Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety

Introduction

At the June 2016 meeting of Federal, Provincial, and Territorial  Deputy Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety, Deputies asked to  include a list of governmental and non-governmental partnerships and  collaborations on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to accompany the final  report of the Steering Committee on FASD and Access to Justice.

This inventory outlines Canadian partnerships focused  on FASD. Partnerships include existing working groups, committees, networks, and  government plans/initiatives, involving stakeholders collaborating between and  within jurisdictions, such as across governments (e.g., federal, provincial,  territorial), departments (e.g., health, education, justice, social services),  and non-governmental organizations. This inventory outlines partnerships that  are federal, interjurisdictional, intergovernmental, provincial/territorial,  and non-governmental.

Information was collected in the summer of 2016.  Sources included a 2010 inventory of FASD partnerships (Department of Justice  Canada), federal, provincial, and territorial government and non-government  organization websites, and representatives from the Public Health Agency of  Canada, Health Canada, Canada Northwest FASD Partnership, Canada Fetal Alcohol  Spectrum Disorder Research Network, and Federal/Provincial/Territorial  Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials Criminal Justice Steering Committee  on FASD and Access to Justice. Partnerships are listed alphabetically under each  heading. Hyperlinks to websites and key reports are provided where available.

Federal government FASD partnerships

Federal government partnerships include a combination  of federal/provincial/territorial governments and non-governmental  organizations, led by the federal government.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Initiative            

The Public Health Agency of Canada's Fetal Alcohol  Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Initiative provides strategic federal leadership and  coordination, with the aim of preventing FASD and improving the health and  social outcomes of those affected. The FASD Initiative collaborates with  federal, provincial, and territorial governments, health and allied  professionals, researchers, communities, and other stakeholders to coordinate  activities to address FASD and contribute to research and policy efforts. As  part of a 5-Year Strategic Plan (2016-2021), the Initiative established four  priorities: raising public awareness, preventing alcohol use in pregnancy,  improving health and social outcomes for those affected, and data.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Interdepartmental Working  Group (FASD IWG)      

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Interdepartmental  Working Group (FASD IWG) provides coordinated leadership for the Government of  Canada on issues related to FASD. As a forum aligning strategic federal  leadership, the overarching aim is to prevent FASD and improve the health and  social outcomes for those already affected. The FASD IWG comprises  representatives from a variety of federal organizations, including the Public  Health Agency of Canada (Chair), Health Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health  Research, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Employment and Social  Development Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Justice Canada,  National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Public Safety Canada, and  Status of Women Canada.

First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB)      

Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch  (FNIHB) works with First Nations, Inuit, other federal departments, and  provincial and territorial partners to support the delivery of health services  to First Nations and Inuit. FNIHB provides and funds a range of programs and  services in First Nations and Inuit communities, including the Fetal Alcohol  Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program. A goal of the FASD Program is to reduce the  number of babies born with FASD, and support children who are diagnosed and  their families to improve their quality of life.

Interjurisdictional FASD partnerships

Interjurisdictional partnerships include a combination  of federal/provincial/territorial governments and non-governmental organizations,  both of which play a role in the governance structure.

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)

The Canadian  Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) works with partners to educate and inform  Canadians on the risks of consuming alcohol, marijuana, and other substances  during pregnancy. Addressing FASD is one of the 13 priorities of the National  Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other  Drugs and Substances in Canada (2005), developed collaboratively by  representatives from governments, enforcement agencies, Aboriginal service  providers, NGOs, academics, the health community, Health Canada, and CCSA. CCSA  partnered with Health Canada and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission  to co-chair an expert working group of members from federal and provincial  governments, national not-for-profit organizations, First Nations and Inuit  organizations, academia, and the tourism and alcohol industries to develop  recommendations for a national  alcohol strategy (2007).

