Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society

The Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society (FFAS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the provision of care and support to individuals and families affected by FASD, particularly in rural communities. It operates under the business registration number 859973513RR0001 and is a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Mission and Vision

Since its establishment in 1988, FFAS has focused on enhancing capacity for FASD prevention and support with a particular emphasis on rural populations, where access to specialized services is often limited. The organization's vision is summarized as:
"Response today for a world without FASD tomorrow."
Its mandate is to increase resilience and reduce harm through relational support.

Programs and Services

FFAS delivers support through four distinct but complementary community-based responses:

• Family Response: Provides support to caregivers, connects them with support systems, and assists with the diagnostic assessment process for FASD.
• Adult Response: Offers support to adults affected by FASD to help them reach their potential.
• Professional Response: Conducts consultations, workshops, and in-services for professionals who work with individuals impacted by FASD.
• Community Response: Helps communities develop and maintain prevention and awareness initiatives about FASD.

Diagnosis and Assessment

The organization operates a pediatric FASD diagnosis clinic located in High River. The clinic follows the Canadian Guidelines for FASD Diagnosis, assessing 10 brain domains including academic achievement, attention, cognition, memory, neuroanatomy/neurophysiology, executive functioning, motor skills, affect regulation, adaptive behavior, and social communication. The clinic accepts referrals from healthcare providers as well as self-referrals, offering thorough and individualized evaluations in a supportive environment.

Rural Focus and Community Impact

Understanding the challenges faced by rural communities, FFAS tailors its outreach and programs to bridge service gaps and enhance awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It collaborates closely with local healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to build networks of support, ensuring equitable opportunities for those affected by FASD regardless of geographic location.

Recognition

FFAS is a registered charity compliant with the Canada Revenue Agency's regulations, enabling it to conduct fundraising activities that support its mission of prevention and care. The society emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity and acknowledges the traditional territories of the Indigenous peoples of the Treaty 7 region and Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

This comprehensive engagement makes FFAS a pivotal organization in the Canadian landscape for FASD prevention and support, particularly within rural contexts.