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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

RCMP receive award from Central Alberta FASD Network

Dec 4, 2021 | 11:12 AM

Members of Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing Unit have received an award from the Central Alberta FASD Network.

The FASD Champion Award, each year, goes to an individual or organization for its efforts to support and strengthen the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) community.

“The team in Community Policing were unanimously chosen as the winner thanks to the incredible work they are doing and the impact they’re making in Youth Restorative Justice,” says Julie Nanson-Ashton, Executive Director.

“Through this program, the officers divert youth who are involved in the Criminal Justice System to our network, where we can then assess, diagnose and provide support to youth with FASD through our Youth Restorative Practices Intervention Program/FASD Diversion Program.”

Launched in 2020, the program connects youth with FASD to outreach services, support and mentorship for themselves, but also partners and caregivers.

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“We are very thankful to be recognized for this award,” says Cst. Francois Nadeau with Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing unit.

“We recognize that FASD is the single biggest risk factor for youth crime and recidivism in Red Deer. That’s why partnering with the FASD Network is so effective at diverting young offenders away from the criminal justice system. By supporting them with the skills and tools available in Red Deer, these youth are better enabled to build healthy, productive habits and much less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs and crime.”

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability.

Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges, a release says.