The purpose of the Canadian FASD Training Online Database project is to develop and promote a searchable database that contains the names of individuals and organizations in Canada who design and deliver training
1 in FASD. The databases will be available to service providers who are looking for FASD trainers and training programs that correspond to their individual or organizational training needs.
Background on the Project
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) received funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in mid-2007 as part of its strategic projects allocation for the FASD Training in Canada: Guiding Practice and Impact Project.
A Project Working Group (PWG) was established to guide the development of the database and the process of application and review. Members of the PWG were consulted on the design of the database, the competencies for trainers and the guidelines for training programs.
Five consultations occurred in the fall of 2007 in Moncton, Iqaluit, Toronto, and Edmonton (which hosted two separate consultations) to obtain input from recognized trainers from across Canada on two key aspects of the Project: core competencies for FASD trainers and guidelines for FASD training programs.
The Database
As a result of the consultations and work of the PWG, a set of core competencies and training program guidelines were finalized. This informed the application and review process for individuals and organizations who are invited to apply for inclusion in the online database.
1For the purposes of the Project, training is defined as a session of three hours or more that provides information, increases knowledge and/or develops skill in any area of FASD and at any level (for example, prevention, intervention and support, diagnosis and assessment, healthy public policy at basic, intermediate or advanced levels). Audiences can be lay, professional or a combination.