April 21, 2010
Day Camps for Children with FASD Launches at Four Sites Across Manitoba
New respite day camps called Stepping Out on Saturdays – Manitoba (S.O.S. Manitoba) will open their doors to children and families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in four communities across the province, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau and Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Manitoba is committed to offering a range of services and resources to people affected by FASD,” said Rondeau. “S.O.S. Manitoba is another innovative approach that offers a supportive and fun environment for children, while providing needed respite for parents.”
This new, $342,000 initiative will be offered one Saturday a month for children aged three to 12 in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Little Grand Rapids and will provide respite for parents of children with FASD. Up to 72 children a year will attend the camps, which help develop healthy social and problem-solving skills. Children in care or involved with child and family services will be given priority.
“This program is one of the many steps we’re taking to improve the lives and well-being of children in care across the province,” said Mackintosh. “Manitoba is proud to be a leader in innovative programs that meet the needs of children and families, particularly those who are living with FASD.”
The program will be run by community agencies and will offer:
· a low child-to-staff ratio;
· activities that allow the children an opportunity to develop targeted social skills including board games, crafts, drama and sports;
· successful strategies for parents and schools working with children with FASD; and
· opportunities to adapt the program to the unique needs of the community.
“This camp is an excellent example of how follow-up and support services can be used to increase the social and behavioural skill development of children living with FASD,” said Cheryl Susinski, executive director of the Rehabilitation Centre for Children, the S.O.S. Manitoba site in Winnipeg. “At the same time, this respite camp will help reduce caregiver and family stress.”
The Winnipeg site began offering services to families this month and the remaining three sites will launch this spring. This initiative is modelled after a successful program currently running in Calgary, Alberta.
This initiative is part of Manitoba’s FASD strategy, which was launched in April 2007 with recommendations from experts and community stakeholders. It focuses on multi-departmental, multi-million dollar prevention activities and service supports for individuals with FASD throughout their lives. The strategy is a partnership between the departments of Family Services and Consumer Affairs; Health; Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors; Justice; Education; Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; and Housing and Community Development and Healthy Child Manitoba.
Funding for the project has been provided by Changes for Children, an initiative that strengthens the province’s commitment to child welfare through a joint partnership of the four child-welfare authorities and Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
backgrounder
FASD Initiatives - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/jan2010/FASDDayCampBG.HLY.FS.doc