FASD Interagency Advisory Committee

In June 2016, the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon  (FASSY), Child Development Centre, departments of Health and Social Services  and Justice came together to create the FASD Interagency Advisory Committee  alongside other government departments (Education, Housing, Yukon Liquor  Corporation, and Women's Directorate), the Council of Yukon First Nations, FASD  leaders and advocates, family members, persons with lived experience, and other  community agencies. The Advisory Committee will be working on the development  of a FASD framework for action in Yukon and a 10-year strategic plan. Key areas  of focus will be: awareness, prevention, and supports; assessment and  diagnosis; supports to individuals with FASD and their families; education and  training; and research, monitoring, and evaluation.

National Alcohol Strategy Advisory Committee (NASAC)

The National  Alcohol Strategy Advisory Committee (NASAC) was formed in 2008 to lead the  implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Canada's national alcohol  strategy. The committee is co-chaired by the Canadian Centre on Substance  Abuse, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, and the Nova Scotia Department of  Health and Wellness. Members include experts from across Canada from federal  and provincial governments, non-governmental organizations, alcohol policy, public  health (e.g., medical officers of health), First Nations, Inuit, and Métis  service providers, and the alcohol industry.

Intergovernmental FASD partnerships

Intergovernmental partnerships include both federal  and provincial governments in the governance structure (non-governmental  organizations are not involved in governance).

Atlantic Intergovernmental Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder  Partnership (AIFASDP)

The Atlantic Intergovernmental Fetal Alcohol Spectrum  Disorder Partnership (AIFASDP) is composed of provincial, federal, and regional  ethnic government representatives from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince  Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunatsiavut, Health Canada (First  Nations and Inuit Health), and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).  Members are from various departments, including health, education, community  services, and mental health and addictions services. The mandate is to develop  partnerships which foster collaboration and communication between the provincial  and federal government in the Atlantic region, identify gaps, challenges, and  opportunities in order to set priorities for FASD work in Atlantic Canada, pool  resources to provide public education on FASD in the Atlantic region, and  advocate for, encourage, and promote Atlantic FASD research. A 2008 report  published by PHAC and Health Canada, Forward,  Together: Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Atlantic Canada,  presents the results of a two-phase effort to document FASD in the region,  identify gaps, priorities, and opportunities related to FASD, and provide  recommendations for future direction in Atlantic Canada.

FASD Intergovernmental Action Network of Ontario (FIANO)

The FASD Intergovernmental Action Network of Ontario  (FIANO) is a network of provincial and federal government representatives  working to develop intergovernmental collaboration on FASD.  

FASD Network of Quebec

The FASD Network of Quebec is a collaborative network  of professionals working toward sharing FASD expertise and knowledge and  encouraging and supporting initiatives and innovative projects related to FASD.  Membership includes experts and specialists in health promotion, diagnosis,  justice services, the criminal justice system, and youth protection. The FASD  Network of Quebec is chaired by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Provincial/territorial government FASD partnerships

Provincial/territorial government partnerships include  only provincial/territorial governments in the governance structure (federal  government is not involved in governance).

Alberta FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan

In 2007, the Government of Alberta launched a  cross-ministry initiative to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to  FASD, resulting in the development and implementation of Alberta's FASD 10-Year  Strategic Plan 2008. The FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan provides an overview  of the scope and impact of FASD on individuals and families in Alberta. It  identifies a vision, mission statement, guiding principles, and a broad  framework for the coordination, planning, and delivery of FASD services across  Alberta in the areas of awareness and prevention, assessment and diagnosis,  supports for individuals and caregivers, research and evaluation, strategic  planning, training and education, and stakeholder engagement. Twelve FASD Service  Networks are a key initiative of the Plan to provide community-based  coordinated assessment and diagnosis, targeted and indicated prevention, and  support services for people affected by FASD and their caregivers.

Alberta FASD Cross-Ministry Committee (FASD-CMC)

The Alberta FASD  Cross-Ministry Committee (FASD-CMC) provides a collaborative approach to  planning and delivering government FASD programs and services, while ensuring  consistency and synergy in government goals and priorities for FASD. The  committee includes representation from nine provincial government ministries:  Alberta Aboriginal Relations, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology,  Alberta Children and Youth Services (co-chair), Alberta Seniors and Community  Supports, Alberta Education, Alberta Health and Wellness (co-chair), Alberta  Employment and Immigration, Alberta Justice and Attorney General, and Alberta  Solicitor General and Public Security.

