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The Impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders on Families: Evaluation of a Family Intervention Program

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Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the coaching families (CF) program, which aids families and caregivers raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Mentors in the program work with families to educate them about FASD, access resources, and advocate on their behalf. Retrospective data from 186 families were analyzed from pre- to post-program. As expected, among caregivers there was a significant decrease in needs and increase in goal attainment from pre- to post-program. Further, there was a significant decrease in caregiver stress from pre- to post-program. Families reported high overall satisfaction with the CF program. The limitations, directions for future research, and implications for service providers were also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, 6-102 Education North, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G5, Canada

    Lindsey S. Leenaars

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 10230 111 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5G 0B7, Canada

    Kennedy Denys & Carmen Rasmussen

  3. Catholic Social Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Dorothy Henneveld

Authors
  1. Lindsey S. Leenaars
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  2. Kennedy Denys
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  3. Dorothy Henneveld
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  4. Carmen Rasmussen
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Correspondence to Lindsey S. Leenaars.

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Leenaars, L.S., Denys, K., Henneveld, D. et al. The Impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders on Families: Evaluation of a Family Intervention Program. Community Ment Health J 48, 431–435 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-011-9425-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-011-9425-6

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