Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise (FASD ONE) is a group that works together to address issues related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the province. Membership includes experts and specialists in research, health promotion, diagnosis, justice services, education, community and policy development, and service delivery as well as family members who have intimate knowledge of the practical needs of individuals with this disability. Action group members have been working together for a number of years but have formalized the collaborative approach in 2005.
FASD ONE is an unincorporated collaboration of diverse provincial and local stakeholder action groups working to promote, plan, facilitate, and support the coordination, enhancement, and expansion of services and initiatives to better serve children, youth, parents, pregnant women, and families affected by FASD in communities across Ontario.
FASD ONE is comprised of a Leads’ Committee and five action groups: Diagnostic, Intervention & Support, Justice, Prevention, and Education. Each focus on priority areas to strengthen individual, agency, community, provincial and national effectiveness related to FASD. They explore gaps and challenges related to this complex disability to advance knowledge and system’s support for individuals with FASD and to identify and promote prevention. As priorities and emerging issues are identified, and as expertise and opportunities develop, the number of initiatives, membership and action groups may grow. The Leads Committee coordinates the activities of action groups to ensure that overall objectives are met as effectively and efficiently as possible.
FASD ONE believes Ontario has the capacity to meet many of the needs of those living with FASD and to reduce the use of alcohol during pregnancy. We are advancing a strategy that focuses on the protective and risk factors so the existing system of care has information that will allow it to deliver effect programs.