Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

 

FAS Trainers

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One of the original goals established for Alaska’s Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Project was to improve lifelong outcomes for individuals with FASD through improved services. To accomplish this goal, training of all appropriate service providers is critical.

During the past year, 42 dedicated individuals have become FASD Certified Trainers, through the Office of FAS. These trainers are certified to use the curriculum FASD, Disabilities of Discovery: Insights into Brain-Based Disorders (FAS 101). 25 of them are also certified to use the newly developed FASD Strategies and Interventions (FAS 201).

Through this training, we can begin to change the paradigm related to this disability (brain damage vs. behavior problem), and it can begin the process of systems change within our existing service delivery systems—education, developmental disabilities, juvenile justice, child protection, health care, public assistance, vocational rehabilitation, substance abuse treatment, mental health and corrections to name a few. If we expect to improve how services are provided to this population of individuals and their families, change needs to occur within these existing service systems.

We are very excited about these new programs and believe that by developing local community-based expertise, we can more effectively train service providers across the state and across disciplines, which will begin the process of changing the paradigm of thinking about this disability. This, in turn, will change how our systems approach their work with individuals affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. For additional information contact Diane Casto or Jennifer Pendergraft at the DHSS Office of FAS, 877-393-2287 or by e-mail at fas@health.state.ak.us.