Family and Support Groups

	Family Support Family advocacy plays a vital role in helping individuals and families impacted by FASD. Links to family support are listed below. Washington State FAS Family Resource Institute (FASFRI). The FAS Family Resource Institute is a non-profit educational organization of parents working together with professionals to identify, understand and care for individuals with FASD and their families and to prevent future generations from having to live with this disability. FASFRI has received funding from the Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse since 1995. From it’s inception in the early 1990’s, FAS*FRI has developed and provided research- and experience-based education on the FASD behavioral phenotype. All educational materials and programs are based on the wisdom of practice, gathered from hundreds of families, which they call the Collective Family Experience on FASD. Available resources and services include: Books and educational brochures. Professional development seminars. Mentoring for affected individuals, families and professionals who serve them. Public advocacy (representing affected individuals and their families). Individual advocacy and representation to access appropriate services in all relevant systems of care. A Birth Mom Mentor Program. NOFAS Washington. The mission of NOFAS Washington is to provide support, education, advocacy, and training on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders through the positive cooperation and collaboration of families, caregivers, community providers, professionals, and individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Included in this program is FASt Friends: A FASD Family and Community Support Network. NOFAS Washington is the Washington State Affiliate of the National Organization on FAS (NOFAS). National Family and Support Groups. The SAMHSA Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Center of Excellence website provides links to family and support groups nationwide.