British Columbia Provincial Plan

The 2008-2018  Provincial Plan for British Columbia builds on British Columbia's first  FASD strategic plan released in 2003. The new Plan highlights progress to date  and provides a framework to guide efforts over ten years. Through partnerships  between government, health authorities, school districts, and community  organizations, many community-based initiatives are occurring throughout  British Columbia in the areas of prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and  support. Nine provincial government ministries were involved in the development  of the Plan. Representatives from all provincial ministries and the Public Health  Agency of Canada meet 3-4 times/year to participate in presentations from  leading researchers and practitioners regarding FASD prevention, screening,  diagnosis, and support.

Canada Northwest FASD Partnership (CNFASDP)

The Canada Northwest FASD Partnership (CNFASDP) was  created in 1998 by the Ministers of Health and Social Services from Alberta,  Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Recognizing the significant impact of FASD on  society, the Ministers desired a coordinated approach that would leverage the  shared resources and expertise of their jurisdictions to move the FASD agenda  forward as a region and within each province. By 2001, membership grew to  include British Columbia and all three territories. The goal of the CNFASDP is  to advance evidence-based policy development and service design in FASD  prevention, diagnosis, and support through the sharing of resources and  expertise. Each member jurisdiction is represented by the Ministry or  Department with the lead responsibility for FASD in the province/territory.  There is a Ministers' Table, a Deputy Ministers' Table, and a Steering  Committee of officials. In 2005, the CNFASDP developed what is now the Canada  FASD Research Network to stimulate high quality research applicable to policy  and service design. The CNFASDP also funds FASD conferences and symposia to  enhance knowledge translation and community mobilization in the partner  jurisdictions. In June 2016, the eastern provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New  Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador  were invited to join the CNFASDP.

Cognitive Disabilities Strategy Cross-ministerial Working  Group (Saskatchewan)

The Cognitive Disabilities Strategy Cross-ministerial  Working Group in Saskatchewan is a cross-ministry policy forum to support an  integrated approach to meeting the needs of, and improving outcomes for, people  with disabilities and their families. Cognitive disabilities include FASD,  autism spectrum disorders, and acquired brain injury. The committee is chaired  by the Ministry of Health, with representation from the Ministries of Social  Services, Education, Justice – Corrections, Advanced Education, Economy, and  the Office of Disability Issues.

Manitoba FASD Strategy

Manitoba's FASD  Strategy, Together we  are stronger: Continuing the Success of Manitoba's FASD Strategy, is an  interdepartmental partnership, with direction from the Healthy Child Committee  of Cabinet, working together to support the community to address FASD. Manitoba  Education and Training, through the Healthy Child Manitoba Office, chairs this  initiative, with membership from   Manitoba Education and Training; Manitoba Families; Manitoba Health,  Seniors and Active Living; Manitoba Justice; Culture and Heritage/Status of  Women and Indigenous and Municipal Relations.

Manitoba Government Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)  Interdepartmental Committee

Manitoba's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)  Interdepartmental Committee brings government departments together to coordinate  departmental efforts, share information, plan training, and use resources more  effectively.

Nova Scotia FASD Intergovernmental Exchange Group

The Nova  Scotia FASD Intergovernmental Exchange Group supports the coordination and  exchange of FASD expertise, knowledge, and best practices at the local,  provincial, regional, and national levels across the continuum (e.g.,  prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support, intervention, education, training)  and across government departments to improve the health and well-being of Nova  Scotia women, children, and families. The Group is comprised of members from  provincial government departments including Health and Wellness, Education,  Justice, and Community Services, federal partners (Public Health Agency of  Canada, Health Canada), and community and district-level representatives. The  Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection launched a provincial Alcohol  Strategy in 2007 to prevent and reduce the burden of alcohol-related harm  in Nova Scotia.

