Grant: Dissemination Events - PA: First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. It commonly results in permanent impairments to cognitive, social, behavioural and emotional functioning. Although the exact number of people living with FASD in Canada is not known, people with FASD are over-represented in the child welfare and correctional systems. There is also an unusually high percentage of children and youth diagnosed with FASD in several Canadian Aboriginal communities. This research seeks to understand the everyday lives of families and youth affected by FASD in two communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal is to understand how institutions (such as health, education, child welfare, community programs, justice) impact the daily lives of youth living with FASD. Specifically, this project uses qualitative methods to examine the relationships between youth with FASD diagnoses, their families and communities, and government systems including education, health care, child welfare, and corrections. This study will identify gaps in care and promote best practices for the prevention of mental health and addictions problems among youth with FASD. The research study that is briefly outlined above is the basis for the knowledge dissemination and mobilization plans detailed in this application. Dissemination Activities This study is designed to include knowledge sharing activities at each stages of the project, including during research development, design, data collection, and analysis. The community information and dissemination strategies have been co-designed with community partners. I am requesting support for the dissemination of the final research results. The knowledge dissemination activities include: 1) round table discussions and community meetings; 2) individual meetings with community stakeholders, policy and decision-makers; and 3) lay summaries, three-page and ten-page reports, and presentations.