Tomorrow is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Day in B.C. and students at Bastion Elementary school are getting involved in a big way - through "theatre in the classroom".

Through the Ministry of Education's Provincial Outreach Program for FASD, six Grade 4 students from the school's French immersion program have participated in an educational video project, filmed in both French and English. In the video, the students will demonstrate real-life scenarios that could occur when a teacher is teaching students about social skills, and it shows teachers how to deal with these scenarios.

The outreach program provides training for teachers as well as a website so teachers, parents and students can increase their understanding of FASD and the effects of FASD on student learning and behaviour. The website shares current research, ideas, strategies, online training and resources to build capacity in school districts for students with FASD and their teachers.

Community outreach is also underway in Salmon Arm to help raise awareness about the disorder and the struggles that families living with FASD go through every day. The Shuswap Children's Association will distribute information about FASD support available in the community at the Ross Street Plaza on Sept. 9. Brochures about FASD awareness and prevention will also be accessible at community agencies and doctors' offices.

Year round, the Shuswap Children's Association provides Key Worker and Parent Support Programs in both the Shuswap and Revelstoke areas. Support includes helping families prepare for assessment, and helping families and children access services and support once a diagnosis has been made. Follow-up services include direct support to families, educational workshops, parenting support programs, suggesting life skills, linking to family services and advocacy.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development launched Key Worker and Parent Support Programs in 2006 for families of children and youth with FASD. Thousands of children and their families have accessed services provided by 52 contracted agencies across the province.

Quick Facts:

• FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications.
• Health Canada estimates approximately nine in every 1,000 infants are born with FASD.
• B.C. is considered a world leader in the field of FASD prevention, diagnosis, assessment, intervention and support.
• In March 2008, B.C. released a 10-year provincial plan called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Building on Strengths (2008-2018). The plan establishes a guide to provincial, regional and community efforts to address FASD.

Learn More:

For more information on Shuswap Children's Association, go to: http://www.shuswapchildrensassociation.ca/index.htm

For more information on the FASD outreach program, go to: www.fasdoutreach.ca.

Contact:

Cindy Rose
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639