DPA is going to respond to a Ministry of Health discussion document on the proposed Action Plan for managing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder( FASD).
We would like your feedback on the proposed key principals and outcomes outlined below.
Key principles
Focus on empowering families/whanau
Families/whanau are key to preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and improving outcomes for those with FASD.
Collaborate to achieve a collective impact
A whole of government approach will work on supporting professionals, non-government organisations, communities, families and individuals to work more closely together to improve outcomes of those with FASD.
Prevention is always possible
FASD can be completely prevented if a woman doesn’t drink during pregnancy. If a woman is supported to reduce her drinking during pregnancy the severity of the condition can be reduced.
Build on strengths
The plan needs to build on what is already working in New Zealand and overseas and the experiences of those who have FASD and the people who care for them..
Strive for sustained, systemic change
The current systems, structures and supports tend to assume typical neurodevelopment - this needs to change.
The proposed outcomes are:
- Women are supported to have alcohol free pregnancies
- People with neuro-developmental issues are identified early and receive timely assessments from FASD capable teams
- People and their families, whanau and caregivers receive timely, joined up support tailored to their needs and strengths
- There is an improved evidence base so we can make good decisions and effective investments.
Read the full discussion paper
If you have experience of FASD then we would particularly like to hear about your experiences with the health system and what you found most and least helpful.
Please send all feedback to paula.booth@dpa.org.nz by the 11 February 2016.
Comments
No comments.