Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
• Statewide prevention campaign that created a strong connection for pregnant women on their choices and the health of their baby. The “Love. Hope. Joy.” campaign was estimated to deliver 44,085,753 impressions (Women 18-34) throughout Minnesota.
• A statewide conference brought together 350 people creating a forum on FASD and human rights. Discussions and education focused on access to health care, services, employment, housing, and disparities for individuals, families, and the overall community impacted by an FASD.
• A dedicated response to early childhood education and the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure. Research has consistently demonstrated the need for early identification and intervention for children impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure. A collaboration with Minneapolis Public schools focused on screening all students as part of kindergarten readiness. The collaboration continues and over 5,000 children have been screened for prenatal alcohol exposure and has provided a foundation for early identification to ensure appropriate supports to promote school success for children impacted with prenatal alcohol exposure.
• The FASD diagnostic clinic made tremendous strides and exceeded the goal for serving 70 families in 2014. FASD Diagnostic services are complex assessments that require hours of neuropsychological assessment coupled with a medical examination. A comprehensive assessment is time consuming from initial intake, to assessment, report creation, and a feedback session with patients/families. In 2014, 84 evaluations were completed, providing life-changing information for families struggling with the day to day realities of FASD.
• An innovative program to connect women who have used alcohol and other substances while pregnant to address the unique challenges they face when parenting a child that has been exposed prenatally. This statewide initiative resulted in partnerships with 12 recovery and treatment programs across the state to serve women currently in treatment who are birth mothers. 1,125 women participate in Changing Course. Most of the women served have addiction issues as well as dealing with criminal proceedings and child protection.
• Four separate rounds of community grants were implemented in communities with 24 projects in place across the state involving partners in the medical community, community-based agencies, employment agencies, and American Indian focused organizations and tribes.
• The Family Resource Coordinators responded to 8,565 requests from caregivers who need support. There are 15 different ongoing support groups for caregivers and 368 members on the Virtual Family Center. Our pool of 24 courageous young adults panelist have spoken to ten audiences across the state including presentations at the Minnesota Social Service Association Annual Conference and Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health. Additionally 15 social events were offered to the transition/young adult aged group.
Current Goals
1. To develop and deliver impactful and transformative programs that are available statewide, delivered in appropriate formats, and have measureable outcomes for target audiences including preconception, prenatal, early childhood, school age, transition age, adults with an FASD and the general public.
2. To begin to build a national and statewide advocacy movement for policy and systems change.
3. To develop a model for an FASD Center of Excellence that will provide develop effective models for replication across the FASD field.
4. To develop and implement a multi-tiered development program that includes individual donors, state funding, corporate and foundation support and special event fundraising.
5. To respond to the needs of individuals and families living with FASD by enhancing the capacity of schools and community based agencies to provide appropriate and effective support.
6. To develop a comprehensive multi-tiered approach to reach pregnant women and their families, women of childbearing age, and the general public with specific messages related to prenatal alcohol consumption.
7. To develop and implement a comprehensive multidisciplinary professional education program targeted at current and future providers who work with pregnant women, individuals and families on prevention of primary and secondary disabilities resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.
8. To provide available, accessible, consistent, accurate, and comprehensive FASD diagnostic services;
9. To enhance the state’s ability to determine incidence and prevalence of FASD in Minnesota based on diagnosed cases;
10. To provide a statewide forum for FASD professional advice, support, education, and communication.
11. To develop and implement a public policy agenda that improves the lives of people living with an FASD and helps to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure.
Community or Constituency Served
MOFAS serves pregnant women or women planning on becoming pregnant. Youth, adults and families living with an FASD or suspected FASD. Professionals in health, justice, education, human services.
Geographic Area Served
MOFAS is a Minnesota-based, statewide organization.
