PROVINCE RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL FASD DAY

VICTORIA – British Columbia recognizes International FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Day and September as FASD Prevention and Support Month, announced Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen today.

“This government has an ongoing commitment to build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs and children at risk,” said Christensen. “Supporting FASD prevention programs and support systems for children and youth living with FASD and their families is a priority for the Province.”

In May 2006, B.C. provided a $10-million grant to the Victoria Foundation to establish the FASD Action Fund. The fund’s purpose is to provide grants to projects that promote prevention and education, and offer support for children and youth with FASD and their families. To date, more than 40 projects in communities across B.C. have received grants from the Victoria Foundation.

“B.C. has an ongoing interest in maternal and child health,” said Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid. “That’s why we have been investing in prevention, education and support for children born with FASD and their families.”

FASD is the most common form of preventable brain damage to infants in the western world. Health Canada estimates that nine in every 1,000 infants are affected in some way by FASD. Children born with FASD have irreversible brain damage and live with lifelong challenges in learning, employment and socialization. There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy and there is no safe amount.

“Investing in the prevention of FASD contributes to healthy outcomes for pregnant women and their infants,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “We are working to prevent FASD through educating health professionals about alcohol use in pregnancy as well as supporting early assessment and diagnosis in B.C. kids.”

Recognizing that measures to address FASD require cross-ministry initiatives, B.C. became Canada’s first province to create a comprehensive provincial strategy. That was in 2003. Since then, the government has developed a collaborative, co-ordinated approach among provincial ministries and community-based partners such as the Victoria Foundation. Some examples of past and current cross-ministry initiatives are listed below:

Ministry of Children and Family Development has developed new key worker and parent support approaches for families of children and youth with FASD and similar neurological conditions.
Ministry of Health – Regional Health Authorities, in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority, have developed new multi-disciplinary assessment services for children with complex developmental behavioural conditions, including children who may have FASD. As part of ActNow BC, Regional Health Authorities have also developed FASD prevention plans.

Ministry of Education initiated the FASD Provincial Outreach program in 2006, providing information to teachers about the effects of FASD on student learning and behaviour.

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has provided training across the province for people likely to have professional contact with children or adults affected by FASD. In 2005, the BC Centre for Social Responsibility opened at the University College of the Fraser Valley with initial funds from Ministry of Community Services and Ministry of Children and Family Development.

In 2006, the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance held a successful two-day roundtable in Prince George on FASD Prevention and Intervention. The forum brought 150 service providers together to share information and work towards a proactive prevention strategy for northern B.C.

BC Liquor Distribution Branch conducts an annual provincial FASD public awareness campaign.

The provincial government will continue to pursue prevention strategies and programs to assist children and their families. For more information on FASD in B.C., visit the ministry website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/index.htm.

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1 factsheet(s) attached.
Media contact:	Karen Murry Media Relations 250 356-1639

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