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iNAT News

Friday, January 15, 2010

In this issue...
• Welcome to the Intervention Network Action Team!
• Are you going to the Promising Practices, Promising Futures FASD conference in February?
• What is the iNAT?
• iNAT Update
• Upcoming this Quarter
• New Developments in Research, Policy and Practice
• How to Get Involved

Welcome to the Intervention Network Action Team!

Welcome to the Intervention Network Action Team, or as it is referred to more commonly, the iNAT.

We're pleased to bring you the first of a series of quarterly newsletters designed to keep people informed of what’s happening in the exciting and challenging field of FASD interventions. You are receiving this newsletter either because you have previously expressed interest in our activities and provided us with your email address, or you are already involved in our work in some way. Whatever you're involvement, we thank you for your interest!

Whether you’re interested in doing research, building connections or simply keeping up to date on new developments, we hope that you find these newsletters useful and informative - and we hope that you’ll pass them along to others who might be interested as well. Even just by reading this newsletter, you’ve become part of a growing network of people with an interest in interventions to support individuals affected by FASD, their families, caregivers and communities.

The iNAT is dedicated to research that makes a difference in the lives of those touched by FASD, and opportunities to reach across jurisdictions to share knowledge and find opportunities to work together. On behalf of the iNAT, I’m pleased to welcome you to this network.

- Dr. Jacqueline Pei, iNAT Lead

 

Are you going to the Promising Practices, Promising Futures FASD conference in February?

If you are, we'd like to invite you to meet us in person! The iNAT will be hosting a networking event on Monday, February 8, from 7 pm - 9 pm (location TBA), during the Promising Practices, Promising Futures FASD conference being held in Calgary in February. If you are interested in attending our event, please RSVP to Lori at inat@ualberta.ca for more information and so that we have an idea of the number of people to expect. We hope to see you there!

 

What is the iNAT?

The iNAT is one of three network action teams within the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network (CNFASDRN), an alliance across four Western provinces and three Territories to build FASD research capacity. The iNAT works to improve both policy and practice in serving individuals affected by FASD and their families in several ways:

  • Directing, supporting and participating in FASD intervention research;
  • Building knowledge and awareness of quality FASD intervention policy, practice and research across jurisdictions; and
  • Promoting a higher standard of research applicable to policy and practice.

The iNAT is a network of researchers, policy makers and practitioners working together to accomplish these ends.  Abstract research is not our focus; we are interested in practical knowledge that can make an impact on people’s lives.

For more information on the CNFASDRN, please visit the following website: http://www.canfasd.ca/.

For more information on the iNAT, visit our website by clicking here.

 

iNAT Update

Here are some of the exciting projects that the iNAT is involved with at the moment. If you’d like more information about these or other work that’s underway, you can contact us at inat@ualberta.ca.

Learning from the Experiences of Families and Caregivers

A pilot project is underway that will use qualitative techniques to map the experiences of families and caregivers of FASD-affected individuals. The pilot study will test the methodology and approach for this research in early 2010, after which the study will be expanded to every jurisdiction of the CNFASDRN. Early in the new year, a working group will be struck to address issues of collaboration in order to launch a broader, cross-jurisdictional study in 2010 based on the current pilot project.

If you would like to get involved in expanding this study, please contact Dr. Pei at inat@ualberta.ca.

Mapping FASD Interventions Across the Lifespan

A literature review is underway to better define the field of FASD interventions. This review will have two main phases:

  • Identify the functional needs of individuals affected by FASD across the lifespan; and then
  • Map what research is available on FASD interventions in different phases of life, and how functional needs at different points are addressed in practice.

Not only will this review prove valuable in defining the state of the field, but also this process of mapping intervention research will serve as a kind of baseline for the iNAT that will evolve as research capacity is built.

FASD Intervention Survey

During July and August 2009, a survey was administered among FASD stakeholders to explore research priorities. The survey had a tremendous response, as 275 policy makers, researchers and practitioners from across the country filled it out. The questions asked respondents to rate a number of research areas according to their priority, to help the iNAT decide where to focus our efforts. The overwhelming message from stakeholders was that there needs to be much, much more research on FASD interventions, period – in every category. It was clear that there is a great deal of need for more knowledge, and also a great deal of interest in FASD interventions – as demonstrated by the fact that around 100 people provided their contact information so that they could keep up to date and get involved.

A big thank you to all those who participated in the survey – we heard the message loud and clear and there will be lots of opportunities to share, support and participate in research in the coming months!

 

Upcoming this Quarter

Here are some of the projects, events and activities that you can expect from the iNAT over the next few months. If any of these upcoming items appeal to you, don’t hesitate to contact the iNAT by email for more information on how to take part.

The iNAT will be:

  • Hosting a networking and information event in Calgary during the Promising Practices, Promising Futures FASD conference in February. If you are interested in attending, contact the iNAT for more information.
  • Participating in videoconference learning opportunities
  • Launching a Research Advisory Panel to provide expert input on research directions for the iNAT, to promote quality FASD intervention research and to help translate leading research into policy and practice.
  • Creating an online inventory of FASD research and support services across jurisdictions.

 

New Developments in Research, Policy and Practice

Each issue of this newsletter will feature new developments in policies, practice and research in all jurisdictions of the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network. In addition, we will highlight promising new and ongoing interventions that promise to make a difference for those impacted by FASD.

If you are aware of examples of research, policy or practice that should be featured in future editions, please submit your suggestions to inat@ualberta.ca. Your submission should include a short description (up to 150 words) and contact information for someone who has agreed to be a point of contact for those who want additional information.

 

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved with the iNAT. In fact, the strength and effectiveness of the Team depend upon the innovation and commitment of the entire network. We would love to hear from you by email (inat@ualberta.ca) if you want to:

  • Stay informed on policy, practice and research related to FASD interventions;
  • Make connections to share knowledge and experience related to FASD and interventions;
  • Participate in upcoming opportunities to work or partner with other iNAT members;
  • Get involved in a project featured in this newsletter;
  • Get others involved in a project or an opportunity that you are aware of;
  • Help determine which areas of intervention research are the highest priority to focus on as a group;
  • Help review new and existing research;
  • Help support others to collaborate on a project;
  • Expand knowledge and opportunities beyond a single jurisdiction; or
  • Help build bridges between research, policy and practice.

You can contact the iNAT at inat@ualberta.ca.

 

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Canada Northwest FASD Research Network, Intervention Network Action Team (iNAT)
c/o Department of Educational Psychology
6th Floor Education North
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
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