Backgrounder

In April 2008 the FASD Specialist position within the Southern First Nations Network of Care was formalized based on recommendations from the external reviews Honoring Their Spirits: The Child Death Review, #174 September 2006 "Fund FASD Specialists within the Child Welfare System". Each of the partner agencies have now received information in various formats. Agencies have identified a number of service gaps within their regions and communities that cross both provincial and federal funding areas. These gaps have been voiced with the SFNNC as well as provincial and federal working groups. Information on the roll out of the Provincial FASD strategy continues to be shared with the agency service delivery system. A network of FASD Natural Team Leaders has been formed throughout the SFNNC service delivery region and agencies who do not have a Natural Leadership team are encouraged to bring forward their ideas and skills.

Note: The term Natural Team Leader refers to anyone within the Southern First Nation Network of Care service delivery system whom provides direct service for families, delivers program(s) or has a stake in developing agency policy and practice for children and families living with a FASD. This includes: Supervisors, Case managers, Elders, Youth Care workers, Support staff and Foster parents. Anyone whom is interested in furthering their learning, knowledge and advocacy skills is encouraged to join an existing FASD Leadership group and/or coalition or start their own group within their agency.