What Is the FASD System of Care?

The History of FASD System of Care (SoC)

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services piloted the Children’s FASD System of Care in 2017 as part of the state’s 5-year FASD plan by beginning FASD services in communities selected with high confirmed maternal alcohol use in women entering substance treatment programs.

FASD SoC Components

Currently the FASD SoC includes Community Education, FASD Screening and Assessment, and FASD Treatment.

Community Education on FASD

“Introduction to FASD” (6 hours) trainings are conducted for all CMHSP staff and community partners to educate staff on FASD, its cause and effects, characteristics, and basic strategies for working with children and youth with a suspected FASD. This training is presented multiple times a year. This training is offered to parents, CMHSP clinicians, community and system partners (educators, medical staff, substance use professionals, juvenile justice professionals), and others who are interested in learning more about FASD in children or youth with a suspected or diagnosed FASD.

In 2023, “FASD Beyond the Basics” started as an advanced training on FASD that provides a deeper look at FASD and its effects on children, youth, and their families. It explores how alcohol damages the developing brain and subsequent effects on day to day living, stigma as a barrier to services, developing interventions to support those with FASD, and key components in planning for transition age youth. This training is also available to parents, CMHSP clinicians, community and system partners (educators, medical staff, substance use professionals, juvenile justice professionals), and others after attending Intro to FASD.

FASD Screening

When a child/youth and their family present at a CMH in the FASD System of Care for access/intake, the FASD Screen will be administered by an access or intake staff. If the child/youth screens positive, they will be referred for completion of the FASD Assessment.

FASD Assessment

The FASD Assessment interview with the child/youth and their family will determine with more probable certainty, an indication of FASD. If the assessment is positive, the family and child/youth will be referred for FASD services which may include Infant Mental Health, Strengths and Strategies, and/or Families Moving Forward Program, depending on the age of the child/youth, availability of the service within the CMHSP, and the family’s agreement to participate.