Establishment of Fetal Alcohol Support and Information Network of Southwestern Pennsylvania: A Response to the Expressed Needs of Foster and Adoptive Parents.

This practicum study assessed the formation of The Western Pennsylvania Fetal Alcohol Support and Information Network, established to provide assistance to foster and adoptive families of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAS/E). Priorities for the network were: (1) increasing awareness and knowledge of FAS/E issues among foster and adoption agency staff; (2) providing information to families with an individual with FAS/E; (3) establishing a system of mutual support for these families; and (4) identifying methods of continuing these services after the end of the practicum. Staff workshops focusing on the developmental course of this disability and printed information packets were used with four foster and adoption agencies. Families with FAS/E individuals were contacted through parent newsletters, newspapers, and existing parent groups. Host FAS/E families were identified to organize informational workshops in their communities to be conducted by the author. Results suggested that all workshop participants demonstrated increased understanding of FAS/E. Information packets were mailed to 48 adoption and foster care agencies in the area; several had copied and distributed them to staff. Although 17 families were identified for the network, parent meetings were not successful because most families were not interested in attending them. Including parents at staff meetings, distributing a newsletter, and creating linkages between individual families were used to meet parent needs for information and support. Several funding possibilities were identified for continuing the network. Appendices contain instruments used in the study. (Contains 21 references.) (KDFB)