Supports and services for Indigenous people with FASD must be Indigenous-led and incorporate traditional Indigenous wisdom and practices to ensure programs are inclusive, culturally relevant, and reflective of Indigenous approaches. Aligning with the commitments outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. Together, these frameworks emphasize the importance of Indigenous self-determination, equal access to culturally safe services, and the need for healing that addresses health inequities and respects Indigenous governance and practices.

Outcomes: 

• FASD programs and services are person-centered, more inclusive to Indigenous approaches, informed by and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and being

Individuals with FASD often require a continuum of housing supports to address their significant risk of homelessness.  Jurisdictions are trialing different housing models.

Outcomes: 

• Information on current evidence-based housing models and practices that support adults with FASD, and their families/caregivers is shared between jurisdictions.

Resources: 

• Creating Intersections: A systematic and person-centred harmonizing framework for housing individuals with FASD
• A Mosaic of Options: A Housing Continuum for People with FASD
• Voices: A Housing Continuum for People with FASD – YouTube 

Enhancing the understanding and knowledge of FASD among service providers enables them to more effectively address the specific needs of individuals with FASD, leading to improved outcomes. Providing targeted training opportunities is essential to increasing the confidence and competence of those supporting individuals with FASD, particularly through practical, FASD-specific skills training and support for individuals who use substances during pregnancy. It is imperative that such training is validated by individuals with lived experience to ensure its relevance, authenticity, and effectiveness.

Outcomes: 

• Increase access to FASD training to support the competencies of community service support workers and caregivers who directly support individuals with FASD.
• Increase access to FASD training for a broad range of stakeholders in all levels, from government policy officials to direct service providers.
• Share information on FASD training and education initiatives between jurisdictions.

Resources: 

• Online Learning – Flexible online learning opportunities for you or your team, from CanFASD
• FASD Training and Education – Learn about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through online training, videos and publications. From the Government of Alberta.

The majority of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) also have a concurrent mental health diagnosis, yet they are often not adequately supported by existing mental health and addictions services. It is crucial for service providers to be FASD-informed to ensure they can offer appropriate supports or refer individuals with FASD to services that address their unique needs effectively.

Outcomes: 

• Service provider knowledge of mental health and addictions supports is FASD-informed to enhance service delivery.
• Mental Health Resource and Practice Guide are distributed and evaluated widely to maximize its impact.
• Tailored resources are developed for service providers on mental health and addictions services and programs specifically designed for individuals with FASD, including targeted supports for pregnant individuals and Indigenous communities.

Resources: 

• Informational Note: Mental Health and Individuals with FASD
• Policy Webinar Report: FASD and Mental Health and Wellness: Urgency, Recognition, and Solutions for Government Policy Makers

Supporting individuals with FASD and pregnant individuals who use substances requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates current best practices, research, and compassionate care.

Outcomes: 

• Best practices, tools and resources in incorporating culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches are shared with service providers, policy makers and communities.

Resources: 

• Policy Webinar Report: Supporting Children and Youth with FASD: Finding our Way Together

A shared common approach to FASD prevention messaging across jurisdictions can significantly enhance the effectiveness of efforts to reduce alcohol use during pregnancy. When jurisdictions—whether at the national, provincial, or community level—align their strategies and messaging, it ensures consistency, maximizes reach, and builds public trust.

Outcomes: 

• Increase common FASD prevention messaging between jurisdictions and share this common messaging through other disability related forums and committees to increase awareness of a united FASD prevention messaging.

Resources: 

• Preconception and FASD Prevention: Understanding and Implications for Policy Makers – This policy webinar was to stimulate discussion for policymakers and enhance understanding of the opportunities and challenges informing those intending to become pregnant about the risks of alcohol and pregnancy.
• Alcohol and Pregnancy – one-page infographic from SOGC
• The Prevention Conversation – online training program for front-line health and social services professionals
• Doorways to Conversation – Brief Intervention on Substance Use with Girls and Women – This book from the Centre for Excellence for Women’s Health focuses on brief intervention with girls and women in the preconception and perinatal period.
• Dry9 | AGLC (drinksenseab.ca) – Doing a Dry9 means you are making the decision to not drink any alcohol throughout your pregnancy.  Sign up to do a Dry9 and join a community of support. From AGLC and DrinkSense.
• Alcohol, Contraception, and Preconception – Information for Service Providers – one-page infographic from the Department of Families, Province of Manitoba.

FASD diagnostic practices must prioritize culturally safe approaches to ensure that assessments are inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds. It is essential that these approaches are tailored to the unique needs and contexts of individual communities, including Indigenous communities, which have distinct histories, experiences, and cultural values. By adapting diagnostic methods to local circumstances, healthcare providers can offer more equitable and sensitive care that aligns with the cultural traditions and experiences of the people they serve. This personalized approach is critical in fostering trust and improving health outcomes in FASD diagnosis and care.

Outcomes: 

• Establish best practice guidelines and resources towards delivering culturally safe diagnostics process to persons with FASD.​

Resources: 

• Policy Webinar Report: Enhancing Culturally Safe and Trauma Informed Approaches to Assessment and Diagnosis Practices
• Understanding FASD Diagnosis webinar