This workshop will explore current approaches to working with women who use alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and prescription pain medications, so that service providers can feel confident and competent in discussing substance use with women, and can be a part of efforts to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Approaches to awareness building, brief intervention, and holistic wrap around support for pregnant women with alcohol and other substance use problems will be covered. Key principles and practices of working in a trauma informed way will be offered, since it is critical for trauma-informed approaches to be integrated in prevention, brief intervention, and treatment approaches on alcohol and other substance use issues. How our work on FASD prevention can reach and support women who have FASD themselves will also be considered.
The workshop will be a forum for dialogue on various levels and approaches to prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, through working effectively and compassionately with women and their support networks on substance use and related health and social concerns.
Nancy Poole is the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health based in Vancouver, and the Prevention Lead for the CanFASD Research Network. Nancy is known for her collaborative work towards improving policy and service provision related to girls and women’s substance use and overall health, with governments and organizations in Canada, and internationally. Nancy has published five books including one entitled “Becoming Trauma Informed”, which includes examples of how community based programs across Canada are applying the principles of trauma informed practice.