Caregivers & Families

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

Caring for people with FASD is rewarding and vital, but putting another person’s needs before your own day in, day out can be exhausting. LCFASD supports caregivers by holding regular support groups where caregivers can come together to talk about their experiences with people who will understand in a judgement-free space.

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TRANSITION SERVICES

Moving into adulthood—better known now as #adulting—can be especially taxing for people with FASD, so we’re there to help with making the transition a little easier.

Transition Coordinators focus on helping young people build a plan for the future, working directly with them and parents, caregivers and teachers. The Transition Coordinator may continue to work with the Child & Family Coordinator in the event that ongoing support services are required for the youth and/or the parents/caregivers during the transition period.

The Transition Coordinator uses a number of established tools to help young people identify both strengths and areas of need, as well as outline the referrals that will be required when the youth comes of legal age. The client, family, support persons, school personnel, employer and service providers are encouraged to take an active role in helping the young person recognize possibilities and achieve goals.

Transition Planning is the process of planning for the future. It involves goal setting, creating a plan and determining what supports an individual may need as they transition from one phase of life to another.

The LCFASD Transition Program is designed for adolescents and young adults who:

  • Are between the ages of 14 and 25
  • Have a FASD diagnosis or is At Risk of FASD
  • Have at least one supportive adult in their life
  • Are willing to commit to the LCFASD Transition Program for 3 to 6 months

The LCFASD Transition Coordinator works directly with the client and their support network to create an individualized Transition Plan; a written document that outlines the individual’s strengths, interests and areas of need. The Transition Plan will also document the client’s short and long-term goals, steps needed to achieve these goals, supports available to help, and a list of holistic recommendations that the client and support network may find helpful. Although Transition Planning should begin around age 14, it is never too late to start the Transition Planning process as it can help an individual at any age.

LCFASD CHILD & FAMILY COORDINATORS

The LCFASD’s Child & Family Coordinators focus on helping parents, guardians and teachers to meet the needs of a child diagnosed with FASD. Coordinators identify services within the community and necessary referrals to help improve the quality of life for the diagnosed child, parents and siblings. The goal of Child & Family Outreach Services is to provide coordinated services for a period of six months, with continued support services available on an as-needed basis. The ultimate goal of Child & Family Services is to support the parent/caregiver to become an effective advocate for the child.

We Care

Get Visual

Kids with FASD often process visual information far better than written information. Use a visual schedule to help them with easy to understand routines or daily schedules. Set up a visual schedule for one of their favourite things to help them get on board.

BEAR HUGS ARE BACK IN STYLE

Everybody loves a firm hug. In fact, body pressure can help calm an anxious or over-stimulated child. Caregivers can also purchase a body sock or pressure vest to help your child out when your arms are full.

MOVEMENT BREAKS ARE GOOD FOR EVERYONE

Movement helps us concentrate, and it's no different for a child with FASD. Encourage your child to get outside and get active – you might even benefit from a shoveled walkway!

TRAINING SERVICES

The Lakeland Centre For FASD is proud to have been on the forefront of groundbreaking service provision for persons with FASD. We provide training services through Rajani Diagnostic to groups of all sizes and types, including parents and caregivers.