Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, mental retardation at NOFAS

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Protecting children and families by fighting the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects

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“When he was eight, our son Dalante's second grade teacher said to us, 'I think this child has FAS.' At this point in time, we had been involved in social systems, medical systems, psychiatric systems and educational systems, and yet this was the first time that FAS had been brought up. We're hopeful to get an accurate diagnosis. He is a wonderful little boy. We fear for his future. He is extremely naļve. He is extremely sweet. He would be the ideal drug runner. He would be the ideal child to be taken advantage of and this has already happened with food fights in the cafeteria: somebody gives him a dime and promises to be his friend, so he takes the blame.”
Francine White

NOFAS Affiliate Network

Join the NOFAS Affiliate Network!

NOFAS is currently seeking organizations to join its expanding Affiliate Network. The goal of the NOFAS Affiliate Network is to unite FASD organizations in to an international coalition for the purpose of preventing FASD and meeting the needs of people living with the disorder, while each member organization maintains its independence and identity. The NOFAS Affiliate Network was officially established in 2002 to open permanent lines of communication among FASD colleagues and organizations, share resources, unify core values and messages, and turn up the volume on the appeal for attention and resources. Today the network consists of 30 member organizations.

Objectives

Share information and resources
Build the capacity of the FASD constituency and increase advocacy
Set common goals and messages
Seek consensus on issues within the FASD arena
Collaborate on a range of public health and advocacy programs and services
Leverage resources

Principles

NOFAS and each affiliate organization respects:

the identity, culture, policies and traditions of each affiliated organization
the image, reputation and public standing of each affiliated organization
individuals with FASD and their families/caregivers, and strives to overcome the stigma and boundaries associated with the disorder

Benefits to Affiliates

Free and discounted materials
Free or discounted attendance to NOFAS events and activities, including conferences, benefits and briefings
Technical Assistance consisting of both strategic advice and sample materials on topics such as developing a logic model (goal, objectives, outcomes), incorporation and securing non-profit status, grassroots advocacy, fundraising and proposal development, public awareness strategies, materials and website development, nonprofit governance and administration, etc.
Trip to the annual affiliate summit
Free monthly program conference call
Access to the Foundation Center online
Microgrant opportunities
Promotion of your organization and programs
Members only website featuring affiliate materials
Enhanced visibility

Eligibility

Any incorporated non-profit entity with a focus on FASD or other compatible mission may apply. American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, University programs and entities working toward incorporation and/or who are seeking their non-profit status are also eligible to apply.

If interested in joining the NOFAS Affiliate Network please download the guildelines and application below and contact Brianna Montgomery, (202) 785-4585 ext. 102.

Affiliate Guidelines

Affiliate Application

Affiliate Network Agenda

Among the current priorities are supporting the inclusion of FASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-V), scheduled to be published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2012. Although identifying FAS and other conditions under the FASD umbrella is primarily a medical diagnosis, long-established research confirms that mental health disorders are common among individuals with FAS. The DSM-V Task Force is examining the case for including Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), or another condition under the FASD umbrella, in the revised edition. Inclusion could lead to standardized diagnosis, treatment and reimbursement for practitioners serving the mental health needs of persons with FASD, while maintaining the primary diagnosis as a medical condition.

The network also plans to explore the issue of mandatory warning posters and information advising pregnant women to abstain from alcohol in establishments selling or serving alcohol, including stores, restaurants and bars. Currently nineteen states and the District of Columbia require such advisories. The NOFAS affiliates will seek to enforce existing requirements and advocate for all states to adopt posting laws.

Affiliate Calendar

NOFAS hosts an affiliate conference call on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
The 2011 NOFAS Affiliate Summit was held June 20-23.