Training/Courses
Many agencies and programs offer specialized training courses within communities and/or regions. To access the Canadian FASD Training Online Database, visit the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) web site: http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/Priorities/fasd/Pages/default.aspx
(updated Dec., 2009)
College of New Caledonia/Thompson Rivers’ University
FASD Advanced Diploma Online / FASD Online Courses
Join our team of provincially and nationally recognized experts and increase your ability to effect change!
These unique online university-level courses provide professionals with the skills to improve service, impact policy and understand the complex challenges facing individuals, families and communities impacted by FASD. All courses are delivered fully online and are tailored to meet your educational and work needs.
These courses have been developed in partnership with Thompson Rivers University and BCCampus.
(updated Dec., 2009)
FASD Center - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
A fantastic (May, 2007)resource is available at http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/educationTraining/courses/FASDTheCourse/
This is a FREE on-line course which provides an overview of risk factors for fasd, signs and symptoms, and prevention and treatment methods. The course has 7 modules and includes many video clips by leading researchers and a 3-D tour of the brain! Provides lots of information about the effects of alcohol on the developing fetus and conesquent damage to the brain.
(updated Dec., 2009)
Justice Institute of B.C. - Centre of Leadership and Community Learning online course.
This online course is for front-line workers, program managers, and others working with high-risk women and/or children, youth, and adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), along with their families and support networks. The course is 21 hours long, to be completed part-time over six weeks.
The disabilities related to FASD are often not well understood by those working in health, educational, social service, and justice settings. As a result, the response to children, youth, and adults with FASD may not take into account their disabilities related to communication, memory, and reasoning. Also, opportunities are missed for preventing FASD by effectively intervening with women in their childbearing years who use alcohol.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the training. This course will count towards the program requirements of a Substance Use Certificate from CFCS.
http://www.jibc.ca/cfcs/CACB/CACB_online.html#fasd
(updated Dec., 2009)
Lethbridge College
There is a growing demand for support workers and caregivers who have the knowledge and skills to support children, adults and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This certificate is designed for current professionals and those aspiring towards careers in education, health care, disability services, criminal justice and other human service areas where services to individuals who were exposed prenatally to alcohol are provided.
Course work includes topics on prevention, intervention strategies, diagnosis, behavior associated with FASD, functional assessment, family support, cultural diversity, and case management. Understanding how this developmental disability impacts a person throughout their life is a primary focus of the curriculum. During the practicum courses, you will transfer your new found knowledge about FASD into practical and meaningful ways to support individuals, families and communities. The practical learning experiences can be completed in most Canadian communities and are supported through seminars and regular instructor contact.
Make a difference in your community by choosing a career supporting individuals living with FASD.
http://www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137
(updated Dec., 2009)
MCFD Keyworker Training
Many MCFD regions will be offering provincial level 1 and level 2 training for the "Keyworker" positions. As well, other regions may be offering specialized training. If you know of regional or provincial training, please inform us.
(updated Dec., 2009)
University of Calgary Post-Diploma Program
www.ucalgary.ca/newcurrents/Vol6.6/FAS.html
The Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Program at the University of Calgary offers a post-diploma program (Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation [BCR]) to students working in the field of rehabilitation who want to complete a degree. The degree is available to students in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan through small groups of students identified as Community of Learners (COL). These students can access the program through a variety of means, including distance education.
One area of required study is in the area of health as it relates to disability. The COL has identified a particular interest in the study of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Many students felt that they had encountered disabled adults in their practice who indeed had many of the characteristics of FAS, but had never been formally diagnosed. It was decided that it would be beneficial to offer a course in this area to provide professional training and promote awareness of FAS among community rehabilitation professionals. COL students identified a need to receive training in the many complex issues related to FAS, an entirely preventable disability.
For information on the Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities Program, check out the Web site at http://www.crds.org/courses/distance_ed/courses.shtml
or contact Dr. Anne Hughson at 403-220-6273.
(updated Dec., 2009)
Vancouver Island University
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Community Practitioner Certificate Program
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Community Practitioner program will be of interest to service providers, volunteers, and community members interested in understanding FASD.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Community Practitioner program is an 78-hour, part-time, locally developed program that strengthens a practitioner's ability to support people living with FASD. Successful graduates receive a non-credit Certificate of Program Completion in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Community Practitioner Program. An FASD Community Practitioner is a competent service provider with a solid base of knowledge and skills required to effectively support people living with FASD.
Instructors will provide students with information, group discussion, interactive activities, and opportunities for practical applications to enhance their knowledge and skills in identification and diagnostic issues, effective communication, intervention and support strategies, and community networking and leadership. See more details about this program in the Program Guide.
http://www.cc.viu.ca/td/fasd.htm
(updated Dec., 2009)
Western Regional Training Center for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (WRTC for FASDs)
The WRTC for FASDs offers two free online continuing education courses for health providers including physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers. These courses take approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete and were released August 22, 2008.
1) Identification, Evaluation and Diagnosis of FASDs
The purpose of this course is to educate health providers about the incidence, the different diagnostic categories and the long-term effects of FASD. As well, this course will help practitioners better recognize the individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure so that they can be appropriately referred for treatment and case management. You can access this course at www.fascme.com/c101.html.
2) Screening and Brief Intervention Training for Alcohol Reduction or Cessation for Pregnant Women: Client Centered Care
This course is targeted for health providers who do not necessarily have prior experience in alcohol screening and brief intervention. It will educate practitioners about the effects of alcohol on the fetus and help them to develop skills to identify and advise women about alcohol reduction or cessation during pregnancy. You can access this course at www.fascme.com/c000.html.
(updated Dec., 2009)
Whitecrow Village FASD Society also offers training and opportunities to volunteer at Whitecrow Village Camp - for more information see http://www.whitecrowvillage.org/index.htm
(updated Dec., 2009)
