Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness among First Nations communities

Overview

This grant opportunity was announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget Measure Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness among First Nations communities and supports the implementation of the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028 (FASD Action Plan).    The FASD Action Plan outlines four key national priorities to catalyse a national effort in the prevention, diagnosis, support and management of FASD in Australia, including:   Prevention  Screening and Diagnosis  Support and Management  Priority groups    The purpose of this grant opportunity is to support a broader reach of the ‘Strong Born’ FASD awareness campaign into First Nations communities nationally. This will ensure that all First Nations communities, and the health workers who support them, have access to culturally appropriate knowledge and skills to prevent alcohol exposed pregnancies, yarn sensitively about alcohol use in pregnancy and identify and support children who may have FASD.     The objectives of the grant opportunity are to: Increase community knowledge and awareness about the harms and consequences of drinking during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy; Increase screening, diagnostic skills and knowledge in frontline professionals; Provide support for parents, carers and families by continuing to expand the range and type of FASD resources available, including information about the diversity of support services available, and provide FASD training to frontline workers engaged in these support programs; and Continue to support and evaluate targeted strategies and models of care for groups who are higher risk than the general population.    The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are to: Reduce the prevalence of FASD in Australia Reduce the associated impact of FASD Improve the quality of life for people living with FASD.