Program Information
Building Circles of Support
Building Circles of Support is an eight week Parenting Information Series offered by the Manitoba FASD Centre to parents, caregivers, family members and professionals who support children and youth diagnosed with FASD. These sessions provide caregivers with the opportunity to learn about best practices in parenting a child with FASD, as well as provide them with the opportunity to connect and network with other families. These sessions also link them to FASD resources and services in their area. Sessions are held once yearly at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children and once yearly via Telehealth to various sites serviced by the Regional FASD Diagnostic Coordinators.
FASD Family Support Education and Counselling
The FASD Family Support, Education and Counselling Program works together with families and the community to support children and youth with FASD or confirmed pre-natal exposure to alcohol (up to age 14). Services are Winnipeg based, and counsellors work with parents and other systems (Education, Childcare, Housing, Health, CFS, etc.) to improve outcomes for children and youth. Services are tailored specifically to the needs of the family and individuals with FASD. Challenges involving attachment, mental health, learning difficulties, emotional/self-regulation, and at-risk behaviour are addressed through individual and group counselling services. Workshops, training and consultation services are also available for parents and professionals.
Family Resource Centres
Family resource centres offer programming and services for parents/caregivers and their children, with an emphasis on culturally-appropriate activities that involve young children, parents and other caregivers.
InSight Mentoring Program
InSight is a unique three year service that provides intensive mentorship, support and advocacy for people who are pregnant and use substances. Using a harm reduction approach, participants are supported to set and attain goals, make connections within their communities, and create healthier environments for themselves and their children. Participants can self-refer, or a support person can assist with referral. InSight has program sites in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, The Pas, Flin Flon, and Thompson.
Manito Ikwe Kagiikwe (The Mothering Project)
This program operating out of Mount Carmel Clinic in Winnipeg is offered for people who are pregnant or have a baby up to 3 years of age and are using substances. The program offers outreach services, one on one support, support groups, access to prenatal care, referrals, advocacy and access to traditional ceremonies and teachings.
Manitoba FASD Family Network
Co-sponsored by the Manitoba FASD Centre and the Rehabilitation Centre for Children the new Manitoba FASD Family Network provides an opportunity for information sharing, education and support for parents and caregivers of children and youth with FASD. The family network will also provide a forum for families to give their input to service delivery groups or organizations who are developing programs for children, youth and families living with FASD. Recreational opportunities for families will be promoted throughout the year. Network meetings will be held 4-6 times a year at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Facilitated support groups will be offered 2-3 times a year.
The Manitoba Key Worker Program
The Manitoba Key Worker Program provides support and personalized information to families in Selkirk and surrounding areas who have children and youth (ages 0-21) with FASD or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Since each family is unique, Key Workers will assist the family in accessing supports, community resources, and health and education information that reflects the specific needs of the family. Key Workers supplement and enhance, but do not replace existing community resources. Key Workers work in collaboration with parents, family members, adoptive parents, caregivers and service providers to assist the child/youth experience less frustration and more success.