Members of Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing unit have been honoured with a Champion Award by the Central Alberta Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Network.
Each year, the organization recognizes a member of the community for their efforts to support and strengthen the FASD community.
“The team in Community Policing was unanimously chosen as the winner thanks to the incredible work they are doing and the impact they’re making in youth restorative justice,” says FASD Network executive director Julie Nanson-Ashton.
“Through this program, the officers divert youth who are involved in the criminal justice system to our network, where we can then assess, diagnose and provide support to youth with FASD through our Youth Restorative Practices Intervention Program/FASD Diversion Program.”
Since its launch in 2020, this intensive and preventative program has successfully reduced the negative impact the justice system has on individuals while reducing youth criminal activity. The FASD Network provides outreach services, supports and mentorship for not only the individuals, but their partners and caregivers.
It works to address underlying risk factors, creating better long-term outcomes for individuals and their family impacted by FASD.
“We are very thankful to be recognized for this award,” says Const. Francois Nadeau, with Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing unit. “We recognize that FASD is the single biggest risk factor for youth crime and recidivism in Red Deer. That’s why partnering with the FASD Network is so effective at diverting young offenders away from the criminal justice system.
“By supporting them with the skills and tools available in Red Deer, these youth are better enabled to build healthy, productive habits and much less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs and crime.”
FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential.
Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges, says the network.