ASSESSMENT

The five Regional Health Authorities in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority (http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/regions/index.htm) provide multi-disciplinary assessment services for children (0-19) with significant difficulties in multiple areas of function including development and learning, mental health, and adaptive and social skills. Children who may have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or other Complex Developmental Behaviour Conditions (CDBC) are assessed through these Assessment Network teams. Although the six Assessment Networks may follow a different referral process, each adheres to the provincial Health guidelines. For example, in the Northern region, referrals for assessment for FASD or CDBC will be accepted by a Family Physician, Pediatrician, or a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Practitioner. Elsewhere in the province referral is by Pediatrician or Psychiatrist only. For more information on the Assessment Networks, FASD Guidelines and CDBC, see:

http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/172/5_suppl/S1

http://www.fasdoutreach.ca/files/downloads/Alcoholguideline.pdf (previously available from www.rcp.gov.bc.ca)

CDBCAssessmentProcess.pdf

http://www.fraserhealth.ca/your_care/mental_health_and_addictions/assessment_network_for_complex_developmental_behaivoural_conditions

http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/assessment.htm

Assessment Network Contact information: (revised August 2009)

Provincial Health Services Authority (Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children): 
Karen Kalynchuk; Assessment Network Director:
604-453-8300

Regional Contacts: 

Northern Health Assessment Network:
Sharon Davalovsky; Regional Manager;
250-565-7346

Intake:    
Chantelle Wilson; Regional Coordinator;
250-565-5827

Interior Health Assessment Network:
Randy James; Team Director;
250-868-7719

Intake and Information:
Christine Mann;
250-712-0413

Fraser Health Assessment Network:
Trish Salisbury; Manager;
604-587-4287

Intake and Reception:
604-587-4290

Vancouver Coastal Health Assessment Network:
Diane Bissenden; Acting Director:                                                                  604-233-3180

Intake:
604-453-8320

Vancouver Island Health Assessment Network:
Phyllis Straathof; Manager;
250-721-6703

Intake:
250-721-6749

Key Worker and Parent Support (MCFD):

Two services are available to assist families of children and youth with confirmed or suspected FASD: Key Workers and Parent Support.

Key Workers assist families in understanding FASD by providing education and information specific to the needs of the child and family. Parent Support includes local parent and grandparent FASD training, parent mentoring and parent support groups.

Key Worker and Parent Support offers support and FASD education opportunities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children and youth with FASD.
More information is available on the MCFD website: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/kw_support.htm

Other links:

The 10-year Provincial Plan on FASD:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/ten_year_plan.htm

Key Worker and Parent Support Evaluation reports:          http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/kw_evaluation.htm

Program standards for Key Workers:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/pdf/kw_guidelines_june_08.pdf