Programs and Services

NEAFAN ensures that programs provided improve the lives of families, caregivers, and professionals dealing with FASD.

We provide a continuum of coordinated services in the following four service categories.

1.    FASD Assessment and Diagnosis

The first step towards helping individuals and caregivers learn how to cope-The FASD diagnosis ensures adequate supports are put in place, leading to improved outcomes for those affected by FASD.

Key features looked for when assessing FASD:

  • The team looks at visible facial features
  • The team assesses for brain damage: functional assessments by a trained Psychologist, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Pathologist

The FASD assessment team determines exposure to alcohol. Confirmed or unconfirmed, while in the womb.

Individuals have a wider range of outcomes and these features may appear in individuals whether or not they were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Features may also appear differently across the lifespan of the person. This is why FASD assessments are so difficult and require a team of professionals from multiple areas to accurately interpret and assess.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Download NEAFAN FASD Clinic Referral Package

2.    FASD Prevention

NEAFAN works to enhance direct prevention support for women of child bearing age who use harmful substances and need help and support.

  • Women’s Wellness Program. The Women’s Wellness program through the Centre of Hope assists homeless women to access health care and provides outreach services. The program aims to support women to make healthy choices and prevent FASD.
  • PCAP Program. Parent Child Assistance Program (PCAP) is a voluntary 3 year mentorship program. Mentors provide practical support and work individually with mothers to ensure a stable environment. The program aims to support women to make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
  • Prevention Conversation- A Shared Responsibility. The program aims to raise awareness of FASD and Prevention among target populations including Healthcare and Social Service Providers, Women of Childbearing Age(18-45), Partners, Families and Friends.  The Project is geared towards highlighting the importance of screening all women in child bearing age for alcohol use and risks associated with FASD, improve supports for these women and promote involvement of community members and primary care providers. The Prevention Conversation is aimed at encouraging a community wide awareness of FASD and prevention, developing  the skills within the community to engage in non-judgmental, empathetic conversations about alcohol use during pregnancy. The Prevention Conversation is centered around  increasing our knowledge of FASD,  training service providers on  the use of screening tools to engage women in the Prevention Conversation.

    To book a Prevention Conversation presentation, please contact:
    Amy Tobin
    FASD Prevention Conversation Facilitator
    McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Assoc.
    Fort McMurray, AB
    amy.tobin@mcman.ca
    780-715-9729

3.    Support Programs

  • Outreach and Support for Individuals and Caregivers. These programs are designed to assist and support individuals affected by FASD and their families/caregivers. Based on the client’s needs, outreach workers will work to address needs, set goals and work to achieve them, to enhance positive outcomes.
  • Supportive Housing through the Center of Hope. Captain’s Place is a supportive housing initiative for 3 homeless men who are suspected to have a diagnoses/or have already been diagnosed with FASD. While at Captain’s Place, the men are supported by a small team which take a client focused and holistic approach to mentoring.

4.    FASD Awareness

We work on providing education and information about 1) the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, 2) the effects of FASD, 3) available services.

  • Prevention Conversation- A Shared Responsibility. The program aims to raise awareness of FASD and Prevention among target populations including Healthcare and Social Service Providers, Women of Childbearing Age(18-45), Partners, Families and Friends.  The Project is geared towards highlighting the importance of screening all women in child bearing age for alcohol use and risks associated with FASD, improve supports for these women and promote involvement of community members and primary care providers. The Prevention Conversation is aimed at encouraging a community wide awareness of FASD and prevention, developing the skills within the community to engage in non-judgmental, empathetic conversations about alcohol use during pregnancy.The Prevention Conversation is centered around increasing our knowledge of FASD, training service providers on  the use of screening tools to engage women in the Prevention Conversation.