Halton FASD
Welcome to Halton FASD
Halton FASD Collaborative announces three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant to fund Diagnostic Clinic for Halton
Burlington, ON – The Halton FASD Collaborative is thrilled to announce a three-year, $385,200 Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). On Friday May 5th 2017, local MPPs Eleanor McMahon and Indira Naidoo-Harris, as well as Frank Passaro, Vice-Chair of OTF’s Board of Directors, officially congratulated the collaborative on receiving the grant and had an opportunity to learn more about the work ahead.
“I’m thrilled to announce our government’s support for the Halton FASD Collaborative. This funding will be essential in the expansion of FASD supports in the Burlington community— ensuring a greater start to life for our children and youth. In addition to our government’s $26 million investment over the next four years for preventing and supporting those affected by FASD, this initiative will provide families with much needed family support, and greater access to resources,” said Eleanor McMahon, MPP for Burlington
This grant will allow the Collaborative to create an FASD Diagnostic Clinic to support assessment, diagnosis and follow up services for children (2-18) and families affected by FASD who reside in Halton. With support from a previous OTF grant, received in 2013, the Collaborative achieved great success and established a strategic plan with long-term objectives including the development of five action tables addressing the following areas; prevention, intervention, assessment and diagnosis, parent support and advocacy and justice.
“The Halton Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Collaborative provides important support for many Halton families facing challenges in their lives. This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will help them expand their vital services and take care of the unique needs of local children and families affected by FASD. I’m so pleased our FASD community is getting this help.” – Indira Naidoo-Harris, MPP for Halton
The Halton community developed the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Collaborative in 2010, which is comprised of agencies and multiple community partners cross-sector, including parents and caregivers. The Collaborative’s purpose is to respond to the unique needs of children/youth/adults and their families affected by FASD, ensuring that FASD can be identified early and that residents of Halton who are living with the effects of FASD and their families/caregivers receive the support they need to live satisfying lives.
“News of this grant comes like and answer to a prayer. Assessment and Diagnosis have proven to be a leading success factor for our kids. This will definitely allow Halton children and youth to receive the supports they need to lead successful lives and gives hope that many will avoid the secondary disabilities of FASD. I hope that this will be a precursor to permanent funding to support all individuals living with the devastating effects of prenatal alcohol exposure throughout their lifespan.” – Mary Ann Bunkowsky, Parent/Advocate
“The Trillium grant will allow the Halton FASD collaborative to build upon our significant accomplishments over the last three years in the Halton community. Diagnostic clinics are essential in building an FASD System of care to ensure early identification so that appropriate interventions and supports can be put in place that mitigate development of secondary disabilities such as disrupted school experiences, mental health problems, trouble with the law et cetera.” – Cheryl Gustafson, Chair of Halton FASD Collaborative
For information about the Assessment Clinic please contact Sue Brooks, Clinic Coordinator at 905-634-2347 ext 234 OR sueb@rockonline.ca.
For referral criteria and process, referral forms and consent please click on Assessment Team under Programs and Services.
Justin Raises Awareness!!
Justin helps to raise awareness in Halton! Click on the video above to hear his message.
Rethink Your Drinking
Click below for a copy of the Poster and Fact Sheet
Contributions to this site are collections of work by professionals and parents in the Halton Region. This site is intended to offer strategies, tips and community supports for families. Included are resources for educators and other professionals that can be used when supporting children and youth diagnosed under FASD.
This site is supported by the Halton FASD Collaborative.
For more information please contact Sue Brooks at sueb@rockonline.ca
