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 ESTABLISHED EXPERTISE IN THE AREA OF FASD

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Bridgeway’s model and  method of serving the FASD population involves intensive support services including annual FASD certification training and ongoing development in FASD for Foster Parents: individualized and group case consultation: one to one services and customization of FASD Care Plan;For example: skilled professional support staff in home, school or community, Educational Development workers,  planned respite services and emergency relief as required; additional support services consisting of transportation services and  recreational programming supports is available.

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The need for alternative and innovative programming is evident.

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Based on our placement referral research and our service delivery experiences, we are keenly aware of the exceptional needs within the FASD population. We have recognized the need for more comprehensive and intensive supports through our experience serving Foster Children/Youth within our well established Foster Care Programs.

Bridgeway partners with Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario to help reduce the number of children and youth affected with FASD/ARND being placed in residential group care settings.

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The children and youth who are affected are very hard to serve and often are misdiagnosed or have dual-diagnoses and escape early detection for FASD, the primary disability and are seen as failures in many systems including education, mental health, and justice.

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Developing an alternative specialized program designed for children and youth with FASD is a proactive approach in response to the growing population of children and youth being admitted into the foster care system.

 

Bridgeway is committed to caring for Foster Children/Youth with FASD.

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We believe that a safe and stable placement within a family home environment is the number one protective factor for children and youth affected by FASD in preventing multiple placement changes.

 

Our Goals:

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• To equip and support Foster Parents and their Families

• To customized support for the caregivers is critical to achieve and maintain placement stability

• To advocate for early diagnosis and appropriate resources

• To prevent secondary disabilities: secondary disabilities are issues that can occur as a result of the primary disability and may include the following: placement disruptions, school problems and disruptions, substance abuse, violent and threatening behaviour, inappropriate sexual behaviour, trouble with the law, mental health issues, joblessness and homelessness.

• To promote planning for lifelong relationships and supports for youth with FASD into adulthood

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FASD Consultations will:

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• Strengthen the interactions of the entire Foster Family including biological children, other family members and other foster siblings within the home

• Provide Foster Parents with techniques that will increase their ability to adapt, cope and respond to a child/youth affected with FASD.

• Coordinate, Supervise and support the Foster Parents in making environmental accommodations: enhancing family home to respond to the unique needs of children and youth affected by FASD (hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, gross and fine motor challenges, cognitive cues, etc.)