September 9 marks International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day which provides us with a dedicated time to recognize the unique needs and strengths of children, youth and families living with FASD. This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”, is a reminder that building understanding and reducing stigma requires all of us, within child welfare, health care and our communities, working together to build understanding and support.
FASD Leadership Committee
At the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), our FASD Leadership Committee is made up of our employees who have been certified as FASD Consultants and Trainers, play a role in managing our Agency’s FASD portfolio and/or are members of our Health Services Department. The Committee was formed to ensure our Service staff have access to dedicated colleagues who can provide consultations, guidance and training from a FASD-informed lens.
The Committee provides:
- Child and Youth Specific Consultations: Reviews of a child, youth or family’s situation, with tailored recommendations for interventions and Service delivery.
- Complex Case Reviews: Collaborative reviews with Health Services to offer medical insights and recommendations.
- Training: Workshops and learning sessions for Foster Caregivers, caregivers, staff and community professionals to build awareness and practical strategies to support children and youth living with FASD.
Members of our Committee also participate in the Toronto FASD Leadership Team, which brings together child welfare, children’s mental health and community health agencies to build capacity, deliver training and address stigma of FASD across the city.
Our Ongoing Commitment
The work of the FASD Leadership Committee is just one of the many ways CAST supports children, youth and families in navigating complex needs and building on their strengths.
“By working together within our own Agency, alongside our fellow child welfare agencies in the city and collaboratively with community organizations, we can build further opportunities for understanding and support,” says Nancy Ansong-Danquah, Chief Operating Officer at CAST. “Children and youth living with FASD need approaches that recognize their unique strengths and challenges, and we are working to support them and their families by identifying and facilitating connections to resources and supports.”
