Competence 5: Continuing Care of Families Affected by FASD
Continuing Care Issues for Families with an Individual with an FASD
When appropriate, and with the consent of the client with an FASD, the addiction professional should include the client's family in the treatment planning and recovery process. Family members may have on-going issues related to the client’s FASD. They also can provide much-needed support during the client’s recovery. In addition, they can help the client avoid having a child with an FASD.
Family-centered services should be designed to:
- Identify family risk factors associated with the client’s substance use disorder
- Improve the health and functioning of the family unit
- Assist family members’ support of the client in achieving and maintaining a healthy, drug-free lifestyle
Family services should be initiated only with the knowledge and consent of an adult client. If a legal guardian has been appointed for the client with an FASD due to competency issues, consent will be needed from the guardian. The timing of all family services should be clinically appropriate for the individual client.
