Strategies for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Resources and Technical Assistance

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), their families, and professionals who provide services to them require information, resources, and training to reduce the effects of FASD and to identify and implement effective programs to enhance functioning. Children and adults living with FASD are at high risk for a number of secondary conditions including mental health problems, trouble with the law, inappropriate sexual behavior, trouble living independently, trouble with employment, and substance use and abuse problems. Development of strategies to increase early diagnosis and treatment of FASD can reduce and help manage these risks. Similarly, dissemination of information and training on effective intervention strategies to educators, social workers, legal/criminal justice workers, and medical providers offers the potential to increase the availability and provision of appropriate services and support to people living with FASD.

Funded Project:
Black Hills State University (BHSU) – Spearfish, South Dakota

The goal of this project, begun in 2004, is to develop and/or adapt, implement, and evaluate materials to educate professionals working in school systems, social service agencies, court systems, and public health service agencies about FASD. This project targets South Dakota, including some of the state’s Native American populations. BHSU will conduct the following activities through this project:

• Develop/adapt culturally appropriate training materials for educators working with K–8 students with FASD.

• Develop/adapt a culturally and linguistically appropriate FASD curriculum to prepare K–12 teachers to teach children about alcohol use, pregnancy, and FASD.

• Develop/adapt culturally appropriate training materials for juvenile justice staff who work with young offenders with FASD.

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