Project
Step by Step Program
Principal Investigator(s): Denise Plesuk, Program Manager, FASD Program, Catholic Social Services, phone:(780) 477-1999, ext 3202 , email: denise.plesuk@catholicsocialservices.ab.ca
Start/End Date: February 2003 – present
Location: Edmonton, AB
Brief Description: The Step by Step program was created to assist parents who themselves have been affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol and who are parenting children (who may or may not be affected by FASD). The goal of the program is to strengthen families, reduce breakdown, increase independence and success of families, and prevent the development of secondary disabilities for parents and children. Two full-time mentors work in this program.
To address and work effectively with parents, mentors will look at the client’s environment, issues they are facing, and strengths we can build on. Strategies may include role modelling of parenting skills, putting measures into place to ensure that clients and children are safe, and building structure to accommodate basic needs and financial obligations.
By providing long-term support to mothers (for three years) the mentor will help the family to: identify personal goals, access parenting information, access resources for the children, balance income/finances/budgeting, explore educational opportunities, access appropriate community resources, access health care and immunizations, access counselling services, address housing/domestic violence/child custody issues, and connect with other community supports.
Time Frame: ongoing
Kind of Project: Demonstration
Population Served: Parents who are diagnosed with or who are strongly suspected of having been pre-natally exposed to alcohol, who are actively parenting children (who may or may not have FASD) and who reside within the city of Edmonton.
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