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Family Advocacy Support Centre (FASC) uses a racial and health equity lens to empower organizations to disrupt intergenerational effects of substance use stigma and child welfare involvement. Through a transformative learning experience, our staff training is designed to increase the capacity for staff supporting individuals vulnerable to intrusive interventions and family separation. By supporting organizations to meaningfully integrate trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches to their work with youth and families, participants gain strategies to implement knowledge into their practice, rebuild the trust families have with systems, while also providing tools to address the wellbeing of the professional providing the support.
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Linda, Client Services worker

"Without the support of FASC, I would be reliant on much the same information as my vulnerable clients, internet searches and a hope that the systems they are working within will treat them fairly. With the support of Rebecca and her team, I can offer accurate and specific information my clients need with immediacy, and it has made an incredibly positive impact on how the cases have gone.

Approach & Frameworks

  • Storytelling, lived experience, and case studies to engage participants and create accessible and inclusive space for learning and growth.  

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  • Trauma-informed and healing centered approaches decrease shame, stigma and increase hope in staff and clients.  

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  • Anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks to ground learning while providing social historical context.   

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Who is our training ideal for?

Mandated reporters (professionals that are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to relevant authories.

  • Front Line Health Care Providers (Physicians, Nurses, Health Aides)

  • Social Service providers (Social Workers, Counsellors, Psychologists, Recovery Centre Staff, Case Workers)

  • Educators, Admin Staff and Childcare Professionals

Trainings and Workshops.

We recognize the power imbalance that exists between families and child welfare agencies. Our trainings were co-created using the input of parents who have had involvement with the system. Our aim through these trainings is to promote family preservation and increase the likelihood of family reunification should children be removed from the home. 

Image by Annie Spratt

Professionals supporting parents dealing with Child and Family Services (CFS) often lack clarity regarding legislation, policies, and processes following a report. This training offers an overview of Alberta's child intervention system, covering intervention reasons, levels of involvement, and essential procedures. Through a forensic social work lens, professionals will gain knowledge and tools to better understand the child welfare system and confidently support vulnerable families navigating the complex legal system.

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Child Welfare 101:

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Understanding Legislation, Policies & Processes  

Complete Intake Form
Complete Intake Form
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This session helps professionals support parents dealing with Child and Family Services (CFS) using anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches. It addresses the barriers faced by Indigenous, Black, and low-income families, who experience higher rates of reporting, apprehensions, and termination of parental rights. By integrating parent stories and lived experiences, participants gain insights into building advocacy and system navigation skills to minimize intervention and promote family unity. The session encourages reflection on actionable changes to improve safety and trust when supporting families seeking CFS assistance.

Child Welfare 102:

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Anti-racist and Anti-Oppressive Approaches to Client Support 

Complete Intake Form
Complete Intake Form
Image by Nahil Naseer

The fear of discrimination and CFS reporting when seeking support is a daily reality for many youth and parents. The emotional and mental toll of investigations, even without family separation, is often overlooked, placing families at risk. This session integrates youth and parent perspectives, providing a socio-historical context to enhance professionals' understanding of the intergenerational impact of child welfare involvement. Participants will reflect on steps to reimagine support practices that prioritize practitioner and generational health, fostering healing and wellbeing in the families they assist.

Collateral Harm of Child Welfare Involvement 

Complete Intake Form
Complete Intake Form

Unsure about the ideal service for you or your organization? Join us for a free information session. Our team will present a comprehensive overview of our programs, trainings, and approaches to promote familial health, healing, and well-being. This session will allow you to discuss and determine the most suitable approach for our team to support yours. For any inquiries, feel free to email:

hello@familyadvocacysupportcentre.ca

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