Yukon government seeking public input on development of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder plan

From May 1 to June 30, 2017, the Government of Yukon will engage with First Nations and community representatives to seek input into a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) plan that will focus on awareness and prevention, as well as supporting people with FASD to reach their full potential.

The public engagement process is being led by an interagency advisory committee on FASD, made up of government and non-government service providers, along with caregivers and an individual with FASD. The community visits will be led jointly by a representative from both the government and the non-government side.

Quotes

“FASD is an issue that requires a collective response from the Government of Yukon, First Nations governments, community agencies and individuals across all sectors. The FASD plan will outline how we will work together to take action to make sure we are taking care of one of the most vulnerable populations in Yukon.”

–Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost

“Previously in the Yukon there has been a lack of collaborative support for people living with FASD. The territory needs a plan to increase community collaboration and coordination; a plan that will lead to timely access to services and better outcomes in the prevention of FASD and for supporting individual with FASD and their families.”

–Interagency advisory committee co-chair Brooke McKenzie (Child Development Centre)

Quick facts

• The interagency advisory committee on FASD identified five key areas: FASD education and training; FASD prevention; information gathering monitoring and evaluation; diagnosis and assessment; and support to individuals with FASD and their families.
• FASD impacts affect all sectors of our community.
• FASD may be Yukon’s leading preventable cause of non-genetic intellectual disability. Without effective tools for prevention, FASD contributes to lower life expectancy, abuse and neglect, poor educational achievement, possible involvement with the criminal justice system, benefit dependence, and mental health and alcohol and drug issues.

Contact:

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

Patricia Living
867-667-3673
Communications, Health and Social Services
patricia.living@gov.yk.ca

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