Ontario consultation

In 2015, Ontario engaged with service providers,  families, caregivers and individuals with FASD, researchers and clinicians,  Indigenous partners, and others through twenty-five roundtable sessions on the  development of a provincial approach to FASD.

Saskatchewan Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)  Prevention Framework 2014

Saskatchewan's Fetal  Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention Framework 2014 provides a broad  framework to guide the development and implementation of FASD prevention  initiatives across human service sectors throughout Saskatchewan. Partners  include the FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan, SK Region Métis Addictions  Council of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of  Social Services, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and University  of Saskatchewan.

Non-governmental FASD partnerships

Non-governmental partnerships may be funded by various  governments, but have independent governance structures.

British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health  (BCCEWH)

The mission of the British  Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health (BCCEWH) is to improve the  health of women by fostering collaboration on multidisciplinary and action-oriented  research on girls' and women's health and to introduce gender into health  research. The BCCEWH pays particular attention to research that will improve  the health status of girls and women who face health inequities due to  socioeconomic status, race, culture, age, sexual orientation, geography,  disability, and/or addiction. Alcohol and FASD Prevention is one of BCCEWH's  research areas. Their Network Action  Team – FASD Prevention from a Women's Health Perspective (funded by the Canada  FASD Research Network) – links  researchers, service providers, policy advisors, and mothers from across Canada  in order to build upon the current knowledge base about FASD prevention, and  bring it into health promotion, prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and policy  development, as well as further research.

Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network  (CanFASD)

The Canada Fetal  Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) (formerly Canada  Northwest FASD Research Network) was established in 2005 by the Canada  Northwest FASD Partnership (CNFASDP) to stimulate research in FASD prevention,  assessment, and intervention approaches. The goal was originally to enhance  collaborative research capacity in northern and western Canada to better inform  policy and service design by governments. By 2012, CanFASD became a non-profit  entity supporting FASD research across Canada. CanFASD is Canada's first  comprehensive national FASD research network. Its mission is to produce and  maintain national, collaborative research designed for sharing with all  Canadians, leading to prevention strategies and improved support services for  people affected by FASD.

FASD and Child Welfare Inter-Provincial Community of  Practice

The FASD  and Child Welfare Inter-Provincial Community of Practice is intended to  create a national network to inform policy makers, program developers, and  practitioners about the needs of children with FASD in the care of child  welfare jurisdictions and agencies, as well as early intervention  practices.  Partners include Alberta  (Alberta Human Services, University of Calgary), Manitoba (Manitoba Family  Services and Corporate Affairs, University of Manitoba), and Ontario  (Children's Aid Society of Toronto, University of Toronto).

FASD Collaboration Roundtable (Asante Centre, British  Columbia)

The FASD Collaboration  Roundtable is a way of bringing together people from across systems to  network, share information, discuss issues, problem-solve effective responses, and  try to entrench that in policy and practice. The goal is to involve all of the  key systems and agencies that deliver services to children, youth, and adults  with FASD in the greater community. In addition, the Roundtable welcomes the  voices of parents, grandparents, and other caregivers of individuals with FASD,  as well as other advocates. Each year the FASD Collaboration Roundtable's organizing committee  provides an opportunity for learning and networking around FASD through the  Annual FASD Fall Conference.

FASD Network of Saskatchewan

The FASD  Network of Saskatchewan is a provincial organization that works with  families, children, and adults affected by FASD. The Network expanded from a  group of concerned parents into an organization led by a 12-member board of  directors offering support, training, and events across the province.

