In 2017, Angela Kemble of the Northwest Central FASD Network (renamed to Willow Winds FASD Network) identified a persistent and concerning trend: individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) were significantly overrepresented in Alberta’s correctional system – yet the vast majority lacked appropriate support.
She launched the In Reach Project – a bold initiative designed to address this gap. Initially introduced as a small-scale pilot, the program quickly evolved into a model for systemic reform in Alberta.
The project began by delivering FASD-informed training to correctional staff, integrating culturally grounded sharing circles within facilities, and piloting on-site diagnostic services to help identify and support individuals with FASD.
An independent evaluation led by our very own Dr. Melissa Tremblay, validated the impact of the program. The findings echoed what frontline professionals had long observed – FASD-informed approaches are effective. The In Reach Project led to reduced recidivism, stronger relationships between staff and inmates, and more successful reintegration into the community.
Key lessons from the evaluation
Short custody stays are opportunities
Custody can provide a rare moment of stability – a time when individuals are required to be present. This creates a unique opportunity to engage them in reflection and planning, while they are in a space where showing up is not optional.
Staff needed better tools
Even though Alberta Correctional Services provided FASD education for their staff over the past 20 years, many correctional staff misunderstood or overlooked the symptoms of FASD. Through targeted refresher training, staff were supported to recognize behaviours as a challenge of living with FASD, providing the ability to respond with compassion.
Sharing circles created change
These non-judgmental sessions helped inmates learn about FASD and recognize their own challenges, often resulting in a request for assessment and support.
Partnerships made it possible
Although accessing correctional facilities can be a challenge, success came through strong relationship building with staff, FASD Networks, Indigenous Elders, and community partners with everyone working towards a common goal: reduce returns to custody.
Support after release was missing
This was the biggest gap. Without post-release help, risk of reoffending was heightened wtihout basic support. That insight shaped the next step in the creation of the Transitional Mentorship Program.
From pilot to province-wide program
In Reach didn’t just help individuals; it shaped provincial policy. The evaluation’s insights informed the evolution of the pilot, designing the Transitional Mentorship Program, now offered across all provincial correctional centres.
“Willow Winds is honoured to celebrate eight successful years of the In Reach program, which we began as FASD staff training in the Edmonton Remand Centre and Edmonton Institution for Women in 2017. In Reach grew to include FASD sharing sessions in 2018, FASD in facility assessment and diagnosis in 2019, and Transitional Mentorship in 2023. We are so excited to see In Reach be available in all Alberta provincial correctional institutes and how other FASD Networks are incorporating it and adding their own perspective to it.”
Angela Kemble, Willow Winds
The province’s approach shows how grassroots innovation combined with evidence-based research can lead to lasting, systemic change.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of FASD and the criminal justice system, don’t miss the Canada FASD Conference!
We’ll be hosting a dedicated session on this very topic – featuring insights from frontline practitioners, researchers, and individuals with lived experience. It’s an opportunity to dive deeper into the challenges, innovations, and promising practices that are shaping criminal justice reform across the country.