are provided a nurturing, supportive and gifting environment to heal.

11. The Gathering • Three day event held at Russell Inn, MB • Hosts about 170 participants and 30 staff • Event provides hotel, 3 hot meals, snacks, activities and a gift each day • Woman only event- no partners or children • All administration costs are covered by West Region Child and Family Services • other costs approx. $60,000 year

12. Features of the Gathering • Guest Speakers • Workshops • Healing/Counselling • Traditional activities • Women of the Rainbow Lodge • Prayer Circles • Social Activities • Nurturing environment

14. Outcomes: • Support groups in 2-3 communities • Return of up to 12 children in care and prevention of a further 20 children coming into ‘care’ • Increased trust between community women and child welfare workers • Increased understanding of the needs of addicted women and families among child welfare workers • Growth of lodge

15. Lessons Learned: • Families often need help negotiating community supports especially in the school • Birth parents often need as much support as the child with FAS • Families often need help operationalizing material learned in training sessions • Be careful about your values around this issue. • Change takes time

16. For More Information: Kathy Jones, Ph.D., RSW Coordinator, Reclaiming Our Voices Gathering West Region Child and Family Services Rolling River First Nation (204) 985-4050 (Voice) (204) 985-4079 (FAX) kathy@wrcfs.mb.ca