FasdNL Network

The fasdNL Network is focused on increasing FASD awareness and understanding as well as promoting  and advocating for best practices in FASD prevention and supports across  Newfoundland and Labrador. Members include representatives from Nunatsiavut,  Corner Brook, Sheshatshiu, Exploits Valley Community Coalition, the Public  Health Agency of Canada, Correctional Service of Canada, Eastern Health, and  Labrador-Grenfell Health.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of  Expertise (FASD ONE)

The Fetal  Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise (FASD ONE) is  working to respond to emerging issues, changing environment, and available  resources by focusing on priorities related to gaps or challenges associated  with FASD in Ontario. Membership includes experts and specialists in research,  health promotion, diagnosis, justice services, education, community and policy  development, and service delivery, as well as family members who have intimate  knowledge of the practical needs of individuals with FASD. FASD ONE is a  collaboration of diverse provincial and local stakeholder action groups working  to promote, plan, facilitate, and support the coordination, enhancement, and  expansion of services and initiatives to better serve children, youth, parents,  pregnant women, and families affected by FASD. FASD ONE is comprised of a  Leads' Committee and five action groups: Diagnostic, Intervention and Support,  Justice, Prevention, and Education. FASD ONE's Fetal  Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Call to Action in Ontario calls for a  provincial strategy on FASD.

Institute of Health Economics

The Institute of Health  Economics (IHE) is a unique collaborative arrangement among government,  academia, and industry. The IHE is committed to gathering and disseminating  evidence-based findings from health economics, health policy, health technology  assessment, and comparative effectiveness research to support health policy and  practice. Recent initiatives include a major program of research and knowledge  translation on FASD, including the First International Conference on the  Prevention of FASD (2013) and first Consensus Development Conference on Legal  Issues of FASD (2013). The IHE hosts multiple major Consensus Development  Conferences, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - Across the  Lifespan (2009) and Legal Issues of FASD (2013).

Manitoba FASD Coalition

The Manitoba  FASD Coalition brings together families, service providers, community  organizations, and government representatives from across Manitoba to share  information and resources, coordinate activities, and plan to address issues  related to FASD.

NeuroDevNet

NeuroDevNet is dedicated to understanding brain development and helping children and their  families overcome the challenges of neurodevelopmental disorders. NeuroDevNet  is funded by the Networks of Centres of Excellence, a federal government  program to advance science and technology. NeuroDevNet works with partners in  academia, the community, not-for-profit sector, industry, and government.  NeuroDevNet's current research projects focus on autism spectrum disorder,  cerebral palsy, and FASD.

New Brunswick Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)  Centre of Excellence

The New  Brunswick Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Centre of Excellence is a  provincial initiative funded by the Department of Health and managed by  Vitalité Health Network. The Centre's mission is to offer families and  professionals working with people with FASD in New Brunswick, prevention,  diagnostic, intervention, support, and post-clinic follow-up services in both  official languages. The FASD Centre of Excellence also provides support and  intervention services to families and adults who do not meet diagnostic  assessment criteria pre-established by the clinic. The Centre of Excellence  team is made up of four Regional Community Coordinators based in various  locations in the province and a First Nations Liaison Officer to ensure that  services are available to all New Brunswick communities.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada

Pauktuutit Inuit Women  of Canada is the national representative organization of Inuit women in  Canada and is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors from across Canada. It  fosters greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, advocates for equality  and social improvements, and encourages their participation in the community,  regional, and national life of Canada. The Inuit  Five-Year Strategic Plan on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) 2010-2015 sets out a vision statement, mandate, priorities, and strategic directions that  will guide how Pauktuutit will collaborate with governments and other regional  and local stakeholders over the next five years with respect to the problem of  FASD within Inuit communities in Canada.

Saskatchewan FASD Coordinating Committee

The Saskatchewan FASD Coordinating Committee is  designed to maximize the coordination of FASD prevention and intervention  efforts in Saskatchewan through increased collaboration of government and  community organizations. The Committee is chaired by the Prevention Institute  and includes representatives from community-based organizations, First Nations  and Métis organizations, addiction agencies, health professionals, and  provincial and federal government departments.

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

The Saskatchewan  Prevention Institute is focused on reducing the occurrence of disabling  conditions in children using primary prevention methods. Guided by a Board of  Directors, an Executive Committee, a Medical Advisory Committee, and a Program  Advisory Committee, the Prevention Institute works to raise awareness by  providing training, information, and resources based on current best evidence. The  Prevention Institute coordinates and administers a provincial FASD prevention  program.